Please help me navigate these options...

Ok I'm picking between an e1405/1505 and an xps1210...but i was going to start a different thread about that decision. I'm just hoping people can help me with some of the options - as in what do I need and what's just BS.

I have a desktop at home that I will keep. This is for travel (light, I don't travel all that much - but when I do I want a small machine that doesn't get too hot - good luck i know), internet, watching DVDs, iTunes, probably some light web design, maybe video editing but not professionally, etc. Maybe some light gaming but I'm not a huge gamer.

Here are some of my questions. I know the Dell site tries to explain these, but they aren't real world explanations:

Processor - I think I can get by on the Duo 1.6, any reason I can't?

XP Home vs Media Center vs Pro - I don't think I need Pro, and is Media Center worth it without a TV tuner? Any reason I DONT want Home?

Monitor - Is the SVGA worth the $100?

5400 v 7200rpm Hard Drive - I know it's faster, but how much, and when? Noticable or not?

Video cards - my biggest concern is watching DVDs, what upgrade do I need, if any?

Sound card - what does the Sound Blaster Audiology HD give me?

Wireless - I want Bluetooth, so it's the 3945 vs. draft N. Is getting the draft N a bad idea before they have defined the specs for N?

Accidental Damage Service - How well does this work? I was thinking of getting a 2-yr plan with this for that, uh, accident in about 1.9 years.

 

You'll be fine with the Duo 1.66ghz. You would notice in improvement in speed of large file compression, or video encoding, and other CPU-intensive tasks with a faster processor, but you'll be able to get along fine with the Duo 1.6 and you won't be disappointed.

Personally, I don't use the Media Center features, but the Pro features that come with Media Center are nice, and there's nothing that Home has that MCE doesn't, so I'd just go with MCE unless it's cheaper to go with Home.

The monitor completely depends on what you like. If you want larger text and easier to read and don't mind a lower resolution for pictures, etc then there's no reason to upgrade. Personally, I love the higher resolution and the extra desktop space that comes with it, so I would get it. It's a preference though.

The hard drive question is very debatable. Some people say the difference is worth it, some don't. I wouldn't do it though. It's a nice upgrade, and it's noticeable when you're copying large files, but it's nothing huge. If you want to add an extra little amount of performance, I'd do it, but it's nothing earth shattering.

Integrated graphics will be fine for watching DVDs in all honesty. If you plan on doing a lot of video editing you may want to get dedicated graphics, however.

One thing that many people get confused is the sound card situation. Every computer has the same Sigmatel Audio card in it. If you order the Advanced HD audio it is simple a software upgrade with advanced options. Some people say it's worth it, but I don't really notice a difference.

Unless you're already using pre-n routers, I'd stick with the 3945 wireless personally.

If there is an accident with your notebook you have to send it into Dell and they will assess the damage. If they decide that it is repairable they will replace the parts that are damaged and send it back to you. If it is completely not fixable they will issue a replacement system. In all likelihood you would get a refurbished system as a replacement. It's great for peace of mind knowing that you don't have to worry about dropping your notebook and being out your big investment.

 

Awesome, thanks for the advice.