🚀 go-pugleaf

about 2 months ago I bought a dell b120 with 512meg 1.4 cel M processor 40 
gig hd
and the extended 3 yr warranty and after rebate it cost 729 US dollars. I 
received the rebate within 6 wks of purchase.

"Phred" <ppnerkDELETETHIS@yahoo.com> wrote in message 
news:4fqjq5F1k3npqU1@individual.net...
> G'day mates,
>
> Once upon a time I would have happily shelled out for a Dell, but Rod
> has somewhat psyched me out with his claim about the Dell HDDs
> operating at the upper limit of their temperature specs.  (Does that
> explain why all laptops are now "notebooks"?  Too hot to use on the
> lap without risk or third degree burns, or sterilisation at very
> least?)
>
> Anyway, I was looking at the specs of several notebook "specials" (end
> of fin year and all that :) so I'm wondering what you good folk out
> there think of these models.  (My apologies in advance for the shape
> of the following "table", but a fixed font may *help* interpret it.)
>
> Dell Inspiron 1300   Compaq Presaria v2627  Toshiba Satellite A100/301
> CPU:  Celeron M380   AMD Sempron 1.8GHz     Celeron M 1.4GHz
> RAM:  512MB DDR2     512MB                  256MB
> HDD:  40GB           40GB                   40GB
> VDU:  15.4" Wide     14" Wide               15.4" Wide?
> CD/DVD 24x Combo     Combo                  Combo
> O/S:   XP Home       XP Home                XP Home
> Wireless: Yes        Yes?                   Yes?
> Price:    $899       $849 (cashback)        $994
>
> The Toshiba seems to be out of consideration, unless it comes with
> *very* good recommendations for reliability, in particular.
> The Dell RAM is shared with graphics; don't know about the others.
> I *assume* they all have a built-in modem for dial-up?
>
> My main use would be for off-site email/web browsing/USENET (and maybe
> those from the lounge chair if I install a local wireless network :).
>
> Advice, comments, anecdotes based on experience... all welcome.  TIA.
>
> Cheers, Phred.
>
> -- 
> ppnerkDELETE@THISyahoo.com.INVALID
> 

the dell inspiron 1300 is fine, but get the next step up, which is a 
pentium-M 1.8 they often have on sale for about $500, with 512mb, 60gb, 
wireless and dvd burner.  i got 2 of them for clients. and they perform 
well for the money.
i would not buy any celeron processor ever.

Phred wrote:
> G'day mates,
> 
> Once upon a time I would have happily shelled out for a Dell, but Rod 
> has somewhat psyched me out with his claim about the Dell HDDs 
> operating at the upper limit of their temperature specs.  (Does that 
> explain why all laptops are now "notebooks"?  Too hot to use on the 
> lap without risk or third degree burns, or sterilisation at very 
> least?)
> 
> Anyway, I was looking at the specs of several notebook "specials" (end 
> of fin year and all that :) so I'm wondering what you good folk out 
> there think of these models.  (My apologies in advance for the shape 
> of the following "table", but a fixed font may *help* interpret it.)
> 
> Dell Inspiron 1300   Compaq Presaria v2627  Toshiba Satellite A100/301
> CPU:  Celeron M380   AMD Sempron 1.8GHz     Celeron M 1.4GHz
> RAM:  512MB DDR2     512MB                  256MB
> HDD:  40GB           40GB                   40GB
> VDU:  15.4" Wide     14" Wide               15.4" Wide?
> CD/DVD 24x Combo     Combo                  Combo
> O/S:   XP Home       XP Home                XP Home
> Wireless: Yes        Yes?                   Yes?
> Price:    $899       $849 (cashback)        $994
> 
> The Toshiba seems to be out of consideration, unless it comes with 
> *very* good recommendations for reliability, in particular.
> The Dell RAM is shared with graphics; don't know about the others.
> I *assume* they all have a built-in modem for dial-up?
> 
> My main use would be for off-site email/web browsing/USENET (and maybe 
> those from the lounge chair if I install a local wireless network :).
> 
> Advice, comments, anecdotes based on experience... all welcome.  TIA.
> 
> Cheers, Phred.
> 

Jay B wrote:

> the dell inspiron 1300 is fine, but get the next step up, which is a 
> pentium-M 1.8 they often have on sale for about $500, with 512mb, 60gb, 
> wireless and dvd burner.  i got 2 of them for clients. and they perform 
> well for the money.
> i would not buy any celeron processor ever.

