dell xps m1530 config opinions wanted

first of all, thank you for reading this thread. i'm currently trying to config a xps m1530 for grad school and i'm on a budget. keeping everything else the same, i got it down to these two options (i'm using the 30% off $1,599):

(1) t8300 cpu, 160gb 7200rpm hdd, 8600m gt

vs

(2) t9300 cpu, 250gb 5400rpm hdd, 8600m gs


this will be a desktop replacement and hopefully it can last me 4 years. i don't game at all, most i do in regards to video is watch dvds/youtube clips and webcam chat. somewhere along the line i'm planning to get an external hdd (passport elite) so storage isn't an issue either. i'm more into maximizing battery life (on 9-cell).

your opinions would be very much appreciated. thank you


side note: i also considered getting the m1330, for portability (might bring it to class/library every now and then) but i'm scared of overheating issues. would i be able to use an external 22" lcd (via hdmi) with the integrated x3100? however i think m1530 is a better deal overall, no?

thanks again.

 

look at the config in my sig, think you will qualify

i would go for (1), since u said its a desktop replacement and u will get an external HDD.... T8300 vs T9300 wont be noticable if u dont game or much processing power...

(both should be 8600M GT)

if portability isnt key, then go for the m1530

but if u want to replace ru desktop, how about getting a real desktop and a cheap laptop(eeePC?) things/parts last longer as desktops....

 

I'd personally go for the M1330 with an X3100, since you said you don't game, and the portability really is great. This system does not have the issues with temperature that the nVidia model does. I used my M1330 for a good amount of time with a 22" Samsung 2243BWX, though that was via VGA. If your LCD has HDMI, you could use that.

You can get a 9 cell battery and get about 6 hours out of the system, which is pretty respectable, and as a desktop replacement, the 9-cell will help with airflow.