4GB E6400 or 2GB E4300

I need help. I need to replace my D610 and I have two options:

Option 1: E6400
Intel Core 2 DUO T9600 2.80GHZ Processor
14.1: UltraSharp WXGA (1440/900) display
4GB ram
160GB HDD
DVD+/-RW
Dell wireless 1397 802.11/b/g Mini Card

Option 2: E4300
Intel Core 2 DUO SP9400 2.40GHZ Processor
13.3" wide WXGA screen
2GB Ram
80GB HDD
8X DVD
Dell wireless 1397 802.11 b/g Mini Card

Price is not a concern on either of these (they are my only options). What is important is the power vs portability trade-off. I need to be able run HD video and am not sure if the E4300 spec'd above can do it. If it can, I would much rather have the small form factor. If not, I'd go with the E6400. Anything else to consider?

Thanks!

 

I would go for the Option 1... 14 is just a little bit more bigger than the 13 inch. and the Option 1 is more powerful...

 

The specs on the E4300 are fine for HD video.

 

The Intel GPU in both options is effectively the same and includes a built-in H.264 decoder. I've just run the same HD video trailer on both computers, side-by-side, and could not see any difference in quality.

If you value portability over the extra pixels on the 1440 x 900 display then the E4300 is the better choice. It is substantially (about 0.5kg) lighter than the E6400. However, the 6 cell battery sticks out at the back of the E4300 so the front-to-back distance is very similar to the E6400. For me, the biggest weakness of the E4300 is having only 2 USB ports.

John

 

Thanks for the great info. In terms of processing power, is the e4300 robust enough to run intensive programs (like CAD or even Boxee (or other HTPC programs))?

 

My E4300 has almost identical performance to my E6400, but both have the Intel graphics. I do a limited amount of CAD (but only 2D) but a lot of GIS work.

A dedicated GPU (which is not available for the E4300) will improve the handling of 3D graphics (eg 3D games and 3D CAD) but at the expense of more heat and fan noise and less battery run time. However, the Intel GPU can handle occasional 3D CAD - it just takes a bit longer to do the rendering.

John