Reviews of the new Dell Inspiron 8500?

[Speedfreak]

Anyone know of any reviews for the new Dell Notebook?

I know it just came out, but I want to see some reviews before I buy one. I was telling myself that I would get one once the new video chip came out. Plus, Dell changed the case, and everything else I was hoping for.

[ski]

And that super sweet big screen LCD

[Devhux]

Here's a C|Net Review of the Inspiron 8500. Looks promising for sure (especially when you look at the 3DMark 2001SE scores.

[Speedfreak]

It's funny how so many user reviews state that they have it already and it sucks. And the friggin MAC junkies.

[Jeffbx]

I, for one, am pretty dang excited about this one, but I'm waiting until it's available in the Latitude line.

The biggest selling point for me is that it supports up to 2GB of RAM. For the CAD software we run, this should put some of the desktop workstations to shame... this certainly makes life easier for the guys who would normally have to lug a desktop PC to a customer site. I'm a little disappointed that there isn't a 128MB video card ready yet, but the increase in RAM is a huge advantage by itself.

I wouldn't take those CNet reviews too seriously, as it appears that most people 'reviewing' the machine don't even have one and are just griping about past experiences with Dell. Pls post here is anyone actually sees a real in-depth review of this beast.

[johnnymk]

Originally posted by Jeffbx
The biggest selling point for me is that it supports up to 2GB of RAM. For the CAD software we run, this should put some of the desktop workstations to shame... this certainly makes life easier for the guys who would normally have to lug a desktop PC to a customer site.

I am new to CAD. Do CAD programs like a lot of memory?

[Jeffbx]

Yes... the bigger & more complex the models are, the more RAM they require. Most of the stuff my company does is at the high end of things, where 2GB actually makes a difference over 1GB.

Until very recently, the only machines able to easily handle these types of CAD models were $40-50k IBM AIX workstations. Even 2 years ago it was extremely painful to even lauch the CAD program on a $6000 laptop. With the large amounts of RAM & the high end video cards in this new generation of machines, it's making life much easier.

[hoey222]

jeffbx -

i was gonna build a system for a client that was gonna use autocad.

any tips on hardware for it?

[Jeffbx]

Originally posted by hoey222
jeffbx -

i was gonna build a system for a client that was gonna use autocad.

any tips on hardware for it?

Yes - first tip - don't build, buy a pre-packaged system. I recommend the Dell Precision line - the 450 is a great performer.

If they're looking for a really high end system, I would recommend the dual Xeon w/SCSI drives & the ATI Fire GL X1. If they're on a budget, bump the Xeon down to a single, go to IDE & get the Fire GL E1. In either case, get 1GB RAM but configure it as 2x512MB so you have room to increase it if necessary.

When your dealing with hardware that will be handling very demanding software, you're better off buying a pre-built:

- Guaranteed compatibility among the components
- Single source for troubleshooting & warranty work
- Price is very competitive vs. home built
- You don't have to worry about support - Dell does

[Apex]

If you want to go SCSI, go Precision 650. Build in U320 SCSI RAID, Firewire, higher power power supply, and AGP Pro 110 8x slot instead of AGP Pro 50 8x.