Help: Debating upgrade E1505 T2400 to Toshiba T5200?

Hello everyone
I got an E1505 with following specs:
T2400 - 1.8Ghz Duo Core - (2MB L2, 667 MHz, 32-bit processor )
1GB of DDR2 RAM
ATI X1400 card,
UltraSharp 15.4WSXGA+ (1680x1050)
60GB 7200RPM
9 cell battery
Original purchase price was $800 (refurbished with full 1yr warranty)

In a moment of weakness and temptation, couldn't resist & bought new Toshiba A135-S4467 with the following specs:
T5200 - 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo (2MB L2, 533MHz FSB with 64-bit)
1GB of DDR2 RAM
GMA 950 card (up to 256MB RAM Shared)
WVGA 1280x800 screen
160GB 5400 SATA Drive
6 cell battery

Dell warranty is expiring in May and so far it has been good! System has been reformated, and currently running XP Home. I can't afford to have two laptops, therefore I need to choose which one to keep. Granted, I got a great deal on Toshiba (under $700 if rebate goes through), what would you do? Would you resell Toshiba for profit and invest in the extra warranty, or say bye-bye Dell and get started with Toshiba with Vista Premium and full 1 year of warranty? I realize that Dell is better specs (video, LCD, battery), but considering the Duo Core vs Core 2 Duo and the excellent Toshiba price, would you compromise?
I occasionally do video and photo editing, that's when I believe I really benefit from ATI card. It's nice to have a 3+ hour battery, but I don't really need it, since it is used mainly at home. I guess I would love to have a bigger HD, and faster processor, but not sure if the trade-off is worth it!
Please help with any advise! Thanks much!

 

Wow - tough choice. If I had to make your decision I would keep the one with the best looking/brightest LCD. I had the same LCD on my (recently sold) e1505 and it was very nice. You could always pick up a bigger hdd for the Dell if you sell the Toshiba. If gaming isn't a big thing to you then they're basically equivalent as far as graphics. I'm not sure the practical difference between Core Duo and Core 2 Duo would justify keeping the Toshiba. Just my two cents...

 

There is some differnce between the T5200 and the T2400. Video and photo editing are processor dependant tasks, so the more processing power you have, the faster they will get compeleted. Since the T5200 is based on the Merom core, it will typically perform roughly 10% faster than the Yonah core of the T2400. However, the T2400 has a higher clockspeed and also a larger FSB, and they can make a difference in video/photo editing. The other main difference, is that the T5200 is 64-bit enabled. That means that when 64-bit programs release onto the comsumer market, the processor can perform some of its tasks at a faster rate. But, you will have to wait for such programs to release.

Specification wise, the Dell looks just that bit better. It has a much better graphics card, and also a fast hard disk. Those things will be handy if you want to game lightly or want a responsive system. Since you have both computers are the moment, its best to see which you personally like. Consider things like the speed, build quality and looks.

 

I haven't opened the Toshiba yet (in case I decide to resell it, better to be unopened), but my friend got the same Toshiba so maybe I will experiment with both...
What is the general consensus on the extended warranty on these E1505? How much does it cost and is it worth it?

 

I have never needed warranty service on any of the Dells I have, or have had, including for my two daughters: XPS M170, e1505, each kid has a 6000D and I have a D600. Again, my two cents, but if something is going to go wrong with the motherboard on a laptop it will generally go wrong in the first year (RAM, hdd, dvd/cdrw, for me, are best replaced at home). So - I haven't bought any extended warranties. And, I've seen a couple of posts where laptops have came back with scratches/damage from "warranty" repair. I sent my Compaq x1010 to an individual for replacement of the graphics card and it came back with zero damage.

 

The Dell hands down and I'll tell you why. First of all the difference in performance in the two processors will be negligible at most. Secondly, the video card isn't even in the same league. So if you want a computer that is the same speed with lousy graphics performance and a slightly larger hard drive buy the Toshiba. If you need drive space, buy a bigger, faster hard drive and put the rest of the money in your pocket.

 

Thanks for the advice. I plan on running PCMark to benchmark both machines! So far I am leaning towards keeping the Dell, and reselling Toshiba for profit and using the extra $$ to upgrade the HD!