$500?

Don...


-- 
Don McKenzie
E-Mail Contact Page:               http://www.dontronics.com/e-mail.html

Micro,TTL,USB to 1.5" color LCD http://www.dontronics.com/micro-lcd.html
USB,RS232 or TTL to VGA Monitor http://www.dontronics.com/micro-vga.html
World's smallest USB 2 TTL Conv http://www.dontronics.com/micro-usb.html

Phred <ppnerkDELETETHIS@yahoo.com> wrote

> Once upon a time I would have happily shelled out for a Dell, but
> Rod has somewhat psyched me out with his claim about the Dell
> HDDs operating at the upper limit of their temperature specs.

Thats apparently changed with the latest ones.

> (Does that explain why all laptops are now "notebooks"?  Too hot to use
> on the lap without risk or third degree burns, or sterilisation at very least?)

Yes.

> Anyway, I was looking at the specs of several notebook "specials"
> (end of fin year and all that :) so I'm wondering what you good folk
> out there think of these models.  (My apologies in advance for the
> shape of the following "table", but a fixed font may *help* interpret it.)

I'd have you publicly flogged if you hadnt enjoyed that so much the last time.

I personally avoid AMD cpus for laptops and insist on a Celeron M too.

I also insist on built in wireless, essentially because the antennas in the
lid work a hell of a lot better than addon wireless, not directional at all etc.

> Dell Inspiron 1300   Compaq Presaria v2627  Toshiba Satellite A100/301
> CPU:  Celeron M380   AMD Sempron 1.8GHz     Celeron M 1.4GHz
> RAM:  512MB DDR2     512MB                  256MB
> HDD:  40GB           40GB                   40GB
> VDU:  15.4" Wide     14" Wide               15.4" Wide?
> CD/DVD 24x Combo     Combo                  Combo
> O/S:   XP Home       XP Home                XP Home
> Wireless: Yes        Yes?                   Yes?

If it doesnt say its got wireless, it hasnt got it.
About half of the lowend laptops dont have it built in.

> Price:    $899       $849 (cashback)        $994

> The Toshiba seems to be out of consideration, unless it comes with
> *very* good recommendations for reliability, in particular.

And I dont like their very lackadasical system for full technical manuals
too.  Often there isnt even a decent user manual online either.

> The Dell RAM is shared with graphics; don't know about the others.

Doesnt matter with a laptop and I doubt you are into red hot gaming anyway are you ?

The only gaming I bother with is Freecell Pro.

> I *assume* they all have a built-in modem for dial-up?

I expect so, but its quite an inditement if you cant
check that with the online manuals with the Dell.

I wont buy anything like a laptop without full decent manuals available.

> My main use would be for off-site email/web browsing/USENET (and
> maybe those from the lounge chair if I install a local wireless network :).

Yeah, surprisingly convenient. I play captured digital TV when bottling
the beer, it takes about an hour to bottle a batch and its a tad boring.

> Advice, comments, anecdotes based on experience... all welcome.  TIA.

I'd ask others online what hard drive temps they are getting with the Dell
if it was me.  Specially now that its summer in the northern hemisphere. 

yup, 500.
not on sale now, but was a few weeks ago.


Don McKenzie wrote:
> Jay B wrote:
> 
>> the dell inspiron 1300 is fine, but get the next step up, which is a 
>> pentium-M 1.8 they often have on sale for about $500, with 512mb, 
>> 60gb, wireless and dvd burner.  i got 2 of them for clients. and they 
>> perform well for the money.
>> i would not buy any celeron processor ever.
> 
> $500?
> 
> Don...
> 
> 

Phred wrote:
> 
> Price:    $899       $849 (cashback)        $994
> 
If you're not in a rush, watch the coupon sites (fatwallet.com, 
slickdeals.net, etc.).  You can find better systems than any of the 
three you just listed for literally $200 less.

