Need advice on customizing a laptop

[Comp625]

Let me start out by saying, I'm getting a laptop through Dell (because my dad's workplace is partners with Dell so I get a discount). This laptop is for college. I've definitely decided on a Centrino processor (probably a 1.3ghz).

First Topic: GeForce4 4200 Go (32mb/64mb) vs ATI Radeon Mobility 9000 (32mb)

I'm a gamer but I understand that either route I take, the framerate won't be as good as it will be on a desktop. I do like Nvidia's card because it allows me 64mb of memory. However, I read and heard around that this video processor eats battery power like candy. I dislike the fact that Nvidia's video does not come with a TV-Out. The ATI Radeon Mobility on the other hand offers less video memory but gives me TV-Out and doesn't eat battery power away that much. But in return, I'll get lower framerates.

If I do decide on the Nvidia GeForce 4200 Go, is it worth the extra $75 to upgrade to 64mb?

That leads me to my next topic: 15.4" WXGA display vs 14.1 XGA display

I like the Widescreen 15.4 inch display because I am probably going to equip this laptop with a DVD/CD-RW combo drive. However, if I want this Widescreen display, I have to get the GeForce4 4200 Go. This brings me to my next topic...

Is it even worth it to have the ability to play DVDs on a laptop?

Chances are, I'm going to have a DVD player in my dorm room (via an XBox) with a stereo television. On my laptop, I'm going to buy good headphones and speakers (but not GREAT speakers). Is it even worth it to play DVDs on a laptop considering the screen is small or should I save money?

Lets look at it this way...if I'm not gonna have a DVD drive on this laptop, I'll go with the ATI Mobility and a 14.1 XGA screen. If I am going to have DVD access on this drive, should I stick with the ATI or upgrade to Nvidia and get the 15.4 UXGA screen?

Sorry for confusing you guys...

Edit: Just checked on Nvidia's site...the GeForce 4 Go does come with a Tv-Out. SWEET I know what I want now

 

[kayatai]

1) there is a 64mb ATI m9000 option, it is not limited to 32mb.

2) if you are going with 14.1 inch screen/centrino (I assume inspiron 600m) there is a S-Video out for TVs, if you need an adapter/cord you can purchase it along with your laptop.

plus I don't think either graphics card will have any problem playing dvds. even my wife's integrated ati 345 can handle playing dvds.

I think it's a matter of weight and the screen more than anything else. If you plan on carrying it alot you should go with the 14.1 inch screen/lighter laptop. If this is just an expensive desktop replacement that you carry around once in a blue moon, you should go with the widescreen.

If you are going to play games on the widescreen you should probably check to see what other people have said about issues getting the resolution right (or lack of issues, I'm not sure what the status is at this point). You could check the dell forums for that. http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/

personally I have a 14.1 XGA screen with 64mb ATI m9000. plays games great (Morrowind, Neverwinter Nights... I don't play shooters much). XGA is nice because most games support the 1024x768 resolution, and since the resolution isn't THAT high, the graphics card has no problems with it.

 

[Comp625]

Hmm but on Dell's site with the Latitude D600, it doesn't let me choose a video card. It's defaulted to an ATI Mobility 9000 with 32mb of memory.

 

[kayatai]

Originally posted by: Comp625
Hmm but on Dell's site with the Latitude D600, it doesn't let me choose a video card. It's defaulted to an ATI Mobility 9000 with 32mb of memory.

Yeah, it's strange the d600 has identical components to the 600m but they won't allow you to configure it with the 64mb video card. You can go with the 600m though, the casing may look a little different, but the components are identical if what people say is true. In fact many people flash the bios between the inspiron and lattitude versions in order to fix bugs.