Questions/concerns with M1530

Yeah there are a million threads on this I'm sure but I have some basic questions on the laptop. The old threads are so long I can't find specifically what I need to know.

I was configuring a system with these specs:

T5600
250gig 7.2k hdd
8600gt
1440x900 LED backlit screen
3gig ram
DVD-RW drive
bluetooth/dell wireless-n
vista 32

questions:

1. Should I bump up to a T8400 for ~$140? (I play some games like HL2, Total war games, TF2)
2. Does the 8600gt still have problems with failing? (i.e. do I need a longer warranty)
3. Are there "graininess" or other problems with the LED screen?
4. Should I get the Intel or Dell wireless card?
5. Any recommendations to get Vista 64?
6. Did they fix the optical drive sound issues?
7. How does the red version look? (leaning towards black)

I really like the look of this laptop and the configuration I listed comes in under $1100 with the 20% coupon. Thanks all.

 

1. most games now are GPU-limited. this means that you'll experience diminishing returns as you increase CPU power. HL2 (and CSS), though, are more CPU-dependent, so the upgrade would help there. the latest builds of the source engine offload on the GPU a lot more than before, so you wouldn't see the same improvements in TF2/Portal/HL2Ep2/L4D, though.
2. there really haven't been a lot of failures with the 86m, just heat; the 84m's failures are far more prolific, apparently.
3. can't speak on this, haven't heard badly of them, though.
4. I prefer Intel for continuing driver support.
5. dell actually has a 64-bit driver section opened for the m1530, now. shouldn't be a chore to look around anymore.
6. can't comment here.
7. that's more of an opinion thing, but the fact is you gotta drop $150 more on a base system.

 

4) definitely get the intel card... less problems than dell

 

thanks for the responses.

Yeah HL2 is more CPU dependent and so are Total War games which makes me lean towards the faster CPU.

Looks like Intel wireless is the way to go, but you cant get it with Vista 64, so its one or the other.

One more question...how far does the 9-cell battery extrude from the casing?

 

a couple of centimeters (perpendicular to the chassis)

 

1- totally worth the upgrade, it will make your computer much more future-proof.
2- as said above, the 8600 is a very good card, its the 8400 that has the problems.
3- of what ive read, LED screens dont come grainy, i have a grainy 1920 by 1200 screen on mine, it doesnt bother me a thing.
4- i would completely recommend intel over dell, ive heard some nasty things of dell wireless cards, best to stick with the awsome intel next gen one, it has been the best one ive used in a long time (i get 4 bars in the same place my brother's laptop gets 2)
5- you can chat with dell tech support and they will send you a 64 bit version of your OS at no extra charge, i did so and installed it, the performance boost is small, but still its there
6-what issues? the sluttering? yeah its fixed, or at least i dont have them, if you were refering to the loud sound when you put in a CD, then no, thats the sound it makes naturally, and it doesnt bother me at all.
7- the red version looks really cool, i chose the blue version to keep a low profile, but the black one is boring, go RED!!!

cheers man, i bet you wont be dissapointed, this is the best laptop ive had

oh and mine has the 9 cell, it raises the laptop as if it was 2 times its width, but gives a nice lift to the keyboard and helps cool the laptop.