Inspiron 9300 Released

[CptTripps]

I'm honestly thinking, that with the 2MB cache on the processor that this thing will give you even more feeling that your current desktop processor wise. As for the Vid card, is that just a standard 6800 (Non GT\Ultra) Overclocked? If so, this info may help.

Video Card comparison on Hothardware

From the max bandwidth let's just assume that the standard 6800's and the standard X800 are pretty close in processing power. Now if we look at the 3DMark2005 benchmark on Tom's we see that the standard 6800 Go (Depending on what dell clocks them at) is beating out a 3.2 desktop with an X800 in it (majority). Now, you are not choosing the 2.13 or 2.0 processor, so that would hamper the score somewhat, but all in all, I think It will be equal to or slightly faster than your current desktop (My guess would be faster). Should be nice man.

Ok, this is just a little theoretical detective work trying to answer your question best as I can, but of course, it is still based of online reviews. Best of luck.

 

[slightlyhuman]

thx bro, looking forward to it=]

 

[manko]

Small business now has a 35% off coupon that does work on the 9300: eDealinfo Dell page.

Doesn't work on the XPS though.

 

[Stealth1024]

So how long before reviews start showing up on the web?

 

[trikster2]

just edited the previous post to "ALMOST half" to make the original poster happy. If he thinks he is getting a comuter "similarly configured" to the XPS-2 for $700 less he is still on crack.

Asking to compare prices with the same CPU or asking to note that your "similar configuration" has a slower CPU is anal? Whatever......

As we are talking about a WUXGA laptop high res benchies are the benchies that are relevant. Once you go native high res digital video everything else looks fuzzy. If your "similary configured" laptop can only hang with a fuzy screen, it aint haging, it's stumbling behind at a distant second.

For more reviews (mostly the same benchmarks though):

http://www.hothardware.com/viewarticle.cfm?page=2&articleid=648&cid=10
http://hardware.gamespot.com/Story-ST-15427-1541-1-1-x
http://www.tomshardware.com/mobile/20050224/dell_xps-01.html
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1769520,00.asp
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1769944,00.asp
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2356

 

[mdahc]

Originally posted by: trikster2
just edited the previous post to "ALMOST half" to make the original poster happy. If he thinks he is getting a comuter "similarly configured" to the XPS-2 for $700 less he is still on crack.

If your "similary configured" laptop can only hang with a fuzy screen, it aint haging, it's stumbling behind at a distant second.

First of all, I thought I was getting a similarly configured COMPUTER, not comuter. Secondly, only like one of those reviews showed 3DMark05 results at 1920x1200, so why are you going off about playing below the LCD's native resolution when just about all of these reviews on which you're basing your analysis do so? BTW, going below an LCD's native resolution makes icons, text, and the like appear FUZZY, not fuzy, but it has relatively no affect on 3D games. For that matter, many choose to use external LCD's with lower response times (and sometimes resolutions) to play games to avoid ghosting and the black lines on the side that result when a game doesn't have a patch for widescreen displays.

 

[blueshoe]

Hey all. I was going to wait around a while to get the 9300 but i just couldn't pass up the 35% off in the SB section so I ordered it today.

1.6 GHz WXGA
512mb RAM
60 gig 7200rpm hd
256mb 6800go
24X CD burner/dvd combo
3yrs on-site business standard plan with $130 rebate

before tax, $1602

Is the XPS2 a better gaming machine? Definatly. But even with the lower specs, the 9300 is still a pretty serious gaming machine though IMO. The 3yr warranty costed quite a bit ($418), but i didn't feel comfortable without getting it. You can't get a gaming machine at a price as good as this anywhere else (if there is tell me).

Estimated ship date 3/18. Can't wait!

 

[slightlyhuman]

17 inch UltraSharp? Wide Screen XGA+ Display


17 inch UltraSharp? Wide Screen UXGA Display with TrueLife

can someone break down the main details in the difference of these two type of screens?

also if i got the 6800 go, what is the max. resolution i can use with my 19" monitor?

 

[Ethan2099]

First of all, XPS tech support is still the same crap Dell tech support, and it doesn't mean US tech support. All of Dell's tech support agents (even XPS agents) are forced to follow an automated intranet-based troubleshooting system that's largely based on MS knowledge base articles, which, coupled with their problematic logistical system for replacement/service requests, is why their support sucks so hard. All the XPS queue does is offer shorter hold times, but the queues are still located all over the world (there are no 24hr Dell call centers in the US). For that matter, I've had the same lackluster quality of service no matter what country I end up getting routed to.

I'd have to disagree with you on a few points here.

