Established in 2007 by Timothy William Ferres: writing about a variety of topics including the Monarchy, Nobility, Gentry, Heraldry, Pageantry, Heritage, Country Houses, Conservation, Cats, Tchaikovsky.
Monday, 13 October 2008
The Hub Of The Matter
Having given the landing wall another coat of paint this morning, I unpacked my new BT Home Hub package and installed it. It seems to take ages to install. The step-by-step guide with the CD is simple enough; but it takes ages to install some of the features, many of which I do not want! There is a BT Yahoo tool-bar, BT Broadband Help, BT Yahoo Mail and the rest. I have already un-installed some of the Yahoo stuff. Now I ought to have a wireless connection, in preparation for a notebook computer.
I have been evaluating both the Dell Mini 9 and the Asus EEEPC for the past 2 weeks.
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I will say about both is that for anything more than web browsing and e-mail the screen size is a problem. Presumably you have a desktop PC too though, so you can use it for any complex tasks.
I would recommend the Dell over the Asus. It is just a far superior product in terms of build quality, speed and specification. Go for the Dell and make sure to purchase the extra year's warranty for £28.
Personally though, for a small laptop. I would go for the Dell XPS M1330. The model currently listed at £699 inc shipping is very well specified and comes with an LED backlit screen. Again, be sure to extend the warranty to 3 yrs. £818 all in. Bit pricey but worth it.
Many thanks for that, Mike. I practically use it for the web and emails; oh, almost forgot, and keeping up to date with LBNI!
ReplyDeleteDo you consider the extra warranty essential?
Tim
For the sake of £28 it could save a lot of hassle. Laptops can rarely be repaired by anyone but the manufacturer. Of course, you home contents insurance may provide some level of cover also.
ReplyDeleteOh and don't run Vista!
ReplyDeleteIt is terrible on a normal PC, it just kills these little ones dead.
Dell should be able to offer XP on the Mini 9. Call them before you order.
Indeed, Windows XP is available on the Mini 9 £299 all-inclusive; £30 cheaper otherwise.
ReplyDeleteTim
I'm wondering whether to wait until the New Year, to see if Dell have any offers or discounts? Or should I go ahead now...
ReplyDeleteNo time like the present!
ReplyDeleteI would encourage you to call their sales line though rather than order on-line.
By haggling with the (Indian) salesman last time. I managed to get a free mouse, 1Gb USB stick and an extra battery. Mind you it was a £2k+ purchase!
Google, dell vouchers/coupons and see if you can find any other offers. Incidentally, this is a good tactic when ordering anything online. I managed to save £50 on my Expedia holiday flights and £60 on car hire with AutoEurope recently by using coupons.
Yet again, thanks a lot Mike!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if I could haggle for that extra warranty or a mouse on the phone? I'm not terribly pushy; I could give it a try though. If they don't offer me any incentives, I could simply not go ahead and order it online...