Another 'Is this a good laptop?' thread :(

[FatalSaviour]

Hey guys...
Not sure if this link will work, but: http://configure.euro.dell.com/dells...N08646&x=0&y=0
Edit: guess not, so E-Value code is: NPUK5-N08646
I'm thinking about a new laptop at some point soon, as my current 1Ghz Duron crashes randomly and has a battery life of 4.5 minutes (literally..)

Basically, it's a Inspiron 6400.
Core Duo T2250 1.73GHz
1024MB RAM
120GB HDD
8x DVDRW
15.4" Widescreen.

All for £589.

I've upgraded the 6 cell battery to a 9cell for £11.
Would probably go for the Bluetooth Module as well...

Do people think that this is a good price for these specs?

Ideally I'd also like to do a bit of gaming, but am well aware that Intel's 950 graphics would make a complete joke of this...so does anyone know if it's possible to upgrade the graphics on this thing, with an X1400/1600 or 7600 or some such card?

Thanks a lot guys.

Ray

[awm]

Looks like you can upgrade

Intel® Media Accelerator 950 Graphics Up to 256MB shared graphics memory [Included in Price]

128MB ATI® Mobility™ Radeon® X1300 HyperMemory™ graphics card [add £82.25 or £2/month1]

Enhance your visual experience even further to enjoy video and gaming in stunning detail 256MB ATI® Mobility™ Radeon® X1400 HyperMemory™ graphics card [add £152.75 or £4/month1]

Seems kind of steep to me for a graphics card upgrade. Often dell has funny pricing schemes with cupon codes and the like. Also upgrades can be cheeper on more expensive base models. Check the lunar charts and see what planets align, and that should give you an idea of dell's current pricing scheme. More seriously you just need to play with coupons and models. Good luck!

[FatalSaviour]

Thanks awm...
I'm aware you can upgrade to an X1300 at the time of purchasing...however, as you say, it's a bit OTT with the pricing there, so I'm wondering it it's possible to buy an X1600 or something after purchase to slot in?

[Gerrard]

I believe reading somewhere that Dell does not conform to the MXM format of laptop graphics cards and uses it's own, so the chances of you finding another card to fit is quite slim. However, the fact that you can change what card it comes with does suggest that it might be possible. Check mxm-upgrade for more information.

[awm]

I think the trick is cupon codes. At least in the US you can get ~50% off on upgrades through various dollar and percent off cupons (or both if you're luck). Try searching google, and don't expect any logic.

[fredered]

With the graphics I would be wary that you could upgrade from the integrated to discreet on that system as dell might use a diferent motherboard to save a tiny amount of cash, and more probably will not include the needed heatsink for discreet graphics with the integrated model. If you had a 1300 say an upgrade with a dell x1600 would seem more likely but still no garantees.

[FatalSaviour]

This is what I thought...don't really want the hassle of building a barebones...especially as some OEM's look far nicer than most of the barebones I've seen, but it would appear I might not have a choice .

Thanks guys

[awm]

Best of luck with whichever path you choose and let us know how the barebones works out if you go that route.