All of Dell's tech support agents (even XPS agents) are forced to follow an automated intranet-based troubleshooting system

If a rep KNOWS what the problem is, he can go ahead and fix it without following any troubleshooters. We're not all useless monkeys in an office here. All of us have a technical background. Some may have less, but there's enough people around to ask if one of us gets stumped.

which, coupled with their problematic logistical system for replacement/service requests, is why their support sucks so hard.

I have never seen a problem where someone had to wait longer then a few days to receive a part that was in stock. Can you give any examples of the poor service that you've had?

For that matter, I've had the same lackluster quality of service no matter what country I end up getting routed to.
You need to become a Canadian. Canadian tech support gets WAY less calls then American Tech support. You can take that any way you want to.

BTW. I'm in Canadian tech support. We DO NOT have to follow a troubleshooter. Dell has enough built in diagnostics in their computers to make troubleshooting a snap. After all, we DO have to walk 80 year old grandma's through how to use them.:thumbsup:

 

[blueshoe]

Originally posted by: DP
17 inch UltraSharp? Wide Screen XGA+ Display


17 inch UltraSharp? Wide Screen UXGA Display with TrueLife

can someone break down the main details in the difference of these two type of screens?

also if i got the 6800 go, what is the max. resolution i can use with my 19" monitor?

The WXGA+ has a resolution of 1440x900.
The WUXGA has a resolution of 1900x1200. I believe the TrueLife just has a glossy screen with a little more brightness. I was debating whether or not I should get this one- like trikster said, it is a very sharp, crystal clear display. But i was a little worried about the fonts being too small. And don't the TrueLife display would be very good for using outdoors or a place with a lot of light due to reflections on the screen. It also costs $100 more for the UXGA. I don't know about the max resolution you could get with the 6800go.

 

[slightlyhuman]

Originally posted by: blueshoe

Originally posted by: DP
17 inch UltraSharp? Wide Screen XGA+ Display


17 inch UltraSharp? Wide Screen UXGA Display with TrueLife

can someone break down the main details in the difference of these two type of screens?

also if i got the 6800 go, what is the max. resolution i can use with my 19" monitor?

The WXGA+ has a resolution of 1440x900.
The WUXGA has a resolution of 1900x1200. I believe the TrueLife just has a glossy screen with a little more brightness. I was debating whether or not I should get this one- like trikster said, it is a very sharp, crystal clear display. But i was a little worried about the fonts being too small. And don't the TrueLife display would be very good for using outdoors or a place with a lot of light due to reflections on the screen. It also costs $100 more for the UXGA. I don't know about the max resolution you could get with the 6800go.

i wonder what the equivalent or 1440x900 is on say a 19" crt? i've always used 1600x1200 on my crt. i want about that size(icon and font size) for the laptop, what you think?

 

[manko]

Originally posted by: DP
i wonder what the equivalent or 1440x900 is on say a 19" crt? i've always used 1600x1200 on my crt. i want about that size(icon and font size) for the laptop, what you think?

LCD Screen Information
Screen Information Calculator

Diagonal Length 19.0"
Resolution 1600 x 1200
Pixels per Inch 105.3

1440 x 900 WXGA+ 17.0" = 100 PPI
1920 x 1200 WUXGA 17.0" = 133 PPI

 

[dr150]

I'd avoid the TRULIFE display. I HATE that the market is going this way!

The glossy displays, despite their marketing (i.e. Sony/Toshiba push) are just the flavor of the day. Anyone who owns such screens ultimately gets worn down like me.

The reflections are BAD in any sort of strong light. YES it's great for low light, non-reflective viewing of movies, BUT for EVERYTHING ELSE, the matte screen is better!! The fact that the matte screen is $100 less is just gravy.

 

[slightlyhuman]

k, i'm going to do with out that then, it's 100 bucks i can spent on something else;-)

btw, how much more will the 9 cell battery last than the 6 cell battery?

 

[dr150]

9 cell on old 9200 lappy was ~2 hrs extra. Since the 9300 has different video cards and platform, the battery life isn't really known.

Until reviews come out, my guess is 1:30+ extra battery life with the 9 cell.

The extra batt price difference in their pricing scheme is compelling enough to stay with the 6 cell and buy the 9 cell as backup--especially with the 35% coupon on the Small Business website...the equivalent of $19.50 for the second battery!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

 

[slightlyhuman]

about to order one but i can't decide if the 1.86 is worth the extra money from the 1.76

i really don't think i'll see a big enough perforamnce increase for the money?

 

[wifi4lyfe]

yeah I'm thinking about ordering an i9300 also.

Pentium M 750 1.86ghz
512mb DDR
60gb 7200rpm HD
256mb 6800 go
17" WUXGA
24x CDRW/DVD
2915 Wireless 802.11 a/b/g
9cell battery

$1650 with shipping, tax, and 35% off coupon.

this sound like a good deal? anything I should change/edit?

