General

[Engus]

Im getting a new computer for college and need some advice. Im looking to spend around $1000 and prefer Dell since I can get a discount through my school.

The one Im currently looking at is the Studio 15 with 15.4" widescreen. I have a large external hard drive so I chose the smallest hard drive option (160gb) but I cant decide on memory and graphics options, should I get:
a) 3GB of ram & Intel Graphics Media Accelerater X3100
or
b) 2GB of ram & 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3450

both end up fairly close in price


Also, anyone using an Intel Core 2 Duo processor? this lappy comes with a 2.0GHz

thanks for any help in advance

[Harbinger[TG]]

If you plan on playing any videogame made within the last year or so get the best videocard you can. Things like ram can always be added later. I would also look at the 17" widescreens because they allow for increased productivity. Core Duos are fine, I have no issues with mine.

Dell Studio 17 Laptop Details

[Engus]

Originally Posted by Harbinger[TG]

If you plan on playing any videogame made within the last year or so get the best videocard you can. Things like ram can always be added later. I would also look at the 17" widescreens because they allow for increased productivity. Core Duos are fine, I have no issues with mine.

Thats kinda what I was thinking, but wasnt sure. I would actually prefer the 15" because of weight, size, possibly longer battery life. A 17" isnt that much bigger that I would think theres that much of a difference in productivity.

[Harbinger[TG]]

Originally Posted by Engus

Thats kinda what I was thinking, but wasnt sure. I would actually prefer the 15" because of weight, size, possibly longer battery life. A 17" isnt that much bigger that I would think theres that much of a difference in productivity.

Actually there is already research proving that an increase in monitor size increase productivity significantly. The weight difference isn't that much either.

[Engus]

well too bad I already ordered it I plan to eventually have dual monitors setup for my desk, using the laptop in a stand and another monitor.

[Mstrtal]

Id of stay away from ATI.

[Engus]

why?

[CrazyBoy78]

One thing that I'll warn ya about is battery duration. I've noticed a lot of Dell's that have a significantly reduced or dead battery about a year or so after purchase. Dell covers batteries for 1 year. Also, make sure you take good care of your AC adapter. Those suckers are expensive to replace. Oh, and if yours comes with a biometric finger reader, DON'T use it. It really sucks for us techs if it's enabled because it basically sets the BIOS password (ie. can't even get anything running unless you swipe).

[Sir Brass]

Originally Posted by Engus

why?

B/c he's an Nvidia fanboy (j.k.)

It's just like saying "stay away from AMD", or "stay away from Intel." Just depends on who you like.

[Mstrtal]

Because I have owned a number of ATI products and like an Idiot I bought a Compaq with an ATI card thinking things had changed. They hadn't. I have owned a 2MB 4MB 8MB 16MB 32MB 64mb 128MB and with the laptop 256MB Cards. All have had problems. either compatibility issues with games or driver conflicts. So on So forth.