Core 2 Duo T5500 (1.6Ghz) vs. Core Duo T2500 (2.0Ghz)

First of all, I want to thank all the posters in these forums. I've been agonizing for some time about what laptop to buy and I've found the posts here to be very very helpful.

I've settled on a ThinkPad T60. Here are the two systems I'm considering:

Intel® Core Duo processor T2500 - 2000MHz 1024RAM 100GB Hard Drive DVD Recordable 24X Max Bluetooth

Operating System: Genuine Windows XP Professional Screen: 14.1 SXGA+ TFT 1400x1050 Onboard Graphic Chipset: ATI Mobility Radeon X1400

OR

Intel® Core 2 Duo T5500 - 1660MHz 1024RAM 80GB CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max Bluetooth

Operating System: Genuine Windows XP Professional Screen: 14.1 SXGA+ TFT 1400x1050 Onboard Graphic Chipset: ATI Mobility Radeon X1300

The core 2 duo is about $100 less.

I've filled out the FAQ below with relevant info:

General Questions

3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
I'm a grad student, so lotsa student type stuff. Mostly word-processing, spreadsheets, and web surfing. No gaming.

5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
No gaming

7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
More is better obviously but no hard set requirement.

14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
Buying asap and want it to last 3 years or so

I'm buying in Canada thru Visaperks.

Thanks again for all your help!!

 

I believe that the difference between a core duo and core 2 duo is about 8%.

The 1400x is much better then 1300x graphics card but since your not gaming its not too relevent. If simple student work is your deal put money in RAM. 1024MB is kind of low especially with the graphic card stealing some of the memory. Go up to at least 1.5 or 2G to see better performance. (especially since right now its only 99 dollars to upgrate to 1.5G from 512mb).

 

Get the C2D..more future proof.

 

Core 2 has x64 support, so I'd go that route personally.

It would be nice to have that x1400, though ...

 

Intel® Core 2 Duo T5500 - 1660MHz CAN'T MATCH Intel® Core Duo processor T2500
the t5500 should be compared with the t2300 with 8 % better

 

if u dont play game, just go for X60.

 

X60 is a completely different machine. The X1400 will offer better graphics, better playback and streaming, the processor's raw speed will match the Core 2 Duo, however, the Core Duo isn't 64-bit. If you plan on running 64-bit programs, aside from Vista, you'll need a Core 2 Duo. Your RAM is good, if you can use the $100 to boost that to 1.5GB+ that would be even better.

 

There will be no difference in CPU performance in those tasks. The Core Duo has the DVD Burner even if for only burning off the recovery discs.

 

Should the recovery disks typically be burned onto a DVD ROM or will regular CD-RW work to fit all of the data?

 

Thank you all for your input. I'm thinking now the maybe the best idea is to go with the Core 2 and put the extra $100 towards RAM, as suggested.

 

My T30's recovery disks were several CD-ROMs..presumably the T60's are at least as much data, so if there's an option to burn to DVD, it would definitely save on the number of disks needed.

 

Good to know.

 

In that case, id certainly recommend the X60(s).
The only difference you would feel from having a better graphics processor would be:
- more heat (=more noise, in most cases)
- less battery life
- more useless bulk (that can potentially blow up)

and, tft screens are sooo chep nowadays, for working at home...
x60s is the best thinkpad i ever owned, and theres good deals around , atm...

 

Core 2 Duo runs cooler due to dual processing and is supposed to consume less battery than Core Duo.

Get the Core 2 Duo.