Notebook Shopping (core duo)

[josh81]

Well i've got the money now, and the core 2 duo's have come out, so now i start honeing in on which laptop to get.
I've been looking at the Pioneer Dreambook light 822 for ages, and it's got the Core 2 Duo's, + the prices have come down, but it is missing a few prefered features, and i did here a bad comment about pioneer from someone.
So anyway, my budget is ~$2300, but if i can get something for $2K even that i'm happy with i'd prefer to save a few hundred bucks for other expenses.
So the Pioneer one is as follows:

Base price: $1149 RRP (Inc-GST)

Intel Core 2 Duo 2.16GHz Processor T7400 64 bit [+$499]
OR
Intel Core 2 Duo 1.83 GHz Processor T5600 64 bit [+$199] EDIT: THIS ONE

14.1" Widescreen WXGA (1280x800) TFT Screen

ATI Radeon X1600 256MB DDR2 PCI Express Graphics [+$199]

512MB 667MHz DDR2 RAM [+$30]

120GB 5,400RPM Serial-ATA Hard Drive [+$119] EDIT: 100GB 7,200RPM [+$219]

Multiple Partitions [+$14] EDIT: CANCEL

8x DVD-/+RW Dual Layer Drive [+$89]

Integrated Bluetooth Module (Optional, reserved 1 internal USB) [+$39]

Intel Pro Wireless 3945AGM Module [+$49]

3 Year On-Site Pickup and Return Warranty [+$99]

DreamVision 52x CD-R Spindle 10 Pack ($0)

Pioneer Standard Notebook Carry Bag

Standard Order, Ready in 3-5 Working Days
Pick Up

No OS

EDIT: Additional Notebook Battery 9 Cell [+$231]

DIMENSIONS: 338mm x 248-6mm x 23 (front) 36.1mm (rear)
Weight: from 2.2kg with 6 cell battery

System Total: $2286 (with 2.16GHz Processor T7400)
OR: $1986 (with 1.83 GHz Processor T5600)

EDIT: $2303

http://www.pioneercomputers.com.au/p...&c2=12&id=1600

The Pioneer doesn't have a card reader which i would definatly miss, plus the battery is only a 6-cell, and additional 9-cell batteries are ~$250.
Also, is it worth the extra $300 for the better processor? I'm upgrading from a Centrino 1.5ghz, w. 256mb ram, will the 1.83 duo 2 be a noticeable enough of an upgrade? Is upgrading from a 533 to a 667mhz ram worth $30? Why is wireless an add-on, don't all centrino's have wireless adapter built in standard?

Also, what's the verdict on core 2 duo, is it better than the core duo 1 in every way? Is it only usefull for 64-bit games?

Anyway tell me what you think of this deal, and if you've seen anything better.
My requirements are:-
14"-13" screen
2.5kg>
Core duo 1 or 2 anything larger than 1.66
80GB-120GB HD
512mb RAM
128mb Video

Preffered:
BT
IR
card slot
2.3kg>
35mm> thick
widescreen display
256mb video
2.0Ghz processor
8-9 cell battery
XP


So give me some feedback if you're willing to indulge me, thanks heaps.

[trotsky]

You should look at Dell, i have a Core Duo T2500 - but I got 2gig of matched DDR2 667 memory and 7200 RPM sata.

I'd be more inclined to increase your HDD speed and memory as these two components will have greater impact on performance than a faster CPU. These CPU's only hit top speed when they absolutely have to, otherwise they ramp down to conserve power.

Dell has a system for around $2300 that will enable to get what you specced + these extra's.

And no, the batteries do not explode, my core duo battery didn't have to be recalled.

[MrSmith]

I'm ordering a dell Inspiron 6400, It might suit your needs - Except it's a 15.4" wide.. Maybe that's too big for you.

I've chosen some extra's, for example - Having 1x 1024mb of memory, rather than 2x 512 - For later upgradeability.

-Intel(R) Core(TM) Duo Processor T2250
1.73 GHz, 2MB Cache, 533 MHz FSB
-Free upgrade from 512MB to 1024MB memory
-This bundle includes $100 cash off
-Free Delivery
-Free upgrade from 60GB to 80GB hard drive
-15.4" Wide Screen XGA TFT Display with Truelife(TM):
-1024MB (1 X 1024MB) DDR2 SDRAM
-256MB ATI Mobility(TM) Radeon(R) X1400 Hypermemory
-Internal 8X DVD+/-RW Combination Drive with dual layer write capabilities
-9-cell 85Whr Lithium Ion Primary Battery
-Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945 Dual Band 802.11a/g 54Mbps

$1,560.90

That's a pretty decent deal.

[SLATYE]

The requirement for Centrino is:

Intel CPU - Core Duo, Core 2 Duo, or Pentium-M. Celeron-M is not included.
Intel mobile chipset - 855/915/945 GM/PM series.
Intel wireless networking card - 3945ABG mini-PCIe card in current laptops.

If it doesn't have those three things then it isn't a Centrino system.

