Dell's e1705 or m1710? Buy now or wait for 8800GTX/GTS?

[Wolfpup]

ARGH!!!

I'm not sure what to do. I've been going back and forth between one of those two Dell systems (which have the best bang for the buck for games, decent warranty support, etc.) and Apple's Macbook or Macbook Pro (which for some reason I really want, even though Dell's stuff would suit me better).

I've been waiting FOREVER for the Geforce 8800 line to hit notebooks...but now it's just at some vague time in the future we'll get mid range parts like the 8600 (which might not even match the performance of the 7950GTX I can get right now).

Between those two systems though, which should I get? Basically the m1710 will cost me $1251.60 more ($3415.24 versus $2163.64) and all I'm getting extra for that are:

CPU: 2.33GHz up from 2.16GHz (or I could drop off a bit over $200 on the m1710 and go with the same CPU)
GPU: Geforce 7950GTX up from 7900GS
Minor things, like RAM 667MHz up from 533.

So basically it's $1000 to go from a Geforce 7900GS to a 7950GTX. Just going by clock speeds and pipes, it should be roughly 88% faster theoretically (20 pipes versus 24, 350Mhz versus 550 if I'm remembering right). Theoretically the m1710 actually dosen't sound like a terrible deal when I list it out like that, but still....$1000 just for a better GPU, and it's not even a current model? That's practically half of like the successor to the e1705-like two or three years from now I would have half the money for a replacement just by buying the cheaper system.

I don't know, what do you guys think?

 

[alimoalem]

if you can wait, wait. if you can't, i would go with the e1705. or make the m1710 cheaper. you're not going to see ANY difference dropping down to the T7200 (2.0GHz) from the T7400 or T7600, especially if the most intensive stuff you'll be doing is gaming. you should save a few hundred right there.

if you can downgrade the ram on the XPS to 533MHz, that should save you some. i'm not sure if they come standard with 667MHz, though (i rarely check out XPS systems). if you truly do plan on keeping this for 2-3 years, waiting 3 months (i'm guessing, don't take 3 months for fact) would be worth it if it lets u keep your laptop for 3 years instead of 2, isn't it?

 

[imported_Seer]

You dont sound like the type of person that a laptop is suited for. If you are somebody who absolutely must have the latest and greatest, I would seriously reconsider dropiing $2k-3k on something that will not only start out lower clocked than a desktop, but also be quickly left behind in the dust by the new desktop parts. You know that when they bring over these flagship desktop GPUs to the mobile market, they drop the clockspeed by about 40%?

If I were you, I'd buy a SFF machine that I could tote around when needed, yet still upgrade with standard parts.

 

[Wolfpup]

What's happening in 3 months though? My understanding is we get a new platform, but in terms of GPUs, at best we're getting an 8600GT, which people seem to think will be less powerful than a 7950GTX (though of course have Direct X 10).

There's not too much I can do to get the m1710 cheaper, aside from the CPU. Technically the GPU, but then it's pointless, since that's the only real difference between the e1705 and m1710. The m1710 only comes with 667MHz RAM

I would plan on using whatever I get for at *least* three years if I can (though of course I'd want to keep the m1710 proportionally longer-3 years instead of 2, 4 instead of 3, whatever).

Darn I wish these had 8800GTXs in them :-( I'd feel like it was a lot more future proof.

 

[Wolfpup]

Originally posted by: Seer
You dont sound like the type of person that a laptop is suited for. If you are somebody who absolutely must have the latest and greatest, I would seriously reconsider dropiing $2k-3k on something that will not only start out lower clocked than a desktop, but also be quickly left behind in the dust by the new desktop parts. You know that when they bring over these flagship desktop GPUs to the mobile market, they drop the clockspeed by about 40%?

If I were you, I'd buy a SFF machine that I could tote around when needed, yet still upgrade with standard parts.

Unfortunately I really need a laptop now, at least for home use (technically I guess I could drag a SFF machine to work and be okay as far as that goes). So I'm pretty well stuck with getting my first laptop.

