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Recommending a Dell Latitude E7x40/ E7x50 laptop. The "x" is either a 2 (12.5" screen) or a 4 (14" screen). Other decisions to be made are outlined on this page.

Decision table

Lenetsky's choice: E7440 (primary work computer)

Notes
 

Jack's choice

E7250 (vs. E7240)

Roald's choice: E7240 (travel)

E7240, as travel laptop

 

Lenetsky's laptop (Hint spec'ed)

E7440, as primary work computer

 

Notes
Order details~$1,350 w/ draft specs.$1,704 (incl. $100 dock), via Cornell contract$1,075 (already has dock), via NYS contract 
Screen size: 12.5" or 14.0" screenMaybe 12.5" (lighter)12.5"14"

0.6 pound difference. 3#'s (1,340g)  vs 3.6#'s (1,630g).

Processor: i5 or i7 (~$150)Likely i7i7 (more powerful; may use more battery)i7i5For primary machine, lean towards i7. BUT uses more power (lower battery life)
RAM: 8GB or 16GB

16GB

(Order 88GB*1, and buy $70 3rd party RAM, another 8GB*1)

8GB (as ordered)

(Ordered 8GB*1. May later buy

$70 3rd party RAM)

16GB

(Ordered with 4GB, to be tossed, buying . Replcing with 16GB 3rd party RAM)

ChemIT will get as cheap as possible, using 3rd party RAM and spec'ing to reuse Dell's RAM if cost-effective
Hard drive: Size and type

180GB SSD (Oliver reduced from 256GB SSD)

Currently Jack has a 180GB HDD.

(Only option previously: 256GB SSD. That was bigger than necessary, and is $97.50 more.)

HD size and type256GB SSD

 256GB SSD 
Webcam ($20)Yes Yes Yes 

Screen resolution: Std HD (1366 x 768) or HD Highest (1920 x 1080)

(~$130~$120)

NOTE: HD only available in 12.5" if with touch, for $300 total.

HD (1366 x 768) if fine.

And the only option available on the Low if 12.5" .

High if 14".

 if get without a touch screen.

High HD 

Touch screen

See Screen resolution, above.

NoYes , (with Win 8)No 
ChemIT installs operating system (OS)Windows 7Windows 8 (looks like 7and looking like 8, for touch screen)Windows 8 (looks but made to look like 7, since no touch screen)Use CU's site licensed MS OS license, thus buy the cheapest.

Extended battery warranty (beyond 1 yr)

  • 2nd yr: $59.25
  • 2nd and 3rd yr: $66.75
Do?No

Yes

To 3rd year?

 

, to 3rd year

No

Also: Consider buying a spare battery and/ or external battery pack AFTER some experience with actual batter life and needs.

  • $110 for an extra batter
  • $Unknown price for external battery pack (12000 mAh). "Call to order"?!
 
Extended warranty beyond 3 years? If so, what years?See price sheetNo No NoOliver reviewed price sheet with Jack. 
Add Complete Care to insure against accidental damage? If so, what years?See price sheetNo No NoOliver reviewed price sheet with Jack. 
Mini-display port to VGA adapter ($26.24)Yes (confirm need)

Definitely needs.

Don't order yet. If get as a "gift" from Dell, fine. If not, then order one for $15-26.

No (Got as a free gift from Dell, though?!) No 

Notes

Dock "spacer" (no added cost)

  • How does this work?
  • Need a second one for Jack's home dock?

...