Help me decide on E6400 configuration

.Still deciding on Latitute E6400 (comparing with T400 from Lenovo)
Please help me decide on my E6400 configuration options
1. For $50 more i can get a 2.53GHZ processor vs. 2.4GHz.
I can't imagine a noticable difference in performance
2. Should I get the WXGA or WXGA+
I also have an option called "Privacy Flexibility" - I assume it has something to do with
preventing others next to you from seeing your work.
3. My assumption is to go with the express card slot option NOT the PC card slot option
4. Integrated intel graphics or NVidia quadro ?
I don't plan on playing many games. Just want to watch DVDs, Tivo files and youtube videos
5. Backlit keyboard worth $50?
6. How much RAM. With Vista, I know 2GB is plenty. But how much should I get to support Windows 7?
7. How many of you have chosen the 80211.n card vs. the one that supports just B and G?
8. Do any of you actually use your fingerprint reader?

thanks

 

1. P series is more energy efficient than T series. You won't notice much going from those 2.
2. Personal choice, WXGA+ will give you more space, but everything will be smaller. If you decide to run a bigger resolution, it won't look as good because it's not the native resolution. With that said, WXGA+ is not that small for 14.1"
3. Depends what you use. i use neither.
4. If you're only doing that, Intel 4500MHD.
5. Imo, no. It's your decision. In my case, I leave it off even though I have it (i bought from outlet, it came with it). Why? It draws about 1.5w when it's on, which is 10% of my battery life under minimal settings, considering under minimal settings i'm around 13w discharge rate. Secondly, I am a touch typist, so I don't need the light. 3rd, I prefer using my external keyboard whenever I can because it allows for better positioning.
6. 1GB from dell, purchase your own and install by yourself. Sites like newegg will offer 4GB for around 50$. 2GB for vista is ok, not "plenty" imo, since vista hogs half of it. I would say 3GB if you go 32-bit, 4GB if you go 64-bit. Therefore you would either buy a 2GB or 2x2GB stick from newegg. Windows 7 uses less RAM. I'm using it right now, with only basic processes on, (excluding mozilla, which i'm using right now) it is around 850MB ram.
7. N is more future proof. Go for the Intel 5300 AGN, or go for basic and buy your own and install it yourself, but you won't really save much money.
8. The fingerprint reader has very minimal uses from what i've heard. Only for logging into to your account, and i'm not sure what else. But it doesn't work for websites, so imo, worthless. I wouldn't imagine it working for any programs other than windows based ones.

 

1. Stick with 2.4GHz CPU, preferably the P series if you value cool and quiet operation. Also, it has no half multiplier so you can undervolt it using RMClock without losing the top speed.

2. I consider WXGA+ to be the sweet spot in the 14.1" size. Also, you can be sure it has LED backlighting whereas Dell is still transitioning WXGA to LED backlighting.

3. ExpressCard is better unless you have any old devices that need a PC Card slot.

4. The Intel GPU will be adequate for your needs and runs cooler. Some people with the nVidia GPU have suffered from excessive fan noise.

5. I have found the keyboard backlit to be very useful. Some people who have tried both also consider this keyboard version to be better quality.

6. It is usually cheaper to buy the minimum RAM from Dell and separately do an upgrade.

7. I bought the wireless n since it is becoming of increasing relevance.

8. Fingerprint reader bought but never used. The software was buggy when i tried it last year and I haven't got round to trying it again.

I think that what you need is very similar to what I bought. You can read all about it (in 2 parts) starting here. I don't regret what I bought.

John

 

1]P8600 up
2]WXGA+
3]i pick pc card due to my evdo. it's really upto you on your purpose
4]integrated graphics will do for video watching
5]yes- backlit keyboard
6]2gb min
7]5100n due to future proof. get the 5300n
8] nope. didn't get it

 

1] P8600 .. enough for watching 1080p video samples from MS WebSite
2] WXGA+ (small fonts but always You can Ctrl++)
3] Express card slot (never hardware, but really it's up to U)
4] Integrated (deffinitely ... reason: my temps when ambient temp 21C are
CPU-P8600 -27C-33C IDLE (49 stressed)
Chipset - 40C Idle (52 stressed)
HDD 7200/250GB - 36C
5] It's up to U .. I bought normal non-backlit keyboard and it's OK. I mean I do not miss very much that feature.
6] I've 2GB on Vista Business and .. well after 4 mnths. it started to work slower than on the beggining but still it is suitable. If you can buy 4 GB.
7] I'm happy with Dell WLAN 1397 and it works flawlessly in Vista ... but Intel 5300 is far better
8] Using at work in Lenovo laptop ... usefull

 

$50? Well, I checked NewEgg and couldn't find 4gig stick for less than $189. Am I looking for the wrong RAM? Here is the link

Code:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=40000381%201309139889&Description=ddr2%20sodimm&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&Order=PRICE

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...BESTMATCH&Description=ddr2+sodimm+4gb&x=0&y=0

Laptops have 2 ram slots. You are looking at 1 stick of 4GB, which cost far more than 2 sticks of 2GB each.

 

True. But only one slot is easily accessible. Anyway, I just ordered a Dell E6400. Pretty much identical configuration to what you've in your signature. Mine is:

• 2.4 ghz P8600 Intel Core 2 Duo
• 3GB RAM
• 160 GB Free Fall Sensor HDD
• Webcam/Mic
• WXGA LED
• Intel Wifi Link 5300 a/g/n
• Bluetooth
• DVDRW
• 9-cell battery
• backlit keyboard
• Integrated Intel 4500 with Express Card graphics

 

Huh? Both slots are easily accessible.

 

ah.... you can access both slots for the ram..... easily