Core 2 Duo

Hi,

I am getting ready to buy a notebook and desktop for school which starts in early August. Does anyone know when the first desktops and notebooks with the Core 2 Duo processors are going to be available for purchase? I know that Intel plans on launching the desktop version in July and the notebook version in August. Does this mean that the first desktop with Core 2 Duo will be launched and available to purchase in July? On the same lines, does this mean that the first notebook with Core 2 Duo will be launched and available to purchase in August? Or does this mean that the processors are just going to be shipped to companies during those dates and won't show up in computers until sometime between fall and early winter? Also, does anyone know when Dell plans to incorporate these processors (I am interested in purchasing a Dell system)? Also, does anyone know if the prices of computers with these processors are goint to be significantly higher (at launch) than current Core Duo computers? Sorry for the long post and thanks for your help.

 

well, i know they will be released at that time, but i dont know if anyone will put them in their laptops then. im thinking you might see them pre-installed on laptops (where it becomes a common part) around christmas time, but im sure you could buy an upgrade when configuring, before that.

most people think dell will just make that an upgrade processor (ie- $xxx for core 2 duo 2.0GHz). only thing is, no one knows when they might do that. hope this helps

 

Dell probably won't be selling laptops with Core 2 Duo chips in them until winter, just as you had thought. Your best bet would be to purchase the Dell Inspiron E1705 now. The reason being is that it has been confirmed that the Core 2 Duo chip can be installed in the E1705 when it comes out. This way, you can enjoy the laptop now, and still have the latest and greatest. I also was in the same boat as you, but I thought about this and bought the E1705, just 2 days ago. I also purchased it for college. I suggest you do the same.

 

Thanks for the help so far!

 

Or, you could get a notebook with the AMD Turion 64 X2 now. HP/Compaq has a 14.1" notebook with this chip. I think there are others as well. This is the AMD equivalent of Core 2 Duo. I think AMD will be releasing some faster version of the X2 within a month or so. If you really want an Intel Core 2 Duo, however, you'll have to wait as noted.

 

Does anyone know how much the price range for the Core 2 Duo chipset is going to be if you plan on updating a Core Duo notebook? Also, does a bios update/flash completely erase your memory? Where do you actually buy a new a new chipset from? Is it difficult to upgrade it yourself?

 

most likely will increase, just because it will be newer technolgy
do you mean hard drive memory? i wouldnt think so...ive havent flashed a bios yet though, so i wouldnt know
newegg.com is a good place to buy a new chip
i dont think so. just be careful not to have any static, or that could completely fry the laptop

 

Thanks again.