N3510 vs E8020D

After my LG LS50 vs N3510 post, I realized that glossy screen is a definite after spending a day with one, so that puts out the LS50. the other glossy LG model, the LW series are too expensive for me. So I was about to go for the N3510 at Portable One (those guys are quick to reply to my constant emails and very patient!) until I saw the E8020D on their site!

uses: Desktop replacement AND something to carry to work, school, and travelling abroad. I primarily use it for web stuff, chatting, alot of gaming that have modest requirements (old school stuff like NES, SNES, Counter Strike, and Battlefield 1942 being the most demanding). And sometimes alot of typing for papers, articles, and photoshopping my art work.

the configured models I am considering which are not too far in price range, both from P1:

---------------------------------------------$1589.00
E8020D (E8020D is better than E8020 yes?)
- Intel® Pentium M Processor 730 (1.60 GHz, 2 MB L2 cache, 533 MHz FSB)
- 2x256MB DDR2 533 SODIMM (2GB MAX)
- 15.1" CrystalView XGA (1024x768) TFT Display
- 40GB (5400RPM) SATA Hard Drive
- Modular Dual Layer DVD burner
- ATI Radeon X600, 64mb
- 56K V.90 Global Modem
- 10/100/1000mbps Gigabit LAN
- Atheros Wireless Super ABG (802.11 a+b/g)
- Hot-swap Ultra Bay
- Dual pointing with integrated touch pad and quick point (Free Portable One Upgrade!)
- Integrated Security panel, Smart card ready and embedded Trusted Platform Module
- 1 Year International Warranty
- Windows XP Professional
* Free Internal Bluetooth upgrade!
** Free 2 Day Shipping (When product ships!)
--------------------------------------------------------

N3510 ($1499, but if I add XP Pro it'd be 1599)
- Intel Pentium M Processor 740 (1.73 GHz, 533 MHz FSB, 2 MB L2 cache)
- 512MB DDR 400 Dual Channel (2GB Max)
- ATI™ MOBILITY RADEON® X300 with 64MB of dedicated video memory
- 15.4" Crystal View WXGA TFT (1280 x 800) Display (Super Vivid Diplay 500:1 Contrast Ratio)
- 60GB ultra DMA 100 (4200RPM)
- Dual Layer Multi-Format DVD Writer drive: (8x DVD-R/+R, 2.4x DVD+R DL, 4x DVD-RW/+RW, 3x DVD-RAM, 8x DVD-ROM, 24x CD-R, 10x CD-RW, 24x CD-ROM)- (Portable One Free Upgrade)
- 56K V.90 Global Modem
- 10/100mbps LAN
- Intel BG220 802.11b/g (Wireless LAN)
- (4) USB 2.0 Ports, IEEE 1394 (Fire Wire) & S-Video
- Memory Stick and SD Slot
- Integrated touchpad with intelligent scroll button; 103-key full-size keyboard with a separate 10-key keypad; 19 mm key pitch and 3 mm key stroke
- Silver Magnesium Encasing
- 4.1" x 10.3" x 1.6"; approximately 7.48 lbs.
- 1 Year International Warranty
- Windows XP Home
* Free upgrade to Dual Layer Multi-Format DVD Writer!
** Free 2 Day Shipping (When Product Ships)
----------------------------------------------

it's been a difficult decision.. the E cost more and is not wide screen, but it is slightly less bulkier, slightly lighter, the better looker with its white key pads.. has a pointing stick (I prefer it over the touch pad, but I'll still use a mouse anyways).. better graphics card. It cost more due to XP Pro and I can't go down to XP home.. but if the N3510 was configured with XP pro, it'd cost $10 more. The E has slightly less HD that is faster (not as important as i have a burner), and slightly slower GPU (1.6 vs 1.7)

the N3510 is wide screen but a bit bulkier and heavier, doesn't have XP Pro or a pointing stick, over all looks is not as good as its E brother.. but they both still look good!

 

Also, i am not too sure whether the X600 is actually better than the X300 by that much. I have read some user reviews of the ASUS W3V (64mb x600) and they achieved a 3DMARK05 of 9XX. Even overclocking it only achieved 11XX. From memory, Brian's first thoughts indicated a 7XX scored for the N3510. I read a user of the N3510 had comfortably overclocked the X300 to achieve 9XX. So its not far behind.

 

I believe the difference between the E8020D and E8020 is that the E8020D model has the Atheros Wireless Super ABG card, while the E8020 has the Intel BG card.

For the specs you have given i would upgrade the ram on the E8020 to at least 512MB. It seems like you need to travel around with it so i suggest you really consider the E8020. The N3510 would be a bit heavy and big to travel around occasionally. The decisive factor is whether you need a widescreen or not.

Both machines are pretty similar with the exception of the screen. The N3510 is a multimedia DTR with a better screen. The E8020 is more business oriented, standard 4:3 screen, with SATA HDD and modular bay options (2nd battery, traveler's draw, 2nd HDD).

The E8020 is easier to travel with, but the screen on the N3510 is hard to give up, not that the screen on the E8020 is bad either.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by orangeguy

 

512 RAM should be the min. 256MB just wont do it for XP especially if you intend to game!
Personally I would recommend the E since you say that you're going to use it for gaming. I have never tried the games you listed so I don't know how requiring they are. and the extra speed on the HDD will be nice too!

And yes go with the "D", no reason why not to. I have an atheros card, and it is spectacular, although I use it over a "b" network, but I really like the options in the card's software

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N6010: P4M 3.2G, 512MB Dual 333MHz, 60GB 7200RPM, ATI 9700M, 17" WXGA+
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<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by qwester

 

DTR stands for DeskTop Replacement. Well, i can tell you the screen on the E8020 is a lot better than the one on the T42! You wont be disappointed.