You can buy this model for your purposes. Anyway, you only choose FreeDOS OS. Are you going to install Linux or Windows XP later on? You should upgrade the memory >= 2 GB RAM because the GPU (graphics card) already steals some of the memory. Go for a better 4GB RAM to run the memory-hungry Vista OS with a few hiccups if you decide to install Vista.

If you don't want to be a loser so soon, maybe you can go for...

Dell Inspiron 1420 at basic setup offer with RM2599 (online price includes delivery as at 22 March 2008):
Pre-installed MS Works 9.0 OEM
Pre-installed McAfee anti-virus solution OEM
Intel(R) Centrino(R) Processor Technology - Intel(R) Core(tm)2 Duo Processor T5450 (1.66 GHz, 2MB Cache, 667 MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista(R) Home Basic
2GB (2 X 1024MB) 667MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM
14.1" WXGA Display with Integrated 2.0 mega pixel web cam
120GB SATA 5400 RPM Hard Drive (free upgrade to 160GB currently if you choose this option)
DVD Burner (8x DVDRW with dual layer support)
Intel(R) Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
Intel(R) 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card
8-in-1 media card reader
Integrated 10/100 Fast Ethernet
Integrated Bluetooth
Internal 56K Modem
Integrated Stereo Sound
One year limited standard warranty NBD + POW

If you want to buy a Dell product, it is better to buy online because you can decide from a lot of choices (with individual item price difference indications) and you get online promotions. Well, I sound like a sales agent (I am not)...hahaha..but, I give my advice based on my current experience with Dell. Go for it!

This post has been edited by eclectice: Mar 22 2008, 12:20 PM

I don't prefer down-to-earth shops that offer Dell products because they are lacking buying options and courtesy. Last time, I asked for MS Office option pre-installed and they could not offer it. Dell has agreements with these down-to-earth shops that offer Dell products. But, Dell could not control how the sales are done by these shops.

Dell online store is still Dell's strongest point. So, it is better to get what I want from online Dell store and get more offer promotions. In fact, I get better support and promotions from sales agents that I deal with online. And, Dell sales agents are ehem ehem..(just kidding hehehe).

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Added on March 22, 2008, 10:42 pmYou got to realize that what Dell offers the best is their service & support. Dell works hard to rival HP on this area. All the items that are installed on Dell laptops are common brands that also exist on other laptops. So, in terms of performance, they are more or less the same if compared between the same specs. It is nothing extraordinary about components that exist on the laptops in the market no matter what brands they are. Except Asus: they design their own motherboard and graphics card, so you can expect something from Asus. The rest still outsource the components from the same vendors like Seagate, Samsung Electronics, Sony, etc. And, most brands have their own reasons with their offerings. If you want something, it is better to talk with money. Got money and you get what you want.

This post has been edited by eclectice: Mar 22 2008, 11:00 PM

Yes, both Dell and HP try to compete for service & support for those with a business entity, like my company...hehehe. I like Dell because of the pricing when compared to HP on the same specs. For example, when you buy a Dell laptop + Microsoft Office Pro 2007 + 7200 RPM HDD, the price is cheaper than the one offered by HP (or Lenovo or Acer). Last time I checked with Lenovo for 7200 RPM HDD, they could not offer it.

On Geforce 8400 with DDR3 and Geforce 8600 with DDR2: maybe you should add other two: Geforce 8600 with DDR3 and Geforce 8400 with DDR2. My conclusion will definitely be like below:

8600 + DDR3 > 8600 + DDR2 > 8400 + DDR3 > 8400 + DDR2.

But why does Dell offer like what you stated? It is called pricing strategy and it could be an issue with heat design. On heat issue: If you want to have 8600 with DDR3, you can request Dell sales agent if you want to, but the heat generated will be greater and it could possibly be a problem for 14.1" laptop design. Check on Google the temperature specs between DDR3 and DDR2 (and 8600 and 8400). Maybe, you can check Dell2Direct blog.

So far, I have let my Vostro 1400 active all night long (sometimes when I fall asleep, the movie which I set it in repeat mode, will watch over me...heheh), and it does not have any issue with heat.

Updated: see the link for Differences between "G"DDR2 and "G"DDR3 http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/168

This post has been edited by eclectice: Mar 23 2008, 02:34 AM

When I checked Dell online store today 23 March 2008 for Vostro 1500, the offered price is RM2499 with 1GB RAM DDR2. Add up 8600M GT with 256 GDDR2, the price becomes RM3126. But, when you choose 8400 or 8600, you must choose 90W AC adapter. Maybe you can play around with the options there to find the best price:
http://dellstore04.sg.dell.com/public/cart...=169960&sr_no=1

This post has been edited by eclectice: Mar 23 2008, 09:36 PM

Alphine white with gloss finish is so ugly...it does not match the white feel of Macbook or Ipod at all...heheh...I know this because I bought one for Inspiron 1420.

And only 1GB DDR2 system memory? Better get 2GB or more if you decide to use Vista.

This post has been edited by eclectice: Mar 23 2008, 10:02 PM

You can talk to Dell sales agents like a noob. Seriously, no problem at all...

