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    When to buy a studio laptop?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by Joe Wings, Sep 24, 2008.

  1. Joe Wings

    Joe Wings Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've read that dell will update studio laptop with montevina processor in october , I should wait to buy studio laptop?
     
    Joe Wings, Sep 24, 2008
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  2. kickace

    kickace Notebook Deity

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    i would, but depends on if you need a laptop now or not....
     
    kickace, Sep 24, 2008
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  3. Ganesh Ranganathan

    Ganesh Ranganathan Notebook Consultant

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    Ya knowing Dell , they would probably delay your shipment just because you ordered a newer component....
     
    Ganesh Ranganathan, Sep 24, 2008
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  4. ryank82

    ryank82 Notebook Guru

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    They are more then fast enough right now. If you can wait, wait. If you need/want a machine get one. It's not like if you get the current model you won't be able to do certain tasks. Either way good luck!
     
    ryank82, Sep 24, 2008
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  5. tential

    tential Notebook Consultant

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    Montevina is mostly battery life so if you don't care about that get it. I am obsessed with battery life and switchable graphics and if the new studios don't have that I probably won't touch them and I'll just get a sony Z series.
     
    tential, Sep 24, 2008
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  6. basskiddanny

    basskiddanny Notebook Evangelist

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    Depends if you are reallly concerned with battery life. Personally I don't think it will add THAT much to your battery life. I have a 9-cell battery anyway and it gives awesome battery life as it is! lol.

    Will be good for those where working on battery is essential. It isn't essential for me though.
     
    basskiddanny, Sep 24, 2008
    #6
  7. allfiredup

    allfiredup Notebook Virtuoso

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    There are currently about 1350 of the Studio 15 models available at the Dell Outlet website- http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/topics/global.aspx/arb/online/en/InventorySearch?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh

    Over 900 of those are 'Previously Ordered New' models which means they've never been used, possibly never even shipped out. They have the same warranty as a new model, too.

    There is also a coupon for 15% off any Studio 15 from the Outlet- the coupon code is 1R587HWVV1BFL6.

    I just ordered one of these a few days ago. Using a 20% off coupon that I had, I ended up paying only $767.20 plus tax and shipping for the following-

    Dell Studio 15
    Midnight Blue
    2.5GHz Intel T9300
    Windows Vista Home Premium
    3GB RAM
    WXGA+ LED display (1440x900)
    250GB Hard Drive
    256mb ATI Radeon Mobility HD 3450
    Dell Wireless-g card
    Dell Bluetooth module
    DVD RW
    Backlit Keyboard
    Fingerprint Reader
    6-cell Battery
    plus 36-months McAfee Security

    It's also a 'Previously Ordered New' system, not a 'Refurbished' unit. So it's brand new for a little more than half the price! Deals this good don't happen very often....I'd go for it if I were you.
     
    allfiredup, Sep 24, 2008
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  8. allfiredup

    allfiredup Notebook Virtuoso

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    Actually, there are several benefits to the Montevina/Centrino2 platform. The processors are more energy efficient, as mentioned. The Intel 5100/5300 wireless cards also offer some new features and extended range compared to the Intel 4965AGN (often shown on Dell's website as 'Intel Next-Generation N Wireless' or something to that effect).

    However, the most substantial features are the new Intel GMA X4500 integrated graphics and support for DDR3 memory up to DDR3-1067. Intel's new integrated graphics more than doubles the performance of the Intel GMA X3100. It's now a much more viable option for a broader range of users, many of whom deemed the X3100 inadequate. DDR3 memory offers a significant performance boost over DDR2, yet it uses 25% less power/battery life than DDR3.

    While these are all impressive and desirable improvements, the existing Penryn processors (T8100 and T9300, for instance) are stellar performers. I would advise anyone buying a Studio 15 or 17 to avoid the standard Intel X3100 graphics, but the ATI dedicated graphics on either model outperforms even the new Intel integrated graphics by a substantial margin!

    Especially if you choose the T8100 or T9300 processor AND the ATI Radeon Mobility graphics card, the only reason to wait for Centrino2 is battery life! My advice for anyone concerned about battery life would be to find a model in the Dell Outlet inventory that includes the 9-cell battery! :D
     
    allfiredup, Sep 24, 2008
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  9. eoplocust

    eoplocust Notebook Consultant

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    when u got the money :)
     
    eoplocust, Sep 24, 2008
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  10. atbnet

    atbnet Notebook Prophet

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    The Outlet is a great place to look if you are considering one. Fast shipping times too!
     
    atbnet, Sep 24, 2008
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  11. eoplocust

    eoplocust Notebook Consultant

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    actually yeah the outlet is best right now. theres a coupon that expires in 3 hours for 20% off if u can find one theres great systems to be had.
     
    eoplocust, Sep 24, 2008
    #11
  12. eesh72

    eesh72 Notebook Consultant

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    Ouch I should have waited...my specs are below(also have backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader) and I paid about $850
     
    eesh72, Sep 24, 2008
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  13. eoplocust

    eoplocust Notebook Consultant

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    just noticed on another thread
     
    eoplocust, Sep 24, 2008
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  14. eesh72

    eesh72 Notebook Consultant

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    Wonder when the mini9s will be on there :)
     
    eesh72, Sep 25, 2008
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  15. eoplocust

    eoplocust Notebook Consultant

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    wow that would definitely be a great buy even without coupons
     
    eoplocust, Sep 25, 2008
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  16. Stryker412

    Stryker412 Notebook Consultant

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    I sent my Mini back today so there should be at least one refurb coming soon.
     
    Stryker412, Sep 25, 2008
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  17. atbnet

    atbnet Notebook Prophet

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    The Studios took about two months before they started offering them in the Outlet.
     
    atbnet, Sep 25, 2008
    #17