Ordering a Laptop. what screen resolution and CPU?

[edm]

I'm ordering a new notebook with the specs below.

Vostro 1500, Intel Core 2 Duo T5470, 1.6GHz, 800Mhz FSB, 2M L2 Cache
15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA+ LCDTrueLife for Vostro 1500
1GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 DIMM
256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
120G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium

While this won't be a gaming specific notebook, i do plan on playing some games, mostly rts's like company of hero's, civ4, etc.

My question is, will having a screen resolution of 1440x900 hinder gaming performance much, with these specs? or Should i opt for a 1280x800 screen?

And is there a big difference in 1440/900 and 1280/800 when reading web pages, desktop apps, etc.? my biggest concern is, 1440 might be too small for a 15.4 screen. but at the same time i do like the idea of having more space at 1440.

Also, is it worth another $195 to upgrade the cpu to C2D T7300 (2.0Ghz with 4M L2 Cache) or should my current cpu be fine?

Thanks

This topic belongs in out Notebook forum.

esquared
Anandtech Senior Moderator

 

[corkyg]

The screen resolution response really depends on your visual acuity. The higher res is nice, but in my case, I have to use Large Fonts in order to read with out using a magnifying glass. 🙂

As for the CPU, the T7300 will be a bit more responsive for gaming.