You can save with a Dell Computer coupon, but first take some time to understand what Dell sells

 

 

Dell Laptop Buying Guide

 

Dell is one of the big names in laptop personal computers, also known as notebook computers. They offer several lines, including Inspiron, XPS, Latitude and Precision. Each line has a special focus that helps customers to choose the right line, and then the right notebook computer for their needs. Dell also prides themselves on making all their computers highly customizable.

 

What do you want out of a Dell Laptop Computer?

 

• Are you looking for a basic portable computing option for home or office use?

 

• Do you need intensive business or entertainment functionality that travels easily?

 

• Are you looking for a powerful computer that can handle any application and go anywhere you do?

 

Home and Home Office

 

Inspiron

 

Dell's Inspiron line of notebook computers offers a great portable computing option for movies, music, photos, basic productivity software and casual gaming.

 

This line offers both Intel and AMD processor options, including AMD Turion dual core mobile processors and Intel Core 2 Duo processors at the high end.

 

This line of notebooks uses the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 video card, which can be upgraded to even more powerful options like the NVIDIA GeForce Go 7300 Turbocache, or the ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 HyperMemory card. These cards provide extra memory dedicated to graphics processing.

 

Memory is available as 1GB or 2GB (2 DIMMs). More memory is recommended for more memory intensive tasks such as gaming or running music in the background while using other software.

 

The basic hard drive for the Inspiron line is a 120GB 5400rpm SATA hard drive, although more powerful options are also available for customization.

 

Optical disk drive options include a CD RW/DVD combo or a CD RW/DVD RW combo, both of which offer great versatility.

 

Wireless connectivity is essential for mobile productivity, and the Inspiron line of notebook computers also includes integrated Dell or Intel  wireless networking cards.

 

Several levels of the Windows Vista operating system are available to choose from, including Home Premium, Ultimate and Business.

 

For pre-installed software, Microsoft Works is available for basic uses, while users with more need for productivity software can choose Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 or Business 2007. There are more software options in a wide variety of categories such as games and music.

 

Each computer purchase includes a 1 or 2 year warranty, and there are variety of service packages available for purchase which include options such as at-home service and phone support availability.

 

Inspiron notebook computers start at about $600 with rebate, and can range over $900 with customizations.

 

XPS

 

Dell's XPS line features high performance notebook computers for both productivity and entertainment.

 

XPS notebooks use the buyer's choice of Intel's Core 2 Duo processors, including the T5600, T7200, T7400 and T7600.

 

For the video card, the XPS line offers the choice of an integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 or 256MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 TurboCache.

 

Memory is available in 1GB, 2GB or 4GB (2 DIMMs). More memory is recommended for more intensive tasks such as gaming.

 

Several levels of SATA hard drive are available, from 80GB up to 160GB, and either 5200RPM or 7200RPM.

 

Optical disk drive options include a CD RW/DVD combo or a CD RW/DVD RW combo, both of which offer great versatility.

 

As with the Inspiron line, several levels of the Windows Vista operating system are available to choose from, including Home Premium, Ultimate and Business. The XPS line also offers a similar range of pre-installed software.

 

Prices start at $1300 for these high end models, and can range over $3000 depending on the model and customizations.

 

Small Business

 

In addition to the Dell Home line, Dell Small Business also has an impressive selection of notebook computers in the Inspiron and XPS lines are as effective for business as for home use, and can meet many business needs. In addition, however, Dell also offers the Latitude and Precision lines of notebook computers.  Be sure to check the edeals.com Dell Small Business Coupons page.  

 

Latitude

 

Dell's Latitude notebook computers are specifically designed to meet the needs of business users, with durable RoadReady construction and advanced wireless options.

 

Processor options include high end processors such as the AMD Turion 64 X2 and Intel's Core 2 Duo processors.

 

Graphics options include the Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 950 and NVIDIA Quadro NVS 110M TurboCache.

 

Memory options range from 512MB, suitable for basic productivity software, to 4GB for highly intensive operations (1-2 DIMMs).

 

For the hard drive, users can choose from 60GB, 80G, 100GB, 120GB, and  160GB options.

 

The optical disk drive for these notebook computers is one of a selection of DVD RW drives, perfect for business use on the go.

 

Latitude notebook computers let the buyer choose from several operating system versions, including Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home, and Windows Vista Home, Business or Ultimate. A wide variety of general and specialized software can also be pre-installed.

 

Dell's Latitude line starts at about $600 and can range above $2500 depending on the model and customizations.

 

Precision

 

Dell's Precision line of notebook computers offers specialized, high performance mobile workstations. These powerful computers offer mobility for even the most intensive computer applications.

 

For their most powerful computers, Dell offers Intel's Core 2 Duo processors, including the T5500, T5600, T7200, T7400 and T7600.

 

The video card is the high end NVIDIA Quadro FX 350M 512MB Turbocache.

 

For memory, they offer either 1GB or 2GB (2 DIMMs).

 

The hard drive may be 80G, 100GB, 120GB, or 160GB.

 

As with the Latitude line, the optical disk drive is a DVD RW drive, a highly effective option for the limited space available in laptop computers.

 

This line of notebook computers also offers a range of integrated Dell or Intel  wireless networking cards, as well as the option of a Dell Bluetooth module.

 

Precision notebook computers let the buyer choose from both Windows XP and Windows Vista operating system versions, and a wide variety of general and specialized software can also be pre-installed.

 

Prices start at about $1600, and can range well over $2000 depending on the model and customizations.

 

Displays

 

Dell's notebook computers may come with standard display options or offer a variety to choose from. Each line offers a variety of options, although specific models may be more or less limited in the range of choices available.