Nicholas Andrade <neandrad@nospam.yahoo.com> wrote:
> Phred wrote:
>>
>> Price:    $899       $849 (cashback)        $994
>>
> If you're not in a rush, watch the coupon sites (fatwallet.com,
> slickdeals.net, etc.).  You can find better systems than any of the
> three you just listed for literally $200 less.

Not in Australia, what he's talking about. 

Don McKenzie wrote:

> Jay B wrote:
> 
>> the dell inspiron 1300 is fine, but get the next step up, which is a 
>> pentium-M 1.8 they often have on sale for about $500, with 512mb, 
>> 60gb, wireless and dvd burner.  i got 2 of them for clients. and they 
>> perform well for the money.
>> i would not buy any celeron processor ever.
> 
> 
> $500?
> 
He's talking in US dollars, Don.

To the OP - I've now bought 2 Dell Laptops, both times I've waited for 
the right deal for the ones that I've wanted, the Dells have _always_ 
come out as cheaper in relation to what you get - CPU, RAM, and Disk 
Space - than I've been able to find locally, i.e. in the Green Guide.

	Cheers,
		Gary	B-)

-- 
______________________________________________________________________________
Armful of chairs: Something some people would not know
                   whether you were up them with or not
                                      - Barry Humphries

"Phred" <ppnerkDELETETHIS@yahoo.com> wrote in message 
news:4fqjq5F1k3npqU1@individual.net...
> G'day mates,
>
> Once upon a time I would have happily shelled out for a Dell, but Rod
> has somewhat psyched me out with his claim about the Dell HDDs
> operating at the upper limit of their temperature specs.  (Does that
> explain why all laptops are now "notebooks"?  Too hot to use on the
> lap without risk or third degree burns, or sterilisation at very
> least?)
>
> Anyway, I was looking at the specs of several notebook "specials" (end
> of fin year and all that :) so I'm wondering what you good folk out
> there think of these models.  (My apologies in advance for the shape
> of the following "table", but a fixed font may *help* interpret it.)
>
> Dell Inspiron 1300   Compaq Presaria v2627  Toshiba Satellite A100/301
> CPU:  Celeron M380   AMD Sempron 1.8GHz     Celeron M 1.4GHz
> RAM:  512MB DDR2     512MB                  256MB
> HDD:  40GB           40GB                   40GB
> VDU:  15.4" Wide     14" Wide               15.4" Wide?
> CD/DVD 24x Combo     Combo                  Combo
> O/S:   XP Home       XP Home                XP Home
> Wireless: Yes        Yes?                   Yes?
> Price:    $899       $849 (cashback)        $994
>
> The Toshiba seems to be out of consideration, unless it comes with
> *very* good recommendations for reliability, in particular.
> The Dell RAM is shared with graphics; don't know about the others.
> I *assume* they all have a built-in modem for dial-up?
>
> My main use would be for off-site email/web browsing/USENET (and maybe
> those from the lounge chair if I install a local wireless network :).
>
> Advice, comments, anecdotes based on experience... all welcome.  TIA.

Todays paper in Perth
Kambo's
Acer Aspire
1.5ghz Celron
256mb ddr
40gb hd
DVD +rw dl
XP home
$599 

