Buying inspiron laptop, need info about RAM, and if its an ok deal.?

Question

I'm thinking of buying an Inspiron 6400 laptop from Dell. Here are some details:
Intel(R) Core(TM) Duo Processor T2250
1.73 GHz, 2MB Cache, 533 MHz FSB
Genuine Windows(R) XP Professional (English)
Free upgrade from 512MB to 1024MB memory
Free upgrade from 80GB to 120GB hard drive
15.4" Wide Screen XGA TFT Display: 1280x800
1024MB (1 X 1024MB) DDR2 SDRAM
Intel(R) Media Accelerator 950 Graphics
120GB SATA Hard Drive
Internal 8X DVD+/-RW Combination Drive with dual layer write capabilities
Dell(TM) Wireless 355 Bluetooth Module
Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945 Dual Band 802.11a/g 54Mbps Wireless Mini Card
Internal 56K Modem

It will cost be $1,492.70 (Australian dollars). Is this an ok laptop, can u give me a little info about if the RAM (1Gb) will be fast enough (I currently only have 64Mb...lol).

Also, whats the difference between having the RAM split into 2 lots of 500Mb(ish) or just one lot of 1Gb?

Answer 1

Excellent deal here. The purpose of the double RAM set is that the computer will be reading faster, and this takes the stress off of just using one chip. You will have plenty of speed with this demon, and more than enough memory for even some of the most tasking programs. Hope this helps

Answer 2

excellant configuration & u can expect most applications to run at ease.



i have a few questions since u asked

1. why a 15.4" screen > too bulky to lug around

i'd prefer a 14.1"

also, truelife is a must. else display is sortta poor



2. why win xp-pro

win xp- media centre is ideal for these machines

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ram of 1 gb in single slot is great, not 512 mb + 512 mb

>> that way one slot is free & in future if u need to add ram, it becomes simple, just buy a 1 gb stick & put it in

if 512 + 512 , then u wanna upgrade, u'r 2 sticks of 512 mb become scrap

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just tried coinfiguring an inspirion 640m

http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/inspn_640m?c=au&cs=audhs1&l=en&s=dhs



Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T7200

2GHz, 4MB Cache, 667 MHz FSB

Genuine Windows(R) XP Media Center Edition 2005

Genuine Windows(R) XP Media Center Edition 2005 (English) Media

Dell Warranty & Support Services 1Yr Limited Warranty with Next Business Day Onsite Service

30 Days CompleteCover Support With Asia Pacific Regional Coverage

1Yr Onsite Warranty with Standard Phone Support(Mon-Fri 0800-2000,Sat 1000-1600)

14.1" WXGA+ Ultrasharp(TM) TFT Display with TrueLife(TM) ( 1440 X 900 res)

1024MB (1 X 1024MB) DDR2 SDRAM

Integrated Stereo Sound

120GB SATA Hard Drive

Internal 8X DVD+/-RW Combination Drive with dual layer write capabilities

Roxio Creator LE and Roxio MyDVD LE

6-cell 53Whr Lithium Ion Primary Battery

Dell(TM) Wireless 355 Bluetooth Module

Wireless Network Solution Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945 Dual Band 802.11a/g 54Mbps Wireless Mini Card

Microsoft(R) Works 8.5 - OEM version

Word Processor/Spreadsheet/Database/Calendar/Powerpoint viewer/Email Tools

McAfee(R) Security Center(TM) - 15 Months OEM

Dell(TM) Network Assistant - 90 days Trial

1 ExpressCard Slot, (DOES NOT SUPPORT PCMCIA CARDS)

Artic Silver with Alpine White accents on a black base

Internal Dell(TM) 87 Keys Keyboard (English)

Intel(R) Media Accelerator 950 Graphics

Integrated 10/100 Fast Ethernet

Intel(R) 945GM Chipset Family

Google Software

Dell(TM) Media Direct 3.0

AOL 3-Month Internet Offer

Internal 56K Modem

RJ-11 Modem cable

65W AC Adapter



>> AU $ 2,017 after taxes



rather more expensive than u'r config., but if u can afford, go ahead buy it

processor is the core 2 duo t7200 with an awesome 4 mb l2 cache

plus at 14.1" truelife widescreen., a whole lot more portable

os: win xp media centre is great

>> great all round performance



>> happy computing !

Answer 3

With the many different types of RAM and the different configurations (slots) that memory can be placed. I strongly suggest that you contact Dell Customer service and ask these questions.



As far as the quantity of RAM you should have, my personal recommendation is, get as much as the machine can handle, especially if your heavy into graphics, video authoring etc. However, if the machine is just for internet browsing and lighter graphic/photo manipulation, what comes on the machine should be adequate. Again Customer Service will steer you in the right direction. Ask them.

Answer 4

Thats a good deal for the laptop.



As for the ram, usually 2x512mb sticks are faster than 1x1gb stick.