GeForce Go 7400 worth it for nongamers for XPS m1210?

I am seriously considering buying an xps m1210. After reading many reviews, everyone seems to suggest upgrading the video card from the integrated intel graphics to GeForce Go 7400. My question is, is it really necessary for non-gamers? I'm a student so I mostly using it for wireless/office/matlab/bittornent tv shows. I'm not a heavy gamer and it concerns me that using the nvida graphic card gives off more heat and takes up more power. If I decide not to go with out the GeForce, will my battery life improve doing the same identical task? Thanks guys!

 

yes the battery life will improve, but only marginally. I would say you would get at the very most an extra hour over the 7400. I would not recommend getting integreated even if you dont game. Since you cant upgrade later, if you decide to play games or other graphic intensive apps you might wish you upgraded to the 7400. I have the low end config. (dual core 1.6, 1 gb ram, 5400 rpm, 7400) and get 6+ hours with the 9 cell. Even with a top of the line system you should get around 4 hours with the nine cell. If I were you I would not even consider getting integrated. I could see if the upgrade was 250+ but for $129 the upgrade is a bargain to me. In terms of heat, yes it is a little hotter with the 7400 but nothing to worry about.

 

I second the notion jtom, go with the 7400.

 

Thanks jtom for your quick reply and your informative review. You guys are great!

 

You will appreciate the 7400 when watching dvds, movies etc. There is a step up in quality (colour, smoothness etc.) and also, it's so much smoother connecting the m1210 to an external monitor or HDTVs without a hitch unlike the GMA 950. A little less battery life is worth the benefits of the 7400. Besides, the 7400 isn't really a gaming card. That's why after a week I sent mine back.

 

My opinion is that it has no sense to get graphics for around 200$ premium if you don't need it. If you buying notebook in order to be mobile then the battery life is much more important. Moreover, the system without devoted graphics is more likely to be more reliable in terms of the time it may serve you.

It all depends on the kind of jobs you're intended to do. One cannot buy in advance the things which you may, or may not need (maybe, unless you get a really really good and unique offer).

 

I totally agree. If you don't game, go with the integrated GPU. The GMA950 is fine for light duty use. Get only what you will use and pocket the rest of your money for another day.

 

yea but the 7400 is $129, I would rather have it just in case then need it and not be able to do anything about it.

 

Another vote for the 7400, would help with windows vista is well.

 

Thats a good point.
If you plan to use Windows Vista, the Geforce would be really useful.

 

Both are valid points but if he wants to have more battery life then whynot go for a Lenovo. But for me I would go for the Geforce 7400 just incase.

 

of course cuz if you go with integrated your stuck with it.