M1330 - gpu and cpu question

Hi guys. I was wondering about a configuration for the m1330.
I plan to upgrade to the nvidia 8400 and was wondering how fast of a processor I may need.

i just plan to do some light gaming: css, team fortress 2, warcraft 3, and was wondering what clock speed would be recommended. Is 1.5 ghz enough? Is it true that the higher the clock speed the more battery drain?

Since I graced that topic, I mind as well ask about it:
for the battery, would the 6 cell battery be enough. How many hours would I get w/ power save on running word and mozilla firefox?

I'm a college student btw, and plan to use the m1330 for work and some light gaming.

Thanks a bunch guys

 

bump
can anyone help

 

I believe the higher the CPU clock speed, the more battery it drains, but only by a small amount. the new Intel chips are designed for excellent battery life. with your 1.5, you'd probably get around 4 hours. (that is, the 6 cell; you really don't need the 9 cell)
Yes, the 1.5 ghz is enough. But if you plan on doing some light gaming, I'd go for at the very least the 1.6 or the 1.8ghz (if it's still offered). The 2.0 would be good to.

 

1.5GHz processor isn't enough. The battery drain isn't significant with higher clock speed processor. 6 cell battery with power savings settings for the applications you are using will last you for 3 hours.

This is the configuration you should be looking at:

Crimson Red
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7250 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB, 2MB Cache)
Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium Edition
Standard Display with 2.0 Megapixel Webcam
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (Upgrade to 2x2GB from other retailers for $100)
120GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW Drive)
128MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8400M GS
Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card
Built-in Bluetooth capability (2.0 EDR)
6 cell Primary Battery and 9 cell additional Lithium Ion Battery
High Definition Audio 2.0
Biometric Fingerprint Reader
Trend Micro Internet Security 15-months
Microsoft Works 8. DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD
Yahoo! Music Jukebox - Music Player
1Yr In-Home Service, Parts + Labor,24x7 Phone Support
1Yr LoJack for Laptops Theft Protection (CD Shipped Separately)
DataSafe Online Backup 10GB for 1 year

Base Unit Price: $1464 USD

The final price should be cheaper due to school discounts. Add additional warranties to increase discounts and provide more protection to your notebook.

The 9 cell battery is neither that ugly nor that heavy as people tend to talk about in this forum. Infact it gives a nice ergonomic slope to the notebook. Dell charges more if you order the 9 cell battery separately, so it makes sense to include it in the initial order.

Is this information helpful? What else you would like to know?

 

Thanks a bunch sinstoic.

I was pleasantly surprised a few minutes ago to find out that there really is a student discounton the m1330.

either I go for some bundle which I can config, or I can config myself and get 12% off (which I dont think might be worth it since that only really shaves off tax)
Breaking it down:

2 configs: 1 is 'value' other is 'long warrenty'

the value config would be:

1.5 ghz (only other upgrade is to 2.2ghz which is 175$ more)
1gb ram
120 gb hdd
8400gs
dell wireless card (no intel option - should I worry about this? the n-card is 25 bucks more)
9 cell
dell all in one printer (free)
1 year warrenty.
1130$

the warrenty package is:
1.5 ghz (again to switch to 2.2 would cost 175$
2gb ram (default)
120 gb
8400gs (default)
dell wireless card (same as above option for ncard for 25$ more)
9 cell
fingerprint reader (default but can take out for free - is it usefull?)
dell all in one printer (free)
3 year warrenties for both accident and hardware support service
1280$

I know it MUCH cheaper than the public price but my schooling is pretty expensive so don't think I get off too easy lol....


I think its just a matter of whether I should get a warrenty or not. The warrenty package is nice, since I think it would really help, and the config is actually better than the one I wanted for cheaper but is it worth it. I could just end up getting the 2.2 ghz processor on the 'value' package..

iono now

thanks for your helpguys

 

Hmm! Here are some suggestions.

I would recommend nothing less than a T7250 2.0GHz processor as it is the new platform with 800Mhz front side bus. It isn't worth it to go any lower.

Intel wireless cards are more compatible than Dell wireless cards, so it makes sense to stick with Intel hardware. Draft 802.11n isn't worth it at this point in time. I don't know of any popular School/College/University running 802.11n wireless networks in USA.

Dell AIO printer is neither cost effective nor a good performer. You are better off with a personal AIO/laser printer for school/college/university work. Never decide on a computer based on discounts/free bundles.

Biometric fingerprint reader adds another layer of security. It is not a must have thing. I would pick it up only if it is free.

