new laptop soon
 

This is similiar to Recommend me a good college laptop, except mine isn't just for college, and I've partially decided. I just want some outside opinion before I make my final decision.

Basically, I've compared prices and checked the "major" companies (HP, Dell, Alienware, etc.). Due to pricing and customizability, I've narrowed it down to Dell Inspiron. The problem is I'm not sure if I want the 600m or the 6000.

I know basically what I want, with a few things not changing regardless of which I choose:
512 MB RAm
60 GB HD
wireless (of some sort, don't care too much which one), LAN, 56k modem
CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive
XP pro

basically the only thing that I have to decide on is the processor and the screen size. If I go with the 600m, I get a smaller screen but a faster processor (Pentium M 725, 1.6GHz). But if I go with the 6000, I get a larger screen, but a slightly slower processor (Celeron 350, 1.3 GHz).

I'm thinking the 6000, but I'm curious as to what you think.

I would always go with the faster processor. Plus, smaller screen usually means smaller laptop, which means lighter laptop...and for laptops lighter is always a plus. So if it were me, I would go with the 600m

Also a quick note.....the Mobile pentium is a far superior CPU....as the Celeron lacks in many ways...IMO

get a Mac and all will be well in the world

*vomits* Mac.. schmack..


Get the 600m. I agree completely on the smaller screen = lighter laptop.

One point of contention: how important is battery life? The Pentium M will burn down your laptop's battery far faster than the Celeron -- but the advantage is a faster computer while its actually running.

Ill second the mac idea. I was a windows user for most of my life ( other than a little linux on the side ) and I love my little powerbook. Its got all the software I need and more and it all communicates together seamlessly.

I'm not considering a mac, mainly because I want my first computer to be something I'm familiar and comfortable with, and I still want to satisfy my curiousity about exactly how customizable XP really is...lame excuse I know, but it's good enough for me.