Updating with Dell

[Bob]

Before I call rep and place order, wondering what most recommend.

I don't want leading edge for an office but not severely outdated either.

Need ideas for WS and laptops.

WS obviously Office and TAM.  Someday Epic.

Notebooks same.  No gaming. When away from office likely to just connect
with remote workspace.

I prefer to keep each unit under 1k.

So far looking at Latitude E5500 W7/Pro 2 Duo P8400 2.26ghz 3M L2 Cache,
1066mhz FSB, Office 2007 W/Adobe standard, 15.4", 2 GB SDRAM, Onboard video
GMA 4500MHD, 250gb HD, 8x DVD+/RW  (Nic and wi-fi built-in)

Online price 992.00 but I can get up to 35% off buying through cluster rep.

WS Opti-plex 960  mini-tower with upgraded PS.  Core 2 Duo E8400 with VT,
3.0 Ghz, 6M, 1333 FSB.  2 Gig DDR2 SDRAM, 256MB ATI Radeon HD 3450 Dual
DVI/VGA/TV.  250gig HD, 16x DVD, W7 Pro.

Before discounts:  1002.00

These are work PCs again never going to edit movies, play games etc..  So
don't see need for 200+ for Quad cores.  250gig HD I feel plentiful storage.

Any thoughts or considerations?  Wanted to get input before contacting rep
and discounting.

Thinking perhaps port replicator to make dual monitor/KB/Mouse switch from
work to home easier.  When taken home all mobile and internet apps.


I will be deploying W7 Pro on all with TAM.  Not waiting on Applied..

TIA!  :c)

[Che Guevara]

I would go with the separate video card to run Dual monitors or at least have the ability to do so

[Gene Foraker]

Those prices sound really high.   I recently home built a fairly high end gaming and do everything PC for under a grand.

First, go to the Dell Applied discount program, if you don't have another discount available.   http://www.dell.com/appliedsystems

The Opti 780 with E7500 proc, 2 gig RAM and dual monitor card is just under $700.    That is with Win7 license, but XP installed.   I'm sure you can skip XP if you wish.

Unless you are planning on adding lots of internal cards, the standard PS is fine.   Don't bother upgrading the hard drive from minimum for TAM.

I'm less of a Dell notebook fan than I used to be.   Look at Lenovo.    I don't know if dual monitors can be used with laptops without using a usb monitor.

[Bob]

Thanks Gene!  I do get 35% off those listed prices.  That's just the online quote before I call my rep.  I could reduce PS since not running two video cards (one reason you would need) and drop HD to 160gig.   Could also drop down a model or two on the Opti..

Paul, video is a dual head DVI card meaning two independent DVI out puts not split.  NO need for two cards.  No gaming or CAD so won't see any performance difference.

Appreciate the input!  Wasn't sure what others were doing so thought I'd check 1st.