Going Wireless for the First Time with a Speedy New Laptop
Written: Apr 06 '08 (Updated Apr 07 '08)
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Pros: Fast, Large Screen, Durable body, New Core 2 Duo Architecture
Cons: If graphics are important, you should get the 140m version.
The Bottom Line: This laptop is very fast. I would recommend it for business or home use. It is a little heavier than some notebooks, but would be durable if used in travel.
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| joga56's Full Review: Dell Latitude D830 (blcwk1s_6) Intel Core 2 Duo T7... |
I purchased my Dell Latitude D830 with Windows XP Home Edition on March 14, 2008 online. It arrived at my door on March 24, 2008. I use my laptop as a desktop replacement because it takes up less room on my desk, and I can take it with me if I travel. I use it for basic applications, and not into any gaming or high graphic use.
I upgraded from a Dell Inspiron 4150 Laptop which I have owned since 2003. At the time I thought this was a fast computer. Compared to my new Latitude, the Inspiron looks like a dinosaur now.
Note: I reviewed my old Inspiron earlier. Go to this link:
http://www.epinions.com/content_92055113348
Quick List of things I like better about my new laptop as compared with old one:
•Only 1 USB port on Inspiron; Have 4 USB ports on Latitude (2 right side; 2 back)
•Cable hookup was on right side on my Inspiron; On the Latitude, it's on the left side, which is much more convenient because I use a mouse on right side.
•Headphone jack was on right on Inspiron; Now on the left on Latitude and more convenient.
•USB speed on Inspiron was 1.1; The Latitude is 2.0, so much faster when using my jump drives to backup my data.
•Speakers are much better than on my old computer.
•The layout of the keyboard is identical to my Inspiron, so that was a plus. It was also something I was looking for when I bought my new computer.
Why I decided to stay with Windows XP Home versus upgrading to Vista:
•I’ve read many stories online (and heard personally) of people upset with Vista, due to software incompatibilities.
•NSA helped Microsoft make Vista secure. This is not the first time the agency has consulted with private industry, but is the first time they have worked with a vendor prior to the release of an operating system.
•Many of the bugs have been worked out of Windows XP; I have no interest in wading through the bugs of a new O/S at this stage of the program. If I ever get it, it will be years down the road when some of these have been perfected.
Applications I Use the Most: (I don’t do any gaming)
•Microsoft Office Professional Programs I Use(Word, Excel, Access, Outlook Express, Publisher)
•Internet/Research/Forum/Reviews
•Email
•Videos / Audio (You Tube, Google, etc)
•Tax Programs
•Burn CDs; Watch Videos; and listen to Music
Microsoft Office Professional 2007 is quite different. It will take some getting use to. You will most likely want to customize the toolbars, and remove things you don’t use, as there are a lot of applications in the default setup.
Dell offers a 1 year free tutorial online class to show you the new features. This is very helpful!(I had Microsoft Office 2002).
Features on my Dell: (Case is magnesium and durable)
CPU - Intel Core 2 Duo 800 MHz
Display - 15.4 WSXGA+LCD (1680 x 1050) wider view version of SXGA is good for movie viewing and spreadsheets.
O/S - Windows XP Home Edition, SP2 with Media
Expansion Slots - One Type I or Type II
Hard Drive - 120 GB 9.5mm (7200 RPM)
CD Rom - 8x DVD+/-RW with Roxio Creator & Cyberlink Power DX20
Network - 1390 WLAN (802.11g) 54 mbps Minicard (I read that people were having problems with the 802.11n version, so got this one)
Graphics - 128mb Nvidia Quadro NVS 135m (The NVS 140m might make graphics better)
I/O Ports - Serial, Parallel, 4 USB ports (2.0), Infrared, Audio Jacks, Monitor, PS/2 Keyboard Mouse & keypad, S-Video for TV out, RJ11 and RJ45 connector.
Battery - 6 cell/56WHr Primary Battery Smart Li-Polymer
Case - Nylon
Warranty - 3 year limited Warranty – At Home/On-Site
The latch is a slide type. The bottom of the screen has an ambient light sensor. Volume controls are to the left of the power button for ease in use.
Special Promotions I Received by Ordering Online:
•Hard drive upgrade to 120 GB from 80 GB.
•One Year Free Classes online – Office Professional 2007
In addition, I purchased the Resource CD with diagnostics and Drivers. I’ve had occasions when I needed to run diagnostics on my old computer, so I wouldn’t be without it. Also, if something should happen to your computer, and you call Dell, they will most likely ask you to run diagnostics. It's also nice to have the drivers, should something need to be reinstalled. WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND PEOPLE GET THIS.
