Dell Inspiron 1525 - What Best Options?

Okay, so I am going to take the plunge and get the Dell Inspiron 1525 as I don't do gaming, however I am going for the better options for customization. I am going for higher end options like the T8300 processor and the 1440 X 900 screen panel. I really have just 4 main questions a yet-to-be Dell owner should ask:

1.) For best performance, should I opt for the 4GB of RAM OR 3GB of RAM since this laptop runs on the Intel X3100 Media Accelerator.

2.) Is it wise to go with a paid extended warranty, and which one?

3.) Does the 1440 X 900 screen panel have less of a chance from screen grainniness than the standard 1280 X 800 screen panel?

4.) Anyone know if Dell ships Service Pack 1 on laptops now?

Any help would be so greaty appreciated. Thanks...

 

1. 1 GB. Buy your own RAM. www.newegg.com
2. ...
3. Graininess has greatly subsided over the past few months.
4. Should be, though it's not that hard to download.

 

What's wrong with Dell RAM?

Anyone else care to share their opinions/answers to original post?

 

Nothing is wrong, just it will cost you less if you buy it aftermarket.

 

Bump... I want to buy today, I would appreciate honest answers if you know to the original post.

 

Please, anyone, pick a question or more and help me, I really need to know.

 

1. On a 32bit OS 3GB is all you'll be able to use. 4GB is a waste unless you get a really good deal. Vista 32 (SP1) will not utilize 4GB anymore than pre SP1. It's still 32bit OS.

2. Up to you. I have 3 years warranty. If you are planning on keeping your notebook for a number of years it might be worth it.

3. 1440x900 on the M1530 seems to be the sweet spot with best chance of a good screen.

4. Not sure? You can easily install it yourself if not.

 

Dell RAM is very overpriced, buy yours aftermarket. Same thing with the hard drive.

 

Thank you Thund3rball! The screen panel question was aimed mainly for the Dell Inspiron 1525 but I guess a 1440 X 900 panel will do better as I want a higher resolution screen. Anything about Dell's use of multiple screens I should be on the lookout for?

As for the RAM, you are saying that NO MATTER WHAT, 4GB of RAM on a 32-bit OS will not be utilized, so I wont be able to even get like 3.5 GB available for the 32-bit OS to use? And if it does use it, where does the extra go to, the Intel X3100 graphics?

 

There's plenty of info on the web but basically with Vista 32 yo will see a max of 3.2GB Ram IIRC. This is actually coded into Vista by MS. In XP 32 it was you could subtract your video card memory from your 4GB and that's what got used. But in Vista 32 MS has capped it to 3.2GB max. If you really want to use all 4GB Ram you need a 64bit OS.