there is a big difference between the celeron and the celeron M
"Jay B" <jayB@audiman.net> wrote in message news:sAXlg.22$XJ3.4@fe09.lga...
> the dell inspiron 1300 is fine, but get the next step up, which is a 
> pentium-M 1.8 they often have on sale for about $500, with 512mb, 60gb, 
> wireless and dvd burner.  i got 2 of them for clients. and they perform 
> well for the money.
> i would not buy any celeron processor ever.
>
> Phred wrote:
>> G'day mates,
>>
>> Once upon a time I would have happily shelled out for a Dell, but Rod has 
>> somewhat psyched me out with his claim about the Dell HDDs operating at 
>> the upper limit of their temperature specs.  (Does that explain why all 
>> laptops are now "notebooks"?  Too hot to use on the lap without risk or 
>> third degree burns, or sterilisation at very least?)
>>
>> Anyway, I was looking at the specs of several notebook "specials" (end of 
>> fin year and all that :) so I'm wondering what you good folk out there 
>> think of these models.  (My apologies in advance for the shape of the 
>> following "table", but a fixed font may *help* interpret it.)
>>
>> Dell Inspiron 1300   Compaq Presaria v2627  Toshiba Satellite A100/301
>> CPU:  Celeron M380   AMD Sempron 1.8GHz     Celeron M 1.4GHz
>> RAM:  512MB DDR2     512MB                  256MB
>> HDD:  40GB           40GB                   40GB
>> VDU:  15.4" Wide     14" Wide               15.4" Wide?
>> CD/DVD 24x Combo     Combo                  Combo
>> O/S:   XP Home       XP Home                XP Home
>> Wireless: Yes        Yes?                   Yes?
>> Price:    $899       $849 (cashback)        $994
>>
>> The Toshiba seems to be out of consideration, unless it comes with *very* 
>> good recommendations for reliability, in particular.
>> The Dell RAM is shared with graphics; don't know about the others.
>> I *assume* they all have a built-in modem for dial-up?
>>
>> My main use would be for off-site email/web browsing/USENET (and maybe 
>> those from the lounge chair if I install a local wireless network :).
>>
>> Advice, comments, anecdotes based on experience... all welcome.  TIA.
>>
>> Cheers, Phred.
>> 

agreed.
but still would not buy the 1.5 celeron M as offered vs the 1.8 PM. 
night and day difference for almost the same price.

BigJim wrote:
> there is a big difference between the celeron and the celeron M

G'day Rod and other, thanks for your replies to my original request.
Now following up seeking more info on "wireless", please:

In article <4fr1c8F1jojn5U1@individual.net>, "Rod Speed" 
<rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote:
>Phred <ppnerkDELETETHIS@yahoo.com> wrote
[...]
>> Anyway, I was looking at the specs of several notebook "specials"
>> (end of fin year and all that :) so I'm wondering what you good folk
>> out there think of these models.  (My apologies in advance for the
>> shape of the following "table", but a fixed font may *help* interpret it.)
>
>I personally avoid AMD cpus for laptops and insist on a Celeron M too.
>
>I also insist on built in wireless, essentially because the antennas in the
>lid work a hell of a lot better than addon wireless, not directional at all
> etc.

I don't think the Dell has that feature.  The blurb says something 
like this, talking about built-in wireless support:
    Internal 802.11b/g or a/b/g that allows quick connection 
    to an Internet wireless hot spot ... Then goes on to give 
    pricing options for those two types of Mini-PCI cards.
That suggests to me that one needs to buy a card to use wireless and, 
I presume, the card would come with some sort of external antenna?

Also, the jargon means bugger all to me, but the a/b/g card costs 
rather more than the simpler b/g one.  What's the diff in practice, 
bearing in mind I don't have a home wireless network yet?

>> Dell Inspiron 1300   Compaq Presaria v2627  Toshiba Satellite A100/301
>> CPU:  Celeron M380   AMD Sempron 1.8GHz     Celeron M 1.4GHz
>> RAM:  512MB DDR2     512MB                  256MB
>> HDD:  40GB           40GB                   40GB
>> VDU:  15.4" Wide     14" Wide               15.4" Wide?
>> CD/DVD 24x Combo     Combo                  Combo
>> O/S:   XP Home       XP Home                XP Home
>> Wireless: Yes        Yes?                   Yes?
>
>If it doesnt say its got wireless, it hasnt got it.
>About half of the lowend laptops dont have it built in.
>
>> Price:    $899       $849 (cashback)        $994

Another point with the Dell, it has an option to buy a "spare" power 
adapter, but nowhere does it say the system comes *with* one!  Is it 
assumed all laptops come with an adapter to run off the mains and, if 
so, what is the advantage of having a spare one?

