Originally posted by: HomeyFoos
Note that the E1705 is over twice as large as the T60. At 8.2 pounds versus 4.6 pounds for the T60 with nothing in the modular bay, it is nearly twice as heavy. I think the E1705 is a fine machine for many uses, but to recommend it for portability to someone looking for advice is irresponsible
I guess this is a problem with all forums everywhere. You call me irresponsible. However, I did not recommend a 17" notebook to a college student. Someone said to 'forget about portability' and I told them their assessment is inaccurate. I then went on to say why. What I feel is irresponsible is for you to comment on what I said without actually reading it OR you just decided to put words in my mouth to use the word 'irresponsible'.
If you will take the time to read (I realize, it's tough), you will see that I said if the 17" does not work for a student, then by all means, get what does work. Sort of flies in the face of your assertion, huh?
Furthermore, do you own an e1705? Because I do. I keep it in my lap and there is no uncomfortable weight or heat. If there was one complaint, it would be that I'm not terribly tall (5'10") and my knees aren't QUITE long enough for it. I do have to adjust. But again, this is not hampering 'portability'.
Your examples are opinions. Not fact. Keep that in mind before you call someone irresponsible. Or, just try reading the thread. That should sufficiently keep you from putting your foot in your mouth unless comprehension is a problem (and judging from your response, it very well could be).
The E1705 is not a good recommendation for a college student, period. By putting your false assertions in this thread, which was started to gather recommendations for a college laptop, you are indeed claiming that it is appropriate for college. Let's check out some of your other statements:
"This machine is about 14-18% larger than a 14" notebook computer. Less than 1/5th larger." (Wrong, well over twice as large as mine.)
"It folds up into something the size of a notebook and weighs less than a textbook." (Wrong. I've never had any notebook as large as your laptop, or close to it. As noted, this is ridiculous. The fact that your laptop may be slightly smaller or lighter than the largest backbreaking college texts is not exactly a plus.)
"... if I can manage to carry it around without incident, along with all my other job stuff in the same bag, I assume a young student with a strong back should have no difficulty either." (Clearly making a recommendation for college use)
"The misconception about 17" laptops and their lack of portability is just that." (False and misleading to someone shopping for a college laptop)
"The fact is that IF you can manage the size (again, less than 20% larger than a 14" notebook), for similar money, you get a machine that is VASTLY superior to anything you can find in the 14" screen. " (Wrong. My dual-core 2GHz T60 is not vastly inferior to your luggable. It doesn't have the same gaming video performance, but most people don't care about that in a laptop. It is vastly SUPERIOR in many other ways which actually matter.)
"And it's not so big it's prohibitive." (Wrong. Read the reviews. Your opinion is obviously skewed because you've bought one. It is indeed prohibitively large for use around campus.)
I never put words in your mouth by calling you irresponsible. Those are my words. You
are irresponsible; see, I've done it again. It is just as true as it was in my last post. Either you are recommending your laptop as advantageous for college use (you are) or you are taking the thread off topic (you attempted to).
The E1705 is not recommended for anyone to whom portability is important-- except by you. Luckily, people are likely to take your anonymous opinions less seriously than multiple reviews that are in agreement on the lack of portability of this laptop.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1908404,00.asp
"...the base can get surprisingly hot. And, of course, at a hefty 8.2 pounds, the E1705 isn't meant for the road... the E1705 scored a battery life of just 2 hours 34 minutes on our MobileMark 2005 tests..."
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2776
"... if you start pushing the notebook and playing 3D games, video encoding, or even ripping CDs things start to get warm. The bottom back area is especially prone to getting hot, I do not recommend putting this thing in your lap -- it would be uncomfortable given the combined weight and heat...
... if you get a 17" screen notebook just be aware you'll likely be wanting to hangout next to a power outlet, and since these larger notebooks are mostly used as desktop replacements there's no doubt you'll be fine with that... Being a desktop replacement notebook, this is a heavy machine"
http://reviews.cnet.com/Dell_Inspiron_E1705/4505-3121_7-31631866-2.html?tag=nav
"... the Inspiron E1705 is too heavy for regular travel..."
Edit: From a review of the Inspiron 9300, the forerunner of the E1705/9400 and very similar in form factor:
http://www.laptoplogic.com/reviews/detail.php?id=70&part=full&page=2
"... weighing in a bit over 8 lbs, the Dell 9300 is not intended to be carried around...
... the Dell 9300 is not intended to be carried around. Although it is lighter than most 17" laptops, the sheer size of its chassis renders transportation a hassle..."
http://www.laptoplogic.com/reviews/detail.php?id=70&part=full&page=12
"Cons: Bulky chassis...
... arguably the shortest battery life we?ve seen from a Pentium M notebook, due to the power hungry graphics card and massive LCD screen... [Battery life of the E1705 is also not great for some of the same reasons. -Jeff]
... this machine is meant to stay on your desk...
... likely to spend most of its life on a desk..."