Travel Technology - Dell Precision laptops - does anyone here use them?

Its time to get a new laptop and based on the research I've done so far, it looks like Dell Precision is the best fit for what I am looking to do.

The problem is that I haven't been able to find many reviews of these laptops - seems like Latitude, Inspiron, and Volstro are much more popular.

Does anyone here have first-hand experience with either Dell Precision 2300 or 4300 ?

I'm surprised that the Precision line is the one you've come up with; I haven't ever heard of anyone buying them. They are generally heavier than the alternatives (the lightest one is 5.3lbs at a minimum) and aren't that much more "powerful" than a Lattitude.

What are the compelling spec's that you're seeing with the Precision?

Precision are just rebadged Latitude (D630, D830) and Inspirons (E1705) with a Quadro GPU.
If you don't need the drivers and support that comes with the GPU's in them then you might as well stick with the regular laptops.

What are the compelling spec's that you're seeing with the Precision?

I have a M6300 - it's the only 17" Dell model with docking option.

Yeah, the GPU was part of the reason. I do some work with Photoshop and 128MB graphics card in my current laptop isn't quite cutting it (although a 256MB one, available on Latitudes probably would).

Also, I saw a couple of reviews mention that the wireless performance in those laptops is excellent, much better then on others. Not quite sure why however, since the network card seems to be the same as on Latitudes.

As far as the weight, it seems that they are pretty average for a 15" laptop - not the smallest, but not that heavy either.




I'm surprised that the Precision line is the one you've come up with; I haven't ever heard of anyone buying them. They are generally heavier than the alternatives (the lightest one is 5.3lbs at a minimum) and aren't that much more "powerful" than a Lattitude.

What are the compelling spec's that you're seeing with the Precision?

Yeah, the GPU was part of the reason. I do some work with Photoshop and 128MB graphics card in my current laptop isn't quite cutting it (although a 256MB one, available on Latitudes probably would).

Also, I saw a couple of reviews mention that the wireless performance in those laptops is excellent, much better then on others. Not quite sure why however, since the network card seems to be the same as on Latitudes.

As far as the weight, it seems that they are pretty average for a 15" laptop - not the smallest, but not that heavy either.

If you want graphic performance in a 15" enclosure then go for the Lenovo/IBM T61p or HP 8510w - both have more powerful gpus in the same form factor.

If you're in no rush, then you might as well hold on for 2 months for the new Latitude E series.

I didn't notice any difference in wireless on my latitude/precision systems, but havn't tested that really.

Does anyone here have first-hand experience with either Dell Precision 2300 or 4300 ?

I have first-hand experience with both models. As already stated, they're pretty much the Latitude D-series with a more powerful GPU. You also have the option of getting a 64-bit version of Windows.

Yeah, the GPU was part of the reason. I do some work with Photoshop and 128MB graphics card in my current laptop isn't quite cutting it (although a 256MB one, available on Latitudes probably would).

Errr...I wasn't aware that PS used any 3D except for some advanced stuff in the Extended edition. The only times a graphics card will help PS is if you use 3D. Otherwise, just more RAM and a better CPU will be the only things that can speed up PS (and maybe a faster hard drive).