Dell Latitude E6500

[Dyloot]

I'm about to buy a brand new laptop. Always so very exciting. =D

Anyone work with the E6500 yet? I was about to invest in a D830 but a few friends talked me out of it. The E6500 has a few cool features the older line does not (but no s-video out!) and has a higher FSB.

Apparently, they go on sale tomorrow as part of the Business Days of Deals promotion, but I'm suspicious the price won't be that much cheaper. Anyway, here's what I'm considering:

My System Details

Intel® Core? 2 Duo T9400 (2.53GHz, 6M L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista® Ultimate SP1, With media
15.4? UltraSharp? Wide WXGA+ (1440x900) LED Display-Brushed Metal Black
NVIDIA Quadro NVS 160M
4.0GB, DDR2-800 SDRAM, 2 DIMMS
160GB Hard Drive, 7200RPM with Free Fall Sensor
24X CD-RW/DVD w/ Cyberlink PowerDVD?
Intel® WiFi Link 5300 802.11a/g/n Draft Mini Card
Dell Wireless® 370 Bluetooth Module
Internal Swipe Fingerprint Reader

6 Cell Battery
90W A/C Adapter (3-pin)
Dell Additional Slim 65W Auto/Air/AC Adapter
E/TravelLite,Travel Module
Deluxe Large Nylon Carrying Case

Total- $1,957

What do you guys think?

 

[Brainonska511]

Do you need the dedicated graphics card? It's only comparable to a Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS. It will certainly be better than integrated graphics, but not by too much. If the Intel 4500MHD is available, you might consider it for more battery life, a less heat output, and it can still decode full HD content.

Maybe get the case from somewhere else and save a little money in the process (depending on how much Dell is charging).

How much is the RAM upgrade? You can buy a 4GB kit from Newegg for only $60. Additionally, if you're going to only run a 32-bit OS, you won't be able to access all 4GB (max access between 3.2 and 3.7GB depending on the system).

Otherwise, looks like a good system.

 

[Dyloot]

Originally posted by: Brainonska511
Do you need the dedicated graphics card? It's only comparable to a Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS. It will certainly be better than integrated graphics, but not by too much. If the Intel 4500MHD is available, you might consider it for more battery life, a less heat output, and it can still decode full HD content.

Maybe get the case from somewhere else and save a little money in the process (depending on how much Dell is charging).

How much is the RAM upgrade? You can buy a 4GB kit from Newegg for only $60. Additionally, if you're going to only run a 32-bit OS, you won't be able to access all 4GB (max access between 3.2 and 3.7GB depending on the system).

Otherwise, looks like a good system.

I'm paying an extra $70 for the video card. I'll be using the system with a 22 inch LCD at home from time-to-time. You think that if I'm not gaming upgrading from the 4500MHD is a waste of cash and battery power?

The 4GB upgrade is $210. I build all of my desktops but have never opened one of my laptops. Is it really as simple as buying a $60 4GB kit from Newegg? Like this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231135

On the same topic, should I be buying the cheapest HD Dell offers and replacing it with a better HD from newegg? I've read others who do just that and say the quality is better. Perhaps buy this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820227251

I'll be running Vista Ultimate so the extra memory will be useful.

 

[Dyloot]

Dell is crafty.

To customize a laptop fully you need to select the cheapest configuration, which reduces the "instant savings" cash amount. But if you don't select the cheapest model it locks you into minimum hard drive and memory selections which, of course, cost more.

So, to get to the $324 "instant savings" amount I lock myself out of the opportunity to select an 80GB HD and 1GB of memory, forcing me to pay for the 160GB HD and 2GB of memory.

But, if I drop down to the cheaper configuration, which unlocks the option to go with 80GB HD and 1GB of memory, I only get $270 in "instant savings."

It's only $54, but it reduces the incentive to replace the memory and RAM with the cheaper (and likely higher quality) products on newegg. Well played, Dell!

 

[IlllI]

Originally posted by: Dyloot


The 4GB upgrade is $210. I build all of my desktops but have never opened one of my laptops. Is it really as simple as buying a $60 4GB kit from Newegg? Like this?

yes

 

[bamacre]

I got a refurb'd D830 (3yr warranty) a few days ago for less than $1K shipped after tax...

Latitude D830
Windows Vista Ultimate
Intel T9500 (2.60GHz)
160 GB Free Fall Sensor Hard Drive (7200RPM)
15.4 WXGA Laptop Screen
4GB DDR2 677MHz
Intel Integrated GMA X3100
8X DVD +/- RW
Dell 1395 802.11G Wireless Mini Card
90W AC Adapter
9 Cell Primary Battery

Refurb'd is the way to go.

