New Latitude and Precision's

Don't forget the M2400/M2500 is classed as a workstation not a laptop. So you do get a different class of support from Dell. Meaning better. at least that is what i see from when i had my M4400. I will also be going to a M2500 when they come out.

 

Well yeah, but if the price difference was $5...easy choice.

 

The support is the same (at least here) for Latitude and Precision. Both 3yr NBD on-site etc.

 

And there's no negative to the Precision, right? All parts are interchangeable between the M2400 and E6400 (except for the previously mentioned GPU) so it isn't an issue that you have a more niche computer, right? Or put another way, you have all the benefits of the mainstream Latitude but with the perks of a better GPU and possibly better support?

 

Well, the only possible downside is the (maybe) higher temps you might get because of the faster GPU.
But again, i'm expecting the M2500 to be quite a bit more expensive than the E6410 and if you don't need an OpenGL GPU there's no real reason to pay that premium. If you regularly use CAD or other 3D apps (except, 3dsmax, which is set-up for DirectX) the OpenGL support is worth it.

 

Gotcha. So should the new equipment end up as similar as the current models can be and the price is about the same, go with the Precision over the Latitude. But assuming there is a difference in the new equipment and unless I need graphics intensive equipment (I don't) then stick with the Latitude. Thanks LPTP-LVR, willard, and Cherude. Very helpful.

 

The GPUs are essentially the same in terms of technical hardware (GPU die, clock speeds, etc). The Quadro will just have extra extensions to support OpenGL.

 

Really? Wasn't aware of that. The same doesn't go for the E6500 though, as counterpart of the M4400. It offers the same GPU as the E6400 while the Quadro FX 770M is based on the 9600m GT. What's the Geforce version of the NVS 160?

 

My m6500 order is cancelled due to incorporating usb 3.0 into the m6500 mid stream!, I'm therefore open to m2500, m4500 or m6500....expect to see my presence on this thread more and more...

 

geforce version of the NVS160 is the 9300GS. no way is it comparable to the GPU in the M2400. They're both openGL optimized but the GPU in the precision is much more powerful.