Great Size, Great Big Pain in the Butt
Written: Mar 22 '04
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Pros: Size
Cons: Everything Else...BEWARE
The Bottom Line: THe support is great, but do you really want a computer that gives you the opportunity to learn just how good the tech support is???
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| tigresslarue's Full Review: Dell Latitude™ C400 PC Notebook |
When I started law school we were required to purchase a laptop, and the school program offered Dells--given 2 options, I chose the C400 due to its size. While I have no basis for comparison, I would NOT recommend this laptop, unless you have an unlimited warranty with onsite service (not likely).
The size of the computer is great. I can fit it into most of my larger purses, it only weighs a few lbs. And, while I know nothing about computers, for its size, it gets the same jobs done as any other computer I've used (keeping in mind that the extent of my use is word processing, obsessive emailing and paralyzing addiction to AIM).
However, everything else about this computer sucks. I cannot even begin to describe how many problems I have had with it. I am on a first name basis with half of the tech help-desk at my school.
Where shall I start?
(1) The computer used to just shut off by itself while I was typing--while I never learned what the problem was, it required replacement of the hard drive.
(2)all four rubber feet somehow fell off the bottom, causing the computer to make scary ventilation sounds if i used it on a warm surface (i.e. my lap) for more than 10 minutes. Isn't it called a laptop???
(3) keys fall off constantly. I dont know why. Its not like Im beating the hell out of the keyboard.
(4) It takes about 5 minutes after startup before any program will load properly
(5) The USB port just up and stopped working one day, even though I rarely used it to begin with. I had to have that completely replaced.
(6)The battery power is dreadful. Its supposed to last about 4 hours. When I have the battery completely charged, and the monitor on the lowest level, it lasts a little over 2 hours if I'm lucky. Not to mention, the battery monitor is jacked. It will jump from 1 hr 04 minutes left to 32 minutes left and you have no idea which is accurate.
Do not get this computer. Please. I beg of you. In the name of all that is good and holy.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 1600
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Pentium III
Processor speed: Don''t Know
Screen Size: 12 inches
RAM: 256
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Epinions.com ID:
tigresslarue
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Location: Chicago, IL
Reviews written: 16
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Law Student, shopper, and wannabe traveler.
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