E1505/6400 Video Upgrade / better than X1400? When?

First, I know that there is no upgrade or anything faster than an X1400 at this time. What I'm wondering is if anyone has any idea as to when Dell will be offering a faster video card for their E1505/6400 Inspiron's? It seems logical, now that Vista is being offered on almost all systems from all manufacturers, and that most manufacturers are offering 7600's, X1600's, and even X1700's in 14" and 15" notebooks. When will Dells step up to the plate... anyone got any inside information? Thanks.

-Josh

 

I don't think Dell will introduce a better videocard for this notebook before santa rosa comes out (april/may)

 

Besides waiting for Santa Rosa, I would venture that won't happen until the next big push from ATi and nVidia, which might be as late as summer. They'll need to create a whole new board design for the 1x05 series (though perhaps the 1705 will get more configuration options first) to accommodate faster video cards and new processor/chipset configurations. Dell usually waits longer than other manufacturers in making those jumps.

 

It depends on demand and the wanting for a faster card by consumers. Many people will want this to come with the option of a faster graphics card, and it would tempt many people, if coupled with a resonable price. But as other members have said, it probably won't be until DX10 cards are entering the market or have flooded in the market in vast numbers. It may even be when Dell decide to refresh the disgn of the notebook.

 

Boy, that's kind of disappointing to hear. Although all of it makes sense. Dell seems to be missing out on sort of a niche with these budget gaming notebooks. It seems as though almost all manufacturers offer something with more power than just the X1400. I'm satisfied with the selection, and don't "need" the upgrade, but it would sure be nice. It looks as though I'll just be waiting for the new generation of 15.4" notebooks from Dell, unless a miracle happens and they offer something with some Kahones! Kind of makes me wish I had purchased from another manufacturer, but it's difficult to beat some of Dell's deals. Sure would be nice if there was a way to shoehorn another video card in there. Keep the replies coming if someone has any other useful or insightful information. Thanks guys.

-Josh

 

I don't know about that. From a "mass market" standpoint (best buy, circuit city, compusa) I rarely see anyone offering anyting as good as the X1400's in the $900-$1200 notebook range. Mostly I see the cheap'o integrated 950's and maybe an X1100. One of the things that lead me to the E1505 was the fact that I could get a semi-decent graphic card (x1400) in a budget notebook and be fully ready for anything vista could want - and play some semi decent games (on med/low).

But ya - I would have been VERY happy if there was an option for the x1600. But it is still a good offering with the x1400 - better than most.

 

I agree that the X1400 is a good card. It's just that in 12 months time, games will have moved on a bit and will demand more from my Inspiron 6400.
In contrast, I've noticed that the 9400 has several powerful graphics card updates available.
My old Inspiron 8100 was upgraded from the 16mb Geforce2 go into a Geforce4 go by only spending $20. The new card gave twice the frame rate.

Give it time and we shall see what Dell has to offer.

 

if portability isn't an issue for u you'll eventually be able to get an external graphics card (shown off in the following vid)

http://dl.tv/2007/01/episode_129_ces_day_3_and_that_1.php