New notebook build.

[SlyMaelstrom]

Lucky me, I know a guy that knows a guy that can get me a free Operating System, so if I purchase all of these parts from the best prices I can find on the internet, I can get this for under a grand. Alright, here's the deal: The main goal in this is ultra-portable, good battery life, good WIFI, and capable of light art and software development (that is to say, can run Photoshop, Flash, and can render some smaller scenes that I would develop in OpenGL). I'm sure the integrated X3100 is capable of that much as I'm working on a GMA900 that is nearly capable of this. So, anyway, here is the parts:


MSI 12.1" WXGA Intel® GM965 Core™ 2 Duo Barebone Notebook (http://www.rkcomputer.net/rkcnotebooks/index.php?l=product_detail&p=3)
Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 Merom 2.2GHz (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819111317&Tpk=T7500)
G.SKILL 2GB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Notebook Memory (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231147)
Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN Mini-PCIe Card (http://www.rkcomputer.net/rkcnotebooks/index.php?l=product_detail&p=40)
HITACHI Travelstar 160GB 5400RPM SATA HDD (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145113)

Operating System: Windows XP Professional


So, let me know what you all think... I know Notebooks can be pretty linear as far as buying the parts for your price range, but I just figured I'd post and see some opinions.

[Vryada]

isn't it possible to add a gforce 8600m to that nb?

[DShankar]

Don't know why you would want to rush and buy a Merom when Penryn mobile CPUs are coming out over the next few weeks but other than that, it's a good build.

[SlyMaelstrom]

Don't know why you would want to rush and buy a Merom when Penryn mobile CPUs are coming out over the next few weeks but other than that, it's a good build.Will the Penryn processors run on the Santa Rosa motherboards?

To Vryada, no I don't believe so. I'm pretty sure the architecture that Intel developed allows the manufacturers two options; one is to use the integrated X3100 and the other is to add another miniPCIe for dedicated graphics. They should be named GM965 and PM965, respectively. I don't believe both options are available. However if it is, then bonus to me because I can then upgrade graphics if I feel it is necessary. Right now, however, most of my rendering and all of my gaming will be done on my desktop, so I'm not so worried about graphics.

[SlyMaelstrom]

Just a revision of my notebook build. Assuming I get my bonus in this week's paycheck, I should be building this baby by mid-next week. :D

Product Sub Total Sales Tax Shipping Total
MSI Barebone Laptop Computer 122115-001 $559.99 $0.00 $0.00 $559.99
Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 2.40Ghz Mobile Processor $269.96 $0.00 $6.24 $276.20
Transcend 2GB DDR2 667 Notebook Memory $34.99 $0.00 $4.99 $39.98
TOSHIBA 160GB 5400RPM SATA Notebook HDD $84.99 $0.00 $5.29 $90.28
Intel PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Adapter $36.99 $0.00 $0.00 $36.99
Case Logic Black 13.3" Laptop Attache Case $24.99 $0.00 $6.54 $31.53
Logitech USB Wired Optical Notebook Mouse $10.99 $0.00 $5.84 $16.83
__________________________________________________ _______________________________________
Grand Total $1,051.80
The fact is, however, this will never be a graphical powerhouse, but then I don't need it to be, so I'm more than satisfied with my selection.

[zanzabar]

i think that u should get the intergrated wireless and get a 7200rpm hard drive from fujitsu they perform the best and use the limmited spinup modes so u can doo 4x00 and 5400rpm as well to save power but then when u plug it in its the full 7200rpm

[SlyMaelstrom]

There is no integrated wireless option. If you mean the option without the Draft-N, then I don't see the point. 802.11n is coming and the N cards are probably just a driver revision away from it. Plus, I couldn't find that card any cheaper than I found the draft-N card.

However, you have me curious about the 7200RPM HDD that can work at 5400RPM on battery. Can you show me an example with this feature? I haven't seen any.