Question by Andrea T: Can anyone recommend upgrades for the Dell Studio 17?
I’m considering purchasing one of the Studio 17 models from Dell Direct (online). A few problems: There are apparently two models, neither of the numbers are stated anywhere, but I know there are a few different ones, namely the 1735/37 and 1745/47 (the latter is at Best Buy). Depending on where I click on the Dell site, it will bring up one or the other, so I keep confusing myself since there is no way to tell them apart really. I want to keep the price under 00 but I would really like to have certain upgrades, which again, pricing and options depend upon which route I take to get to the Studio 17 page. (http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dncwsx3&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=laptop_studio_17 **versus** http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dndotx1&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=studio_great_deals ).

Okay, here is my actual situation. I am not really into gaming but I do like to watch TV shows and movies on my laptop as well as play around on Facebook games. Anyone who plays Farmville or CafeWorld knows that these two games suck the life right out of your computer, causing freeze ups and other annoyances. I’m tired of that happening. Sooo, out of the following processors, which would you recommend for my use? They are all Intel Core 2 Duo: P8700, P7450…or any other in the P line (more energy efficient), since I might be able to find a refurb. To upgrade from the T6600 to P8700, it’s 5 or 0, depending on whichever model, so I wanna make sure it’s gonna be worth the extra expense.

Second question: Is it worth it to upgrade the video card or sound card on this machine, considering my use? Both are most likely fine, especially the sound considering it has a subwoofer and premium speakers. I like to listen to music, but it’s not a priority to have great sound. But again, I am tired of lag and crappy graphics when I am trying to watch something or play around on Facebook…for the video card, 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650 is an option for the first link I posted, 1GB is an option for the second, if I remember correctly.

Next: How much memory do I need? I believe 4GB is fine but is it worth it to upgrade to 6GB?

Lastly: The screen. I am in a bind with this thing. I actually had ordered a Studio 17 with an LED screen but the thing is on backorder, so I canceled my order to see if I could configure something else. Now I’m second-guessing that decision. Basically, I am on the computer alllll day. I do school work online and in OpenOffice, work online and then play around on social networking sites/email/etc. The glare from the glossy screen of my Inspiron 1526 might be contributing to me getting massive headaches, plus it’s annoying when I’m in bright light or outside somewhere and I want to avoid that when I get the new laptop. Also to consider is HD+ or full HD with the 16:9 aspect ratio. Is it worth it to pay extra for the LED screen and/or full HD? My main concern is the LED backlit vs. regular LCD screen, but I do need to figure out if it’s worth it to have full HD. I don’t care about Bluray or anything, but I’m concerned that the large screen will show black lines and artifacts and whatnot if I don’t go with full HD. The LED backlit should be more energy efficient, also….

Thanks soooooo much in advance!

Best answer:

Answer by The Green Bay Packers are 7-4
what ever you do, dont get windows 7, get windows vista!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

I’m considering purchasing one of the Studio 17 models from Dell Direct (online). A few problems: There are apparently two models, neither of the numbers are stated anywhere, but I know there are a few different ones, namely the 1735/37 and 1745/47 (the latter is at Best Buy). Depending on where I click on the Dell site, it will bring up one or the other, so I keep confusing myself since there is no way to tell them apart really. I want to keep the price under $1200 but I would really like to have certain upgrades, which again, pricing and options depend upon which route I take to get to the Studio 17 page. (http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dncwsx3&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=laptop_studio_17 **versus** http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dndotx1&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=studio_great_deals ).

Okay, here is my actual situation. I am not really into gaming but I do like to watch TV shows and movies on my laptop as well as play around on Facebook games. Anyone who plays Farmville or CafeWorld knows that these two games suck the life right out of your computer, causing freeze ups and other annoyances. I’m tired of that happening. Sooo, out of the following processors, which would you recommend for my use? They are all Intel Core 2 Duo: P8700, P7450…or any other in the P line (more energy efficient), since I might be able to find a refurb. To upgrade from the T6600 to P8700, it’s $125 or $200, depending on whichever model, so I wanna make sure it’s gonna be worth the extra expense.

Second question: Is it worth it to upgrade the video card or sound card on this machine, considering my use? Both are most likely fine, especially the sound considering it has a subwoofer and premium speakers. I like to listen to music, but it’s not a priority to have great sound. But again, I am tired of lag and crappy graphics when I am trying to watch something or play around on Facebook…for the video card, 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650 is an option for the first link I posted, 1GB is an option for the second, if I remember correctly.

Next: How much memory do I need? I believe 4GB is fine but is it worth it to upgrade to 6GB?

Lastly: The screen. I am in a bind with this thing. I actually had ordered a Studio 17 with an LED screen but the thing is on backorder, so I canceled my order to see if I could configure something else. Now I’m second-guessing that decision. Basically, I am on the computer alllll day. I do school work online and in OpenOffice, work online and then play around on social networking sites/email/etc. The glare from the glossy screen of my Inspiron 1526 might be contributing to me getting massive headaches, plus it’s annoying when I’m in bright light or outside somewhere and I want to avoid that when I get the new laptop. Also to consider is HD+ or full HD with the 16:9 aspect ratio. Is it worth it to pay extra for the LED screen and/or full HD? My main concern is the LED backlit vs. regular LCD screen, but I do need to figure out if it’s worth it to have full HD. I don’t care about Bluray or anything, but I’m concerned that the large screen will show black lines and artifacts and whatnot if I don’t go with full HD. The LED backlit should be more energy efficient, also….

Thanks soooooo much in advance!