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    Dell Inspiron 1420 - 2GHz vs 1.66Ghz Core Duo

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by The_Arsenal, Dec 27, 2007.

  1. The_Arsenal

    The_Arsenal Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi there, I am looking into buying a Inspiron 1420 notebook and would like to know which configuration would be best. First off, these are the specs I am currently looking at:

    -Intel Core 2 Duo (1.66GHz)
    -Vista Home Premium
    -Midnight Blue
    -1440 x 900 display
    -2.0MP Integrated Webcam
    -2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz, 2 Dimm
    -160G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
    -128MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS
    -8X CD/DVD Burner
    -Bluetooth
    -9 Cell Battery

    I would like to know whether or not, in your opinion, I should upgrade to 2.0GHz or if the 1.66GHz processor will suffice.

    I will mostly be watching movies, surfing the internet, some light gaming and possibly some photo editing.
     
    The_Arsenal, Dec 27, 2007
    #1
  2. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    If money is no object! Yea a 2Ghz is better! But for what you have said the 1.66 is just fine! And the CPU does not help on most games. Photo editing will also be fine, just go to the fridge and get a coke!
     
    powerpack, Dec 27, 2007
    #2
  3. goofball

    goofball Notebook Deity

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    how much is the upgrade to 2Ghz?
    I'd recommend you go to 3GB if using 32bit or 4GB if using 64bit OS. Photo editing loves memory (Photoshop does).
     
    goofball, Dec 27, 2007
    #3
  4. The_Arsenal

    The_Arsenal Notebook Enthusiast

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    The upgrade would be an extra $150-$200 (cant quite remember)... Not sure if its worth the money, especially since the 8400 card is limiting my gaming potential (which is fine because i don't need to be playing the newest/most demanding games). As for the photo editing, I'm not going to be doing a whole lot of it and i don't mind some minor waits. All i want is a smooth running system where no single component is really dragging the whole system down with it.

    Anyway... More advice on the Inspiron 1420 is always appreciated :)
     
    The_Arsenal, Dec 27, 2007
    #4
  5. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    It looks good the way you have said, and not worth $150 for upgrade!
     
    powerpack, Dec 27, 2007
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  6. The_Arsenal

    The_Arsenal Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah, thanks for the feedback guys!
     
    The_Arsenal, Dec 27, 2007
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  7. bhattsan

    bhattsan Notebook Deity

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    bhattsan, Dec 27, 2007
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  8. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    the 1420 makes it ESPECIALLY easy to change the memory modules out for both modules are accessible through a single panel.

    The processor upgrade isn't worth it IMO. Spend it on beer.
     
    surfasb, Dec 28, 2007
    #8
  9. The_Arsenal

    The_Arsenal Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah, pretty sure ill be going with the 1.66.

    How about screen resolution? Is the $50 upgrade from a 1280x800 to the 1440x900 screen worth it?



    sorry for the double post, wasnt sure where to put this.
     
    The_Arsenal, Dec 28, 2007
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  10. bubba_000

    bubba_000 Notebook Evangelist

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    If you're into photo editing, a higher resolution would indeed be good. However, it will make things on the screen smaller. So don't go for it if you have bad eyesight.
     
    bubba_000, Dec 28, 2007
    #10