And, Rod, I've posted a query to a.s.p-c.d [not xposted to 
aus.computers] re that HDD temperature issue as you suggested.

Cheers, Phred.

-- 
ppnerkDELETE@THISyahoo.com.INVALID

Yes it can be assumed that all laptops come with one. The benefit of a spare 
one comes in that you can leave one plugged in at your desk (as it is the 
most likely place you will use it) and whenever you take the laptop somwhere 
with you you dont have to pack this up and can simply take the second one.
HTH

Robert

"Phred" <ppnerkDELETETHIS@yahoo.com> wrote in message 
news:4fssmvF1ji1iuU1@individual.net...
> G'day Rod and other, thanks for your replies to my original request.
> Now following up seeking more info on "wireless", please:
>
> In article <4fr1c8F1jojn5U1@individual.net>, "Rod Speed"
> <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote:
>>Phred <ppnerkDELETETHIS@yahoo.com> wrote
> [...]
>>> Anyway, I was looking at the specs of several notebook "specials"
>>> (end of fin year and all that :) so I'm wondering what you good folk
>>> out there think of these models.  (My apologies in advance for the
>>> shape of the following "table", but a fixed font may *help* interpret 
>>> it.)
>>
>>I personally avoid AMD cpus for laptops and insist on a Celeron M too.
>>
>>I also insist on built in wireless, essentially because the antennas in 
>>the
>>lid work a hell of a lot better than addon wireless, not directional at 
>>all
>> etc.
>
> I don't think the Dell has that feature.  The blurb says something
> like this, talking about built-in wireless support:
>    Internal 802.11b/g or a/b/g that allows quick connection
>    to an Internet wireless hot spot ... Then goes on to give
>    pricing options for those two types of Mini-PCI cards.
> That suggests to me that one needs to buy a card to use wireless and,
> I presume, the card would come with some sort of external antenna?
>
> Also, the jargon means bugger all to me, but the a/b/g card costs
> rather more than the simpler b/g one.  What's the diff in practice,
> bearing in mind I don't have a home wireless network yet?
>
>>> Dell Inspiron 1300   Compaq Presaria v2627  Toshiba Satellite A100/301
>>> CPU:  Celeron M380   AMD Sempron 1.8GHz     Celeron M 1.4GHz
>>> RAM:  512MB DDR2     512MB                  256MB
>>> HDD:  40GB           40GB                   40GB
>>> VDU:  15.4" Wide     14" Wide               15.4" Wide?
>>> CD/DVD 24x Combo     Combo                  Combo
>>> O/S:   XP Home       XP Home                XP Home
>>> Wireless: Yes        Yes?                   Yes?
>>
>>If it doesnt say its got wireless, it hasnt got it.
>>About half of the lowend laptops dont have it built in.
>>
>>> Price:    $899       $849 (cashback)        $994
>
> Another point with the Dell, it has an option to buy a "spare" power
> adapter, but nowhere does it say the system comes *with* one!  Is it
> assumed all laptops come with an adapter to run off the mains and, if
> so, what is the advantage of having a spare one?
>
> And, Rod, I've posted a query to a.s.p-c.d [not xposted to
> aus.computers] re that HDD temperature issue as you suggested.
>
> Cheers, Phred.
>
> -- 
> ppnerkDELETE@THISyahoo.com.INVALID
> 

"Phred" <ppnerkDELETETHIS@yahoo.com> 
wrote in message 
news:4fssmvF1ji1iuU1@individual.net...
> G'day Rod and other, thanks for your 
> replies to my original request.
> Now following up seeking more info on 
> "wireless", please:
>
snipped

Dell wireless cards are internal to the 
laptop and their
antennas are also internal. Dell just 
gives you a choice
between B/G(2.4 GHz band) and A(5 GHz 
Band)models. You also
can do Bluetooth on at least some Dells. 

