M5309 vs 6805 which is best value?

Ive narrowed my Notebook purchase research to these two models after looking at most of the others. The burning question I cant seem to answer is which machine should I buy? BB has them both with the 5309 being $350 less than the 6805. It appears for an extra $350 you get a 64 bit processor, better graphics card, integrated wireless, & more expandable RAM upgrade potential with the 6805.

I dont have a huge need for the blazing fast 64 bit processor or the better video card. It seems the real benefit of the processor will be a couple years away. I'll be doing some gaming, but not a huge amount. The occasional UT 2003 and Battlefield 1942. I can buy a wireless G PCMCIA card for the 5309 as I do intend to use it in a wireless home network. Not sure I'll ever need the RAM upgraded past the 5309's max of 768. Price is an issue as Id like to stay close to a grand but....value is what I prize most!!

Is the 6805 a better value for the extra $350 ($400 w/Service plan increase) or is the 5309 about as good a value at its price ($1049 after rebates)? Decisions decisions.....any opinions would be appreciated.

 

A short post (for once!)
Okay, seriously, you can stop cheering now.
Don't buy what you don't need. Go for the 5309.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by TheShaman

 

Yeah, I figured that the most likely scenario for making a decision would need to be based on actual demo-ing. Will BB really let you install a Game like UT 2003 and play it right there on the floor?

I suppose the "integrated" graphic means there are NO upgrade possibilities there either, eh? This is my first personally-owned notebook purchase and I could see a scenario where my needs could evolve as I am exposed to more wireless technology and computing power. i.e- is this the tip of the iceberg in terms of my use of a notebook with wireless technology breaking down walls?

 

They shouldn't mind. I've done it at my local BB just for giggles.

Unfortunately there really aren't upgrade opportunites as it pertains to laptops and their video cards. Alienware and a few other companies offer that as an option but they are very expensive. Hence it is *very* important to purchase the correct laptop vid card for both your needs now AND in the future--or else you will find yourself purchasing a new laptop much earlier than expected.

I usually recommend purchasing a bit more laptop than you *think* you will need as you will have some room to grow. In all aspects.

As for the wireless, having an external PCMCIA card isn't a bad thing. I personally wouldn't upgrade for the integrated WIFI. Computing power is a different story. [ ]

 

So how significant is the 6805's 64 bit 3000+ (given today's current application architectures being 32 bit) processing performance over the 5309's 2500+? In other words, is it a significant upgrade for uses other than the extreme 3D gaming?


Thinking outloud here....
the comparison on $ vs spec differences:
6805 has:
64 bit processor (Not necessarily needed)
Better Video card (5309's card may not suffice?)
Built in wireless (could purchase card to mitigate)
Ram Expansion (May not need?)
6805 =$1825...includes tx & ESP vs 5309= $1450...includes tax,ESP,&PCMCIA card for 5309
6805 us +$375 in price....or.....26% higher<<<<<

Thus, I'm back to the question of value of price vs distinguishing specs. Are the features worthy of the 26% higher price? Sounds like it comes down to video card performance (on 5309) vs need, and looking at what future needs may be. Will I want to ditch this machine in 2 years for a the latest technology? Or will a 64 bit processor right now keep me with the current notebook for years to come?

Good grief! I sound like my wife deciding what to order at a restaurant! How irritating...

 

It you want longer life, then get the 6805. I'm not convinved you need it right now, even for gaming, but it will have a longer productive life. In two years you'll want a new notebook anyway, regardless of which one you buy. Personally I've found my attention span to only be 18 months with notebooks.

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

 

Resolution to my quandry! I went and purchased the 6805 after checking back at BB today and seeing the price appeared to be $100 cheaper than when I checked earlier this week making the net difference between the two models (5309 & 6805) $25o.Actually, $200 if you count in the cost of a wireless PCMCIA card I'd have to buy with the 5309.

I'm typing this post with the bad boy right now! I plan to pick up UT 2004 this week and give it a whirl. I am curious to see how the discreet ATI Radeon 9600 handles it with high resolution.
One quick observation, the speaker output on the eMachines is definitely sub par compared with other notebooks I looked at...Thanks to all in this topic for their input! I'll add a more lengthy review of the 6805 in the appropriate Topic thread a bit later!

 

Excellent, good luck to you. Before buying UT04 you might consider getting the demo to try it out and make sure the quality is to your liking. It's a 200MB download, bt mitigates your risk. I actually have a ton of fun with the demo, LOL.

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by solies