I bought my current desktop PC in 1999 and at 500Mhz, it is getting slightly old and slow for my tastes. I plan on keeping it around for awhile still, but I'd like to get a laptop. I am taking classes, and with wireless access all over campus, laptops are great for the library, or even in my room. I also like the power and capability of the new ones, particularly the Intel Pentium M processor.

So, I've narrowed my search down to two laptops. The first is the Dell Latitude D600. 1.4 Pentium M SXGA 14" screen, 802.11b/g wireless access, 40GB HD, etc. I believe the weight is about 5.0lbs and the computer is about 1.5" thick, so it sounds small and light enough for me. I also like the 'nipple' that comes on this computer (like IBM's), and I have been very happy with my Dell desktop.

The second computer is the new Fujitsu S6120. It has a 13" XGA screen (vs dell's SXGA) 1.4 Pentium M, the Intel Centrino 802.11b (not b/g), 40GB HD, weighs about 4.5 lbs, and is even smaller than the Dell, which I REALLY like. This looks to be a great little computer. I've used it, and liked it.

Now, I have never even SEEN the Dell, which gives me some reservation about ordering one. Is it small enough to fit well in my bag? How does the screeen look? These are all questions I wish I could answer. The other downfall that affects the Dell is that I have to pay $180 for tax/shipping, versus no tax/shipping on the Fujitsu. The prices before tax/shipping are IDENTICAL, but the Fujitsu suddenly becomes a better deal after that is considered. Both these computers have received very high ratings.

Right now I think I favor the Dell. Based on the specs, I like the SXGA screen, and I am a fan of the 'nipple' mouse. The 802.11b/g is a BIT more flexible than the Intel 802.11b only on the Fujitsu. However, the Fujitsu wins in the size/weight by a slim margin, and the $180 less is a factor too, and I know I like it.

I'm looking for opinions on these computers. If anyone has/ has used the Dell, I'm interested in your opinions. Same with the Fujitsu. If you have another computer you'd recommend I'm open to that too. Just please remember that I want a computer that is thin and light, so please no huge Toshibas or Compaqs.

Thanks for your help.

http://di.dell.com/images/global/products/latit/d600_open_top.jpg
http://www.fujitsupc.com/images/notebooks/S2000_photogal/rightangle.jpg

my advice is don't buy the dell unless you get a 3 year warrantee and plan on replacing the laptop in 3 years. it's not a question of if it'll break on you, or even a question of how soon, more of a question of what =p

I've had IBM laptops for years. They can be serviced everywhere. The nipple pointing device - Trackpoint - is standard. And, they are very well built. Get the biggest screen possible - the 15 inch - you will welcome the visibility.

I've had my Dell laptop for about 5 years and I've been very happy with it. I bought a refurbished unit which was only a couple of months old and saved around $400 compared the same model brand new, and it came with the same warranty and everything. You can find the listings for the refurbished computers on the Dell website if you're interested.

Also, you actually live inside the city of Detroit? Do you go to Wayne State or something?

Have you considered a laptop with the centrino chip? It has more standard Wi-Fi compatibilty and gives you longer battery life. It has a slower clock speed compared to the P4M, but actually is faster opening most aplications.

Just a though, considering you want wireless copatibilty.

I can only say that one company I worked for had only and many Dell notebooks. They were good. I would rather go for a bigger display and bigger harddrive. I think their support (via Internet) is quite good, too. Good luck....

I'm bought a dell inspiron 6 mths ago and I've been v happy with it. Good performance and very well put together, also the screen is superb. Happy shopping!

Actually, both these computers can come with the centrino. However, the Centrino is not a "chip" so much as a combination of 3 things that make it a true Centrino.

1) Pentium M processor
2) Intel 855 Chipset
3) Intel PRO wireless 802.11b

If you have all 3 of these items, your computer is a "centrino". This is how the fujitsu comes. The Dell can be ordered this way also, however, I would purchase the Dell True Wireless rather than the Intel PRO Wireless, since the Dell version is 802.11b/g, rather than just b. Probably doesn't make any difference, but oh well.

Thanks for the replies. I'd still like to see the dell. I have looked into refurbished, and I am thinking about doing that still.

As far as Detroit, I am moving in 3 weeks. Working for one of the automakers. So, I don't live in Detroit yet, but I do plan to actually live in the city. Do my part to help Detroit in its renaissance, and I feel it is important to live there as opposed to the suburbs. I am planning to go to graduate school, but I do not know where.

While researching laptops for when I started my new company I discovered Dell computers have very good reliability, statistically. I also discovered that their cases are too flimsy for my tastes. It seemed to me that these would not be safe in a briefcase, like I travel. Support is so-so. If you wait until you move to Detroit maybe you don't get nicked for sales tax.

IBM's also have very good reliabilty and very good support. Pricey pieces though.

I settled on Compaq notebooks because they have the best form factor and rugged cases. Prices are good too. Support is average.

I considered Fujitsu but they were pricey and their support rating was horrid. Their reliabilty was unrated because of so few sales.

I am actually using the Dell laptop my company bought me right now. It is a great machine. One word of advice for you.. If you go with a normal P4 instead of the M, you can get much more laptop for your dollar. I have a new Dell SmartStep 200N. It has a P4 2.0Ghz with a 40GB drive, DVD, 14inch SXGA screen. I think it was only like $1099 brand new... anyway, just food for thought. ;)

BTW: It also has the ATI Mobility M6 32MB graphics chip. One of the best mobile graphics chips available. (Or at least it was when I bought it)