OutspokenGeek.Net

So I did it.

I ordered a Dell.

Specifically, a E1505N, preloaded with Ubuntu, from: http://www.dell.com/open

I ordered:

Inspiron E1505N with:

• Intel Core 2 Duo processor T5300 (2MB Cache/1.73GHz/533MHz FSB)
• 15.4 Inch UltraSharp TrueLife Wide-screen WSXGA+ (1680×1050 resolution)
• 512MB, DDR2, 533MHz (2×256MB)
• 256MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 7300 TurboCache
• 80GB 5400RPM SATA HD
• 8X DVD+/-RW Drive
• Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps)
• 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery

System Cost: $1,036.16

RAM Upgrade: $79.98

Grand Total: $1,116.14

The things I have concerns about (having not seen the system as of yet; we’ll have to see how much my concerns are valid or not when it arrives):

• TrueLife LCD - TrueLife is Dell’s “glossy” screen. Two roommates have glossy laptop LCD screens - one on a 13″ Macbook, the other on a 12″ Acer Ferari laptop. Neither like it.
• TurboCache’d video card - TurboCache is similar to “Shared Video Memory,” aka system RAM. However, TurboCache does this over the PCI Express Bus - so it has up to 4GB/sec in bandwidth each way. From what I’m seeing it should have between 64MB and 128MB of onboard RAM.

In typical fashion, I had to order the RAM upgrade (from the 2×256MB default) maxing the system out (2×1GB) from Newegg; as Dell wanted a 150% markup from Newegg’s prices to have it preinstalled ($39.99/stick versus $200 for the pair). On the upside, I’ll be able to do more testing as to how much difference different amounts of RAM make on Ubuntu.

I placed the order on May 25th, last Friday. Supposedly it will ship on June 8th, and arrive between the 13th and 15th of June. So check back, I’ll be giving this machine a solid review once I get it in!

Leave comments if you have any suggestions or tricks for how I should benchmark this system under Linux; automated (scripted) testing is preferred but not required! Or email them to me at linux-testing AT outspokengeek DOT net.