looking at the 1521...help...questions from a novice.

hey, i'm looking at buying the 1521. it'll be my first laptop, and i don't know a lot about the specs. it'll mainly be used for word processing, internet, burning dvds and cds, itunes, and home recording through n-track.

questions:

regarding the processor--i'm at least going to get the TL-60, but is it worth 70$ to move up to the TL-64? what are the benefits?

hard drive--is it worth going up to the 7200RPM, what's the difference?

wireless--i've never been wireless. i have broadband at the house. i remember i asked the guy who installed it about switching to wireless in the future, and he said i was good to go, just needed a router. so, should i get this wireless-N? or just stick with the basic? or go for the middle option? i tend to favor going to the most expensive option they offer by default (when it's not really expensive), but i know that's not exactly smart. what's the deal with this wireless-n?

other things:

i need me some microsoft word. but do i have to pay the 70 bucks for the suite that only gets me 2002. if i have word on my current computer (and have the backup somewhere), can i just load that. or, is there a place where i can buy word cheaper? i don't need the excel or other stuff in works, just word.

similar question regarding the roxio burning software. all i need is the ability to easily burn cds (to copy and create compilations) and burn dvds. should i just get the roxio? i currently use sonic record now, and it covers all of my needs and i like it--is roxio the same thing?


ok. i'll thank you for any help you can offer a novice. any idea on the prospects for future coupons. should i try to buy before the 19th?

one more thing. for recording, it would be nice to have a basic stereo line in. does the 1521 have one of these. the specs say yes, but the pictures i've seen only show a mic input and a headphone out, no line in. what gives? does the mic also function as the stereo in--can anyone explain this to me?

thanks so much.

 

First of all, GREAT choice on the 21! Good to see some AMD supporters on here.

Processor: I would NOT upgrade to the 64. 200 mhz is not worth it and will have VERY LITTLE impact on performance. Stick with the 60.

Hard Drive: I would jump up to the 7200 RPM SATA if you have the money. You're looking at faster search times, ect. Programs will startup faster, it's worth it if you need it.

Wireless: If You want to go out and buy a DRAFT-N router, than so be it. I wouldn't get wireless-n personally. Considering it's not finalized, and people are complaining all over the place about it, I would wait to upgrade when it's in it's final stage.

I don't do microsoft word.

Roxio is OK. I personally use NERO, but that's neither here nor there. It's dependant on your needs, and I would stick to what saves you money at this point.

If you can wait, buy when the back 2 school deals hit, or lookup any promotions. As far as I'm concerned, the deal out right now the the 3gb ram and the 160 gig hd is the best route.

Enjoy!

 

By the way, if you want to save even MORE money to explore other options, I would downgrade the processor (like I did) to the TL-56.

The only reason is, again 200 mhz will not make a huge difference. Given the dual proc, the only thing that holds true to choice is the L2 cache. All 3 higher models have 1mb, and the lowest has 512kb. jump up to the 1mb, and the 1.8ghz since the 2.0 or the 2.2 really wont impact performance given the price. I'd get more ram or buy some nice accessories or a warranty with that money. my 0.02.

***ninja edit: +rep for the AMD choice. =)

 

thanks for replying. i thought the processor was supposed to be one of the most important pieces.

what wireless is best then?

 

It really depends on which wireless router you have/want to buy.

There is wireless a/b/g. A is almost non-existant. B and G are the technical "standard" right now. I would get a wireless G and call it a day.

The processor IS an important piece of ANY system. But why would you pay 75 dolalrs for 200 mhz? or 150 dollars for 400 mhz? it's simply not worth it. You got the 1mb l2 cache, you got the dual core, all you need is 1.8 ghz. I guarantee that will handle ANYTHING you need to do with ease. Remember that you have a dual core processor. 1.8x2=3.6 respectively. Do yourself a favor, save $150, buy some accessories or a good warranty, and call it a day right there. You won't be sorry.

ninja edit*** If you get your 1521, and it doesnt perform the way you want with a 1.8, I'll pay you $175 for not telling you the truth. That's how sure I'am you will not benefit from 2.0 from 1.8. The difference is so minimal. Would you pay $200 for a 200 mhz system? nah.