Dell Studio 1555 HELP choosing

I'm ordering a Dell Studio 1555 from dell.ca for school (grade 9 in september) I've been saving for years and keep blowing my money :l. Last time I blew it: 16 GB iPod Touch 2nd gen. Anyways, my mom finally said she'd buy me one and I'd pay her back. I wanted either Dell or HP and I want the best I can get for around $1000-1250 with taxes--So I chose a Studio 1555. I've built many on the website and it equals to about $1250 with taxes. My parents would like $1100-$1200, so I want to see what I can live without on my dream laptop. My mom is buying it, but I'm paying her back.

Anyway, let's get to the specs!!! I have four questions within the specs.

http://configure.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=ns153_f_2e&c=ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1&kc=laptop-studio-1555

I'm saving $110 for Back to School, which expires August 7th.

System Colour: Black Chainlink
I don't need help with this one, because paying an extra $30 for some colour is not my forte. Black looks pretty nice, so I'm sticking with it. Plus, the little chainlinks are cool.

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T6500 (2.1GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB)
This one is better than the last order I was getting (I saw an Acer Timeline on the shopping channel and ran to order it, but canceled after I found out the processor was 1.3 GHz!!!). This is 0.1 GHz less than my family desktop, which is still a pretty good processor. It can play Sims 3 I chose this because I'm NOT spending $200 to upgrade to a P8700, which is much better. TOO MUCH MONEY. :|

Operating System: Vista Home Premium 64-bit SP1
Will upgrade for free to Windows 7. Don't worry about that

Office Software: Works 9
I know, I know. I'll upgrade to Office Home and Student later. Gotta get that Word!

Hardware Services: 1 year warranty with 1 year return to depot

1. HD Display: Which is better?
15.6” High Definition+ (900p) Bright LED Display with TrueLife™ and Camera (60 dollars)

15.6” Full High Definition (1080p) High Brightness LED Display with TrueLife™ and Camera (90 dollars)

Should I pay the extra 30 dollars to get this? I heard that it makes text and pics look small. I won't be watching MUCH movies on it. Just once in a blue moon. People say 900p is better for a 15.6 inch laptop and you won't notice much difference. Keep in mind I may get Sims 3 for this.

Memory: 4GB--No questions asked here.

Hard Drive: 320 GB at 5400RPM

Graphics Card: 256 ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570
I am not paying another 100 for 512mb dedicated graphics.

Optical Drive: 8X Slot Load Super Multi (DL DVD+/-R Drive + RAM support)
The basic one included in the price.

2. Battery: Which should I choose?
56 Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell) Included in the price
85 WHr Lithium Ion Battery (9 cell) 50 dollars

I want to get the 9 cell, but then I'll have to cut something else like the high wireless card. Is the 9 cell worth the 50 bucks? I've heard it increases air flow and raises the keyboard. Please give me how much hours it would be for surfing, gaming, movies, word processing, the norm.

3. Wireless Card: Which should I get?
Intel® WiFi Link 5100 802.11agn Half Mini-Card
Intel® High Performance Wireless-N Card (Plus 40 dollars)

I plan on keeping the laptop at the desk in my room. The router in a G router and is in my parents room right next door. I'll take it to my bed when I want to lie down. But, I might take it downstairs at times. So I want a good connection. Is there a big difference from the high performance. Which do you recommend?

Bluetooth: Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Internal (2.1) 20 dollars
A must if I'm getting a mouse and other accessories but want to keep the USB ports handy.

4. Sound Options:
High Definition Audio 2.0
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi MB (Plus 20 bucks)

Is the HD Audio 2.0 really that bad?

Security: McAfee SecurityCenter, 30-Day Trial
Will get Anti-virus eventually

Remote Access: Dell Remote Access, free basic service

Keyboard: Back-lit Keyboard

 

1. With regards to the display, it really is a personal preference. I'd really recommend going to your local computer retail outlet and having a look at some screens to decide which resolution you like.

You are right not to bother with the extra $100 for the 512MB GPU; imho it's not really worth it.

2. Battery
Where are you going to be using your laptop? If you are going to be using it where there is pretty much always a power source, then I'd stick with the 6 cell. Otherwise I'd go with the 9 cell.