 

[dr150]

Originally posted by: DP
about to order one but i can't decide if the 1.86 is worth the extra money from the 1.76

i really don't think i'll see a big enough perforamnce increase for the money?

I think I read somewhere that the difference between the 1.6 and 2.0 is less than 5% difference......definitely not worth the price difference. The 1.8 seems to be a sweeter spot/compromise.....$200 premium ($130 w/ 35% coupon) for this is expensive though...

 

[dr150]

Originally posted by: wifi4lyfe
yeah I'm thinking about ordering an i9300 also.

Pentium M 750 1.86ghz
512mb DDR
60gb 7200rpm HD
256mb 6800 go
17" WUXGA
24x CDRW/DVD
2915 Wireless 802.11 a/b/g
9cell battery

$1650 with shipping, tax, and 35% off coupon.

this sound like a good deal? anything I should change/edit?

1.) Save the money and get a wireless card without "a" (i.e just b/g). "A" is useless when considering all hotspots universally carry b/g. Heck, internet pipes in the USA can't get anywhere close to even clogging up a "B" 11 mbps card!

2.) Also I'd save the money on the 7200 rpm 60 GB drive. It's expensive on Dell's website and can be had cheaper thru Newegg......the new 100gb 7200 rpm drives are coming out soon (the time this lappy will be in your hands)....I'd thus get the standard Dell 40GB drive, Ebay it and buy the 100GB drive on Newegg........YOU'LL COME OUT WAY AHEAD in $/GB plus with faster speed!!

3.) I'm telling ya, you're going to regret the UWXGA. That glossy screen is built to annoy. On a lesser note, the resolution is too much on a 17" screen!! Unless you're a multi-windows programmer or hard-core movie watcher, I'd save the $$ and get the standard WXGA+ screen.....................Apple, as usual, knows about what resolutions customers (ask a graphics/media pro) want which is why they DON'T offer glossy screens or huge resolutions!

4.) Grab an extra stick of RAM off Newegg when you have the funds (especially if you intend on gaming with the latest games).

 

[slightlyhuman]

you know your stuff dr. thx for the help!

i have never had a laptop other than my 400mhz one so laptop stuff = new to me.

ok you said save on the HD. what about the memory? i was thinking of just getting the gig. i'm thinking of just getting 256mb of ram and buying a gig on the forums? how many memory slots does it have? would i need to take the 256 stick out and just put 2x 512s or 1 gig? also how hard is to get memory that will work with the 9300?

 

[mdahc]

Originally posted by: Ethan2099
First of all, XPS tech support is still the same crap Dell tech support, and it doesn't mean US tech support. All of Dell's tech support agents (even XPS agents) are forced to follow an automated intranet-based troubleshooting system that's largely based on MS knowledge base articles, which, coupled with their problematic logistical system for replacement/service requests, is why their support sucks so hard. All the XPS queue does is offer shorter hold times, but the queues are still located all over the world (there are no 24hr Dell call centers in the US). For that matter, I've had the same lackluster quality of service no matter what country I end up getting routed to.

I'd have to disagree with you on a few points here.

All of Dell's tech support agents (even XPS agents) are forced to follow an automated intranet-based troubleshooting system

If a rep KNOWS what the problem is, he can go ahead and fix it without following any troubleshooters. We're not all useless monkeys in an office here. All of us have a technical background. Some may have less, but there's enough people around to ask if one of us gets stumped.

which, coupled with their problematic logistical system for replacement/service requests, is why their support sucks so hard.

I have never seen a problem where someone had to wait longer then a few days to receive a part that was in stock. Can you give any examples of the poor service that you've had?

For that matter, I've had the same lackluster quality of service no matter what country I end up getting routed to.
You need to become a Canadian. Canadian tech support gets WAY less calls then American Tech support. You can take that any way you want to.

BTW. I'm in Canadian tech support. We DO NOT have to follow a troubleshooter. Dell has enough built in diagnostics in their computers to make troubleshooting a snap. After all, we DO have to walk 80 year old grandma's through how to use them.:thumbsup:

Become Canadian, huh? Well, I'll have to work on that. It sounds like Canadian tech support is WAY different from US tech support. As a former DHS employee and customer, I can testify to dozens of customers who were promised certain replacements, and the orders that were placed for these parts or service kits were either never fulfilled or sent to the wrong address or sent with the wrong replacement parts (and I'm one such customer). Anyway, it's nice to know some customers aren't shuffled around in the interest of maintaining a certain AHT or calls/day.

