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    8100 vs 8300

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by ChetJ78, Jun 3, 2008.

  1. ChetJ78

    ChetJ78 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi All,
    I am a new member on this forum and had a couple of questions. I am currently looking to buy a laptop for myself and decided on the R61.
    The following is the configuration
    42X5954 SBB INTEL CORE2DUO PROC. T8100
    46P4166 VBB MICROSOFT WINXP PROFESSION
    42W7133 SBB MSWIN XP PROF. US ENGLISH
    42V9323 SBB 14.1 WXGA TFT,W/OCAM.
    42X5956 SBB INTLGMA X3100 GM965W/1394
    41W2063 VBB 2GB PC2-5300 667MHZ 2DIMM
    42V8195 SBB KEYBOARD US ENGLISH
    42W7032 SBB ULTRANAV(TRCKP+TOUCHP)
    42V8710 SBB 160GB HDD,5400RPM
    42V8717 SBB CD-RW/DVD-R.24X24X24X8UB-S
    41W1685 SBB 11ABGWIFI WL LAN USEULAANZ
    42V9337 SBB 4 CELL LI-ION BATERRY
    41W1787 SBB CPK NORTH AMERICA
    42W7050 SBB LP US ENGLISH

    I have 2 questions
    1) Does this configuration look good for a 'normal' user like me? I will be using the laptop mostly for browsing, email, watching movies (sometimes), and for running SPSS (statistical analysis software).
    2) Should I upgrade the processor from 8100 to 8300 by paying the extra $40? Are the performances of the 2 processors comparable?

    I would greatly appreciate any comments that you may have.
    Thanks
    CJ
     
    ChetJ78, Jun 3, 2008
    #1
  2. lololol

    lololol Notebook Guru

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    yea, the config is good enough for what you'll be using it for, even a lower config would be enough

    the difference between those two processors won't really be noticeable, but since it's only $40, I guess it doesn't hurt to have it
     
    lololol, Jun 3, 2008
    #2
  3. Budding

    Budding Notebook Virtuoso

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    That machine will be sufficient for the tasks you have specified. The difference in performance between the T8100 and 8300 aren't sigificant, so it is up to you whether you believe $40 is worth 300Mhz of clock speed.
     
    Budding, Jun 3, 2008
    #3
  4. Mr. Wonderful

    Mr. Wonderful Notebook Evangelist

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    One thing to always remember is that you won't be upgrading your processor at anytime in the future. You might want to therefore get the best you can now then.
     
    Mr. Wonderful, Jun 3, 2008
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  5. jd1010

    jd1010 Notebook Evangelist

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    I agree with you....go with the faster processor and if money is a concern then downgrade the ram and buy 2 gigs or 4 gigs yourself once you get the laptop. I have a t61, it's really easy to replace and it does not void the warranty.
     
    jd1010, Jun 3, 2008
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  6. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    I agree with all above and their points. But to OP the T8100 is far beyond your needs I would not even consider the upgrade. I do think $40 is fair but don't even think you need a T8100 now or in the future with your tasks. The RAM suggestion I liked. Buy as little as you can in a single stick. I have not configured a T61 for a couple of weeks but going from 1GB 2 sticks was no charge 1GB 1 stick. If so get that and buy a 2GB stick on your own for $40 and you have 3GB's. The system looks very good for your needs.
     
    powerpack, Jun 3, 2008
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  7. ATG

    ATG 2x4 Super Moderator

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    I agree with PP. Leave the 8100 and get more RAM in the future.
     
    ATG, Jun 3, 2008
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  8. ChetJ78

    ChetJ78 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Guys, thank you all so much for all your feedback. It was extremely helpful! I have decided to take up your suggestion and stick with the 8100 and buy more RAM later if needed.
    Thanks again!
     
    ChetJ78, Jun 3, 2008
    #8