quick question about video cards

im about to buy a dell e1505 notebook. the included video card is intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950. the options are:
1. 128MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1300 HyperMemory™ at additional 79 dollars
2. 256MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1400 HyperMemory™ at additional 129 dollars
this forum has emphasize that video cards can not be upgraded so my question is:
is it worth it for me to pay the additional for a better video card?

im a newbie when it comes to notebooks/computers so i would appreciate any help.
i plan to use my notebook to chk email, use editing programs (blenders program) and occasional gaming ( every now and then i like to try games out). im also a typical college student who is on a budget which is why im asking if these video cards are TAT much better.
furthermore please note tat i planning to use this notebook for AS LONG AS IT'LL LAST.


additonally its going to be memory 512mb and harddrive 60gb. i know tat isnt super fast obviously but it wont be THAT slow right? mostly i will be using a editing program (blenders) and maybe listening to music at the same time..nothing intense.
THANKS I REALLY APPREICIATE THE HELP. =)

 

If your budget is tight and you have any inkling of playing games or trying Windows Vista Aeroglass, get the cheapest dedicated card. If you have no intentions of gaming, save the money and get more RAM. The 950 will be compliant for vista, you just won't the enhanced appearance.

I don't know if you can adjust screen parameters on the Radeon x1300 or x1400 but I KNOW you can't on the Intel GMA 950. That is one major plus for me in that the picture is more vivid and brighter. The 950's performance is respectable but not stellar.

 

My philosiphy has always been get the best thing you can afford within reason, even if you don't necessarily need it. If you don't compromise, then you won't have any regrets. After you've already made the purchase is not really the optimum time to be second guessing.

 

Along with the advice already given, you could consider filling out the FAQ and posting it either here or in the corresponding forum, in the latter you'll get more traffic and thus more help.

That way we could find some other ones for you to look at.

 

well it all depends of the Games you are going to play for example i have a 128 3 geforce on my desktop and it cannot run Age of empires 3 with the graffics on high but if the main purpose is to last i would also suggest looking at other computer brands as well. Acer's are very resonable were you should be able to get one for $600 new with 60gb hd 1.5gh celeron m and 512mb ram and a 64 mb vidoe ect that should get you through college easly. or a IMB or leveno or what every they call themselfs now, for the most part they are expensive if you want POWER but you can for the most part drop then off a 2 story building and will still turn on after or so i am told

the computer i mention is what i am using right now, this is alld one wirelessly and i paid about 700 Canadian for it and it works great. and if you are worried about not enought power to do programing i program with Java and Bjay with no problems at all you can also get A LOT more poerful acers than the one i mentioned

good luck

 

get a cheap one
you shouldnt buy good ones like those if youre not a "heavy gamer"
and GMA 950 isnt too bad...
i mean im getting the inspiron m640, which comes with the GMA 950
im going to play GW and WC3, and hopefully source (at min settings)

 

If you want the laptop to last then you will have to pay! Simple as that. If you play games and want the laptop to last then the choice is obvious.

In my opinion you should go with the x1300 and up the RAM a little bit. You getter better gaming and overall system performace that should last you.

 

thanks everyone for taking the time to reply to my post. =) all of your replies helped! =)