Re: Req comment on Dell Inspiron 1420 D

tony B wrote:

I'm planning to buy a laptop within the next few days, and partly
because Dell is offering Ubuntu Linux I thought I'd support them in
return and buy one of their machines. I'm just looking for a general
purpose machine that I can take with me when I travel -- which is not
frequently. Use it for storing pictures, internet access and a few other
things. The Inspiron 1420N looks pretty good to me, but I've never had
a laptop, so I'm not knowledgeable about what to look for. Any one have
any comments on this machine?


Could someone verify that the faster disk -- 7200 RPM versus 5400 RPM
-- would use up the battery faster?

Don't know.

Also, what about getting the larger 9-cell versus the standard 6-cell
battery? I have no clue what duration to expect from either of these
batteries.

50% more from the 9-cell :-) Through a succession of Dell's I'd say they
design their standard batteries to give 3 hours life when new (of course, I
got a replacement after their last battery recall and it wasn't much better
than 2 hours! - still that was 2 hours better than the 3yr old one I was
using). A battery typically lasts about 3 years.

And finally, I figured I'd get a Logitek wireless mouse they list as an
option.

Never again will I buy a wireless mouse. Besides the need for batteries,
how often do you need to use a mouse further away from the computer than
the wire will stretch? How often do you drop your mouse? I shorten up the
mouse cable so that if I knock it off the desk it can't reach the floor.
Saves considerably on wear and tear!

Not sure that I'd care for one of those scratch pad cursor
controls. The description says it requires Mac or MS OS. I'm assuming
omitting Linux was an oversight.

Description of what? The mouse? That's not an oversight - it'll work fine,
but they clearly have no interest in supporting Linux.

I may have to break down and call
them rather than order over the internet.

Good luck.

Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks for your help.

Dell has steadfastly refused to even respond to requests for service under
my extended service contract - next day on site service has taken six
months so far. Nice of them to support Ubuntu, but that isn't going to be
enough to get me to go back to them...
--
derek


--
ubuntu-users mailing list
ubuntu-users@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-users

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Pay it forward - Giving Ubuntu to Windows Users
    ... The thread on "Selling Linux to Windows Users" brought up some good ... together a recycled system, loaded Ubuntu on it, and ended up ... Both will include 6 months free tech support. ...
    (Ubuntu)
  • Re: Only 16 More Days to Go
    ... work with Ubuntu either so if you're into games, ... Support= web only, unless you pay for support or have a freetard friend ... There is NO free phone support for any linux OS ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.vista.general)
  • Re: Linux version for USB stick, book PC, DVR?
    ... Is there a Linux version that would run well on something like this, ... MythTV is the Linux DVR, it's included in Fedora and in Ubuntu, there is ... Realtek Wireless chip which lacks a kernel driver. ... also has FLASH card support and that would work fine also. ...
    (comp.os.linux.misc)
  • Re: Can Linux beat XP in homes yet or NOT?
    ... Ubuntu Linux but i guess a user would have to contact Ubuntu forums for ... Yes Dell is supplying OS support for Dell systems sold w/ Ubuntu Linux under their warranty service. ... This is where i believe hardware vendors can add significant value as users are going to *pay* for a desktop/laptop. ...
    (Fedora)
  • Re: Can Linux beat XP in homes yet or NOT?
    ... Ubuntu Linux but i guess a user would have to contact Ubuntu forums for ... Yes Dell is supplying OS support for Dell systems sold w/ Ubuntu Linux under ... You can install F7 in an afternoon & then spend the next 4-5 months ...
    (Fedora)