I don't prefer extended warranties. If the hardware has problems, it usually shows up in the first week of heavy usage. Anyways, Dell will take care of it for 1 year. I take very good care of my computers and don't need any accidental protection either. The money I save here goes for additional hardwares and softwares. Your mileage may vary, so decide accordingly.

Rather can configuring online, why don't you call up Dell with my configuration and ask what is the best they can offer? Don't forget to mention your school/college/university, if you intend to get student discount.

 

THanks again for the tips:
I just called a dell person about this kinda thing and figured that I could try to take out the price of the printer. They actually charge extra for the printer........... Do you think a warrenty is worth it?

I would like a intel card, but I'll see what I can do. These guys are pretty damn good at haggling...

 

Hmm! You replied before I could update my original post with the warranty suggestions. Anways, here it is again:

I don't prefer extended warranties. If the hardware has problems, it usually shows up in the first week of heavy usage. Anyways, Dell will take care of it for 1 year. I take very good care of my computers and don't need any accidental protection either. The money I save here goes for additional hardwares and softwares. Your mileage may vary, so decide accordingly.

Do tell us what configuration you finally got and how much you paid for it. That is the least you could do for the bargain hunters in this community.

 

thanks for the input. The reason why I ask is that my suitemate had a bad situation with his laptop where SOMETHING broke down after a year, and his warrenty didn't cover it so the 2k laptop he bought now just collects dust.

I do take care of my stuff, its just I worry that parts eventually break down (should I worry about this then?) like the mobo or hd (which I think can be replaced right?

ok well, this is the config without the extended warrenty then:

1.5 ghz (i'll see if I can get it higher somehow)
1 gb (aftermarket installing - whats the clock of the ram in the m1330?)
120gb
8400gs
Dell A/G (i'll see if I can put in the intel ag)
9 cell
1 year warrenties
Printer (which costs an extra 100 i'll try to get rid of that)

for around 1140$ w/ tax

 

this is another configuration:
I'm trying to get rid of that printer that 99$, which would make it around 13k w/ tax. This includes 3 year warrenty, fingerprint reader, and 2gb of ram (making it around 200$ more than the other configuration)



This is the other configuration which doesn't have the warranty and has only 1 gb of ram(I'll just go after market) I don't really the fingerprint thing but the warranty is appealing even though i take care of my stuff. I'll try to again take out the printer which is 99$

 

I don't have anything to suggest other than what I have already told. Wait for other members inputs and suggestions.

 

alright then. Thanks for your help though sinstoic, really appreciate it

 

Get the LED screen if you can.. All the pictures you see online of the M1330 the super bright screen, the ultra thing screen etc are due to the LED feature.. It's questionable if its worth $300 but it's one of the things that makes the M1330 the M1330....

 

Hi, I'm new to the forum and trying to decide on my next laptop. So I'm checking out a lot of the threads.

A previous poster was asking about getting the extended warranty or not. I usually don't go for the extended warranty on most items with the exception of items that have LCD's (LED's too I think). My IBM Thinkpad 760 from many years ago had a 3 year warranty. The LCD failed as did the MB after 2 years. Then I purchased a Sony Vaio PCG-R505TS and that laptops power connector failed, the LCD failed, and then the power connector again failed. All of these at 2.5 to 3 years. All covered by the extended warranty. I also have a Dell Axim x51v PDA that is 1.5 year old. The capacitor that keeps power when changing the battery has failed. It also show some scrambled characters once in a while. My 3 year warranty will take care of that too. Now my Toyota Prius has no extended warranty and in 3 years has never given me any troubles - it has a LCD too but I broke my rule because Toyota's are very reliable. Not to mention is was going to cost $1,000. My GF's Honda CRV, she got an extended warranty and has used it so many times I have lost count. What a piece of junk that is. Really look at what your getting for the dollars spent. Piece of mind goes a long way. If you plan on changing laptops sooner, then pass on it. But if your going to hold onto it for several years, I would take it. I will be.

 

About the LED:Is it just for the brighter screen/longer battery life. I don't think I'll really get it. I was debating in the past but I really think I'll just stick with the LCD

I think I'll make a thread concerning that directed to m1330 owners.
I wouldn't mind getting a 3 year warranty but its almost 200$ more. I know that seems stingy but I have a pretty tight budget but the m1330 is like my dream laptop so I really 'want' to buy it

 

You'll be fine without the LED.. even more than brightness and battery life its about thin.. but its not that big a difference I think... The warranty might come in handy though... I have had several Dell laptops where they started having serious issues around the end of the 3rd year... something to think about .. but if you have a strict budget go with the 1 year and maybe next christmas Dell will send you a good deal to extend your warrnaty...