D630: Should I get the NVIDIA graphics and the fingerprint reader?

Hello everybody,

I have trouble deciding whether or not to get for my soon-to-be-ordered D630

1. the NVIDIA NVS 135M discrete graphics card

• What I would hope for:
  option to play the occasional game of Virtual Skipper (requires "32 MB DirectX 9.0c compatible 3D graphics card") and Sail Simulator (requires "32 MB 3D-graphic accelerator card")
  -- or would these two games already run with the integrated X3100 graphics? (not sure what "32 MB card" means and if the X3100 counts as such)
  
• What I am afraid of
  more heat --> more noise (fan running more often/with higher speed) and shorter battery life for something that is not my priority (notebook will be used for work, none of which is 3D)

2. the fingerprint reader

• What I would hope for:
  Getting rid of the password-maze --> just one fingerprint for system and all websites
  
• What I am afraid of
  Smaller touchpad buttons - are they still convenient? (Actually, I am used to a ThinkPad trackpoint, and if the quality of the Dell trackpoint would get close to the ThinkPad one, I would use the trackpoint and the upper buttons - but: is the Dell trackpoint usable?)

Any input would be appreciated!

Andrew

 

Get the nVidia, better safe than sorry when buying a 1k+ laptop. X3100 shares system memory which will slow down your system a lot when playing and type of game.

As for the FP Reader, I wouldn't recommend it. Look around on the forums and ask people what they think about theres.

 

Can't comment on the fingerprint reader as I didn't order that.

But, I do have the NVIDIA card in my D630. I'd recommend getting that. My notebook is super quiet...fan goes on very infrequently--and even when it kicks on, I seldom notice it as it is really quiet too. I have a nine cell battery and get 5+ hours battery life using wi-fi, running three-four applications, and setting the screen brightness up quite a bit. The laptop does get a little warm, but I can still hold it comfortably on my lap--I don't really think the NVIDIA card is contributing that much to the heat.

Hope this helps!
dordale

 

Thanks for your input, liquidplasma.

It's not that easy. I would be sorry, for example, if would have to sacrifice a lot of battery life for the nVidia graphics. A discrete graphics card might not only have advantages.

This is different from what I have read up until now. With dual channel and 2 or 4 GB of RAM, one might not be able to play all games with X3100, but the system should not be noticeably slowed down. Or is this wrong?

Is there any solid information on how the two particular games mentioned in the original post would perform with X3100 vs. nVidia NVS135M?

Why? Do you have experience with it?

Thank you for your advise. This is exactly what I am trying to do here.

Andrew

 

Thank you, dordale, this is really helpful. I was hoping for this kind of specific, experience-backed feedback. Do you have any idea on how long the battery would run under the same conditions without the nVidia card?

Andrew

 

from what i've read, around 6 hours i think.

 

I had originally thought about ordering the D630 until I saw the m1330 (which I did order) and I don't regret it one bit!

I ordered my m1330 with the fingerprint reader and I think it's great! I would have regretted NOT ordering it.

I think people don't like the FPR on the D630 because it's placed in between the touchpad buttons and makes the buttons smaller. On the m1330 it's on the right side of the keyboard out of the way.

If you haven't considered the m1330, take another look at it as it's pretty much the same price as the D630 with the same specs.

 

I recommended going with the NVidia as the graphics option is more or less a one time choice. Its better to give yourself the room necessary to handle more advanced multimedia options.

As for the fingerpoint reader, I don't recommend it either. Its sometimes hard to get a readable print and the program so far has come off as something not suitable for quick integration.

 

I have a new D630 with fingerprint and built in graphics. I LOVE the fingerprint reader. So far, I only have it set for boot password. i hope to have it set for web passwords as soon as I learn how. Boot setup was SIMPLE. I love this thing! Yes, the buttons are smaller, and I dearly wish they had put it on the side like the m1330. Hey, one cannot have everything.

The only game I play is Solitaire, and the 31000 plays it just fine. I wanted this laptop to be for business, and run cool and reliably. Cool was more a factor for me than batt life. So far, with the 9 cell, I get 3-4 hours, which is more than enough for me as I will add a car charger when and if necessary. In that vein, maybe I will also try the 6 cell battery to subtract some weight.

I intend to use a bluetooth or wirelsss mouse, so buttons are only a minor inconvenience. I think the IBM stick is excellent quality, and would not hesitate to use it if I were so inclined.

In general, I like the laptop much so far, with the exception of vertical viewing angle. I cannot see watching a movie on it as the colors would change as I leaned back in my chair. I am hoping beyond hope that a proper calibration of the screen may help this. Just a wing and a prayer.

Loving my Dell, Dave

 

3-4 hours with the 9 cell, integrated graphic? That sounds really low... from every review I've seen they get 5-6 hours with the 9 cell, integrated. In fact, those with the 6 cell battery get 3-4. Are you running really intensive programs or something???

 

Setting up website passwords and using them is an incredible hassle. I don't like the fingerprint security software Dell included at all. The x3100 is fine for the purpose you want, and will help extend battery life. Spend the hundred bucks you would've spent on the NVidia on a bay battery -- just pop out the dvd drive with the push of a button, and swap in the 2nd battery. Viola! 8+ hours on 2 cells (maybe 10).

 

Maybe I was not measuring carefully. I am not one to count on how much battery time as I know that when I REALLY need it, it will not be there

I like my screen bright also. Very bright. It could easily have been 4+ hours. Sorry for the loose measuring

Dave