In article <4fssmvF1ji1iuU1@individual.net>, ppnerkDELETETHIS@yahoo.com 
says...
> G'day Rod and other, thanks for your replies to my original request.
> Now following up seeking more info on "wireless", please:
>
> >I also insist on built in wireless, essentially because the antennas in the
> >lid work a hell of a lot better than addon wireless, not directional at all
> > etc.
> 
> I don't think the Dell has that feature.  The blurb says something 
> like this, talking about built-in wireless support:
>     Internal 802.11b/g or a/b/g that allows quick connection 
>     to an Internet wireless hot spot ... Then goes on to give 
>     pricing options for those two types of Mini-PCI cards.
> That suggests to me that one needs to buy a card to use wireless and, 
> I presume, the card would come with some sort of external antenna?


No, as mentioned elsewhere in the thread, the card allow different 
specs, but the laptop already has the antenna built in. It's the 
wireless card that changes.

-- 
AG

Remove removes from address to remove anti-spam measures.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Alan Gauton           E-Mail agauton @ postmaster.co.uk

Never for me the lowered banner, never the last endeavour! 
					    (Damon Hill - 16th June 1999)

Phred <ppnerkDELETETHIS@yahoo.com> wrote:
> G'day Rod and other, thanks for your replies to my original request.
> Now following up seeking more info on "wireless", please:
>
> In article <4fr1c8F1jojn5U1@individual.net>, "Rod Speed"
> <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Phred <ppnerkDELETETHIS@yahoo.com> wrote
> [...]
>>> Anyway, I was looking at the specs of several notebook "specials"
>>> (end of fin year and all that :) so I'm wondering what you good folk
>>> out there think of these models.  (My apologies in advance for the
>>> shape of the following "table", but a fixed font may *help*
>>> interpret it.)
>>
>> I personally avoid AMD cpus for laptops and insist on a Celeron M
>> too.
>>
>> I also insist on built in wireless, essentially because the antennas
>> in the lid work a hell of a lot better than addon wireless, not
>> directional at all etc.

> I don't think the Dell has that feature.

Urk, didnt notice that. I did check that it has a full service manual and
user manual online, but didnt actually get real radical and read them.

> The blurb says something like this, talking about built-in wireless support:
>    Internal 802.11b/g or a/b/g that allows quick connection
>    to an Internet wireless hot spot ... Then goes on to give
>    pricing options for those two types of Mini-PCI cards.
> That suggests to me that one needs to buy a card to use wireless and,
> I presume, the card would come with some sort of external antenna?

Yeah, looks like it, particularly from
http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/notebooks_Q2_W6_2006-06-16_inspn_1300_N540625?c=au&l=en&s=dhs
the wireless is clearly a free addon so will be a card for sure.

> Also, the jargon means bugger all to me, but the a/b/g card costs
> rather more than the simpler b/g one.  What's the diff in practice,
> bearing in mind I don't have a home wireless network yet?

The cheaper one is fine except that like I said, I avoid
them completely and want a real built in one myself.

>>> Dell Inspiron 1300   Compaq Presaria v2627  Toshiba Satellite
>>> A100/301 CPU:  Celeron M380   AMD Sempron 1.8GHz     Celeron M
>>> 1.4GHz
>>> RAM:  512MB DDR2     512MB                  256MB
>>> HDD:  40GB           40GB                   40GB
>>> VDU:  15.4" Wide     14" Wide               15.4" Wide?
>>> CD/DVD 24x Combo     Combo                  Combo
>>> O/S:   XP Home       XP Home                XP Home
>>> Wireless: Yes        Yes?                   Yes?
>>
>> If it doesnt say its got wireless, it hasnt got it.
>> About half of the lowend laptops dont have it built in.
>>
>>> Price:    $899       $849 (cashback)        $994

Thats actually $799 online, last day today tho.

Dunno if you will see this in time, I've emailed it too.

