13 inch laptop

[Eclipsor]

So I've decided to get my first laptop. I want to get a 13 inch one because I'll probably be taking it to work sometimes. I had all but clicked the buy button on the XPS1330 until I had a read through the thread about it here.

So then I decided that I probably don't need the 8400M so had a look at the inspiron 13. It looked ok and uses the integrated video (so should avoid the heating issues???) but then I went to the customise section and the specs are different. 250Gb hdd instead of 160 and the 8400M instead of the X3100.

So my question is this. Should I avoid any laptop with the nvidia video cards like the plague? Or is this limited only to Dell, or only the XPS1330? Any other suggestions for a 13 inch? thanks

[neon_87]

if your an apple person, or dont mind either way, dont rule out the macbook. Im serious - they are a very good laptop. If its only for basics, and no games, then a macbook 13" is probably the best your going to get portability wise.

From memory, 2.4ghz, 2gb ram, x1300, 160gb hdd, around $1600 - the old white ones.

The new ones start at about $2100, and have 9400M graphics.

[astro_tf]

What about a base model Dell Vostro 1310 for $1,149?

Intel Core 2 Duo T5670 (1.8GHz), Windows Vista Business or XP Pro, 2GB DDR-2 (free upgrade to 3GB today), 160GB, Hard Drive, X3100, etc...

[Eclipsor]

Had a look at the apple. Seems to have about the specs I'm after. Just a bit pricey though. Not surprising really.

Just had a look at Officeworks. They seem to be selling an older configuration of the xps1330 with the integrated graphics for a pretty good price. Not sure how to link it, but its $999.

As mentioned in another thread on here they've saved money with the T5550 cpu, 160Gb hdd and no wireless N. I'm not fussed about the hdd or wireless too much but am I likely to be very dissapointed with the 1.8Ghz cpu? Won't be doing any gaming but would still like good program response etc. ta

[Eclipsor]

Originally Posted by astro_tf

What about a base model Dell Vostro 1310 for $1,149?

Intel Core 2 Duo T5670 (1.8GHz), Windows Vista Business or XP Pro, 2GB DDR-2 (free upgrade to 3GB today), 160GB, Hard Drive, X3100, etc...

Yeah saw them. I guess I like the look of the inspiron and xps more than them and was also worried about the cpu. Same question as my previous post. At least with this one I could upgrade it if I wanted. Might have another look at some pictures of it.

[neon_87]

Originally Posted by Eclipsor

I'm not fussed about the hdd or wireless too much but am I likely to be very dissapointed with the 1.8Ghz cpu? Won't be doing any gaming but would still like good program response etc. ta

depends on what your doing. general office work should be fine, probably not extremely snappy, but good enough. these are core 2 duo mobile chips im assuming, so they should be ok. i have a T7200 or something in my laptop. its 2ghz, and its fine even for some gaming.

[silverbullet]

Hell i'm running a refurb Thinkpad with pentium M 1.5 1gig of ram and ati 7500 i think it is and i can play wow and CSS just fine, i'd imagine most of the new notebooks would be able to do the same

[Eclipsor]

Good to hear. Ended up getting a Lenovo SL300 specced up a bit. Better specs than the vostro for the money and more customisation options.