help me choose between these two notebooks

[andersonviola]

I'm trying to buy/build a system around 1k that will be my primary home computer. I plan to connect it to my 1080p plasma tv and watch movies, videos and streaming video. I will also use it for some light video editing and some light gaming. I'm currently torn between the Dell studio 15 and the Gateway P-7805u. Diffences in systems are:

Studio 15
P8600 (2.4Ghz/1066FSB/3MB cache)
15" 1280x800
4GB DDR2
256MB ATI HD 3450
Bluetooth
6 cell battery

P-7805u
P8400 (2.26Ghz/1066FSB/3MB cache)
17" 1440x900
4GB DDR3
9800M GTS Graphics with 1GB of GDDR3
no bluetooth
9 cell battery

the studio 15 is 850$ with the current dell coupon, while the Gateway is 1150. I know the graphics cards are not even close, but how else do these systems compare (memory, processor) for what I would like to use them for? I assume they both have enough power to output 1080p via their HDMI's.

are there any other systems I should compare?

Thanks for your input!

 

[Dark4ng3l]

Well the Gateway is better but it's also 300$ more and bigger. If you play to carry the thing around with you the 17 inch laptop is just too big hell I would probably got a 13 inch laptop to carry with me all the time if thats what I was going to do. On the other side if it's more of a desktop replacement/something you want to be able to move around the house with occasionally taking it somewhere with you then the 17 inch could be better because of the bigger screen. Now of course you can always use the smaller computer with an external display anyways (you mentioned your plasma tv). Both computers are good enough for what you probably want to do with them. IMO spending on "good" mobile graphics is a waste of money because it will never compare to mid level video hardware in a desktop computer and the price is outrageous for something you will only want to use when you absolutely have to.

Out of those two choices I would get the DELL studio 15 because it's cheaper and will do everything you want as well as be much more portable so you can use it on the go. Keep in mind that the current studio 15 that you can buy in the states is the 1537 model and is about to be replaced by the 1555 some time soon (rumors are that they will be available in a few weeks) these should have better video hardware options and apparently much better speakers. I think they are already available in India and Singapore (maybe other Asian markets can get them i'm not sure)

 

[mpilchfamily]

Since this is going to be your primary home PC why are you looking at notebooks?

You can get a really goo desktop PC thats is your price range, offering better specs and doesn't have to come with all the other perifials like the monitor, KB, and mouse if you already have ones you like. You 'll get more for your money this way.

 

[corkyg]

Mpilch poses a very thoughtful question. If this is a primary home computer, why settle for a notebook? Youy end up with little capability for user upgrade, a cramped keyboard, and a general conflict with leaving the home computer on for extended periods. IMHO, it really doesn't make a lot of sense to put a notebook in this role.

However - all that aside, I would choose the Gateway in this instance bnecause it is the closest of the two to a true computer.

 

[boomhower]

OP: Is the video card and screen size worth $300 to you? Those are essentially the differences. If you don't need the graphics horsepower I would go with the Dell.

Not everyone has the room for a desktop or want to be tied down to a desk. I got rid of mine to free up some room in the house and for portability. It's nice to be able to take it in the living room to surf while the kids play or take it to the kitchen to stream pandora while cooking. Certainly desktops give you more power for the money but are not the best solution for everyone.

 

[andersonviola]

Thanks to all for the replies. Since then I've been trying to think hard about what I really want and not get carried away thinking I need a good graphics card to potentially play a game down the road, etc.

What I need is the portability and hardware to hook up the laptop to my 1080p TV for watching videos/streaming, as well as some light video editing and others daily computer tasks. I would like to get enough power for the system to be viable for several years as well.

does the studio 15 meet those requirements? I am concerned about the DDR2 RAM vs the 1066 FSB, as well as whether the video card can do the video editing/playback and streaming via the HDMI. I know about the new Studio 1555, but doubt the 250$ coupon will still be around for it.

any thoughts?

 

[Bonesdad]

Perhaps OP doesn't have a lot of room at home for a desktop+desk etc. Notebooks are ideal home PCs for people who don't want to commit space/resources to a desktop. Just snap it shut and slip it out of sight...besides, OP can always get a discrete monitor and keyboard.