XPS 15 SB Build: Wireless, Battery, Video Card

Hi guys I was just wondering if you could help me choose the best options for an XPS 15 SB. I've pretty much settled with the rest of the options except for these three. But in case you can suggest something for the whole build here are the features I chose:

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Processor
Intel® CoreTM i7 2720QM (2.2GHz/6MB cache)
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Operating System
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-Bit
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Memory
8GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3 Memory
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Display
15.6 inch display (1920x1080)
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Audio and Speakers
JBL 2.1 Designed & Certified Speakers + Waves MaxxAudio® 3
2.1 Audio: 2 X 4W + 12W sub-woofer = 20W total peak audio performance
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Hard Drive
750GB SATA hard drive (7200RPM)
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Optical Drive
8x DVD+/-RW (standard)​

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Here's where I need your opinion...

Video Card
2048MB NVIDIA® GeForce® GT540M vs 1024MB NVIDIA® GeForce® GT525M

I read somewhere that there haven't been any software that really needed 2GB memory for graphics so I was opting for the other one. What do you think? Applications I will actively use listed below.

Power
6-cell LI (2.6Ah) standard vs 9-cell LI (2.8Ah)
90W AC adapter standard; 130W with 2GB graphics

I'm a software engineering student so I will mostly bring this to school but since almost all my classes are in computer labs and outlets are everywhere in the campus I was going for the 6-cell instead. But from your experience, how long do these two batteries last doing the same tasks unplugged?

[√] Wireless| Wi-Fi Options:
Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 1000 (1x2bgn + Bluetooth) vs Wireless-N 1030 (1x2 bgn+ Bluetooth) vs Advanced-N 6230 (2x2 agn+ Bluetooth)

Now here's where I want to know a lot. Since it's a laptop I find that this is one of the most important component for mobility. I was gonna go for the 6230 simply because it has the highest upgrade cost ( which meant it has more functionality than the two). But do I really need its features. Can you help me understand the differences between them. I quite understand the abgn but can you elaborate especially the difference between the bands (2.4GHz and 5) and the 1x2, 2x2 part. For the 802.11a, can I avail of its features.

To help you weigh my case a bit. At home I have internet speeds(download), 15Mbps wired and around 8-12Mbps if wireless. At school I measured it around 1-3Mbps wireless. Does it matter if I have a 1030 wireless card or 6230?? Buy and upgrade to Intel® Centrino® Ultimate-N 6300 instead ($40+).

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Number of software I will mostly use:
Adobe CS4:

• Photoshop
• Flash
• Illustrator
• Dreamweaver
• After Effects

Programming:

• Microsoft Visual Studio 2010
• VMware Player
• Oracle - SQL Plus

Gaming:

• Some Online MMORPG: probably like WOW, Ragnarok, Perfect World and other 3D ones.
• Frozen Throne esp. DOTA (through garena)

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[√] SOLVED BONUS QUESTION: Dell Financing
Lastly, a completely off topic but do you guys have an idea about Dell financing? In Canada, they have 38 and 48 month financing at 13.99% rate (lowest possible). Right now, they have the first 12 months no interest...My question is if I choose the 38 month and with their 12 months no interest promo will they allow me to pay everything in 12 gives instead of 38 months?? Yes.

I might be asking too much but I appreciate it really! Thanks!

 

Financing: Yes, generally if you pay it all off during the promotion period, you don't pay any interest at all. It's a great deal if you absolutely know you can afford the computer and just want to space out the payments.

Battery: I actually find that the 9-cell has an additional feature: better ventilation and provides a nice place to grip the computer when holding it in one hand and taking it in/out of a laptop bag. 9-cell might give you 6-7 hours with light use; 6-cell 3-4 hours. See my Battery Life thread for more.

Wireless: NxM = N transmit antennas and M recieve antennas. More increases the distance you can be from the access point. 5 GHz band is less crowded and supports higher speeds than the 2.4 GHz band. There seem to be some issues with the 2.4 GHz band on the 6230 card right now, so it might be better to get the lowest card and then upgrade to say a 6300 with 3 antennas. Note that 2.4 GHz is more likely to be used by your university/other common hot spots.

 

@DakkonA

[√] Financing: That's good to hear.

[_] Battery: I've just read your thread, it seems most agree that there's no difference in power consumption between multi cores. What I'm worried about is its weight. I saw on Dell's page that it's 5.9+lbs(6cell) vs 6.3+lbs(9cell). I'll be carrying it mostly. Probably with a backpack or messenger bag. Do you feel the weight of your XPS with 9 cell?? If it's not that bad I might get the 9 cell then, plus the added ventilation.

[√] Wireless: Ok then, I'll get the lowest option then upgrade it to N6300 which costs around $40 right?? Will I have a hard time replacing it though? In summary, it's better to get the best wireless card for a laptop.

 

I don't mind the weight. I don't think I'm freakishly strong or anything, and I can even hold the laptop on my left arm while standing up and use it with my right arm without too much difficulty. As far as just being in my laptop bag, I don't think the extra 0.4 lbs is very noticable, personally.

The card is the easiest thing (aside from battery) to change out. The only difficulty may be whether it comes with all the antennas (black/white/gray) that you'd need for the 6300 (remember this doesn't have Bluetooth, until Intel comes out with 6330). The service manual for the laptop found on Dell's website does a good job for this part.