Features I Opted Out on:
•Fingerprint Reader & Blue Tooth ( I have no interest or need)
Location of Components on the Laptop(See Pictures in Video Below):
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Dell-Latitude-D830-Notebook.4305.0.html
Right Side:
•Optical Drive
•(2) USB Ports
Left Side:
•Microphone
•Headset Jacks
•PC Card
•Express Card Slots
•Air Vent
•IEEE 1394 Port
•WiFi-Catcher
•Slide Switch activates the WLAN
Back Side:
•S-Video
•Ethernet
•Serial Port
•Power
•VGA Ports
•Modem
•(2) USB Ports
Top Side:
• 2 speakers (one on either side of the keyboard)
Dimensions:
Width – 14.2”
Height – 1.39”
Depth – 10.34”
Weight – 6 lbs
Wireless Setup and Tutorials to Show you how to secure your Network:
D-Link: http://192.168.0.1
http://spotlight.getnetwise.org/wireless/wifitips/dlink/dlink-default-passwd.php
Linksys: http://192.168.1.1
http://spotlight.getnetwise.org/wireless/wifitips/linksys/linksys-default-passwd.php
Netgear: http://www.routerlogin.net
http://spotlight.getnetwise.org/wireless/wifitips/netgear/netgear-default-pswrd.php
We use D-Link. This was my first experience with wireless, so it was a bit confusing to set up at first. However, once you’ve done it once, it’s not as complex as it seems.
Steps to follow:(make sure you save your settings after each entry):
•Insert the CD that is in the D-Link box. This is a setup wizard.
•There is no printed guide in the box. It’s on the CD. To find the Manual do this: 1) with CD in drive go to My Computer and right click on Explore. Then go to Bin/Documents/D-Link Manual.pdf. You may want to do this before you start the wizard.
•A trial program called Network Magic came with D-Link. However, you don’t need this. Just do your set up direct through the D-Link internet site. (Video above gives you the web address)
•You will need to create a Login code; a Password and a Security Key to make sure that your wireless is protected. (DO NOT USE THE DEFAULT LOGIN, OR YOU ARE NOT PROTECTED. SEE VIDEOS ABOVE TO SHOW YOU HOW TO DO THIS).
•Name your network anything you wish. This is what you will look for when you hook up other computers to your wireless network. (Ex: The King Family Network)
•Login to the online website for whichever brand you use.
•Go to Setup/Manual Configure/Internet/My Internet Connection and change it to whatever your connection is. (For example: Dynamic IP (DHCP)).
•Go down to MAC Address and click on Clone MAC Address. It will create one for you.
•Go to Wireless Settings Tab and type in your Wireless Network Name (Ex: The King Family Network)
•Go to Wireless Security Mode and select: Enable WPA-Personal Wireless Security (enhanced)
•Go to Passphrase and type in your Network Key (the key you created – It will tell you how many digits this must be)
Connecting Each of Your Wireless Computers to the Network:
•Look in your task tray (bottom right of screen) and you will see a tiny icon that looks like a computer screen. Right Click on the icon and look for View Available Wireless Networks. Select the network that you created a name for.
•If not, go into Control Panel and look for Wireless Network Setup Wizard.
Core 2 Duo: (Techs are giving this architecture high marks)
http://www.gcn.com/print/26_11/44313-1.html?topic=delllibrary
http://www.intel.com/products/processor/core2duo/index.htm
Core 2 Duo Test Drive Results for the More Technical:
http://archive.laptopmag.com/Features/Intel-Core-2-Duo-Test-Drive.htm
http://techreport.com/articles.x/10351
Summary:
I was overdue for a new computer. My old Inspiron was going on five years old, and in the world of computers that is a dinosaur. My hard drive was also beginning to act up. I plan to gut it, and put a new hard drive in it because I think it still has some life. Someone can get some use out of it. I'm glad it started acting up, because it motivated me to start doing some research into purchasing a new computer. This was when I found the comments about how XP may no longer be available after June 2008 in new computers. This was one of the main reasons I decided to buy now.
Currently all computer models do not offer XP. If you want to find out which ones do, search on Windows XP on the Dell website, and it will bring up a list of computers it is offered on. Another trick is to go to the Small Business section of Dell. You can find more offerings with XP there.
I love the new wider screen. This is a great improvement for laptops. I also like the ease of using wireless internet. However, you need to make sure you secure your wireless network, as mentioned in this review earlier. It is imperative that you not leave the default settings that come with the software, but that you create your own user name and passwords.
The new Intel Core 2 Duo architecture has received applause from the Tech community. You will see the difference in speed, and when you’re multitasking.
If you are in the market for a new computer, and still wish to have Windows XP, then you might want to consider purchasing prior to June, 2008. This could change if people demand Windows XP over Vista, but this is the situation currently.
I think you will be happy with this laptop if you decide to purchase one. It is certainly a great improvement over my dinosaur Inspiron, even though the Inspiron still has some life in it, and has been a good computer itself.
Interesting Article on Concerns over Google Free Web Tools: (Google Toolbar, and much more)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080324.wrgoogle24/BNStory/Technology/home
Is there reason to be concerned? Have you noticed that many programs you load ask you if you want to load these tools? This article reveals some of the privacy concerns people are having. You may want to look more into this issue for yourself.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 2,200.00
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Other
Processor speed: 701-800
RAM: More than 256
Hard Drive (GB): Over 50
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Epinions.com ID:
joga56
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Location: Canada (from USA)
Reviews written: 35
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
I think it's important to research items we purchase.
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