About to order this from Dell’s site and have a few config questions. I only have 2 hours to figure this out, so I’d appreciate any advice.
1) Amount of RAM: I’d like to go with the 2-DIMM 1gb option, but will I be able to upgrade this without just getting rid of a whole 512 stick? In other words, does the fact that it has two memory slots mean I’ll have no room to add more memory if I take the 2-DIMM 1gb option? If so, I might spring the extra $30 and go for the 1-DIMM 1gb option.
2) Graphics card: I’m not a big fan of integrated graphics, but then again, I’m not buying this primarily for gaming. Ideally, I’d like to save the $70 and go with the integrated, then upgrade later if I want. However, I’ve read that Dell notebook motherboards with integrated graphics lack AGP slots, meaning I’d have to buy some old PCI card… if that’s the situation, then I’d go with the 128MB NVIDIA® Quadro NVS 135M option.
3) Wi-fi wireless card: Is there much difference between these 5 card options?
Dell Wireless™ 1390 802.11g Mini Card [Included in Price]
Dell Wireless™ 1490 802.11a/g Dual-band Mini Card [add $19]
Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Dual-Band Mini Card [add $29]
Dell Wireless™ 1505 Draft 802.11n Mini Card [add $39]
Intel® 4965 802.11a/g/n Dual-Band Mini Card [add $49]
4) If I don’t get Bluetooth now, can I add it later?
5) What is the difference between these LoJack options? Sorry for the silly question, but Dell’s own info page is worthless
ComputracePlus- 3 Year [add $97]
AbsoluteTrack- 3 Year [add $52]
AbsoluteTrack- 4 Year [add $60]
Absolute Computrace Complete 3YR License [add $142]
Absolute Computrace Complete 4YR License [add $172]
6) Trying to decide between 6-cell and 9-cell battery... what's the approximate difference? Only criteria I know of are weight, lifespan, and how long it'll stay charged in a given session, but I can't find data...
1) Laptops only come with 2 slots for RAM. If you don't mind upgrading it yourself, Buy only the bare minimum from Dell and buy 2 gigs from newegg.com. Or go the single DIMM option and add another one yourself.
2)Laptop graphic card interfaces are not like desktops. They use what is called an MXM slot or are integrated. MXM = mobile express module(think PCI-E for laptops). Add onto this fact that you (as the purchaser) in most cases can not upgrade the graphics without the help of the company you bought from. Laptop modules are not sold like desktop graphics cards. If you think you may need the card, buy it.
3)Go with either the first or the second option.
4) Yes, you can buy a USB adapter for it.
5)Personally, I think the Lojack is a waste of money. You shouldn't leave an expensive piece of tech alone anyway. Call Dell support if you want more info, I honestly don't know.
6)6-cell will probably give you 2-3 hours. 9-cell will probably be 4-6. It always differs from laptop to laptop.The 9-cell will probably protrude from the back a little.
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