Notebook Graphics Card: 8600M-GT vs. GeForce Go 7950 GTX

[InFeXiOn]

Ok, so here's my situation. I'm looking to upgrade to a nice portable mid-to-high gaming machine to take to friends houses and LANs when we're not all going nuts on console games. Anyways, I've got 2 choices:

1.) Dell Inspiron 1720 - This unit would be brand new from Dell.ca, and with my upgrades comes to the $2050 with the 3 year Complete Care warranty, basic spec outline:

T7250 2.0 Ghz
160GB 5400 RPM
8600M GT 256MB Graphics Card
2GB RAM

2.) Dell XPS m1710 - This unit would be refurbished in pristine condition with also a 3-year Complete Care warranty from Dell, also coming to $2050. Basic spec outline:

T7200 2.0 Ghz
160GB 7200 RPM
GeForce Go 7950 GTX 512MB
2GB RAM

Note: Both computers list their RAM as "Shared Dual Channel." What the heck does that mean, exactly?

On to my dilemma...

Which do I get? I'm sure the 7950 GTX will perform better in games, but would it be silly to make such a large purchase and get a DX9 card over a DX10 card? I'm really stumped here and have no clue what to do. That's why I'm turning to you guys for help!

Break it down for me, HELP!

 

[Brainonska511]

Dual-channel means nothing in a laptop. It is supposed to result in increased memory bandwidth, but laptops can't use it anyway because of the 64-bit memory controller that is used (unlike desktops which use a different type of controller).

As for it being shared, it might just be because the GPU might take up some of the RAM if it needs more than it has hard-wired onto itself.

Also, don't be locked into Dell - there are other great notebooks that are better (if not also cheaper). Consider the Asus G1 (15.4" w/8600M GT) or the G2 (17" w/8600M GT) along with many other available notebooks.

 

[tylerdustin2008]

I actually like Dell. When I first got into computers, I was like ehhh you can build a better one cheaper. That is still true, but you don't want to build it go with Dell. And their warranty works really good. Had to ram a 2407wfp, they shipped it next day to me.

Anyway go with the m1710. Why? Because it has a better video card. And the 8600 is a low end 8xxx series card. And you can still play dx10 games with a dx9 card. My friend was in XP(dx9) and was playing Crysis on a 8800.

There is my .02 cents.

Tyler

 

[onlyCOpunk]

Wait!!!!!!

Come November 19th Alienware is allegedly releasing two new laptops with the 8800M GTX which is going to replace the 7950M. POssibly not only Alienware, but other laptop makers as well. AW let two pages slip yesterday containing this information.

 

[aigomorla]

HP 8710p

or

HP 8710w


:] can also add an additional battery which gives me around 7 hours battery life on a 17inch LCD.

 

[dingetje]

the 8800m should be available this month...anandtech just posted an article about it but while i was reading it they pulled the article...very weird....maybe it is being editted? anyway the title was "nvidia geforce 8800m: fast dx10 mobile gpus finally arrive"
hope it will be put online again soon