Theoretically you'd get 2/3 of the battery life with a 6 cell versus a 9 cell. Gaming on battery? I wouldn't recommend it to be honest, you'll probably be sat at a desk to game, and in which case you'll have access to a power outlet in all likelihood.

I'll leave it for someone else to tell you battery life as I don't have this particular machine.

3. Wireless card.
It sounds like you only really need the 5100. The range on the card, and the speed is plenty for most people. The only benefit you get with the 5300 is a little more range and higher bandwidth. However, most peoples routers don't fully utilise the bandwidth for this wireless card. If you are saving money, this is one place you can do it - go with the 5100.

Bluetooth; yes I'd recommend this one because as you say, it keeps your usb ports free.

4. Sound options
I've not heard the Creative X-Fi, but I do have the Hi def audio on another Dell machine and there is nothing wrong with it.

5. Backlit keyboard is another area you can save money. It's a nice to have, but it's not necesary.

Regards

 

Thanks you really helped a lot. I'm still on a fence though. I need a few more opinions

 

I have the 1555 with the 256MB ATi 4570, with both a 6 cell and 9 cell battery. I average between 5 and 6 hours on Power Saver mode and minimum display brightness, or around 4:30 with display on full brightness, with the 9 cell. On the 6 cell, the same settings get me around 3:30 hours (low brightness) and 3 hours (max brightness).

Keep the 900p display, especially if you're not getting the Blu-Ray drive. Movies will look great on it anyway, and it will be less taxing on your graphics during games, although the Sims 3 is not very intense at all.

Don't bother with the Creative sound thing; it's nothing more than a glorified software equalizer. The HD audio is fine as it is.

Keep the backlit keyboard, though; it's really nice. I got mine without it, and ended up buying one and installing it anyway.

 

Really? Grade 9 and need a laptop? I would suggest against it. I dont think it's really needed... A computer yes, but get a cheap one. If you need it for school, you need to do word processing, power point and well... I doubt much else. I dont see the point of getting one in grade 9 then again after high school. I would wait on it... save your money (even if it's your mom's)...

 

Well, it's not only for school, it's for my everyday use. My brothers a computer hog and now that Im going into high school and he's going into college, a second computer is needed. So I said we might as well get my laptop now and I pay them back. Also, Ive wanted a laptop for a while now and my parents trust me because I'm good and I bring home great marks. I'm kinda bragging now but, at graduation I won best actor, mathematics award and the academic proficiency award. Hehe

 

Non American / Canadian here - how old is grade 9, and how many grades before you finish high school?

 

Well there's ten years in elementary- JK, SK, 12345678

then grade 9 is the beginning of high school, then grade 10, 11, 12.

Then college and university

I just graduated elementary and high schools in september.

 

OK, so you'll be keeping this machine for probably 3 years then - i.e. until college, should you chose to attend?

If this is the case then I think it's perfectly valid to buy one now. Watch you don't play too many games on it though and let that impact your great marks with too many late nights.

 

Hehe I won't

Anymore answers to my questions- especially the wireless card one?

 

I would still say just get a desktop computer.... Like... you wont be taking it to school. Desktops are much cheaper. Then you can buy an even better laptop for university. I mean I can't tell you what to do... but like, I know if I looked back on high school... there is no way I would ever need a laptop.

 

I have to agree with most people here. You really don't need a laptop during your high school years. A desktop would be cheaper. I'm just now getting my first laptop after 2 years in college.

Do what you must as it is (or will be) your money.

 

Yet again it comes to preference. Sure you can get a desktop. But if you prefer mobility then a laptop would be good. I wish I had a laptop in high school. Having a laptop would allow you to bring it to your friends house when you go over to hangout or do homework together, share/watch/listen to movies/music. The list goes on. My buddy in high school didn't have a computer but we would always spend time at his place and if we had a laptop then, oh it would have been great

Anyways, back on topic. I would suggest for your upgrades, 900p screen. 5100 would be great, but it doesn't help much with your internet speed since you only have a G router. I'd suggest 6 Cell battery because I don't think you would be taking your laptop to school. At home or if you take it other places you could always bring your adapter. The audio options, just go with the HD 2.0. the other option is unnecessary. The base options should be fine since you wouldn't really need much power for what you're using it for. Besides, you probably would replace the laptop when you go to college.

