Your other choice is the new 17" Mac laptop... unbelievable machine... and they basically run Unix, so very reliable. You want to run Windoze programs? No problems... virtual machine (at better than 90% base system speed... not bad at all)! I also seem to recall there is a Mac version of office now... Microsoft just couldn''t get rid of them, so they joined ''em!

For reliability, the Mac''s really are second to none. I''ve ever only seen one with a problem... and that''s because someone fell on it while it was open and broke the screen connections!

Cheers,

Timkin

yeah... but it''s a Mac.

I''m too old to convert now.

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ai-junkie.com

A few questions about the Dell (forgive my ignorance but I''m new to laptops)

1. How much extra time does the additional battery get you? How long do they take to recharge?

2. Can I attach a normal USB mouse?

3. Would you recommend I buy the carrying case?

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ai-junkie.com

Each of my batteries gets me 2 hours of normal usage. Since there are two modular bays, I get 4 hours. It doesn''t take that long to charge... certainly not a 1:1 on the discharge time.

There are 2 USB ports on the machine... we got USB optical mice with ours and I have a game controller I plug in for Madden 2003 and occasionally put it directly on the USB printer.

I love my nylon case. It is my purse now. I carry the modular floppy, the modular CD, my business cards, 4 highlighters, a crossover cable, my power pack and cord, and I can tuck the mouse into the top when I take it with me. It is comfortable (I have now lugged it around all week at both E3 and GDC) and convenient. After all the milage I have put on the case, I had one strap attachement thing break a bit... but it''s just the leather on the outside. It had a nylon failsafe underneath for strength.

Dave Mark - President and Lead Designer
Intrinsic Algorithm - "Reducing the world to mathematical equations!"

righto. Thanks for all your advice!

I''ve just got to wait and see if India is definately on or not now.

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ai-junkie.com

quote:

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Original post by fup
righto. Thanks for all your advice!

I''ve just got to wait and see if India is definately on or not now.

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ai-junkie.com

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Since India is a major source of computer software development, then I would have to think that "some" hardware manufacturers are providing support there. Have you contacted Dell, Sony or any other candidate HW supplier of your new laptop for their opinion of support in India?

Eric

hehe. They have a website devoted to their India operation. But (as with almost everything in India) getting information about anything is by request and will almost certainly be on a ''need to know'' basis. They do have such a wonderful... er, relaxed way about going about enquiries of this nature.

It did cross my mind (for just one picosecond) that maybe I should actually buy the laptop in india. Then I sobered up. India is a wonderful place but it doesn''t promote confidence in their business practices.

The international cover for the computer is outrageous though. (I think it''s something like £300-350! About $500)

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ai-junkie.com

... and you'll understand why when you travel on the sub-continent fup!

... and as for the "it's a Mac" comment... that's why Intel and Microsoft have a stranglehold on the market... because people aren't prepared to try a superior product. Heck, I admit to being a convert from the brainwashing of intel and MS. I still run Windoze for my gaming purposes and for some work related stuff, but I've always been a Unix person at Uni and now Linux at work (and home to as a Unix substitute). With MacOS 10 being essentially Unix you get a great operating system with some seriously powerful and reliable hardware... and as I said, there's no problems running a Windows virtual machine for when you need your fix! If you're going to be spending a chunk of cash, at least call in to a Mac dealer and give them 30 minutes of your time... you never know, you might convert too!

Sheesh, I sound like a salesman... I don't mean to... I just don't like seeing people miss out because of 'brainwashing'!

Cheers,

Timkin

[edited by - Timkin on March 20, 2003 7:36:43 PM]

"... and you''ll understand why when you travel on the sub-continent fup!"

I''ve been to India a few times now Timkin. My gf keeps getting posted out there. It''s an amazing place.

Its not the OS with the Mac. It''s all the software costs. It''d cost me thousands.

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ai-junkie.com

I''m using a Dell Inspiron as well, and I absolutely recommend it. The UXGA 1600x1200 display is a must for programming (couldn''t live with a lower resolution anymore), all the other hardware is great as well, and the Dell service is just great. If I ever feel like buying a new notebook, it will be a Dell again.

Regards
Matt