Biggest "bang" for "buck" issue over upgrade

Hello, I am considering getting an newer laptop. By RAM, processor, and stuff, I am sure the upgrade will be dramatic:

right now i have 600 ish RAM (after +512 RAM upgrade with default 256) with ATI 9000 graphic card and celeron M processor.

most laptops im looking at are pretty much dual cores with at least 1-2 GB ram, though im looking at 2 GB since Vista takes 500mb RAM to ruy system.

anyway, the biggest concern is over graphic card. I want the biggest leap over my current one as I can. I know its not modern enough for most games still of today, but it should still be better than what I have now. I was wondering how old is ati9000 mobility and what are the chances that even integrated ATI or nvidas are better than it.

When I have time, i hope to post some specifics about which cards im actually comparing to but its late and I have some left-over readings right now.

Any input from the info ive provided so far will help though. Thanks for your time.

 

What's Your budget??

I'd guess a 8600GT would be as far as you 'should' go . . .

Btw, look out if its GDDR3 or 2 . . . might be worth considering . . .

Care to post in the "What should I buy" forum?

 

Well, the problem is that my question is not "what to buy" but later on it will be "what to buy out of X choises".

My budget is around 700-1000 bucks but I really prefer a computer of around 700. There are some laptops with integrated versions of nivida or ati but i have no clue what is their performance compared to my currebt card. I dont have time to list them right now but will later. All i know is that in terms of the RAM, HDD space, and processors, they are definately better. I want to know what are the chances that the newer model's integrated graphic cards are better than ati9000 mobility.
I find it strange that my computer had a decent graphic card and poor stats elsewhere while some of these newer computers have superb stats but seemingly poor graphic card...

i doubt I can afford a computer laptop with any graphic card in the 8000s or something... i just want the biggest jump with what i can spend.

 

Dell Vostro 1500 with an 8600GT for $700 exactly.

 

I clicked on the link and was playing around.. are you sure the near/on $700 configuration wasnt for the Vostro 1400 with nvd8400 (got 680s)?

I actually did not understand the list of prices, if i click on th computer i get sent to dell's customized page... but since i have no clue what all the specs were to get that price, im assuming i just play around more... anyway, I will check this tomorrow.

 

No it's for the 1500. Click on the "smart value" link to customize your notebook. Go to the video card tab and select 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8600M GT [add $100].

My System Details
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5270 (1.4GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic
15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA LCD Display
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz, 2 DIMM
120GB 5400RPM Hard Drive
8X CD/DVD Burner w/ double-layer DVD+R write capability
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8600M GT
Dell Exclusive MediaDirect™ Instant Play Software Application
Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Wi-Fi Mini Card
No Webcam Option

 

I was surfing around the links and i think i found the one you spoke of, 699 total with your stats. But i never clicked on any "smart value" links.. i see nothing of the sort there... I see a search box where you can filter stuff but it doesnt seem to work at all since i keep seein v1500 celerons in the shop list too.

also, what is "truelife (TM)"?

this is what i came across as stats ($699):

 

That's the same configuration with Windows XP instead of Vista.

It's easily the best sub-$700 gaming notebook in the market right now.

 

I heard windows Vista takes/hogs 500 MB ram for system... how much does xp take? 300? 200? ...100?

Yea, I am impressed that you found me something that is around 700 without integrated graphic card... because all the 2 gig, 80-120 GB HDD, and dual core types i found for around 700 (500- high 600s) were usually integrated graphics, which was why i asked were they better than ati9000 mobility that i currently have.

how old is ATI 9000 mobility now?