Comparing laptops - T5600 v T7200

[DaveQB]

Hi all,

I have been looking over laptops [wanting to buy] for the last 2 weeks. It seems that its hard to get a laptop with a Core 2 Duo T7200 without spending big bucks on a high end lappy.

I have only found 3 sites that allow you to configure a system in a way that gets you a T7200 in a lappy for under $2k. They were Pioneer Computing, System76 and Dell.

Of them, I am not a fan of Dell. System76 will ramp up in costs with shipping from US, GST and customs charges. Pioneer, I have read in 1 review, aren't very good with battery life 1:40 hours in MobileMark 2002.

So my question is, how much of a difference does the T7200's double cache actually make ? Does anyone have any links to benchmark comparisons ?

If I open my options to a T5600, say, then if 'should' make this process a little easier and I might actually select one before 2008

[DaveQB]

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Noteboo...ors.129.0.html
Based on this, the T5X00 might be better on battery use ?

Intel Core 2 Duo T5500, 1.66 GHz, 2 MB L2 Cache, 667 MHZ FSB - 25 Watts (TDP according Intel 34 Watts)
Intel Core 2 Duo T5600, 1.83 GHz, 2 MB L2 Cache, 667 MHZ FSB, VT - 25 Watts (TDP according Intel 34 Watts)
Intel Core 2 Duo T7200, 2.00 GHz, 4 MB L2 Cache, 667 MHZ FSB, VT - 49 Watts (TDP according Intel 34 Watts)

Can anyone confirm or deny this?

[break]

Originally Posted by DaveQB

So my question is, how much of a difference does the T7200's double cache actually make ? Does anyone have any links to benchmark comparisons ?

I have a T7200 (Dell 9400) and I looked at plenty of reviews before I bought this laptop.

The difference between the T5600 and the T7200 is mainly corespeed in my eyes, the cache doesn't make that much of a difference in most of the benchmarks I saw.

And really, how often will you run your CPU @ 100% in anything but a game. A T5600 will be more than enough for anything else.

[Tony]

slatye has made a thread on BTO laptops... you can configure a geforce laptop with a 7200 for under $2k

[DaveQB]

Thanks guys.

I am beginning to think drop the T7200 idea. Its only ~$100 extra for double the cache, hence my thought, but if min real world difference then might be worth it to open up my options.

Tony,
Whats BTO? This is a thread to configure a system ?

[Tony]

look on google for HEL80

here's a typical review:

http://www.notebookreview.com/defaul...&review=Compal

here's the review on ocau:

http://forums.overclockers.com.au/sh...d.php?t=512509

you might not like no-name laptops though

I'm after a 14" myself...

[DaveQB]

Thanks Tony.

No-name is good for me. Both System76 and Pioneer build their own using a base (from Acer I think, but not sure)

I can't find this HEL80 on Infinity where SLATYE said he got his in the review, but did find this HP.

http://online.infinitycomputer.com.a...P&item=RM714PA
Bit more then I wanted to spend, but everything I want and decent battery time.

PS The Gazelle Value from System76 is exactly what I want and only $1700 for 1GB RAM and T7200 options, but importing it is the headache.
I have emailed Pioneer to see if their 9-cell battery gives their lappies decent battery time.