M860Tu Config Help

Hi everyone,

I've been recently offered two configs for the m860TU at a discounted price. BTW I live in Australia so the currency is Australian dollars.

2800 AUS
I can have the M860TU with Intel Montevina 2.53 Ghz T9400 1066 FSB 3MB Cache CPU, 4GB DDR3 1066Mhz RAM, 15.4" 1280x800 Display, 8x DVD-RW Dual Layer, 320GB 7200RPM SATA HDD, NVidia 9800MGT 512MB DDR3 Dedicated VRAM, Webcam, Basic Bag, WIFI 802.11 GN, Second Hand Windows Vista Home Premium

or for 3000 AUS
I can have the M860TU with Intel Montevina 2.53 Ghz T9400 1066 FSB 3MB Cache CPU, 4GB DDR3 1066Mhz RAM, 15.4" 1680x1050 Display, 8x DVD-RW Dual Layer, 320GB 7200RPM SATA HDD, NVidia 9800MGTS 512MB DDR3 Dedicated VRAM, Webcam, Basic Bag, WIFI 802.11 GN, Windows Vista Home Premium

The main differences is the graphics card and screen resolution. Also the laptop for $3000 has bluetooth unlike the one for $2800.

Unfortunately the dealer is not allowing upgrades for the two options so...is the 9800m gt worth the lower res screen.

Thanks

 

Wow, tricky. I assume those prices are reasonable in AUS. I know the second config is about $1500 in the US right now.

The GT really is NOT that much better than the GTS. It all depends what you're doing. If you need every bit of gaming performance, get the GT. But if I were you, I'd go for the significantly better display and bluetooth, and not worry about the relatively minor increase of the GT. Some swear by the GT. For others, it really isn't much.

 

Thanks for the reply. I was sort of leaning toward the better screen and bluetooth in the first place.

 

I'd make sure you're okay with the screen resolution first before you pick either. Some people find 1680 on a 15.4 screen a bit small.

 

but then again, some people like 1920x1200 on a 15.4"...

 

Yeh...I'm not quite sure how well the resolutions would suit me though as I'm making a big change to the M860TU. The laptop I'm using now is a Portege M200 which has a max res of 1400x1050 . I find it a really good resolution however this is the only laptop I have owned

How much will the resolution effect gaming?

and

Is it possible to buy the laptop with the lower resolution and install a higher resolution replacement screen? Does anyone know a place where I can buy the M860TU screen? I can only seem to find it on screentkink.com

 

I'd tell you this much, with a 9800GT and a max resolution of 1280x800, you wouldn't have to worry about playing at max rez and at the highest resolution for a long time.

Unless you NEED the extra resolution space on the desktop, which I have seen people use 15" with that resolution and be totally content, then I'd go for the first one.

 

Wow! Really...so it doesn't really effect the gaming quality much? If that's so then I would definitely go for the first option because I was all worried about havin a somewhat cheap res screen for a high end laptop.

 

Nope. 1280x800 is on the lower end of resolution you'd get in a 15", however, it doesn't look bad and if all you are doing is surfing the web, writing documents and gaming, there is nothing wrong with that choice. I mean, think about it this way, most people on desktops when it comes to gaming and lan parties still play at a 1024x768 resolution, and they have no complaints about it.

 

I'd go for the better screen, because a higher resolution is ultimately better for the eyes. And 1680x1050 isn't ridiculously small. Plus you'll get that higher resolution if you ever want it.

 

Is it possible to change the resolution of the screen by buying a replacement lcd? Because if thats so then I would probably just go for the one with the 9800m gt. I don't really mind having a lower resolution screen as I don't really watch hi-def videos.

Does anyone know any compatible lcd screens with the m860TU....Just in case?

 

From what I can gather changing screens can be a bit of a nightmare.

I'm due to get my M860TU tomorrow, I ended up gettng a second hand one from the UK and getting it shipped over to Australia. The one I'm getting is 1680 x 1050 with a GTS... I'll probably clock the GTS a little to bring it more in line with the GT.

One thing you should ask is about dead pixels... as it's second hand they should have no problem telling you.

 

On the topic of screens...

Are dead pixels much of an issue anymore? I can't decide if I should get the Dead Pixel Policy or not with my new laptop order...

 

Don't waste your money when it comes to warranty crap. All you are doin is paying for the shipping in advance, so if you do get a quality product like you would expect to you just wasted your money. Resellers always have at least a 30 day warranty anyway.
And I would say go for the better resolution screen, the gts is still a good video card. And if you are not happy with it you can easily overclock it.
Congrats...hope you like your new lappy when you get it, I think most of everyone here still loves theirs.
Wow am I glad I didn't go Alienware.

 

Thanks Guys but unfortunately I'm going to have to go with the lower screen resolution laptop due to the fact that the dealer can only give me that option now. I think its something to do with the market as the laptop prices are starting to sky rocket here...crappy Australian dollar

Well at least I'm paying 2,800 and not 3,500 which would be the normal retail price over here...

 

Sounds good to me, Smarikoe. Godspeed with your purchase.

 

Thanks mate, I've already had two disaster purchases for this laptop...hopefully 3rd time lucky