 

Thanks for the help. I won't be using the laptop ONLY for school. I'm not like those people who buy laptops just to type. I take advantage of the full capability. I could chat on MSN in the kitchen, facebooking in the living room and even check my email in the washroom. I love the portability! I realize that a desktop could be a cheaper number two if anything comes to mind.

Anyways, I made some prefinal choices. I haven't made up my mind yet, but from everyones answers, I came up this:

HD Display: 900p (1600x900) $60
Battery: 6 cell*
Wireless card: Intel 5100 half-mini card*
Audio Options: HD 2.0*

* = Didnt make mind up

I chose 900p because a lot of people here and on other forums I read, said this is the best for a 15.6 inch screen. So, I still want some help with the other three. It's a tough decision. Anyone know how the laptop is without the creative x-fi option?

 

Just stay with the Intel 5100 Wireless card. It will serve you perfectly fine. I really didn't need to upgrade mine, but it was only $5 more so I did, haha.

Everything I have read regarding the upgraded audio options says that it isn't worth it. Just stay with the stock option.

As for the battery. All depends on preference. I had no choice as it was a free upgrade for me when I ordered (6 cell wasn't available). Not sure how much more battery it gives you. Maybe 1-2 hours?

 

What I have so far:

900p screen
HD Audio 2.0
9 cell (but I might go with 6 cell if I really need to cut)

I still would like to see what the difference is between the 5100 and high performance. Maybe a comparison from someone who got the high performance. idk.

Also:

Do you think an extra $50 would be worth it for Facial Recognition?

 

I had the 5100 in mine, and replaced it with a 5300 (the high performance card) that I already had. I have seen zero difference at all on my N-router.

Don't buy the facial recognition; remind me when you get your laptop and I'll send it to you.

 

At this point, I would say stick with the 5100 card. You won't notice a difference between the two cards. Especially on a G Router. For $40 to upgrade, thats kind of expensive. My opinion, take the 5100 option, if you ever upgrade to a dual band N router, you can always buy the 5300 on eBay for around $20 and install it yourself. Like Mastershroom said, you won't notice a difference.

I upgraded mine to the 5300 from a dell wireless 1397 (crappiest option? lol). I noticed no speed or range difference between the two cards on my G wireless router being downstairs approximately 15-20 feet away. I think the limiting factor is my old router anyways. But the reason for upgrading is because I'm planning on getting a new router, and the price for the upgrade was only $20, can't go wrong with that lol.

Anyways, if you're still unsure, maybe this thread will help a little?

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=300022

 

Thanks. You'll give me the facial recognition for free?

That helped a lot. Now I'm leaning on the idea of getting the high performance because I know I'll upgrade my router eventually! (it was $40 at best buy)

 

BTW, is the Facial Recognition add-on just a software disc that comes with the pc? Or is it hardware that is embedded in the camera by the manufacturer?

 

Its just a software you can install yourself. Don't take that upgrade option, its not worth it. Mastershroom can give you a link to download the file. He has given me the file already, so I can also give you the software if you want.

 

Thanks. I got it. Dell needs to learn about better bang for buck. $40 for a facial recognition software? That is expensive.

 

You would be surprised at how many people don't think about such things before buying.

 

Thanks It's my first laptop so I'm excited and need to know everything about it before I buy.

 

I have a Studio 1555 too. Check this link, there are some advices from people, cause I had the same question as yours.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=392244

I do have a problem with my LCD screen, even after repair when they did replace the screen (well, they said so). But I might be isolated and really unlucky...

 

I purchased the 1555 9 cell version from C***co, for $799. It's great, except that the 9 cell battery version does not fit in to the inexpensive sleeves sold around town. The back end is about 2.4" thick. I purchased a very nice WaterField sleeve for about $50 from www.sfbags.com and added a Backpack and strap. Not cheap, but very nice. Otherwise, you can buy one of the thick computer cases and put it in that, but if you use a sleeve in a your book bag or backpack, the choices are limited.