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: Dyloot

Originally posted by: Brainonska511
Do you need the dedicated graphics card? It's only comparable to a Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS. It will certainly be better than integrated graphics, but not by too much. If the Intel 4500MHD is available, you might consider it for more battery life, a less heat output, and it can still decode full HD content.

Maybe get the case from somewhere else and save a little money in the process (depending on how much Dell is charging).

How much is the RAM upgrade? You can buy a 4GB kit from Newegg for only $60. Additionally, if you're going to only run a 32-bit OS, you won't be able to access all 4GB (max access between 3.2 and 3.7GB depending on the system).

Otherwise, looks like a good system.

I'm paying an extra $70 for the video card. I'll be using the system with a 22 inch LCD at home from time-to-time. You think that if I'm not gaming upgrading from the 4500MHD is a waste of cash and battery power?

The 4GB upgrade is $210. I build all of my desktops but have never opened one of my laptops. Is it really as simple as buying a $60 4GB kit from Newegg? Like this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231135

On the same topic, should I be buying the cheapest HD Dell offers and replacing it with a better HD from newegg? I've read others who do just that and say the quality is better. Perhaps buy this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820227251

I'll be running Vista Ultimate so the extra memory will be useful.

I have powered a 24" LCD with the GMA950 chip in my MacBook, and the 4500MHD is leaps and bounds better than that is.

Buying a newer hard drive may be annoying simply because then you will have to reinstall Windows and all the associated drivers.

RAM is easy to replace in most all laptops.

 

[Brainonska511]

Originally posted by: Dyloot
I'm paying an extra $70 for the video card. I'll be using the system with a 22 inch LCD at home from time-to-time. You think that if I'm not gaming upgrading from the 4500MHD is a waste of cash and battery power?

As TheStu said, you'll be able to easily power an external display with the integrated graphics. You'll get much more battery life and a little extra pocket change by skipping on the dedicated card if you don't play games or use programs that would use the card (like Maya).

The 4GB upgrade is $210. I build all of my desktops but have never opened one of my laptops. Is it really as simple as buying a $60 4GB kit from Newegg? Like this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231135

You'd probably want something more like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...=BESTMATCH&srchInDesc= as the speed of the memory bus is 800MHz and not 667MHz. It's really easy to upgrade RAM. With most Dell computers, it's a matter of opening a small hatch on the bottom of the machine, pulling out the old sticks and sticking in the new ones. Here's a link to the service manual if you want more info on the process: http://support.dell.com/suppor...l/memory.htm#wp1184923

On the same topic, should I be buying the cheapest HD Dell offers and replacing it with a better HD from newegg? I've read others who do just that and say the quality is better. Perhaps buy this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820227251

If the hard drive upgrade is under $50, I'd probably skip upgrading it on my own just because I'd have to reinstall everything. Of course, the easy way around this is to clone the hard drive that you get to the one you're going to install using one of the many available cloning tools and it would make upgrading much easier. Your link didn't go to hard drives, but any of these should work nicely: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...=BESTMATCH&srchInDesc=

I'll be running Vista Ultimate so the extra memory will be useful.

Are you going to be running Vista Ultimate 64bit or Vista Ultimate 32bit? Having the extra RAM will be useful, but just remember if you're running a 32-bit OS, you won't be able to access all 4GB, so it will say something like "4GB Installed, 3.xx (less than 3.7GB) available for the OS."

Answers in bold.

 

[Dyloot]

I had assumed it was Ultimate 64-bit, but you're right, I need to check. Why Dell would sell a laptop with four gigs of memory and provide a 32-bit OS is beyond me.

As for the monitor, I'm torn. I'd like the extra battery life, but the laptop is going to be plugged in more often than not and I don't like the idea of limiting myself with a video card if I do opt for graphic intensive work in the future.

 

[Brainonska511]

Originally posted by: Dyloot
I had assumed it was Ultimate 64-bit, but you're right, I need to check. Why Dell would sell a laptop with four gigs of memory and provide a 32-bit OS is beyond me.

As for the monitor, I'm torn. I'd like the extra battery life, but the laptop is going to be plugged in more often than not and I don't like the idea of limiting myself with a video card if I do opt for graphic intensive work in the future.

For people that upgrade on their own or install their own software after they receive it. After all, the Latitudes are business-class notebooks, so it is reasonable to offer stuff higher than the OS can access since a company will just flash their own disc image when they get it. If it is a 32-bit OS, I think (you'll have to check) you can obtain a copy of 64-bit Vista and just use your existing key to upgrade. You can always call Dell up and ask them on the phone.