> Another point with the Dell, it has an option to buy a "spare" power
> adapter, but nowhere does it say the system comes *with* one!  Is it
> assumed all laptops come with an adapter to run off the mains

Yeah, havent noticed one that doesnt.

> and, if so, what is the advantage of having a spare one?

Dunno, maybe its badly worded and they mean a spare battery.

Its pretty obvious that a spare battery can be
handy for longer times away from the mains.

> And, Rod, I've posted a query to a.s.p-c.d [not xposted to
> aus.computers] re that HDD temperature issue as you suggested.

OK, I'll check the responses. 

Updated version.

Phred <ppnerkDELETETHIS@yahoo.com> wrote:
> G'day Rod and other, thanks for your replies to my original request.
> Now following up seeking more info on "wireless", please:
>
> In article <4fr1c8F1jojn5U1@individual.net>, "Rod Speed"
> <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Phred <ppnerkDELETETHIS@yahoo.com> wrote
> [...]
>>> Anyway, I was looking at the specs of several notebook "specials"
>>> (end of fin year and all that :) so I'm wondering what you good folk
>>> out there think of these models.  (My apologies in advance for the
>>> shape of the following "table", but a fixed font may help
>>> interpret it.)
>>
>> I personally avoid AMD cpus for laptops and insist on a Celeron M
>> too.
>>
>> I also insist on built in wireless, essentially because the antennas
>> in the lid work a hell of a lot better than addon wireless, not
>> directional at all etc.

> I don't think the Dell has that feature.

Urk, didnt notice that. I did check that it has a full service manual and
user manual online, but didnt actually get real radical and read them.

> The blurb says something like this, talking about built-in wireless support:
>    Internal 802.11b/g or a/b/g that allows quick connection
>    to an Internet wireless hot spot ... Then goes on to give
>    pricing options for those two types of Mini-PCI cards.
> That suggests to me that one needs to buy a card to use wireless and,
> I presume, the card would come with some sort of external antenna?

Looks like its internal with the card itself optional.
http://support.ap.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1300/en/sm/display.htm#wp1105347
clearly shows the antenna cable to the antennas in the lid, third picture.
http://support.ap.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1300/en/sm/antenna.htm#wp1084976

Doesnt actually mention the wireless card itself for some reason.

> Also, the jargon means bugger all to me, but the a/b/g card costs
> rather more than the simpler b/g one.  What's the diff in practice,
> bearing in mind I don't have a home wireless network yet?

The cheaper one is fine.

>>> Dell Inspiron 1300   Compaq Presaria v2627  Toshiba Satellite
>>> A100/301 CPU:  Celeron M380   AMD Sempron 1.8GHz     Celeron M
>>> 1.4GHz
>>> RAM:  512MB DDR2     512MB                  256MB
>>> HDD:  40GB           40GB                   40GB
>>> VDU:  15.4" Wide     14" Wide               15.4" Wide?
>>> CD/DVD 24x Combo     Combo                  Combo
>>> O/S:   XP Home       XP Home                XP Home
>>> Wireless: Yes        Yes?                   Yes?
>>
>> If it doesnt say its got wireless, it hasnt got it.
>> About half of the lowend laptops dont have it built in.
>>
>>> Price:    $899       $849 (cashback)        $994

Thats actually $799 online, last day today tho.

Dunno if you will see this in time, I've emailed it too.

> Another point with the Dell, it has an option to buy a "spare" power
> adapter, but nowhere does it say the system comes with one!  Is it
> assumed all laptops come with an adapter to run off the mains

Yeah, havent noticed one that doesnt.

> and, if so, what is the advantage of having a spare one?

Mainly so you can have one where you use the laptop much.

Dont know that I'd buy a second Dell one tho, there
are plenty of aftermarket power supplys much cheaper.

> And, Rod, I've posted a query to a.s.p-c.d [not xposted to
> aus.computers] re that HDD temperature issue as you suggested.

OK, I'll check the responses. 

Making a real hash of this, updated version again.

