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An optimum Spec for my needs

  • 18-02-2008 7:46pm
    #1
    kifi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 508 ✭✭✭


    Looking to buy a new laptop.

    My requirements would be, in no particular order - quiet operation, decent battery life, lightweight.

    On the hardware/component side of things I'm not really sure what i need/want. I currently have a desktop which ain't too powerful (Pentium D950, 2gb RAM), so I'm not sure whether to buy a sort of desktop replacement laptop or not. I'm not an avid gamer, but it would nice to have the option to play the latest titles also.
    Is there an optimum point when it comes to expense versus performance, i.e. shelling out the extra bucks for juicier hardware while noticing very little performance improvements? I suppose it all comes down to what I'm using it for I guess? So to answer that question - internet, music, movies, maybe some photo editing, possilby MS flight sim

    Can anyone offer advice? Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    RoyalMarine
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,824 ✭✭✭RoyalMarine


    all depends on your price range.


  • #3
    kifi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 508 ✭✭✭kifi


    What would you recommend in the 1000-1300 range?


  • #4
    Alanstrainor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,157 ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    kifi wrote: »
    Looking to buy a new laptop.

    My requirements would be, in no particular order - quiet operation, decent battery life, lightweight.

    On the hardware/component side of things I'm not really sure what i need/want. I currently have a desktop which ain't too powerful (Pentium D950, 2gb RAM), so I'm not sure whether to buy a sort of desktop replacement laptop or not. I'm not an avid gamer, but it would nice to have the option to play the latest titles also.
    Is there an optimum point when it comes to expense versus performance, i.e. shelling out the extra bucks for juicier hardware while noticing very little performance improvements? I suppose it all comes down to what I'm using it for I guess? So to answer that question - internet, music, movies, maybe some photo editing, possilby MS flight sim

    Can anyone offer advice? Thanks

    Well it seems you're torn between portability and a desktop replacement, like pretty much everyone on this forum i'd recommend a vostro lovely machines for the money and theirs a 14.1 inch version which could be a compromise between the portability/desktop use. You can pick up some very high spec machines for a very decent price on the dell business site. Do you have a budget?


  • #5
    Voodu Child
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,706 ✭✭✭Voodu Child


    The Dell XPS M1330 is a very popular machine that was released late last year.

    It's a 13.3", fairly light and slim. They've recently started shipping them with the new Penryn processors*, which should be cooler (so the fan kicks in less - ie less noise) and have better battery life.

    Also, they're available with LED backlit screens which are slimmer/lighter, and better for battery life.

    All in all, they're a very good machine, and you should be able to spec a nice one for your budget.

    *Edit - these might not have started shipping in Ireland, but definitely have elsewhere, so watch the site for updates if you're interested.


  • #6
    RoyalMarine
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,824 ✭✭✭RoyalMarine


    the m1330 wouldnt be great for games.

    a fairly well specced vostro now with 15.4" wouldnt be too bad.


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  • #7
    Voodu Child
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,706 ✭✭✭Voodu Child


    ^Oh, didn't spot that part. Yeah, a M1330 certainly won't play the latest games :(

    Yep, you can certainly get a Vostro with 8600M GT that'll make a good job of recent games. At some point you have to make some sort of compromise between gaming, battery life, weight, noise etc though.


  • #8
    kifi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 508 ✭✭✭kifi


    The Penryn processor might be worth the wait. How do I know if my build has a Penryn or not, or is it possible to find out for sure? Can't see this on the Dell website.


  • #9
    Voodu Child
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,706 ✭✭✭Voodu Child


    kifi wrote: »
    The Penryn processor might be worth the wait. How do I know if my build has a Penryn or not, or is it possible to find out for sure? Can't see this on the Dell website.

    The Penryn chips should be T9xxx as far as I know. Dell just started rolling them out in select models in the last week or two, so if they're not on the irish site they should be soon.


  • #10
    AlmightyCushion
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,125 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    voodoo_child wrote: »
    The Penryn chips should be T9xxx as far as I know. Dell just started rolling them out in select models in the last week or two, so if they're not on the irish site they should be soon.

    I'm pretty sure the mobile parts aren't out until may. The desktop parts have been released though. If you are looking for gaming then I would say get a vostro 1500 with an 8600gt in it. You should be able to get a pretty good specced one for around €900.


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