Dell M1330, a few concerns

1. Still going back and forther between the Nvidia and Intel graphics.
The Dell Kiosk guy said the Intel integrated graphics robs CPU performance and memory and can effect overall performance. Not sure if its worth the $100 extra. I rarely use my laptop for games. But I will use it to watch DVDs or other videos

2. I noticed that the Dell site says 8 in 1 card reader.
However I only saw a front slot for an SD card.
I don't get it.

3. With the LED display, the webcam is .3mpixels vs 2megapixels on the non-led display. Why would I need more than .3 megapixels on my webcam?

 

From my own experience.

GPU upgrade is worth it. It will atleast make the system play recent games at low settings. It also adds value when the time comes to sell it, and easier to sell.

I only use SD card, and doesn't concern me. I guess you can use other cards w/ adapters?

LED screen is very nice, will also add value when it's time to sell.

I guess you answered your own question on webcam.

 

i will answer q2 coz the rest has pretty much been answered in other threads already (please do a search). its a sd card slot but you can insert ssd, memory stick and memory stick pro. i'm not sure if the others will because i dont have those cards to try out

 

Q1) If you don't game much, and only watch dvds, stick with the integrated graphics. Even with an integrated card you can play games like WoW at the lowest settings perfectly. Just don't expect to play graphic extensive games such as bioshock or do any 3d rendering work.

Q2) Refer to khull's post

Q3) some people (like me) just can't accept a 0.3MP webcam due to its terrible quality when video chatting/conferencing. It all depends on your needs, and if you think you don't need a 2MP webcam, then go for the lcd display.

 

I don't game at all....yet I still went with the upgraded video card to make sure that in the future I could use it for games if I wanted to.

It's also nice to know that I have that extra power there when necessary, even if I don't end up using it all the time.

 

FYI, 8400M will play games like Company Of Heroes at low settings(some options at medium)

 

I'm not trying to say that having a dedicated graphics card is bad... of course, if you have extra cash or know that you will be using it for its purpose, then I'd highly recommend getting a notebook with a dedicated GPU. Just keep in mind that a dedicated GPU will also drain your battery more even if you're not using it. And again, integrated graphics card will work for basic games. Opting for integrated graphics will increase battery life and save you ~$100.

 

If you order your laptop with the Integrated video option and decide down the road it was a bad decision, you can't simply upgrade to a new video card so best to think ahead about it too.

As for battery power, get an extra battery (or even the 9-cell battery) and know that you will have the power when you need it.

 

Remember that it doesn't take a powerful gpu to read email and surf the interent. So if the guy tells you that your machine will suck w.o a dedicated card, then he's BSing you and trying to get more money out of you for useless and unecessary stuff.

Stick with the integrated. Vista's Aero glass, movies, photos, everything you want will work absolutely fine on that card. Anything 3D based (apps or games) will run poorly, but since you don't do any of that, stick with the cheaper and cooler integrated card.

 

Negotiate the upgraded LED into the price HINT HINT!!! See the thread below.