I'm not THAT upset about the slower clock speeds and stuff, though it would be nice if I could at least get something that's within spitting distance of an 8800GTS or something :-( I had spending all that money for a 7900 series part. Especially with Crysis right around the corner!

Isn't it nuts that I've been semi-seriously looking at a Macbook Pro too? I keep drooling over those for some reason.

 

[imported_Seer]

Why not get a smaller, 14-15" laptop purely for work, and keep your desktop upgrade?

Im in much the same position as you, except getting ready for college. I was gonna try to get an e1705 or another 17", but I realized that the amount of time that I would spend gaming abroad is relatively minimal. Plus, they're heavy, bulky, and have ****** battery life.
Eventually, i went for a Dell Latitude D820: 15.4 inch, 2.33 GHz C2D, Quadro NVS 120 M, a Go 7400 equivalent, 100GB/7200RPM, all for only $2050 (add $200 for tax and shipping). I get a really nice WUXGA screen, and its really not that hard to see the text or anything. I also got a really good discount by buying it through my university. Your place of business might have a similar option. Ask about an employee purchase program.

Maybe get a MBP, although I would prefer this latitude over any mac. Its really nice. But ++ on going for a more work oriented laptop. Save gaming for the desktop. And take the money you save by buying a cheaper notebook and put it towards something else, maybe a nice external display for the laptop or something.

 

[Wolfpup]

Out of curiosity, are you happy with your Latitude's audio quality (like through headphones?) Something I noticed while using a borrowed Dell laptop at work was how HORRIBLE the audio was. It hissed constantly whether listening to audio, a DVD, or even just the basic Windows sounds. But then it was a cheaper model, and a friend claims their e1505's audio is just fine.

I'm dealing with a medical issue right now that makes me want to avoid sitting if I can-so that's why I want a laptop for home (and really have needed one for work too). I don't really use my home PC for gaming anymore because of it.

Basically if I don't get a highish end laptop, I'll be giving up on PC gaming...which is a possibility I've considered (just switching entirely to handhelds and console systems), but I like keeping my options open too.

Battery life shouldn't be an issue as I plan on having it plugged in 99% of the time (either at home or at work), and I doubt the weight will bother me.

I'm going to be going through the education store, which is where I'm getting the $3415.24 and $2163.64 prices from, which is basically totally decked out for each system, plus a 4 year warranty with 4 year accidental damage. Weirdly, it was cheaper configuring the m1710 with a 4 year than a 3 year warranty (and about the same as a 1 or 2 year...Dell's pricing is really strange!)

 

[LouPoir]

Not worth the extra $$$ - Go for the e1705

 

[Wolfpup]

Yeah, I'm sure you're right. Darn human nature and wanting to have the fastest thing!

 

[VooDooAddict]

Agreed ... not worth the extra $$ primarily for 7900GS to 7950GTX.

At those Price levels though - Gaming Desktop with an 8800GTS/GTX
and
Any Dual core laptop with 1-2 Gigs of RAM and integrated video for better battery life (and lower cost).

$500 = E6400 ($225) + Gigabyte DS3 ($130) + Sythe Ninja ($45) + 2x1GB DDR2-800 ($200)
$550 = 8800GTS ($375) + nice 500W + Active PFC Powersupply ($100) + Decent Case that will fit a 8800GTX ($75)
$275 = 250GB ($65) + DVD Burner ($40) + WinXP MCE or Vista Home Premium ($120) + Decent Gaming Mouse / KB ($50)
$225 = 20" Wide LCD 1650x1080
--------------------
$1550 for one kick ass gaming rig .....

AND

Latitude D620 for $1300
C2Duo T5500, 2Gigs of RAM, ect ect.... (You can go with even cheaper laptops too... that's just a nice non-desktop replacement size.)

That's all still under $3000 ... and you can keep work and gaming SEPARATE.

 

[mbaldi]

i decided on the m1710 w/ 7950gtx and ordered it up this morning.

ill let you know what i think of it in a week or so when i get it and have a chance to install an xp partition. heard lots of problems with vista and some games right now.

