Personally, I think notebooks should have the following minimum spec at the moment:

2GHz Core 2 Duo
2GB RAM (2x 1GB, Dual Channel)
Intel x3100 Graphics
80GB SATA HDD
CD-RW/DVD Combo (Or DVD-RW)
WXGA TFT
802.11 ABG(N)
Bluetooth
TPM

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Also depends on what version of windows you're running. Windows XP pro had more memory allocations enabled by default over XP home. The same is true for 64bit Vista.....business and ultimate editions support up to 128GB limit, while home is up to 16GB

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-gb/library/aa366778.aspx

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Thanks for the info.

@Mr Joshua don't you think 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo is overkill for the average user? I would think that an AMD TL-56 would be enough for a basic notebook (tho the extra CPU power would be very useful when encoding)

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I know the 'Apple Fanboys' label gets tossed around with yawn inspiring frequency, but it now applies if a poster suggests the OP purchase now what he/she lists as really wanting to 'upgrade' to eventually? I'm guessing mentioning Apple or an Apple product is all that's necessary now?

Typed by Apple Fanboy on his ThinkPad T61.

how do you expect me to react if you tell him "you should have bought the applebook in the first place" insted of reassuring him over a purchess he alleady made, "sorry dude, you just burned money that should have gone to steve jobs", give me a break, the guy bought a decent laptop that will serve him well, theres no need to push him to buy more stuff at this moment,

if when he retires that laptop or decides to sell it, he wants to buy a macbook, no problem, his money, his tastes and he should spend it on whatever makes him happy,

it just seems to me that some times apple people just tell you "sell all your stuff, even if its brand new and get apple gear, its better", and im not going to get dragged in an apple vs pc or is apple really better, im just saying, let the guy enjoy his laptop, he didnt buy a piece of trash, be bought something that for most uses will serve him quite well,

Update: I'm returning the laptop.

No. It's not because I'm desperate for a Mac (esp. at those prices) it's that my laptop got a STRANGE issue.

An svideo cord that I was using to watch the Top Gear episode on my SDTV is stuck on my laptop (trust me pulling it does not work). Dell told me I can either return the laptop or repair it. But told me it was for my benefit to return it.

At this point I don't wanna buy a Macbook. For my basic needs (typing and burning cd and dvd's just that) a $1300 Macbook is OVERKILL.

Kinda pissed because having a laptop at school was very useful. Plus it was my first laptop of my own (owned and prefer desktops usually).

That is utterly bizarre, given that mini-DIN connectors don't have any retention mechanism besides friction. I've never heard of one getting stuck before.

What terrible luck!

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Even worse! 15 days to get everything sorted (money and all).

I have a presentation on friday! (trust me our school comps are win98 type's from 97 or thin clients. they suck) My luck blows.

That must be frustrating (strange problem!), but perhaps things are for the best. You got a chance to try the Vostro in person for a while... if later on you want to get another you can, and in the meantime you have more time to think about it.

Man.. that's a good deal for ANY laptop with a dedicated video card ... I wish I had seen this deal

sorry it didnt work out, just remember, when getting a new laptop, first check what you need, then what you want, and then what you crave...