Dell Studio 15 ...

[jdkick]

My current notebook is a Dell Inspiron 2560 (P4M 1.6GHz/512MB) that I resurrected from the garbage room at work. It's been running fine for ~6 months but recently started having issues powering on. So, i'm debating on just buying a new notebook and the Dell Studio 15 is at the top of my list for a variety of reasons.

My only hesitation is whether I should consider the dedicated video option (256MB Radeon HD 3450) for an additional $100CDN? From my research, it looks like I can really only expect the 3450 to handle game play at fairly low quality settings... so it most likely won't be of much use to me. And I do have a desktop for when the urge to game strikes.

Thoughts? I'm not that familiar with mobile video card offerings, but I get the impression that then nVidia 8600 series is more desirable for those looking for decent 3D performance out of a mobile device.

 

[Zap]

3450 is the lowest end GPU for that generation. Consider this... would you rather have better battery life? Dedicated graphics reduce battery life.

 

[jdkick]

Battery life, and the extra $100 in my pocket. I did a little more reading on it last night and most comments seem to recommend > 3450/8400 for GPU performance in a mobile device. So, looks like i'll skip the video option.

 

[jdkick]

Now I only wish they offered an affordable display upgrade beyond the stock 1280x800 15.4" LCD. I'd love to jump on the 1440x900 15.4" option that's common to nearly all Dell 15.4" notebooks @ $50, but for some reason it isn't offered on the Studio. The only options are the 1440x900 with LED back lighting @ +$150 or 1920x1200 @ $200. Neither appeal to me based on cost.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: jdkick
The only options are the 1440x900 with LED back lighting @ +$150

That actually sounds pretty nice. IIRC doesn't LED backlights use less power and weigh less, not to mention giving a better gamut of colors?

 

[SunnyD]

Personally I'd get the Studio 17 and the 3650 with a 1920x1200 screen. 1440x900 and 1280x800 are bastard resolutions that simply shouldn't exist. They should have a 1680x1050 option on the 15.

 

[Brainonska511]

Originally posted by: SunnyD
Personally I'd get the Studio 17 and the 3650 with a 1920x1200 screen. 1440x900 and 1280x800 are bastard resolutions that simply shouldn't exist. They should have a 1680x1050 option on the 15.

A better piece of advice would probably be to suggest something of the same size but different specs. 17" and 15" notebooks are really not in the same class or used for the same purposes.

I'd personally get a small notebook and a desktop if I wanted to play games.