Core Duo notebook advice

[mito]

A friend of mine is asking for advice.

I am recommending this Core Duo T2300 (1.66Ghz) over a Centrino Pentium M 740 (1.73).

The price difference is of only c$ 100, which I think isn't that much.


Acer TravelMate 4202WLMi Intel Core Duo T2300

* Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
* Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T2300 (2MB L2 cache, 1.66GHz, 667MHz FSB)
* 512MB (256/256) DDR2 667 SDRAM
* 80GB hard drive
* integrated DVD-Dual drive (DVD+/-RW)
* 15.4" WXGA (1280 x 800) TFT display, Acer® CrystalBrite Technology
* Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950
* 802.11a/b/g WLAN, gigabit LAN, V.92 modem

Acer Aspire 1692WLMi Intel Pentium M 740 1.73GHz

* Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
* Intel® Pentium® M Processor 740 (2MB L2 cache, 1.73GHz, 533MHz FSB)
* 512MB (256/256) DDR2 533 SDRAM
* 80GB hard drive
* integrated DVD-Dual drive (DVD+/-RW)
* 15.4" WXGA (1280 x 800) TFT display, Acer® CrystalBrite Technology
* Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 900
* 802.11b/g WLAN, 10/100 LAN, V.92 modem

Opinions are welcome.

 

[Blazkowicz]

65nm CPU is nice, and dual core might be nice, but I don't see much the point of it with 512MB RAM. does dual chanel with two sticks of 256 mean no means of putting more RAM?
if there's the option of having 1024MB on the second laptop, at about the price of the first one, it might be a better choice.

 

[chavvdarrr]

Assuming CPU difference is not big (ie less than 20% ), first NB has faster memory (ddr2-667 vs 533) and better integrated video (950 vs 900, which is not a big deal , but ...)
So first one is a winner.
Buying 2x512MB would be better of course

 

[Frank]

What is he/she going to do with that second ($ 100) core?

A better videochip and brand might offer more benefits.

 

[thorny]

In the reviews I've seen many Core Duo laptops seem to have very good battery life (better than the 740?).

The 950 be better able to run Vista in all its glory when it finally comes out?

I've just brought a Sony SZ1 M/B for these sorts of reasons. Light, will run Vista later when I upgrade the memory, and has very good battery life.