 

[Wolfpup]

Originally posted by: mbaldi
i decided on the m1710 w/ 7950gtx and ordered it up this morning.

ill let you know what i think of it in a week or so when i get it and have a chance to install an xp partition. heard lots of problems with vista and some games right now.

Great! I look forward to it That should be a really awesome system.

Originally posted by: VooDooAddict
Agreed ... not worth the extra $$ primarily for 7900GS to 7950GTX.

At those Price levels though - Gaming Desktop with an 8800GTS/GTX
and
Any Dual core laptop with 1-2 Gigs of RAM and integrated video for better battery life (and lower cost).

$500 = E6400 ($225) + Gigabyte DS3 ($130) + Sythe Ninja ($45) + 2x1GB DDR2-800 ($200)
$550 = 8800GTS ($375) + nice 500W + Active PFC Powersupply ($100) + Decent Case that will fit a 8800GTX ($75)
$275 = 250GB ($65) + DVD Burner ($40) + WinXP MCE or Vista Home Premium ($120) + Decent Gaming Mouse / KB ($50)
$225 = 20" Wide LCD 1650x1080
--------------------
$1550 for one kick ass gaming rig .....

AND

Latitude D620 for $1300
C2Duo T5500, 2Gigs of RAM, ect ect.... (You can go with even cheaper laptops too... that's just a nice non-desktop replacement size.)

That's all still under $3000 ... and you can keep work and gaming SEPARATE.

Yeah, it's scary how much more system you get in a desktop. I kind of need a laptop for a lot of reasons though. For one thing, it means I'll only have to mess with one system for both work and home (well, one main system), which should also give some savings since I don't need multiple copies of programs. Also I kind of need a laptop for home so I can use it from bed and stuff like that.

I know logically between the two I should go with the e1705, but for some reason I'm so tempted by the m1710...for sure I'd get it if it had an 8800GTS/GTX in it, since I'd feel like I was pretty future proof.

 

[tami]

i bought a refurb m1710. i wanted the e1705 for awhile but it's just a boring inspiron. the m1710 is pretty slick. for the coolness factor, it's a good deal.

i'd say that you should look at refurbs if you want the prices on the m1710s to go down. of course, make sure to invest in a good warranty too.

 

[imported_Seer]

Originally posted by: Wolfpup
Out of curiosity, are you happy with your Latitude's audio quality (like through headphones?) Something I noticed while using a borrowed Dell laptop at work was how HORRIBLE the audio was. It hissed constantly whether listening to audio, a DVD, or even just the basic Windows sounds. But then it was a cheaper model, and a friend claims their e1505's audio is just fine.

I'm dealing with a medical issue right now that makes me want to avoid sitting if I can-so that's why I want a laptop for home (and really have needed one for work too). I don't really use my home PC for gaming anymore because of it.

Basically if I don't get a highish end laptop, I'll be giving up on PC gaming...which is a possibility I've considered (just switching entirely to handhelds and console systems), but I like keeping my options open too.

Battery life shouldn't be an issue as I plan on having it plugged in 99% of the time (either at home or at work), and I doubt the weight will bother me.

I'm going to be going through the education store, which is where I'm getting the $3415.24 and $2163.64 prices from, which is basically totally decked out for each system, plus a 4 year warranty with 4 year accidental damage. Weirdly, it was cheaper configuring the m1710 with a 4 year than a 3 year warranty (and about the same as a 1 or 2 year...Dell's pricing is really strange!)

The audio quality from the headphone port is horrible. Beeps, hisses, its all there. Im gonna try calling them up and complaining, see if my unit is defective. I called the other day and waited hours for someone to answer...never happened.

 

[Wolfpup]

Originally posted by: Seer

Originally posted by: Wolfpup

The audio quality from the headphone port is horrible. Beeps, hisses, its all there. Im gonna try calling them up and complaining, see if my unit is defective. I called the other day and waited hours for someone to answer...never happened.

