DELL Inspiron iM101z-3980BK Notebook Intel Core i3 330UM(1.20GHz) 11.6" 2GB Memory DDR3 1333 250GB $289.99 @newegg

Link
Reviews look good.
•Genuine Windows 7® Home Premium (64-bit)
•Display: 11.6" widescreen HD LED (1366x768)
•Processor: Intel® Core™ i3 330UM (1.2GHz)
•Memory (RAM): 2GB DDR3
•Storage (hard drive): 250GB (5400 RPM)
•Color: Black

its a very interesting item

I have an older, slower 101z, about year or so old, that I picked up from the Dell Outlet for about this price. It's nothing spectacular but it's a solid little sub-laptop that runs Ubuntu and has been serving as the family computer for some time now.

ahallfatwallett said:   The 1.4GHZ Celeron CPU is a 2nd generation (Sandy Bridge) CPU, not the 1st generation i3-330UM in this Dell. So despite the "Celeron" label I'd expect better performance than the Dell, especially with graphics and slightly higher clock frequency.

a celeron vs. and i3?

A Celeron is two cores with one thread each.

An i3 is two cores with two threads each - but each thread only improves performance by about 20%, at best, and that depends on the code you are running and what the operating system is doing.

The Celeron's Cache is 2MB; the i3 is 3MB.

And again, the Celeron is a Sandy Bridge. The graphics core runs at 350MHZ, and the memory controller can handle 1066MHZ and 1333MHZ DDR3 RAM.

The i3 graphics core (which is off chip but in the same package) runs at 166MHZ, and the memory controller can handle up to 800MHZ DDR3 RAM.

I stand by my belief that the Celeron would see a slight performance benefit because it is a Sandy Bridge, running at a 200MHZ faster clock rate with a faster memory controller, plus graphics would be even faster given how much faster the graphics core runs (and is integrated).

http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Core_i3/Intel-Core%20i3%20Mobile%2...
http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Celeron_Dual-Core/Intel-Mobile%20C...

As far as Dell vs. Acer: I agree, Dell support is probably better in my experience. But if you buy the Acer at Costco with an AMEX card, you get a three year warranty, anyway.

I want but do not need; must resist....

DUDSTER said:   I have a 3 year old netbook and would like to replace it. I wish to replace it with an 11" to 13" laptop. I would be using it the majority of the time for travel purposes including playing games on LONG flights. If this is not the solution to my needs ... can someone make a recommendation of an alternative in the same price range?

Thank you ...

I must agree with previous posters that this is a very good price for a unit with these specs.

Personally, I'd upgrade the 250GB drive to a 120GB - 128GB SSD drive ($75-90), and upgrade to 4GB memory ($25), for a grand total of ~$400. SSD drives offer the best bang for your buck performance-wise, and you can't go wrong with doubling your memory for $25.

Of course, your upgrades will take some level of technical ability, so YMMV.

I don't recall every seeing an 11-12" notebook that comes standard with a good size SSD drive for $400 or less. If there was such a build, obviously, if the price could be kept down, that'd be a better choice than upgrading those components (for some).

Bottom line ... this gives you a Core i3 processor (not a gimped one), that lets you base any future upgrades off of ... which is fantastic, IMO.

StueyG said:   Dell has good service? Since when? Their service is a joke. You have to argue with them to get anything done. Big huge hassle.

In my experience, they offer quick and good service, short waits to reach a Dell Rep. Best service is if you have a currently active service plan, but that costs extra $.

Sk8terboy said:   StueyG said:   Dell has good service? Since when? Their service is a joke. You have to argue with them to get anything done. Big huge hassle.

In my experience, they offer quick and good service, short waits to reach a Dell Rep. Best service is if you have a currently active service plan, but that costs extra $.Credit where credit is due -- I have had spectacular luck with Dell service, and their machines are top-drawer, very high quality in my experience, they just go and go and do NOT break, and if ever they do, Dell is behind you all the way.

Been using mine today and can say this is a sweet laptop for its price. I've owned a bunch over the years - laptops, netbooks, tablets, and this unit ranks right up there at the top when considering cost. The keyboard is wonderful, not too small and has excellent tactile feel to it. Screen is bright and sharp. Build is wonderful. i3 is fast enough without hiccups that any processor of a lesser class will experience. Full windows7 blows away any android tablet out there. My only complaint is the fan stays on nearly all the time, it's not too loud fortunately - perhaps an SSD will help cut down on internal heat ? Anyway, I'd definitely spring for an extra 2gb stick since it's so inexpensive. Seriously, at this price for the unit it's practically a throw away toy but will give you endless hours of fun and productivity.

Anyone have any suggestions on an SSD drive?

Anyone own one of these and tossed Windows 8 Release Preview on it? If so, how did it run?

ir0nw0lf said:   Anyone own one of these and tossed Windows 8 Release Preview on it? If so, how did it run?

I think this program falls under the Win 8 upgrade for $15?

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Windows-8-Upgrade-RTM-Release-P...

"Beginning June 2, 2012, Microsoft will roll out the Windows Upgrade Offer in 131 markets, including the U.S. and Canada," the company stated on Thursday. "Consumers who buy eligible Windows 7-based PCs through Jan. 31, 2013, can purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of $14.99 (U.S.) during the time of the promotion."Customers must purchase a PC with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate pre-installed -- and have a matching and valid OEM certificate of authenticity -- to be eligible for the $14.99 upgrade price.

UPDATE: Microsoft released additional information regarding the upgrade. "Beginning June 2, 2012, consumers who purchase up to five new Windows 7 PCs preinstalled with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate will be eligible to purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro upon general availability of Windows 8," the company said on Friday. "Qualifying purchases must be made before January 31, 2013, and offers must be redeemed by February 28, 2013."

Yes, comes with a 2gb stick and an open slot. I added 4gb stick, and now have 6gb.

I never buy aftermarket warranties. The companies always try to avoid providing service, and blame you for the problem. If things are defective, they are likely to break early under the regular warranty. And there aren't that many moving parts - hard disks are easy to replace on your own. Tech support is a joke - usually someone who knows less than you reading stupid ideas off of a script. I get much better info from user groups and web searches.

I have one on order. I plan to give it a go this weekend...