Precision M60 vs. Inspiron 8600

[Magiciaen]

Dear all,

I have recently ordered an Inspiron 8600 online with following specs:

- 1.7GHz PM
- 80GB HD
- 1GB RAM
- 128MB Radeon 9600 GPU
- 802.11b/g wireless card
- WUXGA screen

I am not sure whether the hard disk is 4200 or 7200 rpm (I got a free upgrade to 80GB from 60GB). I have heard horror stories about the build quality of the 8600 (after purchase!) and would be so grateful for reader comments about that.

I later found out about the Precision M60 with its magnesium/aluminium alloy case. It seems to have the same basic specs as the 8600, only it is much more expensive (about $1000 more).

I haven't even received my order confirmation yet, and I'd like advice as to whether I should cancel my order for the 8600 and order an M60 instead; it seems better built. I'd rather not spend the extra money, but if it'll be more robust, I'd be prepared to go for that.

Also, I ordered the highest resolution screen. I've heard some people complain about the tiny text. Can't one just drop down the resolution from the display options in windows, even if you have an innately high res screen?

One more question! I've heard that Dell customer support sucks. Feedback on that would also be really helpful. If my 8600 breaks down or something, I want to know if Dell will give me a hard time!

By the way, I will be using this laptop mostly for number-crunching computer simulations and OpenGL graphics rendering (as well as Latex, MS Office, DVD, games (sometimes!)). At the moment I have a Toshiba Satellite Pro (PIII 500) which is very solidly built.

Thanks for your help! []

[Brian]

You have a number of questions here, I'll do my best to hit on them all.

-You got a 4200 RPM drive the 80's don't come in 7200.
-I don't think the M60 is worth the money. At that price other brands make more sense.
-Dell does have built quality issues with most of the Inspiron line, including the 8600. Make sure you buy a long warranty.
-If you drop to a lower resolution, the quality will be poor. LCD's are meant to be run in their native resolution.
-Their support is fine once you get to someone. That might take a while though...They are also notorius for taking multiple attempts to resolve hardware issues.

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

[Magiciaen]

Thanks so much for your help Brian!