General notes:

(1) Why bother paying for multiple partitions? You can do them in five minutes with FDisk, Partition Magic, or Windows XP disk management.

(2) Core 2 Duo is better than Core Duo in every way except possibly battery life. When working hard, it draws about 3w more than a Core Duo would.

(3) You might want to have a look at the Asus A8JA. It's around the same price, although it only comes with a T2300. However, it also has 1GB of RAM by default, and I'm more inclined to trust Asus.

[josh81]

Originally Posted by trotsky

You should look at Dell, i have a Core Duo T2500 - but I got 2gig of matched DDR2 667 memory and 7200 RPM sata.

I'd be more inclined to increase your HDD speed and memory as these two components will have greater impact on performance than a faster CPU. These CPU's only hit top speed when they absolutely have to, otherwise they ramp down to conserve power.

Ok thanks, i'll take that into consideration.

Originally Posted by trotsky

Dell has a system for around $2300 that will enable to get what you specced + these extra's.

And no, the batteries do not explode, my core duo battery didn't have to be recalled.

Which Dell for $2300? I was actually on te dell site last night, but the site is layed out so poorly, i can't remember what's what, cause i'm constantly moving around to view all the laptops on offer, and customising to see if i can add anything to basic models to meet my specs.

Originally Posted by MrSmith

I'm ordering a dell Inspiron 6400, It might suit your needs - Except it's a 15.4" wide.. Maybe that's too big for you.

Yeah, i've pretty much decided no 15.4", don't want a desktop replacement sized thing, i want a laptop. Sick of so many notebooks being 15.4" these days. It would possible go for one if it was really thin, and small dimensions as possible considering the screen. But small 15.4"s usually a more money i think. And the 6400 is 41mm thick and 2.8kg starting.
Great deal otherwise.

Originally Posted by SLATYE

The requirement for Centrino is:

Intel CPU - Core Duo, Core 2 Duo, or Pentium-M. Celeron-M is not included.
Intel mobile chipset - 855/915/945 GM/PM series.
Intel wireless networking card - 3945ABG mini-PCIe card in current laptops.

If it doesn't have those three things then it isn't a Centrino system.

So the; Intel Pro Wireless 3945AGM Module [+$49], is only if you are getting the Celeron processor? So that's $49 less than i thought it was going to be.
It was just that in the Product deatails for the dreambook it had;
COMMUNICATIONS:
Wireless Lan Intel Pro/Wireless 3945ABG (Minicard IEEE802.11abg) (optional)
Keyword being "optional", made me think i had to add it on.

Originally Posted by SLATYE

General notes:

(1) Why bother paying for multiple partitions? You can do them in five minutes with FDisk, Partition Magic, or Windows XP disk management.

(2) Core 2 Duo is better than Core Duo in every way except possibly battery life. When working hard, it draws about 3w more than a Core Duo would.

(3) You might want to have a look at the Asus A8JA. It's around the same price, although it only comes with a T2300. However, it also has 1GB of RAM by default, and I'm more inclined to trust Asus.

(1) So these programs are freeware? Hard to do?

(2) what's 3w equate to in percentage of battery life? 5% less battery life?

[josh81]

Originally Posted by SLATYE

(3) You might want to have a look at the Asus A8JA. It's around the same price, although it only comes with a T2300. However, it also has 1GB of RAM by default, and I'm more inclined to trust Asus.

The A8JA only has:
T2300
80GB 5400rpm
2 x 512MB DDR-533Mhz,
and it's $2300-$2500. I don't really need the 512mb video.

I'd rather get the Pioneer with a core 2 duo 1.83ghz (vs core duo 1.66), 512mb 667 RAM (vs 2 x 512 533mhz), 100GB 7200rpm HD (vs 80GB 5400), 9-cell battery (vs 6-cell), and 3yr warr. (vs 2yr warr.) For same price.
Although the Asus has XP pro, card slot, built in camera with mic, 512 video, & better brand. But none of those things i really need.

I've decided to take trotsky's advice, so i'll go with the lower processor (core 2 duo 5600 1.83) and bump up the HD to a 7200rpm 100GB, and i'll still get 512mb 677mhz RAM, cause the 533mhz, even if 1GB+ would defeat the purpose of beefing up the RAM wouldn't it? And the 2 x 512mb stops me from upgrading it, and the 1 x 1GB 677mhz is an extra $159 more than the 512mb, so i thought that was a bad deal. How much is 1GB 677mhz generally cost? Cause i thought i could just get the 512mb, and then buy a 1GB on top of that seperately, or i could sell the 512mb and buy a 1GB seperately.

Also, i think i'll also buy the extra 9-cell battery for $231 with the money i saved on the processor, and i could either sell the 6-cell if good money for it, or keep it as a spare, great for long plane flights.

And taking off the price of partitioning and the wireless adapter, it's $2254 total. And then $50 for XP home off this guy, and it's $2300.

