Need advice for new laptop purchase

[Known Unsoldier]

Well, after recently graduating from college and landing my first big job in NYC, my father has informed me that he will be getting me a shiny new laptop. He tells me that I probably know a lot more about them than him, (which I don't), and that I should do the necessary research. Unfortunately I haven't ever owned a laptop, and definitely haven't been following any of the new mobile technology. But after some basic research on the internets I have reached a few initial conclusions. And by the by, I'm looking to spend around $1500 and use it for some gaming if possible (CS: Source maybe?). I don't need a giant screen, and would prefer lighter than heavier (duh). I want it to run as quickly as possible, and w/ a HD around 120gb. So, without further ado, are these hypotheses correct?

-Core 2 Duo = good
-7200 RPM hd = good
-HP and/or Thinkpad > Dell
-While Dell isn't a favorite of almost anyone, they can offer good deals at time and will provide me with a perfectly acceptable machine.
-Mac Book w/ intel and Windows OS > HP > Dell

Yay or nay?
What else should I consider?

And question: should I wait a few months until "teh Christmas sales?"


Will be obliged for any opinions and expert advice.

 

[ColemontHD]

My suggestion is to wait...just a bit longer...for vista. By then, the mobile industry will be up to par.

 

[Known Unsoldier]

::finding out what Vista is::

 

[AirForceElite]

Originally posted by: Known Unsoldier
::finding out what Vista is::

Next generation Operating System.
But if you dont know what Vista is, then i am sure you don't need it. As for christmas sales, yes, there will be plenty!
if uc an wait, then wait.
i know i am waiting...but not because of christmas sales but because i dont have money yet.

Also, if you are looking for 120GB hard drive, then you will have to settle for 5400RPM.
There arent any 120GB 7200 RPM's that i know of.
highest is 100GB

Are you compfrtable with 14.7 or 17 inch screen?
That is a big deciding factor.

 

[Known Unsoldier]

Yeah, I'm definitely comfortable with a 14.7 inch screen. I mean, it will make the entire machine smaller, which is great.
I can also settle for a 100gb hd, so no big problem there.
And I suppose I could always upgrade to Vista later on if I somehow want it, no? For the time being, however, I'm find with XP MC.

Ah the waiting game... it's so difficult when I have access to the money right now, but I am going to do it. I don't want to be telling myself "should have waited" later on.

 

[AirForceElite]

And I suppose I could always upgrade to Vista later on if I somehow want it, no? For the time being, however, I'm find with XP MC

You can only upgrade to Vista later if you get a 64-bit processor.
Because Vista is 64-bit.
Core 2 Duo = Dual core 64-bit processor
Core Duo = Dual core 32-bit processor (can't install Vista on this one)

 

[sunguy]

Vista is both 32 bit and 64 bit. You should be able to upgrade it when it comes out.

 

[Known Unsoldier]

OKay well I found a 30% discount coupon online for any Inspiron over $1299, and after some upgrades it brings this configuration down from around $1600 to $1120. This is in no way an imminent purchase, but is just so I can get some input on changes I might want to think about. Anyways, here she is:


Description: E1505 Dual Core
Date & Time: October 31,2006 1:05 PM CST

SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Inspiron E1505 Intel® Core? 2 Duo processor T5500 (2MB Cache/1.66GHz/667MHz FSB)
Operating System: Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005
LCD Panel: 15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA Display with TrueLife?
Memory: 1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz, 2 Dimm
Video Card: 256MB ATI MOBILITY? RADEON® X1400 HyperMemory?
Hard Drive: 100GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
Network Card: Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
CD/DVD Drive: 8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
Sound Options: Integrated Audio
Wireless Cards: Hi-Speed: Dell Draft N Wireless
Software: Microsoft Office Basic - Includes Word, Excel, and Outlook email
Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) No Security Subscription
Primary Battery: 6-cell Primary Battery and 9-cell additional Lithium Ion Battery
Warranty and Service: 1Yr Ltd Warranty and At-Home Service
Future Operating Systems: Windows Vista? Capable
Bluetooth Options: Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate)

Unit Price: $1,609.00

Inspiron affiliate offer 30% off $1299+
LIMITED TIME OFFER!
-$482.70

TOTAL: $1,126.30

 

[Hyperlite]

Originally posted by: AirForceElite

And I suppose I could always upgrade to Vista later on if I somehow want it, no? For the time being, however, I'm find with XP MC

You can only upgrade to Vista later if you get a 64-bit processor.
Because Vista is 64-bit.
Core 2 Duo = Dual core 64-bit processor
Core Duo = Dual core 32-bit processor (can't install Vista on this one)

huh? thats not true...