Looking for a new laptop (for school... mostly)

Aaronmcc

New Member
This is my first post and I'm still new to a lot of the computer tech information stuff but I've been trying to do a lot of research lately so I can sound like I know what I'm talking about (That's the important part, yeah?).

This is all starting because for graduation from High School, my parents will put $1k toward a laptop and allow me to pay the difference if it's more (I'd be ok with paying $2k for a total of $3k). I'm customizing my laptop but have a question about the processor. I'm planning (may change in 6-8 months for graduation) on the processor Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T9500 (2.6GHz/800Mhz FSB, 6MB Cache). I've been looking at the tech requirements of some more involved games in order to see what a good processor is and I came across one suggesting a 2.8Ghz. Is that a single processor running at 2.8GHz or two? I believe (but I could be really wrong) that the processor I am thinking about is TWO processors each running at 2.6GHz with 6MB cache divided up between both of them (which would be like a 5.2Ghz processor? ish) . Would this processor be able to do the recommendation of a 2.8GHz processor?

Here is a list of the tech requirements I am looking at:


PROCESSOR: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T9500 (2.6GHz/800Mhz FSB, 6MB Cache)
OPERATING SYSTEM: Genuine Windows® Vista Ultimate Edition SP1
LCD AND CAMERA: Full Hi Definition, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch LCD (1920x1200) & 2.0 MP Cam (built in)
MEMORY: 4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms)
HARD DRIVE: Size: 250GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE: Slot Load DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)
VIDEO CARD: 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
WIRELESS CARDS: Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
BLUETOOTH AND WIRELESS USB: Built-in Wireless USB capability
BLUETOOTH AND WIRELESS USB: Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0+Enhanced Data Rate)
BATTERY OPTIONS: 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
SOUND OPTIONS: Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Edition
FINGERPRINT SCANNER: Finger Print Reader XPS M1530


This is for a dell XPS M1530 Laptop that will cost about $3k (that includes everything like software and optional stuff). If you think of a good system I should look at (that runs Windows) then please post because I would like to look at them. $3k is about the top of the limit for me which I think will get a nice laptop.

Also, should I spend an extra $200 for a 7200 RPM hard drive or stick with the 5400? I wouldn't mind it but I also don't want to hear it across the room. (A solid state drive, though unreasonable now, would be cool to have though because the laptop would make such little noise!!!).
 
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Jhow

New Member
You can do better for that kind of budget. Try customizing one at ibuypower.com I did a comparable one to that dell for about $1000 less.
 

Kill Bill

Active Member
How about a 17'' macbook pro configured with the 2.6GHz C2D and 4GB of Ram and a LED 1920x1200 Display
 

cohen

New Member
Well with what i have said below he is a list between $2500 to $3000 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2030260032+4087&name=$2500+-+$3000 - But they all have crap specs!!! I would say a mac or one of the ones i mentioned above

cohen said:

One of these

Thanks.
Actually, I'd be ok with spending up to $3k on a laptop.
'

WOW!!! That changes things!

How about a 17'' macbook pro configured with the 2.6GHz C2D and 4GB of Ram and a LED 1920x1200 Display

Could do

Personally I think it would be a wiser choice to build from HP.

Well depends on what OS you want... Mac or Vista?
 
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Aaronmcc

New Member
Thanks, good to look around for price comparison. I'm personally not a huge fan of macs but I can understand why some prefer them over windows. I guess it's just what you're used to.
 
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