Down to the finalists: Thinkpad T61, HP dv5t and Dell XPS M1530

[skubaman]

Guys, please cast your opinion what system is better. I use the computer mostly for: webdesign (dreamweaver), photo editing (photoshop), once in a while video editing (premiere), and watch a lot of video streming over the web. Outlook is usually open as well as skype and messenger.

Here are the SPECS

Thinkpad t61

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T8300 (2.4GHz 800MHz 3MBL2)
15.4 WSXGA+ TFT
4GB DDR2
160 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
NVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M (128MB)


Price $1,015.00


HP dv5t
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.4 GHz)
15.4" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
4GB

256MB NVIDIA GeForce 9200M GS


Price $1028


Dell XPS M1530

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.4GHz/800Mhz FSB, 3MB Cache)
Full Hi Definition, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch LCD (1920x1200) & 2.0 M
4GB DDR2
160GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with Hard Drive Protection
"128MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8400M GS

Price $1136



I could also consider shelling another $300 and pay $1400 for a Thinkpad T500, but only if it will make a big difference in performance.



What do you guys think? Any other suggestions?

Thanks so much

 

[Moebius078]

IMO, for photo editing, you should get the system with the highest res screen, i.e. the XPS. The P8600 is comparable in performance to the T8300 - although the former's TDP is better (25 vs 35 Watt) -, so this shouldn't be the discriminating factor.

 

[skubaman]

Photo editing is not my profession, but I do some webdesign and I work on some of my personal land and underwater pictures.

 

[cjl]

I'd go for the XPS. The high res screen should be really nice for photo work.

 

[vinha916]

how you get that price for XPS?

 

[skubaman]

Some coupons online.

Any final thoughts?

Thanks

 

[dmacfour]

I just ordered the XPS M1530. T8100, 250gb HDD, 2gb RAM, Geforece 8600m gt, $1080 with tax and shipping. Can't wait.

 

[skubaman]

Very cool. I guess you are not worried about the 8600 issues right?