Dell 1749 config- Would you add/delete anything?

Since the Dell i5 doesn't seem to have any of the throttling issues that the i7 seems to be plagued with I am looking at the following config:

Dell 1749
Intel® Core™ i5-520M 2.40GHz (2.93Ghz Turbo Mode, 3M cache)
6GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3 at 1066MHz
Back-lit Keyboard
17.3” High Definition+ (900p) Bright LED Display with TrueLife™ and Camera/Facial Recognition SW
500GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
Soundblaster X-Fi Hi Def Audio - Software Enabled
85 Whr Lithium Ion Battery (9 cell)
3 Year Advanced Service Plan plus Lojack
Dell Wireless 365 Bluetooth Internal (2.1)

I've just listed the options I selected since I'm sure most on this board are aware of the basics.

Curious if the facial recognition software works well. Both my wife and I will be sharing the computer and we like the idea of the software to log onto our own settings if it works as they claim.

Also curious if you feel the advanced service plan is worth the extra $ or would we be fine with a standard 2 or 3 yr plan. No kids and we take pretty good care of our stuff.
We would like for the laptop to last 3-4 yrs and aside from the latest issues with the i7, I would say a majority of the negative stories w/Dell relate to issues after the warranty expired.

Appreciate any input, thanks

 

just my .02c...maybe go to 4 GB ram and use the difference to upgrade the screen if that option is available...In Canada I don't think we can get the 1080p sceen any longer.. in the Studio line...not sure in other markets...The audio is another option you may or may not include...I believe it is just software enhancements not hardware...my ole 1530 was ordered without it so I am unsure if the upgrade is worth it or not...

 

I don't think 1080p is available in US any longer either. Why 6GB? Are you running heavy apps or multiple VMs? IMO, try for i5-540, gives you a bit more overhead for Turbo Mode. I have the X-Fi software and I have no idea if it makes any difference, frankly. However, it's $20 so won't make or break the deal. IMO, I'd drop both camera software and X-Fi software, drop the RAM to 4GB (unless I really needed it), upped the CPU to i5-540, and got the regular service plan unless you are getting the advanced one at large discount. It is certainly useful for peace of mind, but that really depends on what you do with the system. It's not like this 8.5 lb system is really mobile so you won't be pulling it out of the bag in the plane or train.

For the issues, well, screen is in the middle of the pack. Not nearly as good as say some of the Vaio screens or 1080p version that was offered. The i7 model has issues with throttling, screen freezing, 1080p flash crashing, low USB power to ports and few other problems. Not sure whats up with 1749, but it should be better due to lower power requirements for CPU and video.

 

Pulled the trigger and ordered this configuration yesterday!

Thanks for the input guys. 1080p has not been available here since Dec. As for the 6 gb ram, photoshop is probably the most taxing app that I'm using at the moment. But for any future apps decided to go with the 6. Is it overkill? probably, but isn't that part of being an enthusiast?

Would've gone for the i540 and 4gb if that were an option but the only i5 options avail are 430 or 520 right now in the US.

Also, the extended plan was more for practicality. Wife has dropped her work laptop a few times just sitting in the family room.