As for the dedicated card - the NVS 170 is not that great of a card. Marginally better than the 4500MHD. I don't think you'd be limiting yourself that much by opting out of getting it. The monitor is a nonissue. You don't need a dedicated card to power an external monitor. If you really needed to do graphics intensive work, I think you'd have to look at another notebook with a better GPU or just build a desktop to handle that work load and get a smaller notebook for on the go purposes.

 

[Dyloot]

Originally posted by: Brainonska511

Originally posted by: Dyloot
I had assumed it was Ultimate 64-bit, but you're right, I need to check. Why Dell would sell a laptop with four gigs of memory and provide a 32-bit OS is beyond me.

As for the monitor, I'm torn. I'd like the extra battery life, but the laptop is going to be plugged in more often than not and I don't like the idea of limiting myself with a video card if I do opt for graphic intensive work in the future.

For people that upgrade on their own or install their own software after they receive it. After all, the Latitudes are business-class notebooks, so it is reasonable to offer stuff higher than the OS can access since a company will just flash their own disc image when they get it. If it is a 32-bit OS, I think (you'll have to check) you can obtain a copy of 64-bit Vista and just use your existing key to upgrade. You can always call Dell up and ask them on the phone.

As for the dedicated card - the NVS 170 is not that great of a card. Marginally better than the 4500MHD. I don't think you'd be limiting yourself that much by opting out of getting it. The monitor is a nonissue. You don't need a dedicated card to power an external monitor. If you really needed to do graphics intensive work, I think you'd have to look at another notebook with a better GPU or just build a desktop to handle that work load and get a smaller notebook for on the go purposes.

I agreed. I'll go with the 4500MHD. Everyone I've talked to has said it's a solid option so I'll take all of your words for it. =)

I definitely want the 64-bit OS. I'll call and ask about it. It mentions nothing about it on the ordering screen.

 

[bamacre]

Dell isn't (officially at least) offering Vista 64 with the Latitudes. Only Precision laptops...
http://www.dell.com/business/laptops?~ck=mn
(mark 64-BIT OS on the left column)

BUT, they do have Vista 64bit drivers for the Lat E6500 on their site, so you may have some luck when calling.
http://support.dell.com/suppor...s=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=bt

There is an XPS M1330 being offered with Vista 64bit...
http://www.dell.com/content/pr...s=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn

 

[Dyloot]

I'm really glad I came here and asked what you guys thought of this. It turns out Dell isn't selling the E6500 with the 64-bit OS, even though the spec sheet says it supports it (and up to 8GB of memory). Trying to figure this out this morning.

 

[Brainonska511]

Originally posted by: Dyloot
I'm really glad I came here and asked what you guys thought of this. It turns out Dell isn't selling the E6500 with the 64-bit OS, even though the spec sheet says it supports it (and up to 8GB of memory). Trying to figure this out this morning.

The hardware supports up to 8GB. The amount of RAM accessible is dependent on the OS. You can always get the 64-bit media in some way and just use your 32-bit key. The keys are the same for 32-bit and 64-bit. Of course, that would require a reinstall on your part and would just mean additional time getting your laptop up and running.

 

[Dyloot]

Originally posted by: Brainonska511

Originally posted by: Dyloot
I'm really glad I came here and asked what you guys thought of this. It turns out Dell isn't selling the E6500 with the 64-bit OS, even though the spec sheet says it supports it (and up to 8GB of memory). Trying to figure this out this morning.

The hardware supports up to 8GB. The amount of RAM accessible is dependent on the OS. You can always get the 64-bit media in some way and just use your 32-bit key. The keys are the same for 32-bit and 64-bit. Of course, that would require a reinstall on your part and would just mean additional time getting your laptop up and running.

OK, I didn't know you could use a key for both the 32-bit and 64-bit version. Interesting. I've heard that Vista keys sometimes sync with specific OEM-issue discs so my only worry is that the key Dell provides me would only work with a Dell OEM copy of Vista. I know you can get around that by calling Microsoft but I hate dealing with validating MS products over the phone. Major PITA.

I just got an email from the Dell rep and he asked me to email me the system specs and that he should be able to get me a 64-bit version with my E6500.

Thanks for all your help. I really appreciate it.

 

[Dyloot]

Got the E6500. So far I'm very, very impressed. The E line looks like a solid replacement for the soon to be retired D series.

 

[vshah]

Originally posted by: Dyloot
Got the E6500. So far I'm very, very impressed. The E line looks like a solid replacement for the soon to be retired D series.

i got a d630 last year and i am feeling the upgrade itch

post some pics if you get a chance!