Laptop/Processor advice

b33r

Hi, I am a techie myself but I don't really keep up on the latest processors (especially for laptops) but I am trying to decide/configure a laptop for my Mum.

Absolute max budget is £500 but the less the better, she will be mainly using it for documents (very large documents and lots open at a time in Office 2007), internet browsing and some light gaming. She is insisting on Windows 7, wants the full graphical experience (Aero) and wants a Dell but if an incredible offer is there for a different brand she would, i imagine, switch with a little persuading.

I have at the moment selected a Dell from the Studio 15 range which has the following specs:

Intel Pentium Dual Core T4300 2.1 GHz
Windows 7 Home Premium
15.6in Widescreen High Definition (1366x768) WLED with TrueLife
4096MB RAM
320GB HDD
512MB ATI Mobility RADEON HD 4570
8x DVD+/-RW

This comes in at £429 here

I cannot get one from what I thought to be the cheaper Inspiron range anywhere near this spec/price and can only get a 256MB graphics card on those and doesn't have the TrueLife screen.

My main question is do you think it is worth spending an extra £70 to upgrade the Studio 15's processor to the "Core 2 Duo T6600 2.2 GHz" or will she not even notice the difference?

On the different model range the best comparison I can find is this Asus from Argos, very similiar spec but has GF graphics and wireless N (not needed)

Any advice/opinions welcome. Many thanks.

BenS1

What games is she likely to play?

b33r

BenS1 wrote: »

What games is she likely to play?

Very low end, flash games, bejewelled, only full screen one is the Sims. If you are asking as you think the graphics card may be overkill then I totally agree. However I have seen Windows 7 struggle a bit sometimes with the aero stuff with an integrated graphics card so wanted to get a dedicated one to be safe and 512MB ATI is only one available on the studio 15's and I think it's a pretty good deal.

turbobob

Its quite a costly upgrade at £70 on a sub £500 laptop. The only difference is the T6600 runs at 100mhz faster, and it has 2mb L2 cache instead of 1mb. Personally I doubt it would make a big difference.