 

[slightlyhuman]

Originally posted by: dr150

Originally posted by: wifi4lyfe
yeah I'm thinking about ordering an i9300 also.

Pentium M 750 1.86ghz
512mb DDR
60gb 7200rpm HD
256mb 6800 go
17" WUXGA
24x CDRW/DVD
2915 Wireless 802.11 a/b/g
9cell battery

$1650 with shipping, tax, and 35% off coupon.

this sound like a good deal? anything I should change/edit?

1.) Save the money and get a wireless card without a (i.e just b/g).

2.) Also I'd save the money on the 7200 rpm 60 GB drive. It's expensive on Dell's website and can be had cheaper thru Newegg......the new 100gb 7200 rpm drives are coming out soon (the time this lappy will be in your hands)....I'd thus get the standard Dell 40GB drive, Ebay it and buy the 100GB drive on Newegg........YOU'LL COME OUT WAY AHEAD in $/GB plus with faster speed!!

3.) I'm telling ya, you're going to regret the UWXGA. That glossy screen is built to annoy. On a lesser note, the resolution is too much on a 17" screen!! Unless you're a multi-windows programmer or hard-core movie watcher, I'd save the $$ and get the standard WXGA+ screen.....................Apple, as usual, knows about what resolutions customers (ask a graphics/media pro) want which is why they DON'T offer glossy screens or huge resolutions!

4.) Grab an extra stick of RAM off Newegg when you have the funds (especially if you intend on gaming with the latest games).

about the HD, i found the 60gb hd 7200rpm HD's for 150ish online. isn't that how much dell is charging to the 7200rpm HD? how much are the 100gb 7200rpm drives going to go for? i wonder how much i could get a 7200HD for on the forums..

 

[dr150]

Originally posted by: DP
ok you said save on the HD. what about the memory? i was thinking of just getting the gig. i'm thinking of just getting 256mb of ram and buying a gig on the forums? how many memory slots does it have? would i need to take the 256 stick out and just put 2x 512s or 1 gig? also how hard is to get memory that will work with the 9300?

Because of the 35% coupon, it's actually a little cheaper to buy Dell RAM when I think about it.

$130= 1 GB from Dell (1 GB total) ($130 from $200 after 35% coupon)

~$180= 1 GB RAM from Newegg (1.25 Total with the 256 MB stick)

This coupon is huge! Otherwise, 9 times out of 10 I would have easily recommended to buy 1 GB stick at Newegg with the 256 MB stick from Dell......

 

[wifi4lyfe]

one of the main reasons i wanted the 9300 was to get the ultra high res, which i love. I'm currently running 1400x1050 on a 14" and its awesome. is the glossyness really that bad? the laptop will spend 90% of its time on my dorm room's desk. the room has pretty bad lighting. 1 overhead light in the middle of the room which is pretty weak, and a fluorescent on my desk under the attached "bookshelf".

the wireless a/b/g was a free upgrade imo, so i'll keep that.

and will i really notice much difference between the 5400rpm and 7200rpm? thanks for the headsup on price difference btw...

thanks

 

[slightlyhuman]

Originally posted by: dr150

Originally posted by: DP
ok you said save on the HD. what about the memory? i was thinking of just getting the gig. i'm thinking of just getting 256mb of ram and buying a gig on the forums? how many memory slots does it have? would i need to take the 256 stick out and just put 2x 512s or 1 gig? also how hard is to get memory that will work with the 9300?

You're absolutely right! The Small Business website isn't currently offering the "FREE" 256 MB RAM..........so YESSSSSSSS!!!!!!! Buy ONLY 256 MB with the DELL lappy and buy 1 GB stick of RAM on Newegg for about $180 for a total of 1.25 GB RAM..............At Dell, you'd have to pay $200 for for 1 GB total RAM.

You'd not only save money but also have MORE RAM! WIN/WIN! :thumbsup:

BTW, installing RAM is VERY easy. All you need is a screwdriver then just plug in the card in the empty slot. If you're nervous about it (you shouldn't be) then get a techy friend to do it for you. It takes less than minutes max!

BTW, the memory that Newegg sells is great. Not problems. If it arrives DOA, you can exchange it. I've never had this problem!

i've installed ram on my current lappy a few times. i build desktops all the time. i'm just a laptop noob and am asking any question that comes to mind.

i think the 7200rpm hd is worth the money to upgrade because they are 150+ on the net and it would save me the hassle of reinstalling everything if i was to get a 40gb hd then install the new 7200HD. plus i have a 120gb external HD for back up

i think my last concern is the warranty....that onsite stuff is EXPENSIVE. i'm thinking i'll be ok with the 1 year mail-in basic. if i put parts in it(i.e. new HD or ram) will it void my warranty?