[SLATYE]

Originally Posted by josh81

So the; Intel Pro Wireless 3945AGM Module [+$49], is only if you are getting the Celeron processor? So that's $49 less than i thought it was going to be.
It was just that in the Product deatails for the dreambook it had;
COMMUNICATIONS:
Wireless Lan Intel Pro/Wireless 3945ABG (Minicard IEEE802.11abg) (optional)
Keyword being "optional", made me think i had to add it on.

No. It's not included with the Core Duos and Core 2 Duos by default. It's just that if you don't buy the wireless network card, the system cannot use the Centrino branding.

Originally Posted by josh81

(1) So these programs are freeware? Hard to do?

(2) what's 3w equate to in percentage of battery life? 5% less battery life?[/COLOR]

(1) FDisk is included with just about every version of Windows and DOS. XP Disk Management is included with Windows XP (just install the drive in your desktop system and modify the partitions from Windows). There's a tool called "GPartED" which is like a free version of Partition Magic, and that'll do the job equally well.

(2) Yes, probably about that - although overall C2D chips seem to be getting much the same battery life anyway.

[josh81]

I wish Pioneer had an upgrade option on the battery, 'cause if i buy the 9-cell additionally, then i will want to sell the 6-cell to subsidise the cost. How easy would it be to sell the 6-cell, will it only be able to be used in a Pioneer, or can some batteries be used across a range of notebooks?

[MrSmith]

I'd look at the dell if I were you, I've heard several bad reports on Pioneer - Which I'll stop there - Vendor Verdicts =

If you get my Durrifft.

[josh81]

I am tempted by the Dell you mentioned, it's got the 1GB 667 RAM for like $40 extra which is good. I wish it had a larger HD than 80GB in the 7200rpm.
It's pretty cheap too, similar specs to the Pioneer i was looking at, but it's got the XP Home as standard, and the wireless adapter, and the cheap 9-cell battery & RAM upgrades. And it's like $500 cheaper.

They don't have the $100 off like you mentioned anymore, but they offer a free Belkin wireless router now.

But 3kg laptop, and 41mm thick

Just wish they had this in a 14.1" 2.4kg model, like the 640m, i'd be willing to pay up to $200 more, but for some reason Dell don't put graphics cards in their 14.1" laptops.

One option Dell have on one of it's systems is an upgrade from Windows media Centre OS to XP Pro for $10 extra. How accurate is that upgrade, i mean is XP Pro considered to be a little bit better than WMC? And is WMC better than XP Home? Is WMC just XP Home with some extra software or what? 'Cause i thought XP Pro was the same as Home except for some additional networking abilities.

[MrSmith]

XPS M1210?

Why do you need a 7200rpm hard drive, and what are you using the laptop for.. Will you be carrying it around alot?

[josh81]

M1210 has no Video card in the $2400 model, which is already out of my budget, and the other M1210 version is $3000.

I'd prefer the higher rpm, and i'm willing to pay the little bit extra, as recommended by trotsky, and i've read other people also, highly recommending 7200 up from 5400rpm.

Originally Posted by trotsky

I'd be more inclined to increase your HDD speed and memory as these two components will have greater impact on performance than a faster CPU. These CPU's only hit top speed when they absolutely have to, otherwise they ramp down to conserve power.

I use my laptop for internet a lot. Some word proccesing. Image and video editing, storing and playing. Graphic design stuff incl. some flash animation. And games & DVD's a bit.

I will be carrying my laptop around with me. I use it in bed most of the time 'cause i don't have a desk, so it's on my lap a bit. And i carry it to the living room and use it around the house a bit. I also take it with me whenever i travel, couple times a year.
Plus i will take it to Tafe with me when/if i return to study.
I have been looking at a small desk for laptop, so it might not be as necessary to be light and small. But even just moving it in and out of my drawer, and having it on my lap around the house. I've got a wireless network so it's portable in the house.
Plus i just like the look of a smaller laptop, more stylish.


Actually, Dell do have the 14.1" D620 with similar specs as the 6400 possible, but it would cost ~$650 more ($2430), and it gives you T2400 Duo, 3yr warranty, & XP Pro. But it's got a "Discrete 256mb NVIDIA Quadro NVS 110M Turbocache" instead of the X1400 radeon.
So it's not really a good deal.

[MrSmith]

I wouldn't reccomend you use the notebook in your bed for most of the time, it's actually really bad for the notebook - You should invest in a desk at IKEA ($100 can get you miracles )

[josh81]

I looked in Office works and they had a good one that can be used in bed which slides under and into the bed and can tilt for typing, for $100. But it doesn't go in anywhere near deep enough.



They had enough basic desk for $50, but it was the wrong colour. I'll check ikea when i've got the time, cause there's only one in Brisbane which is nearly an hour from the city.

In what way is it bad for the laptop? Personal experience? link?

I use mine in bed with it laying flat on the bed, and then sometimes on my lap sitting up, or sit it on a pillow.

[BrickTop]

just be careful the airvents arent blocked - if you could place something hard (like a book) between the notebook and the bed it would allow for some ventilation.