(Laptop) Pentium M vs. Intel Core Duo/Solo

[Hell-Fire]

Wasnt sure where to put this, so here it is.

Hi all. Need some fast laptop advice as I haven't bought one in 6 years, and I dont know jack about the differing cpu lines.

The cost between the Intel Core Solo (single core) and the Intel Core Duo (dual core) is roughly $250+. Is the added cost of going with the Intel Core Duo (dual core) chip worth it as it is not 64 bit? Figure a multi-core 32 bit isn't worth the added $250+ cost. Also, whats the difference between the Pentium M and the Core Solo chips? I know the new Intel line is the "Core" line (duo and solo), but not sure its a significant enough boost to warrant worrying about. The reason I ask is that I can buy one of those XPS-M170 models with the Pentium M from the Dell Outlet, or I can build my own Inspiron with the same power or more power (ram, vid card) and with the Core Duo/Solo for the same price. The new XPS systems that I am looking at are $2k+, but the Outlet models are significantly cheaper (in my price range). And for new ones, not refurbs.

Any input would rock. My thinking is to spend the bulk of the money on things I dont want to worry about upgrading later (monitor, cpu, vid card).

My needs, as I spend alot of time programming:

17" Screen
1-2 Gigs Ram
Solid Processor
Hard drive will be atleast 60Gigs, but dont need much more than that.

Sorry for the long post, but its a big decision as I will have the laptop for many years.

[Reinvented]

I was gonna write an article about putting together a DIY Laptop. I'm doing it for my mother actually and her business. She doesn't do much besides word processing and acounting stuff. Roughly, this laptop costs around 1400 bucks, and it was considerably better than Dell, and what was offered at Fry's Electronics or Best Buy for a greater value.

To get a barebone, which includes motherboard, an Optical drive (DVD Burner/Combo), Integrated graphics or dedicated, along with a card reader. It will cost roughly 550-900 dollars depending on which route you take (AMD/Intel (Dual core or single).
The screen size will vary from 12.1 to 17...and of course as size goes up, so does price.
The memory it takes is DDR2, either 200-pin, or the other one. Can't remember. But gig sticks will cost about 91-120 each. Most laptops can support 2GB's at max.
Want integrated wireless? It's 35 bucks for the mini-pci card. Well worth it too...

Processor, depending on which route will cost 180-500. Take your pick.

Last but not least, a hard drive. 60GB's will run roughly about 70 bucks.

By the time you finish, you would have gotten a better laptop for cheaper. It provides much more flexibility - as you know what goes in there.

So, in the end, go with a DIY Laptop. Well worth the money.

[Hell-Fire]

The DIY route would be for me as I want to build it as I see fit, except the for the main reason that I am going with Dell - Financing.

Being a full time student, I dont have tons of cash laying around to buy what I need for what I want.

[Reinvented]

Well, for financing then - I suggest you do go with a Dell...however to make it easier on your credit, see if you can find coupons around.

[[XC] leviathan18]

dell makes nice laptops not the best around but they are nice... ibm in the other hand are indestructible tanks

[Hell-Fire]

Well, for financing then - I suggest you do go with a Dell...however to make it easier on your credit, see if you can find coupons around.


Roger that. Found a decent $650 coupon.


dell makes nice laptops not the best around but they are nice... ibm in the other hand are indestructible tanks


Thats the exact reason we offer the IBM to students through the university.


Got the following:

Dell E1705
2GHz Intel Core Duo
1Gig DDR2 667MHz
17" Screen - TrueLife Brite
60Gig SATA2 HDD - I dont need one bigger than that for my laptop
256Meg 7800 Go
ect ect