Many questions about the T60

Hi, I'm planning on getting a T60 for school because I get a huge discount from my school. I'm new to laptops and I'm not all too knowledgable of computers in general so I need some help.

Here are my questions:

Processor
Is is worth the extra $300 dollars to upgrade from the Intel Core Duo processor T2400 (1.83GHz) to the Intel Core Duo processor T2600 (2.16GHz)?

Keep in mind I play a lot of CS: Source, which is heavily CPU dependent. A good graphics card means nothing without an good CPU.

and

Does "Core Duo" mean dual core, as in 2 processors? Or is that just a fancy name? (lol I feel so stupid asking that)

Display/Video Card
I have the option of the 14.1" XGA @1024x768 with an Intel GPU (yuck) or then 14.1" SXGA+ @ 1400x1050 with an ATI x1400. Obviously, I'd prefer to have the ATI card, but I'm kinda hesistant for the widescreen. Does this change the size of the screen/case of the notebook? Will I be able to hook the laptop up to my non widescreen monitor without issues?

Wireless Card
11a/b/g Wireless LAN

vs.

Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Wireless

What's the difference? I know that the first one will work with almost all networks, but what's up with the second one? Niether of them cost any extra. Which should I get?

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Next Page of Configuration.

Special Offers
I already have 1 GB of RAM selected on the first page (which is kinda my bare minimum for the things I want to run). When it says "1GB PC5300 DDR2 SDRAM Memory," will they install the RAM for me or will it come seperately? Is it also worth it to pay $100 dollars more for the extra 1 gig, making 2 in all, or just taking the free 512 and having 1.5 in all?



That's all for now.Thanks in advanced.

 

I just got a t60 similar to what you're looking at.
I wouldn't go for the cpu upgrade css runs fine on the 1.83. It does mean dual core, it's one processor with two cores it's close to having two cpus. The 1400x1050 isn't actually wide screen it's 4:3 just like a normal screen. I don't know about the wireless card, I got the intel one.

 

I'd suggest save your $300 for other upgrades as the 1.86 would do the job just as fine as the 2.16 will do.
re: "core duo" info, check out lowlymarine's Notebook FAQ here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=25451

 

1. In the vast majority of cases, no it's not worth it. What are you using the computer for?

Dual-core means that there are two processor cores on one physical processor die.

2. All T60's are in the standard 4:3 ratio. SXGA+ just means that there are more pixels per inch than in an XGA screen. Yes, you can hook your laptop up to a non-widescreen (and widescreen, at that) external monitor.

3. Either one, from the sounds of it. I got the Intel card and I'm happy with it.

 

If you were to get say the Z61t with WXGA+ which is 1440x900 you'd see almost as much side to side on a SXGA+ screen which is 1400x1050. More importantly you'll see more top to bottom which is more important in my opinion for viewing web pages and such.

 

Hi,

I have a question for you..
I have a t60 with ati radeon X1400 and I am considering buying an external widescreen monitor. I am not sure though the t60 will support widescreen resolutions ( all the modes in presentation director and catalyst are regular 4:3 ones ) ... and there is no point in widescreen monitor that will stretch a 1024X768 ...

What do you think ?

Thanks
S

 

As soon as the graphics adapter supports widescreen resolutions you will have no problem. I have seen one of my friend using T60 (with ati x1400) and an external 21" widescreen IBM monitor together.

 

I have a T60 with ATI X1400 card paired with a Viewsonic widescreen monitor. It works fine @1440x900 resolution. However, I only like the widescreen when watching movies.