Phred <ppnerkDELETETHIS@yahoo.com> wrote:
> G'day Rod and other, thanks for your replies to my original request.
> Now following up seeking more info on "wireless", please:
>
> In article <4fr1c8F1jojn5U1@individual.net>, "Rod Speed"
> <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Phred <ppnerkDELETETHIS@yahoo.com> wrote
> [...]
>>> Anyway, I was looking at the specs of several notebook "specials"
>>> (end of fin year and all that :) so I'm wondering what you good folk
>>> out there think of these models.  (My apologies in advance for the
>>> shape of the following "table", but a fixed font may help
>>> interpret it.)
>>
>> I personally avoid AMD cpus for laptops and insist on a Celeron M
>> too.
>>
>> I also insist on built in wireless, essentially because the antennas
>> in the lid work a hell of a lot better than addon wireless, not
>> directional at all etc.

> I don't think the Dell has that feature.

Urk, didnt notice that. I did check that it has a full service manual and
user manual online, but didnt actually get real radical and read them.

> The blurb says something like this, talking about built-in wireless support:
>    Internal 802.11b/g or a/b/g that allows quick connection
>    to an Internet wireless hot spot ... Then goes on to give
>    pricing options for those two types of Mini-PCI cards.
> That suggests to me that one needs to buy a card to use wireless and,
> I presume, the card would come with some sort of external antenna?

Looks like its internal with the card itself optional.
http://support.ap.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1300/en/sm/display.htm#wp1105347
clearly shows the antenna cable to the antennas in the lid, third picture.
http://support.ap.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1300/en/sm/antenna.htm#wp1084976

Doesnt actually mention the wireless card itself for some reason.
Its in the user manual.
http://support.ap.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1300/en/om/om_en.pdf

> Also, the jargon means bugger all to me, but the a/b/g card costs
> rather more than the simpler b/g one.  What's the diff in practice,
> bearing in mind I don't have a home wireless network yet?

The cheaper one is fine.

>>> Dell Inspiron 1300   Compaq Presaria v2627  Toshiba Satellite
>>> A100/301 CPU:  Celeron M380   AMD Sempron 1.8GHz     Celeron M
>>> 1.4GHz
>>> RAM:  512MB DDR2     512MB                  256MB
>>> HDD:  40GB           40GB                   40GB
>>> VDU:  15.4" Wide     14" Wide               15.4" Wide?
>>> CD/DVD 24x Combo     Combo                  Combo
>>> O/S:   XP Home       XP Home                XP Home
>>> Wireless: Yes        Yes?                   Yes?
>>
>> If it doesnt say its got wireless, it hasnt got it.
>> About half of the lowend laptops dont have it built in.
>>
>>> Price:    $899       $849 (cashback)        $994

Thats actually $799 online, last day today tho.

Dunno if you will see this in time, I've emailed it too.

> Another point with the Dell, it has an option to buy a "spare" power
> adapter, but nowhere does it say the system comes with one!  Is it
> assumed all laptops come with an adapter to run off the mains

Yeah, havent noticed one that doesnt.

> and, if so, what is the advantage of having a spare one?

Mainly so you can have one where you use the laptop much.

Dont know that I'd buy a second Dell one tho, there
are plenty of aftermarket power supplys much cheaper.

> And, Rod, I've posted a query to a.s.p-c.d [not xposted to
> aus.computers] re that HDD temperature issue as you suggested.

OK, I'll check the responses. 

if your using the laptop for internet or word the cost of the upgrade to a 
P M
is a waste of money. If you have more mission critical applications then the 
P M
is worth the money. The C M surprised me with it speed and ability to view 
DVD's and
of course it is not a gamer but neither is the P M unless you get memory and 
Video card to go with it.

"Jay B" <jayB@audiman.net> wrote in message 
news:Kh6mg.213$XJ3.204@fe09.lga...
> agreed.
> but still would not buy the 1.5 celeron M as offered vs the 1.8 PM. night 
> and day difference for almost the same price.
>
> BigJim wrote:
>> there is a big difference between the celeron and the celeron M