Dell e1505 for college! Need help please!!

I am heading off to college the 23rd of august and am in desperate need of a laptop. I have narrowed it down to the e1505 and the e1705. I love gaming and i like the e1705 for its gpu (my friend has one but it seems incredibly big and not practical for towing around from class to class). The e1505 is great because it isnt as bulky but it lacks in the gpu. I am wondering if I should wait a little while longer to see if Dell updates their gpu options? And if I should wait for the new Core 2 Duo to come out? I know they are not that much more powerful but I would rather have the latest technology if possible. If you guys could please give me your opinions that would be great. Thanks.

Chris

P.S. - Laptop setup for e1505 would be:
Intel® Core™ Duo Proc T2400 (1.83GHz/667MHz/2 X 1MB L2 Cache)
Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005
LCD Panel 15.4 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife™
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz, 2 Dimm (Upgrage to 2GB 667? or 1 GB 667?)
256MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1400 HyperMemory™
120GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
Network Card and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0
Combo/DVD+RW Drives 8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
Sound Options Integrated Sound Blaster® Audigy™ HD Software Edition
Wireless Networking Cards Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 Internal Wireless and Bluetooth
Office Productivity Software (Pre-Installed) No productivity suite- Corel WordPerfect word processor only
Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) McAfee Security Center with VirusScan, Firewall, Spyware Removal, 24-months
Primary Battery 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Hardware Warranty 3Yr Ltd Warr,At-Home Service,and HW Warr Support plus Nights and Weekends
Accidental Damage Service-Not Available in Florida SAVE 10 %! Add CompleteCare Accidental Damage Svc to 3Yr Lim Warranty
Dial-Up Internet Access 6 Months America Online Internet Access Included
Color Choice Carbon Fiber QuickSnap™ Cover
Free SKIN Promotion 15 - Free Promotion for 15 inch Skin
Future Operating Systems Windows Vista™ Capable
Operating System Re-Installation CD Genuine Windows® XP Media Center 2005 Edition re-installation CD
Media Center Enhancements TV Tuner w/ Remote Control

 

Due to the fact that the more powerful graphics cards create a lot of heat, i doubt the E1505 will ever get anything better than the ATi X1400 or Nvidia GeoForce Go 7300. The core two duo is just an updated version of the core duo that includes 64 bit support. Windows Vista is still compatible with 32 bit processors, and the memory maxes out at 2gb on the e1505, so I dont see 64 bit support making much of a difference in performance.

The E1505 is easy to take to class back and forth, I have the Dell nylon case for it. I think if I had the E1705 it would be too large and heavy for me. The nice thing about the E1505 and the 15.4 inch form factor is its big enough to be a desktop replacement, but not too big that you cant take it places. Its the best of both worlds.

 

that is a nice setup for what you need. There is no need to wait for the Core 2 Duo as most games are not programmed to use 64 bit. The tv tuner is quite expensive and you could get it cheaper somewhere else such as at compusa.

 

You cant get the Dell branded tuner at CompUSA

 

Why would you have to have the Dell turner?

 

If you can wait I suggest you wait for the merom because 64bit will be more futureproof I know you can always upgrade from the yonah but to do so would void your warranty

 

If you need the notebook by the 23rd, Yonah will probaly be your only option, as merom versions of the notebooks wont be out till September-October.


And no, i wouldn't upgrade the notebook yourself too Core Duo 2, as what was stated, voids your warranty.

 

If you are not going to take the notebook to class or many places, then go for the E1705, you would be glad of the larger screen. If you plan on taking to to the library and cofee shops everyday, then go for the E1505.

 

okay two more questions. hauppage tv tuner instead of dell tv tuner? (what do you guys recommend?) and does upgrading RAM void warranty?

 

I would go with the Hauppage from personal expierence. (I've used them)

And no, upgrading RAM does not viod your warranty. The only thing that changes is that if something happens to the RAM, Dell won't cover it. But adding RAM wont void it...

 

If I were you then I would get the 2GHz processor and a 7200rpm hard disk speed. I guess the price will be reduced by August and later on...

 

Where do you get this info? I have been told that merom notebooks will start coming out mid August.. I'd go with a 1.66 core duo, then later upgrade to a merom...

 

You could consider getting a small lower powered laptop for class and get a high powered desktop for your gaming.

Helping you decide should take the following into consideration:
+ How many books you'll have to carry
+ How far you'll have to go to get to class
+ What kind of physical strength you have.
+ How will the notebook be used. CAD design?
Or just MS Office stuff?
+ Will outlets be plenty
+ How much desk space will be available.
+ Are you going to game on the run.

The problem of carrying around the E1705 might be solved with the right laptop bag. They make them easy enough to carry these days so long as you have the strength.

Mike

 

I dont want to buy two machines just a laptop that would serve as a gaming rig and something for typing lab reports . Okay two more questions: is there really much of a noticeable difference between the 5400 and the 7200 hard drives? I would rather have a large hard drive (lots of music,games,video). But i am willing to sacrifice ~20gb for an increase in performance. I was looking at other manufacturers and they fit x1600's in 15.4 inch notebooks, so I was wondering if Dell might try this in the near future (before august 23rd)? Thanks.

chris

 

Maybe you should consider a Compal with go7600?

I don't think an x1400 will do the trick and the e1705 would be difficult to lug around

Mike