Specs for D630?

I'm looking to purchase a D630 (my other one just got stolen), but I'm not sure about all the specs that I will need. I'm a graduate student, therefore keeping cost down is a plus.

*Some software and system stuff I plan to purchase through the university since there are significant savings, so I was planning to just keep it at XP home and then upgrade to either Vista Ultimate or XP Pro (opinions on which is appreciated) later since this keeps cost down, but I'm wondering how easy is it to install?

Decisions that I'm trying to make (keep in mind I don't know much about specifics about the computer or the technical terms, please explain if you think I need one over the other):

I've starred (*) what I had on the previous computer, I'm just wondering if I should increase some of these.

-2 GB* vs 4 GB DDR2 RAM?
-Integrated Graphics* vs Nvidia?
-120 GB HD 5400 rpm vs 7200 rpm?
-1395 vs Intel 3945? (Had the 1390 version)

The programs I would be running include: Photoshop, Statistics Program (which ran a little slow on the other computer), Office stuff, Music, Email, Browser windows, Mathematics programs, etc.

Thanks!

 

None of the programs you listed will benefit from the nVidia graphics chip. But it will eat your battery faster. So unless you might run CAD or 3D games, I'd get Intel integrated graphics.

2 gb is fine... I've never seen my usage go above 1.3 gb or so... but if you're a heavy Photoshop user it could benefit from 3 or 4 gb. Upgrading aftermarket is usually a lot cheaper than buying RAM from Dell. Check this out first though: http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=282

Hard drive speed will make a difference in everyday use, so I'd go for the faster drive.

Wireless card... If you want to run Linux, get the Intel card. Otherwise it shouldn't matter much. Some people prefer Intel... but I've had both and I personally don't notice a difference... except for Linux compatibility.

I'm recommending Vista. Install SP1 unless it's already on there. I don't see any reason for XP anymore.

btw I have a D630 with 2 gb, 120 gb 7200 rpm, 2.2 GHz, Intel x3100 graphics, Vista Business SP1 32-bit.

 

if you plan on running 64 bit definitely get 4 gigs of ram but buy the minimum from dell and get the upgrade @ newegg.com or crucial. you can get 4 gigs of ram for under $100 bucks easy now. if you don't go 64 bit, i still suggest 4 gigs. no point in buying/having 3 gigs of ram. it's cheaper to buy 4 upfront than replace a 1 gig with a 2 gig stick.

if you have no need for a video card, just go integrated. it'll help on battery life alot. but otoh, if you do need a video card or think you might need one at least get the lowest option available. it'll be better to have it if you need it, then kick yourself in the but for not having one, and possibly having to buy another laptop with discrete graphics in the future/near future.

hdd option. 5400 rpm is cooler and more efficient on battery. i suggest getting lowest hdd and upgrading your own as it's cheaper and you can buy a higher density hdd for reasonable price and get same performance or higher as a lower density 7200 rpm.

intel 3945 hands down.

 

Did you have vista on your old one?

I have pretty much the same config as your old one (2 GB of RAM and Integrated Graphics) but I have the faster (7200 RPM) hard drive, go with that one.

Do you happen to know the system requirements for the statistics program?

 

Good points here. You can't upgrade the video card, so if there's a real chance you'll need one, get it now. However, there is a cost in terms of both money and battery life for something you may never have any use for. And if you ever have heavy graphics needs, the card they offer won't be good enough anyways. So... up to you.

It's a good point that if you're willing to upgrade the HDD on your own, there may be better options.