Do I need a decent video card for my laptop or not?

[lorthus]

I'm getting a laptop from Dell and Im deciding between the E1405 or the E1505.

The config is going to be this:

Intel Core 2 Duo T550 (I think)
2GB of Ram
120GB Hard Drive
8X DVDRW etc....

Anyway the E1405 comes out cheaper but it only has that Intel Integrated graphics.... versus the E1505 that gives me more options but the final cost is about $200 more...

So I was wondering, I won't be doing any gaming or watching DVDs or my laptop, maybe watch a dvd here and there...

Should I go ahead and spend the extra $200 - $300 to get a better video card and bigger monitor or for my use I could stay with the cheaper and smaller one...

 

[michaelahess]

If you aren't going to do any 3D rendering or games you'll be fine. If you want full support for Vista, it'd be a good idea to get a decent card. Honestly though, even the Intel 950 will be fine for Vista if you don't care about the eye candy.

P.S. You'll probably save money by getting the minimum ram on the dell (like 2 256's for example) and buying an upgrade off newegg, check it out before purchasing, it just might save you half of that $200!

 

[lorthus]

Actually Im getting the laptop with 512 from dell and then buying the 2GB separately
thanks

 

[cleeve]

Smaller screen and lower end graphics card equals more battery life.

Unless you're gaming, it's better to go with less on the graphics side...