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  1. #1
    Nidhogg
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    Questions on new laptop quality/performance

    Got the opportunity to order this for $1500 through school, and I'm not hugely apt at evaluating hardware performance, so I was wondering if any of the more knowledgeable people here had some input.

    Specs:
    Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 processor at 2.0 GHz
    (4 MB L2 cache, 800 MHz FSB, 64-bit CPU)
    2GB RAM
    15.4” WSXGA+ (1680x1050) TFT display
    160GB 5400RPM hard drive with Intel Turbo Memory hard drive cache
    128MB NVIDIA Quadra NVS 140M graphic processing unit
    CD writer/DVD writer (dual layer)
    10/100/1000 on-board Ethernet and 56K modem
    802.11a/b/g/n integrated wireless
    Ports: 3 USB 2.0, Docking/Port Replicator, External Display,
    Headphone / Line out, Microphone / Line in
    PC Card Slot, ExpressCard Slot, Media Card Slot
    UltraNav (touch pad/TrackPoint) pointing device
    Fingerprint Reader
    Bluetooth
    Firewire (IEEE 1394)
    9-cell Lithium-ion battery (one-year warranty)



    Comes with a bunch of engineering and CS software as well, but that's not really relevant.

    I'm wondering if this is a worthwhile investment that will last at least a few years.
    I'm also curious on the subject of PS2 emulation, considering my old laptop can emulate at around 1/2 normal FPS, and I've heard a dual processor really helps this.

  2. #2
    The Wang
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    Re: Questions on new laptop quality/performance

    It seems like a pretty good machine, the only thing I'd get personally is a 17" screen (you lose some portability when you do that though) and a higher mb video card. Those two things also will depend on what you're using it for.

    I would think that can run emulators without a problem if you aren't running much else in the background.

    Side note: Is it vista? If so that can really dull how well it runs anything seeing as from my knowledge Vista is a big resource hog among other things. Get XP if you can imo.

    Price wise, that's about normal maybe a few hundred at most less than where you could buy something of similar proportion elsewhere.

  3. #3
    Cerberus
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    Re: Questions on new laptop quality/performance

    That's a damn solid system spec wise. You might run into some issues when gaming with a Quadra since that is the core geared for CAD and 3d rendering instead of gaming.

    Pricewise, hooooooooly shitballs. What's the warranty? Does it have complete care/accident protection? It's an excellent deal if it's 3 years onsite.

  4. #4
    Nidhogg
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    Re: Questions on new laptop quality/performance

    Warranty is 3 years, covers accidental damage as well as any defects etc. They will also swap out my HD into a clone of the laptop while it's out for repair

    It comes with Vista, but I can have 2k or XP installed on it for free as well, which I plan on doing as soon as I get it. Really hate Vista so far.

  5. #5
    Cerberus
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    Re: Questions on new laptop quality/performance

    Sweets. Go for it!

  6. #6
    The Wang
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    Re: Questions on new laptop quality/performance

    Yea that seems like a pretty solid deal

  7. #7
    Ironing this Thread
    Sweaty Dick Punching Enthusiast

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    Re: Questions on new laptop quality/performance

    Quote Originally Posted by Furtwangler
    the only thing I'd get personally is a 17" screen (you lose some portability when you do that though)
    Portability is king. If you want a 17inch screen, just get a desktop. 12.1-13.3 inch laptops are soooooo sexy and so great for everything. Tablets are really nice too, nothing beats that new HP 12.1 with a 50$ upgrade to a touchscreen.

    Guess it depends what you are using it for, but I can't see buying bigger than a 15.4 unless you need the extended keyboard (which it's cheaper to just buy a numpad/extrended keyboard usb addon). 17's are just so bulky and typically heavy, kinda defeats the purpose of having a laptop.

  8. #8
    Relic Shield
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    Re: Questions on new laptop quality/performance

    Solid system for PS2 emulation. Just be sure to upgrade to Windows XP.

  9. #9
    Ironing this Thread
    Sweaty Dick Punching Enthusiast

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    Re: Questions on new laptop quality/performance

    Quote Originally Posted by Mifaco
    Solid system for PS2 emulation. Just be sure to upgrade to Windows XP.
    Does a Dell made laptop with vista enable you to reformat to a XP OS? Or will it try and not let you.

  10. #10

    Re: Questions on new laptop quality/performance

    Nothing* stops you from reformatting.

  11. #11
    E. Body
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    Re: Questions on new laptop quality/performance

    aka yes.

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