Dell Vostro and integrated x3100 or 8600 GT ?

Help me decide between x3100 and 8600GT for Dell vostro 1500/1700 series.
Okay I know it is like comparing oranges and apples but my usage is totally non-gamer. I'm not intending to play any games on my laptop.
I'm planning to use laptop exclusively for following
1) development work using .Net
2) Editing Digital pictures using Photoshop
3) Editing video using Sony Vegas on my machine to burn it to DVD.

Do you think spending extra $200 on 8600GT is good value compared to integrated x3100 based on what I'm intending to be doing with this laptop ? I've already selected 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo on laptop (4MB cache).

Also will UXGA be better for my application compared to SXGA+ ?

 

From how you describe the intended usage of the laptop, I doubt the 8600m GT is needed. However, depending on how important the price is to you, maybe it would be best to buy the 8600m just in case.

If you buy the 1700, I think WUXGA is best, especially if you plan on code development.

 

My understanding is that dedicated graphic aren't need for those, but at the same time can't hurt. Video editing uses the CPU, the video card is only used for playback. And from what I've heard a WUXGA is great for that sort of stuff, but I think it would just be to small for me personally.

Oh I'm guessing you are aware of the $350 and $500 off coupons on Vostro right now, but if not look in the Deals forum for it.

 

isn't the nVidia 8400 available in the options you're looking at?

I have a hard time not recommending discrete graphics. Admittedly, the Intel X3100 is better than any previous integrated graphics chipset they have done. However, if you want to use Vista with its full Aero Glass UI, I've found that a discrete graphics card does make a bit of a difference, and definitely moreso than with Windows XP. It also future-proofs your purchase some, in case your needs change.

$200 is much more than you should pay for a graphics card if you're not planning to do any graphically intensive apps. I'd look for a Vostro that has the much less expensive nVidia Geforce 8400M GS, which will give you discrete graphics that will handle what you need without taking you to the cleaners.

 

You never plan on doing any gaming when you buy a laptop but there always comes a time when you decide to do some light gamings and for these times, the 8600m is a better choice.

 

Thanks guys for taking time out of your busy schedule to provide some input. Yes I'm ordering system using DELL current promotion of $500 off. I'm not intending for any gaming but I'm more into digital photography / digital video editing and Programming and that is reason I'm getting 2.2 GHz processor. I've ordered both Vostro 1700 with UXGA and x3100 & Vostro 15" with 8600GT and SXGA+. I'll see which one I like.
Regarding 8400M GS I read few places that x3100 would be better value for money compared to 8400M GS, instead 8600GT would be better option if really need a discrete graphics card. I'm not sure how true it is but that is what I read at couple of places online and hence I thought instead of putting money on 8400MGS put it on better processor and go with x3100. Probably will post side by side comparison of both once I get it.