Need to buy Vostro 1500 tonight, have couple questions

Trying to configure it, but what do you recommend.
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5270 (1.4GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache) [Included in Price]
okay cpu for buisness application, no gaming or video editing.

Also which wireless option do you recommend
Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Wi-Fi Internal Card [add $39]
Dell Wireless 1490 802.11a/g Wi-Fi Internal Card [add $10]
Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Internal-card [add $59]
Dell Wireless 1505 Wireless-N Internal-card [add $49]
Dell Recommended
Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g Wi-Fi Internal Card [Included in Price]

and lastly which lcd? I am not a gamer.
15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA LCD Anti-Glare Display [Included in Price]
Anti-Glare Display: Optimal for everyday business tasks
15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA LCD Display with TrueLife™ [ Free!]
True Life Display: Great for movies and graphics
15.4 in Wide Screen XGA+LCD Display w/TrueLife™ [add $50]
15.4 in Wide Screen SXGA+LCD Display w/TrueLife™ [add $100]

 

I would go with the processor you have, the intel wireless card 4965, and the SXGA+ with truelife. It will give you a LOT of real estate to work with with buisness spreadsheets word docs etc.

 

If you don't need wireless N, just get the a/b/g, but make sure it's Intel. The Dell card has connectivity issues.

For the CPU, I really recommend you upgrade to at least the T8100, it's not that expensive an upgrade but you'll be future proofing yourself. If you ever planning on doing any kind of media processing, you'll kick yourself later for not getting the newer Penryn.

SXGA+ is a must, I can run 2 Microsoft Word documents side by side.

 

Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Internal-card [add $59]
15.4 in Wide Screen XGA+LCD Display w/TrueLife™ [add $50]
And a Intel T8100 to give it the edge and for the future.

 

are the truelife lcd really glossy? I hate how it reflects outside light.
And my wireless router doesnt support N so I dont think I need the N.

I am almost 99% sure that I wont be doing cpu intensive apps since I have a desktop to do that with.
All I want is web browsing and opening of them but at the same time be able to switch back and forth fast enough.
I can't justify +$250 for the T8100

 

yes it is a little, you might wanna go with the anit-glare one if your going to be using it outside.

 

Yes they're glossy screens, but no, that shouldn't bother you unless you have direct glare of a light.

 

The T5270 should be sufficient for the use you described. It's too bad that the upgrades are so pricey, or I might recommend stepping up to a 1.6-1.8GHz. The jump to a 1.6GHz T5470 is $100 more, though!

The display- the standard display is 1280x800 pixels, the $50 upgrade is 1440x900 and the $100 upgrade is 1680x1050. Personally, I'm partial to the 1440x900 and have it on my 14.1" ThinkPad. Definitely a nicety for spreadsheets without shrinking icons and text too small. It's worth the $50.

If you don't need 'N' wireless, go for the Intel 3945ABG option.

Which Operating System are you ordering- XP or Vista (and which version of either)?

I'd encourage you to consider selecting the $75 nVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS video card. It will enhance graphics performance significantly and it's almost a necessity with Vista. I highly recommend it.

Good luck and let us know what you end up ordering!

 

Enjoy your purchase regardless of what you decide. The Vostro 1500 is a nice machine and they are being phased out. Get it while you can.

 

15.4 in Wide Screen XGA+LCD Display w/TrueLife™ [add $50]
Are you sure this bumps the resolution to 1440x900 from 1280x800

 

Yep! Same one that I have now.

 

ah, is this why the 8600M GT option was removed? shame, they phased out the 8600s on the Inspiron, now the Vostro is getting it.

 

Probably so and also the new Vostro 1510 only gets a 256MB 8400m GS video card. Not a good idea to sell a better card in the older model. I'm not sure about the 1710.

 

Vostro 1500? Thats nuts. Why are people buying this laptop? Its the bulkiest laptop that has come out on many years. The design is truly laughable. You will be shocked at how thick this laptop is. Its an engineering joke IMO and Dell knows very well they made a big mistake getting into a contract to sell this model.

 

Because its one of the cheaper laptops with a 8600 and customizable? Its the only reasonable laptop from Dell that (use to) offer 8600GT

 

Who the hell cares what you think cause I sure as hell don't. I like the 1500 and I think the 1510 looks like crap. There you happy schmuck.

 

In your own mind.

 

I think he sleeps with his 1510. ...If in fact he actually owns one.


To the original poster, enjoy your new 1500 when you get it. Despite what the troll says, it's a great system for the money.

 

What Lou said. Enjoy your Vostro 1500 it's a great system for the money and you won't be disappointed.

 

1500 IMO are very dangorous looking I think that Dell added bulk to it for a reason. The thing looks like a beast or a monster on my desk just ready to attack. The thickness gives it a tougher appearance as it the thing actually has some umph to it (which it does).

Enjoy your system.

 

I also have an Inspiron 5150. It's thicker and heavier than the 1500.