[batman19]

which window is best for the 2100?

once i get my netbook, i would like to do a clean install, how can i do that without CD?

any good program i should use with this netbook? sorry i dont much about netbook.
what do u think about installing word in this netbook? is it too much?

i do have the 160GB HDD

[aslacker]

I am running Windows XP Pro and Windows 7 in dual boot, currently. I am hoping to put OS X on there at some point, and some other flavor of Linux (I need the practice). If the tools I need for my job and school had current drivers under Windows 7, I'd take XP Pro off.

In terms of programs, I think others have said it best in other areas of this forum. Yes, the netbook is good for word processing, and other, minor activities. However, if you are going to do much more, you may want to weigh netbook ownership against full notebook/laptop ownership.

So far, I have successfully tethered a phone for WWAN, word processed, reviewed PDFs, watched Netflix videos, Skyped, IM'd, emailed, web-surfed, configured network hardware, VPN'd and played old video games with my son.

If you get one and use it as intended, or understand its limitations even as you push their boundaries, I think you will be very happy with your purchase.

[batman19]

Since i do not have win7, i'm thinking about vista cus i'm so used to vista. here is what i plan on installing. MS office, firefox, PDF reader, Yim, skype, couple small app for work, and maybe a few old game. Do you think it is too much? how do u compare the CPU speed to reg laptop?

Where can i find info about installing software without CD with my new netbook?

[aslacker]

Originally Posted by batman19

Since i do not have win7, i'm thinking about vista cus i'm so used to vista.

I don't know about Vista, sorry. The only machine in my home running it is my wife's laptop, and we only got Vista because XP was not an option. I personally dislike Vista.

Originally Posted by batman19

MS office, firefox, PDF reader, Yim, skype, couple small app for work, and maybe a few old game. Do you think it is too much?

On Win7 or XP, I can say that these would work just fine. Under Vista, I don't know. How much memory does your system have?

Originally Posted by batman19

how do u compare the CPU speed to reg laptop?

I honestly thought my netbook would be noticeably slow -- but it isn't! Also, I figured Win7 would bring my netbook to its knees, but had read multiple, glowing recommendations on Win7 on netbooks, so I gave it a try. Win7 runs wonderfully on my netbook, and I really like it.

Originally Posted by batman19

Where can i find info about installing software without CD with my new netbook?

The prime means are via USB devices -- thumb drives, optical drives, etc. You could also disassemble your machine, remove the hard drive, add programs to the hard drive with another machine and then re-assemble, but that would be too much for me.

Good luck, and please post your experience/results here.

[batman19]

thanks for the reply. i would like to try the window 7 but since i dont have a copy of it yet.... so thats no go here. my 2100 has 2GB so i think it will be find with vista. i'm thinking about gettin the BIOS update first. do you know how?

[pmronline]

Any inputs on how to upgrade memory to 2 GB.. any help on the steps with pictures....

also.. it seems 2 GB memory stick can cause issues, did anybody succeed adding a 2 GB memory stick (looks like max is 1 GB). Thanks

[aslacker]

Originally Posted by batman19

i'm thinking about gettin the BIOS update first. do you know how?

Unfortunately, I have not needed to do this, so I do not know. Is there a particular reason you wish to upgrade your bios? Just curious if I am missing some functionality or something.

Originally Posted by pmronline

Any inputs on how to upgrade memory to 2 GB.. any help on the steps with pictures....

also.. it seems 2 GB memory stick can cause issues, did anybody succeed adding a 2 GB memory stick (looks like max is 1 GB). Thanks

Are you talking about the Latitude 2100 or the one of the Minis? On the 2100, the motherboard comes with a either 512Megs or 1 Gig soldered on, and then there is a slot to add an additional module, up to 1 Gig -- for 2 Gigs total. If you have a 2100 with only 512 Megs on the mobo, then your maximum is 1.5 Gigs, total.

[thundertracks]

Go to Dell support website for the Lat. 2100, pull up service manual, there is instructions and pictures on how to install memory. About a 15 minute job.