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    Urg!!! Need help deciding on XPS m1330 configuration

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by HavocXT, Aug 5, 2007.

  1. HavocXT

    HavocXT Newbie

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    Ok, I decided to get the Dell m1330 for school. I'm going to be a grad student so I need something light and something that doesn't over heat. I'll like to have a long battery life but it still be light. I was thinking of keeping the 4 cell battery or maybe upgrade to the 6 cell at a later date. I am on a budget of < $1500
    So, I cant decide is I should get the C2D T5250 (2MB cache/1.5GHz/667Mhz FSB) and add the 128MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8400M GS or just get the C2D T7100 (2MB cache/1.8GHz/800Mhz FSB) and get rid of the GeForce and just staying with the Intel® Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100. I can't decide which one would be better for me. Please note that if I get the Geforce, I would have to upgrade the battery which will bump the price up to around $1600 : ( . I won't be using any hard core 3d programs or anything like that, just maybe light gaming (RTS games like C&C3 or starcraft 2 when it comes out and maybe alittle WoW). I'm going to be keeping this system for the rest of grad school. (2-3 years)

    I will be also getting the LED LCD, 1 GB Ram (update later to 2 GB myself so it'll be cheaper) Bluetooth, Biometric reader.

    My question are which configuration should I get? Will there be any better system performance between the 2 processors? What does the extra 166mhz in the FSB actually do? Will the GeForce card add extra heat/weight/battery usage to the system? Are there any deals I can get for being a UNI student? I missed out on the 25% coupon on Aug 1. : ( How often does Dell post these deals? I guess I can wait till the next deal unless someone has a good coupon I could use now : )

    Thanks in advance for any help of suggestions.
     
    HavocXT, Aug 5, 2007
    #1
  2. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Please don't triple post.
     
    coriolis, Aug 5, 2007
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