Yeah, that sounds just like like the two Dell's I was using, and the D820 isn't a cheap laptop.

Hmm...If I can't even get decent audio quality out of a Dell, I'm going to have to rethink this :Q

 

[Imyourzero]

Originally posted by: Wolfpup

Originally posted by: Seer

Originally posted by: Wolfpup

The audio quality from the headphone port is horrible. Beeps, hisses, its all there. Im gonna try calling them up and complaining, see if my unit is defective. I called the other day and waited hours for someone to answer...never happened.

Yeah, that sounds just like like the two Dell's I was using, and the D820 isn't a cheap laptop.

Hmm...If I can't even get decent audio quality out of a Dell, I'm going to have to rethink this :Q

FWIW, I've heard that the XPS systems have above-average audio quality (for a laptop).

Don't some of them even have built-in subwoofers?

I'm in the market for a laptop also and like you, would really prefer to have an 8800-series card for peace of mind...but I was told that those won't become available for quite some time, so I don't know if it's worth waiting that long. I just hate to buy something with a 7900GS or GTX now, because those are pricey cards (the mobile versions anyway) and I know the value will plummet when the 8800 series does appear.

Besides that, I don't really need a laptop; I just like the idea of having all that power in a small portable package. Being able to game in any room of the house vs. just one is appealing...but as we've said, for the price of a laptop with a 7900 series card you can build one monster of a desktop rig.

 

[Wolfpup]

The m1710 has the same Sigmatel audio as the e1705...although I suppose it's possible the analog hardware is higher quality.

I guess supposedly the Geforce 8600 will hit Q2, and the 8800 will hit Q3?

The 8600 I guess has 64 shaders, and might perform sort of like a 7950GTX but with Direct X 10 support? If it's as good as the 7950GTX in terms of performance, that's not too terrible, though I'd still much rather have an 8800 of some sort. (Plus who knows, the mobile 8600 might have fewer shaders, or a lower clock speed or something-it might not even match a 7950GTX for all we know).

 

[nel]

Originally posted by: VooDooAddict
Agreed ... not worth the extra $$ primarily for 7900GS to 7950GTX.

At those Price levels though - Gaming Desktop with an 8800GTS/GTX
and
Any Dual core laptop with 1-2 Gigs of RAM and integrated video for better battery life (and lower cost).

$500 = E6400 ($225) + Gigabyte DS3 ($130) + Sythe Ninja ($45) + 2x1GB DDR2-800 ($200)
$550 = 8800GTS ($375) + nice 500W + Active PFC Powersupply ($100) + Decent Case that will fit a 8800GTX ($75)
$275 = 250GB ($65) + DVD Burner ($40) + WinXP MCE or Vista Home Premium ($120) + Decent Gaming Mouse / KB ($50)
$225 = 20" Wide LCD 1650x1080
--------------------
$1550 for one kick ass gaming rig .....

AND

Latitude D620 for $1300
C2Duo T5500, 2Gigs of RAM, ect ect.... (You can go with even cheaper laptops too... that's just a nice non-desktop replacement size.)

That's all still under $3000 ... and you can keep work and gaming SEPARATE.

Man I really tried this approach of keeping gaming and work separate, but it definitely didn't work. I ended up having to keep up with living two lives, constantly switching things over from one computer to the other even with networking set-up.

I have an e1705 with a 7900gs and I'm a pretty hardcore gamer, though still a poor student, and this thing works great for co-op work, school work, and gaming combined.

 

[Wolfpup]

Originally posted by: nel

Man I really tried this approach of keeping gaming and work separate, but it definitely didn't work. I ended up having to keep up with living two lives, constantly switching things over from one computer to the other even with networking set-up.

I have an e1705 with a 7900gs and I'm a pretty hardcore gamer, though still a poor student, and this thing works great for co-op work, school work, and gaming combined.

So I've got to ask...do you hear any hiss/static through the headphone port?

I need a laptop regardless, but I am looking forward to having just ONE primary system rather than two like I've done for years! Even simple thing like not having to sync my bookmarks will be nice.