New Laptop for work
Wy wife is due to get a new computer for work. She wants a laptop and has asked me for advice since some choice is involved. The standard model issued by her employer, Kent State University, is a Dell Latitude 2.0GHz, 2GB Ram, 80GB HD (specs listed below). Alternatively she can spend $600 on another laptop of her choice. At first glance you can buy a way better laptop for $600 than that Dell. I reckon it's worth $400 at the most - do they still make 80GB HDs? 
Now here is the catch. The university requires that alternative computers 'must be from a reputable manufacturer and contain a 3 year warranty'. Laptops eg from Tiger usually come with a 1 year warranty, and if you want to upgrade that to 3 years, it sets you back at least $150
But it comes worse, you can't order the computer yourself and bill the university, you have to submit a 'valid quotation from the preferred supplier' so that the 'Faculty Computer Refresh Group' can create a purchase order. I understand this takes about two months :shakehead - so no way to pick up a special offer eg from Tiger.
Should she just go with the crappy Dell and forget about it, or does anybody see a viable option to take the $600 and buy something better within the stupid constraints enforced by the administration?
Many thank
Frank
_______________________________________
KSU Standard Issue Laptop:
Dell Latitude Notebook
2.0 GHz Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor
2 GB Ram
80GB Hard Drive
14.1 inch Wide Screen Display
Internal Modem
Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet
Integrated 802.11a/g/n Wireless
8X DVD+/-RW
Sound card with built-in speakers
9 Cell Primary Battery
Nylon Carrying Case
3 year warranty with complete care
Now here is the catch. The university requires that alternative computers 'must be from a reputable manufacturer and contain a 3 year warranty'. Laptops eg from Tiger usually come with a 1 year warranty, and if you want to upgrade that to 3 years, it sets you back at least $150
But it comes worse, you can't order the computer yourself and bill the university, you have to submit a 'valid quotation from the preferred supplier' so that the 'Faculty Computer Refresh Group' can create a purchase order. I understand this takes about two months :shakehead - so no way to pick up a special offer eg from Tiger.
Should she just go with the crappy Dell and forget about it, or does anybody see a viable option to take the $600 and buy something better within the stupid constraints enforced by the administration?
Many thank
Frank
_______________________________________
KSU Standard Issue Laptop:
Dell Latitude Notebook
2.0 GHz Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor
2 GB Ram
80GB Hard Drive
14.1 inch Wide Screen Display
Internal Modem
Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet
Integrated 802.11a/g/n Wireless
8X DVD+/-RW
Sound card with built-in speakers
9 Cell Primary Battery
Nylon Carrying Case
3 year warranty with complete care
0
Comments
How easy/expensive is it to upgrade Ram in a Dell Laptop? From the specs I think it's a Latitude D630, although KSU doesn't give you the model number. I've only ever done that on desktops. I read it has PC2-5300 Ram, and for some reason I can't seem to find that on the Tiger web site.
Norge
Lenovo has tons of coupon codes everywhere, I've seen web pricing discounted by 20-40% and thats without using contacting a rep.
Priced a similar lenovo T400 for $763.30:
I specced out an HP laptop with a 320gb HD and 4gb of RAM for $700, and Slickdeals has a coupon code for 15% off that.
http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/18751
HP's can be picked up dirt cheap almost anywhere, plus you'd get a throw away printer.
Personally... Lenovo is what I would buy with my company money but I'd still buy Dell for my users. It's just easier to support and I can have replacement parts the next day.
Be that as it may, I'll recommend for my wife to get the standard Dell, because everything else woudl be too much hassle. 2GB Ram and a 80GB HD will be ok for her for one or even two years. She can upgrade when she needs to, and it will be much cheaper doing it then than rushing things now.
Many thanks for all your advice
Frank