DV6 for graphics work

I'm looking at getting a new HP laptop for my niece, for college.
She will be studying the basics, and for now she is interested in graphics design.

I have a couple of DV6 configs that I like, but I would like some opinions and experiences on some items.

#1 Config:
DV6T Select edition
Newest i5 2410 processor
1GB radeon video card (to help processor run easier)
640GB 7200rpm HDD
6GB ram
9cell battery
*1920x1080 HD anti-glare/matte screen
-seems web print, desktop icons, most readable items will be too small on this high res screen at 15-16"

The screen res is my biggest concern.
The standard 1366x768 is ok. I recently bought a probook 4530s with this a matte version of this screen, and it's ok.
My DV5T has an in-between res on a 16x10 ratio, and I think it would be perfect, but HP doesn't offer an in-between res, just the 1366 or 1920.

For graphics work I am inclined to get her the 1920 screen, but I want to make sure that doing papers with word or email will be easily readable.

The next config is higher powered and actually not that much more money.
DV6T Quad edition
i7 2630QM processor
640GB 7200rpm HDD
6GB ram
1GB radeon video card 6490M (she doesn't do gaming)
9 cell battery- for extra cooling and extra time. I get these larger batteries on my laptop as I like the added height in the back. It gives better airflow too.

As I said, the price difference isn't that much once both the i5 and i7 are configured with same graphics cards.
The quad edition comes with the i7 processor and includes a blu-ray player, along with a 1gb graphic card that has to be added to the i5.

For graphic design work, will an i5 with 6GB or ram and 7200rpm do well even without a graphic card to help out?

I could save some money if I just get the i5, 7200rpm drive, 6gb or ram and high res screen, if the screen isn't too small.

I do video and graphics work professionally, so I have high end Mac and Windows machines, desk tops.
But for a student I don't know that she would need the fire power of an i7, especially since she won't be doing video work.

My 3yr old DV5T with a 512MB graphics card, 4GB or ram, and P8200 processor handles photoshop pretty well.

Still, I'm leaning towards more is more here, and with coupons I can get a nicely loaded DV6T quad for under $1000.

Comments, suggestions...all welcomed.

 

Before you purchase the DV6 for you niece, you should read thorugh the *FAQ: If you are thinking or have ordered your DV6/7 61xx read here for answers on switchable graphics * sticky at the top of this forum. There is an ongoing problem right now regarding the switchable graphics.

 

since the dv6t quad has some issues with the switchable graphics,

i suggest looking at the DV6Z quad series.
[amd processors]

programs your niece needs can run smoothly on the dv6z [A6-A8 series w/ discrete 2nd graphics card]

[tried and tested] CAD/Photoshop/Revit. etc.