The 90W adapter is a MUST when you opt for a dedicated graphics card model (Nvidia 8400M GS or 8600M GT). Those cards consume a high current to operate reliably and it won't be sufficient without a 90W adapter if you decide to use your laptop for a long duration of time (with or without a battery). In fact, you can't proceed with your order if you forget to include the 90W adapter option when you use those models because Dell online store will warn you.

If it is not so demanding on 3D-graphics, 1GB RAM is sufficient for games like C&C (not Red Alert 3, ok). But, why limit yourself to 1GB RAM when the RAM price is still quite cheap? Anyway, you can buy first 1GB RAM and decide to upgrade your RAM later (either buy the RAM from Dell or from computer shops) when the need arises. It depends on your wise budget.

This post has been edited by eclectice: Mar 24 2008, 09:07 AM

It would be nice if you quote your sources

No problem. I have a few fansubbed anime episodes in HD format. What you need is a widescreen LCD like WXGA and a capable graphics card. But, please bear in mind: it is not a real HD experience, ok.

This post has been edited by eclectice: Mar 30 2008, 10:58 AM

Are the conditions very serious which can put you into a difficult situation? Hopefully, they can be worked out.

It's ok if you don't intend to play games.

With that kind of budget, you can get a better specs with Dell Inspiron or Dell Vostro. For example, I bought my Inspiron 1420 for less than RM4000.

This post has been edited by eclectice: Apr 6 2008, 08:45 AM

Dell doesn't offer ATI or Nvidia integrated graphics for AMD-based processor (Vostro 1000 - Intel integrated graphics).

So, your options will be from HP (> RM2,000)
Compaq Presario V3700 Notebook PC series- Models http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/my/en/ho/WF...1-81241175.html
Compaq Presario F700 Notebook PC series- Models http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/my/en/ho/WF...1-80637413.html

Compaq Presario F700 Notebook PC series is offered in Shell/Citibank credit card promotion for RM799 only http://www.shell.com/home/Framework?siteId...promotions.html

This post has been edited by eclectice: Apr 9 2008, 04:12 AM

What a strange preference....Tell me in what ways you are so familiar with AMD... Getting used to something for so long is not good for a living... (nah... just joking, dude!)

This post has been edited by eclectice: Apr 9 2008, 11:32 PM

It's not a must; it's just a preference. And, I prefer online buying for Dell products as I can choose whatever I want, whenever I want.
Dell Vostro does has s-video port to connect to TVs, VCRs, and DVD players. And, other connectivity ports are USB 2.0, firewire 1394, vga-out, dial-up port and lan port. The only things missing are serial-port (DB9 com port) and PS/2 port which their functionality can be replaced by USB 2.0.

This post has been edited by eclectice: Apr 10 2008, 12:47 AM

It's OK to overclock your processor for desktop systems. But, I don't think so for laptop systems due to heat dissipation issue and design.

This post has been edited by eclectice: Apr 10 2008, 08:55 AM

My pointers:
1) CPU benchmark
T8100 (Penryn 45nm) > T7250 (Merom 65nm) --> Sony wins

2) GPU benchmark
From the link http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphi...List.844.0.html
Nvidia 8400M GS (Position 57) > ATI Radeon X2300 (Position 67) --> Dell wins

3) HDD
250GB > 200GB --> Dell wins (but it depends on what HDD model offered by them: Personally, I prefer Seagate laptop HDD models)

4) Memory
Both are equal (but it depends on what RAM model offered by them)

5) Style (Aesthetic value)
Sony CR35G > Dell 1420 --> Sony wins

6) Screen size
Both are equal 14.1" (Sony does not have issue with laptop LCD yet; the so-called "LCD light leakage/backlight bleed")

7) Weight (with a standard battery)
Both are equal --> Sony 2.50 kg = Dell 2.50 kg

8) Price
RM4235 < RM4488 --> Dell wins

9) Warranty
3 Years Complete Cover > 1 Year International Warranty --> Dells wins (there is nothing great with "International" warranty if you don't travel that much. You should opt for 3-year extended warranty from Sony)

This post has been edited by eclectice: Apr 12 2008, 10:11 PM

Low specs. Suitable for normal activities like word processing, play minesweeper and such. Definitely, you won't be able to play Crysis.

NVIDIA GeForce 6150 is an integrated GPU which uses system main memory as video memory (shared memory): http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForc...150.6945.0.html

Other GPU benchmarks: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphi...List.844.0.html

This post has been edited by eclectice: Apr 13 2008, 10:13 AM

Which online games: Flash-based or online game support for game titles from EA, etc? Of course, all decent laptops with a good CPU and a good GPU can play online games.

All branded ICT items has an option for extended warranty. It is just that you need to ask and pay for it. Even, my Canon camera has an extended warranty. Get the idea?

This post has been edited by eclectice: Apr 13 2008, 11:30 AM

It is possible for Asus to offer some different configurations for Asus X51R at a different price (same like Dell's). You need to check Asus website if you have doubts.