T9300 vs T9500 processor and Battery?

[whizzo355]

We are planning to purchase an XPS M1530 for my son for college. We are debating between the Intel Core 2 Duo Processors T9300 (2.5GHz) vs. T9500 (2.6GHz) with a price difference of $275.

Is it really worth the extra money for the best that Dell is currently offering?

Thanks!

One other question -- I know the price of the batteries increased due to a fire where they are manufactured. At this time, should I purchase a 9 cell instead of the 6 cell for an additional $169?

 

[RadiclDreamer]

No, it isnt worth it in my opinion, the difference is going to be very minimal

 

[hnzw rui]

Go with the T9300. He's not going to notice that extra 100MHz.

 

[Strebor]

Defiantly wouldn't spend $275 on such a small boost.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

According to Cnet.

The XPS M1530 is available with two battery options, and we tested both the 6-cell and 9-cell versions. While the 6-cell fits flush with the system and ran for 2 hours and 9 minutes on our DVD battery drain test, the 9-cell battery ran for 3 hours and 22 minutes on the same test. The catch is that the 9-cell battery is positively gigantic, raising the rear of the laptop from 1.5 inches to 2.2 inches, although it fortunately doesn't extend past the back of the system. The weight goes from 5.9 to 6.4 pounds when you switch to the larger battery. Notably, the default slim battery in Apple's 13-inch MacBook runs even longer than the extended Dell battery.

So its really up to you if that amount of money is worth the extra time, weight and extra bulk

 

[hnzw rui]

Originally posted by: RadiclDreamer
According to Cnet.

The XPS M1530 is available with two battery options, and we tested both the 6-cell and 9-cell versions. While the 6-cell fits flush with the system and ran for 2 hours and 9 minutes on our DVD battery drain test, the 9-cell battery ran for 3 hours and 22 minutes on the same test. The catch is that the 9-cell battery is positively gigantic, raising the rear of the laptop from 1.5 inches to 2.2 inches, although it fortunately doesn't extend past the back of the system. The weight goes from 5.9 to 6.4 pounds when you switch to the larger battery. Notably, the default slim battery in Apple's 13-inch MacBook runs even longer than the extended Dell battery.

So its really up to you if that amount of money is worth the extra time, weight and extra bulk

Unfair comparison. The XPS M1530 has a bigger screen so it's bound to drain batteries quicker. I have a 14" Inspiron w/T7200 and 9-cell battery, normal battery life is ~7 hours. Haven't tested battery drain during DVD playback yet.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Originally posted by: hnzw rui

Originally posted by: RadiclDreamer
According to Cnet.

The XPS M1530 is available with two battery options, and we tested both the 6-cell and 9-cell versions. While the 6-cell fits flush with the system and ran for 2 hours and 9 minutes on our DVD battery drain test, the 9-cell battery ran for 3 hours and 22 minutes on the same test. The catch is that the 9-cell battery is positively gigantic, raising the rear of the laptop from 1.5 inches to 2.2 inches, although it fortunately doesn't extend past the back of the system. The weight goes from 5.9 to 6.4 pounds when you switch to the larger battery. Notably, the default slim battery in Apple's 13-inch MacBook runs even longer than the extended Dell battery.

So its really up to you if that amount of money is worth the extra time, weight and extra bulk

Unfair comparison. The XPS M1530 has a bigger screen so it's bound to drain batteries quicker. I have a 14" Inspiron w/T7200 and 9-cell battery, normal battery life is ~7 hours. Haven't tested battery drain during DVD playback yet.

Its a completely fair comparison for what he wants to know, what hes going to get out of the more expensive battery. He is getting the XPS M1530 and thast what the review is about. Now with it being compared to the macbook, no thats not really fair, they are comparing a low end gaming notebook to a low end general purpose notebook.

 

[hnzw rui]

Originally posted by: RadiclDreamer
Now with it being compared to the macbook, no thats not really fair, they are comparing a low end gaming notebook to a low end general purpose notebook.

Exactly. They're comparing a gaming notebook, with a thin and light model. Obviously, the gaming notebook's bound to suck up more juice than a thin and light one. The comparison between the 6-cell and 9-cell batteries is relevant.

 

[Electric Amish]

I definitely would not spend the money for the extra 100mhz on the processor.

Battery-wise, he'll get some more run-time with the 9-cell. It depends on how often he will be running off AC versus battery. The battery is certainly a better investment than the processor upgrade, IMO.

 

[whizzo355]

Thank you for your widsom. We decided to go with the T9300 processor.

We were going to order both batteries, but that option disappeared. So we went with the 6 cell for now, and plan to purchase the 9 cell later...maybe the price will drop. The price of the 9 cell is $299 and the 6 cell is $199 when purchased separately. We went for the 6 cell for carrying the laptop around the campus and using it in a classroom situation (unless I decide to change the order within 24 hours).

If anyone else has any input, we would really appreciate it.

Thanks!