Question:
Looking for a Core 2 Duo T7300 type notebook
Here's the situation:
I am a highschool student. My parents gave me $1000 towards a new laptop, I am not quite sure at what I want to get.
I do not need top of the line computing power as I just bought a new desktop P4 Dual Core (3.2 GHZ) about a year ago. While I realize that the P4's are not as good as Core 2 Duo I think my desktop will satisfy my needs for any heavy computing.
So I guess you could say I am looking for an ultra portable, but my price range is less than $1500. My birthday is on the 26th and I will have a full time job during the month of august, so I will have sources of more income, but I don't wish to spend more than $500 additional to the original $1000, I have other needs for cash beside the laptop.
What will I use it for?
Microsoft Office, Adobe products (Photoshop, Illustrator). I will probably NOT be needing this to edit videos, i feel that my desktop is sufficient. I am not much of a computer gamer, I already own a Wii and a 360 so integrated graphics seem fine.
I saw this coupon for the Dell Inspiron 1520.
TG60$CZNQ0BQ2R
Does this mean an additional $300 off of the already $273 taken off from the configurator?
Finally, i came across the XPS m1330 AND I LOVE IT.
Here's what I want:
T7300 (2.0 GHZ, 4MB Cache)
Some type of nice graphic card
2 GB of ram (667)
13" Screen or so (for ultraportable), 15.4 i guess for desktop replacement.
If it is possible to upgrade, then I wouldn't mind sticking with:
1 GB ram (much cheaper to upgrade by myself)
Integrated Graphics (and possibly upgrade in the future).
The processor, however, is a must. I feel that if I go any lower I will regret it in the future. Since I will be a junior, this laptop will probably have to last me at least until college. (2 years).
So i guess my main question is, what laptops are similar to m1330 in terms of size as well as price range. In addition, is it possible to upgrade the m1330's ram, graphics, harddrive (not that big of a deal)?
Finally, what kind of educational discount can I get? If it does not apply to high school students, I do have family members that work for the university who are able to get such discounts, I'm just wondering how much?
If anybody can help me I will be incredibly thankful!
Answer:
Re: Looking for a Core 2 Duo T7300 type notebook
well if i were u i wouldnt buy a laptop from dell.
Answer:
Re: Looking for a Core 2 Duo T7300 type notebook
Any specific reasons why you wouldn't?
Customer service leaves something to be desired but I'd say Dell laptops, in general, work as advertised and aren't such a bad deal.
Myself, I've been looking at the Dell 630, 830 and 1520 but I currently have an order placed for a Compal IFL90. Due to delays I'm thinking about heading over to the "dark side" and settling on a dell but I haven't jumped ship yet.
Answer:
Re: Looking for a Core 2 Duo T7300 type notebook
P4's aren't dual core... you mean hyper-threading?
Answer:
Re: Looking for a Core 2 Duo T7300 type notebook
well if i were u i wouldnt buy a laptop from dell.
That's an ignorant statement. Refrain from making useless posts that confuse people please.
What kind of battery life and portability do you need?
If you're going to be gaming on your desktop/game consoles then get the integrated graphics. They consume a minuscule amount of power and produce basically no heat. Dedicated graphics cards consume a considerable amount of power and will add to heat significantly.
Note that you can't upgrade the graphics card . . . period.
Also, for your needs you would be fine with the T7100 1.8GHz processor. How much is the upgrade to the T7300?
Answer:
Re: Looking for a Core 2 Duo T7300 type notebook
I believe other posters that use Photoshop and Adobe also look for a good graphics card and integrated graphics won't like either of those programs. I would go with the 1520 for price and more graphic card options. I also would go with it 'cause the 1330 looks fragile and I hear there is a major backlog on them. You'll get the 1520 sooner
Answer:
Re: Looking for a Core 2 Duo T7300 type notebook
Photoshop is not GPU dependent, though it is highly RAM and CPU dependent. Integrated graphics are fine for Photoshop, trust me. I run CS3 with no problems on a Intel 855GM platform.
I'd suggest looking at the Asus W7S, and the upcoming Sony SZ6 series. Other good options include the HP 6910p and the HP 2510p. Some of these may be out of your budget, but they're all good notebooks.
Answer:
Re: Looking for a Core 2 Duo T7300 type notebook
I really still would like to get the M1330, its form factor really makes it attractive.
Take a look at this thread:
Would faculty be able to get this type of discount? It says to list yourself as a student with a .edu email address, but would it then be illegal to list yourself as a student if you are actually faculty?
Answer:
Re: Looking for a Core 2 Duo T7300 type notebook
You should be able to get an "education" discount, I'm not sure if that is the same as a student discount or not. I suggest calling Dell on that one.
Answer:
Re: Looking for a Core 2 Duo T7300 type notebook
Photoshop is not GPU dependent, though it is highly RAM and CPU dependent. Integrated graphics are fine for Photoshop, trust me. I run CS3 with no problems on a Intel 855GM platform.
So I don't quite understand why graphic cards are neccessary except strictly in gaming situations. Minus video editing, what type of program would need dedicated graphics?