which notebook is a better deal?

[Generals]

Hi, im presently looking into an MSI 12" WXGA notebook. I'm based in the philippines.
There are three models im looking into which is within my budget. They all have the same frame which is the 12" widescreen notebook of MSI. Here are the specs:

1. MSI S260-V
Intel® Centrino™ Mobile Technology
Intel® Pentium® M 725
(1.60GHz / 2Mb L2 Cache / 400MHz FSB)
Intel® 915GM + ICH6-M
Intel® PRO Wireless 802.11BG
256Mb (Max: 2Gb)
Superb Glare 12.1 TFT WXGA Widescreen
Intel® 915GM, support Direct X9
(Integrated Graphics) 1280 x 800
40Gb Mobile Hard Drive
DVD Combo Drive
4 cell battery 2200mAh
303(L) x 225(D) x 26~28(H)mm.
1.8Kgs.
Php 40,000.00 around $770.00


2. MSI S260-R
Intel® Centrino™ Mobile Technology
Intel® Pentium® M 725
(1.60GHz / 2Mb L2 Cache / 400MHz FSB)
Intel® 915GM + ICH6-M
Intel® PRO Wireless 802.11BG
256Mb (Max: 2Gb)
Superb Glare 12.1 TFT WXGA Widescreen
Intel® 915GM, support Direct X9
(Integrated Graphics) 1280 x 800
40Gb Mobile Hard Drive
DVD Writer
8 cell battery 4400mAh
303(L) x 225(D) x 26~28(H)mm.
1.9Kgs.
Php 43,000.00 around $830.00



3. MSI S270-V
AMD Turion64 - MT-30 (64-bit)
(1.60GHz / 1Mb L2 Cache)
- - - 25W LOW Voltage !
**RS480M - ATI Mobility™ RADEON® X200 (shared 128Mb)
MSI Wireless LAN 802.11BG
256Mb (Max: 2Gb)
Superb Glare 12.1in. TFT WXGA Widescreen
40Gb Mobile Hard Drive
DVD Writer
8 cell battery up 4400mAh
303(L) x 225(D) x 26~28(H)mm
1.9Kgs.
Php 50,000.00 around $960.00

I use my notebook for office applications, playing divx and dvd's, using database apps like quickbooks and i sometimes play RTS games like warcraft3, rise of legends, Lord of the rings and the likes.

Which is a better processor the Turion MT-30 or the Pentium M 725? they have the same clockspeed as the specs shows but i don't know which performs better. I read from sources that Turion consumes lesser power since it is only 25W compared to Pentium M of 27W. I don't know how true though.

Another thing is that the Intel GMA 900 which is in the 915GM chipset against the ATI Mobility™ RADEON® X200. Which graphics card performs better? and which consumes more battery life?

In terms of size i prefer the 4 cell batt since it doesnt protrude to the rear portion but i don't know how long it will last. The 8 cell batt protrudes on the rear portion of the notebook adding a 20mm to the depth of the above-stated dimensions.

Another concern is would the Pentium M 725 models be able to run Vista?
I plan to upgrade the RAM to 512 though as well as the Harddrives to 80Gb. Thanks guys.

And also, anybody knows how good is the reputation of MSI with regards to notebooks?

 

[killernotebooks]

DO NOT buy an MSI.

My friend I will tell you from first hand knowledge they have poor at best quality control, core components are very poor, tech support is extremely poor, warranty is all but non-existent.

Do yourself a favor and get a DELL or something similar.

 

[Generals]

really?! wow i din't know that. i would definitely prefer the dell inspiron 710 or the xps 12" anytime but the problem is the price for the inspiron here is more than double the MSI level. any suggestions?

what about comparing the two processors of those models, intel pentium m 725 against the turion mt 30. any comments on that?

 

[killernotebooks]

I personally would go for the Turion.

When do you need to get the sytem by? DELL should have some coupons coming up in 4 weeks or so.

 

[Generals]

DO NOT buy an MSI.

My friend I will tell you from first hand knowledge they have poor at best quality control, core components are very poor, tech support is extremely poor, warranty is all but non-existent.

Do yourself a favor and get a DELL or something similar.

just to clarify:
when you say first hand knowlegde, what exactly do you mean?

thanks

 

[Generals]

I personally would go for the Turion.

When do you need to get the sytem by? DELL should have some coupons coming up in 4 weeks or so.

can you share why you would rather go for Turion?

thanks

 

[killernotebooks]

I mean I have built, and support several of their products.

The Turion vs. the Intel. I think the Turion is a faster processor, it is also 64 bit which gives them an edge in future longevity.

 

[cresto_]

I mean I have built, and support several of their products.

The Turion vs. the Intel. I think the Turion is a faster processor, it is also 64 bit which gives them an edge in future longevity.

Intel Duo Core > AMD Turion

Faster and less drag on the battery life

 

[killernotebooks]

He isn't talking about a dual core. He said 725 Pentium M

 

[cresto_]

I understand, I was just pointing the fact out. He should really find a laptop with a Duo in it.

 

[killernotebooks]

I agree at $900.

 

[Generals]

what coupons would dell be releasing?

by the way, with all do respect guys. I just like to point out again that I'm in the philippines and not in the USA. In the philippines the core duo models would cost at least around $1400 equivalent for the 12" thin and light classes of notebooks. it's beyond my budget. hehe thanks.

what about the battery life any idea how many hours would a 4 cell 2200 mAh last as well as the 8cell 4400mAh last?

and would the pentium m model be able to run Vista?

 

[killernotebooks]

Dell usually has $$$ off at price points like $999, $1499 and $1999. The $1999 being $750 off it is declining from there.

The bettery life really depends on the system, but a 4 cell battery is going to last (in real life) about 45 minutes or less.

Heree are the requirements for Vista
Vista req's

 

[Kugin]

Try E-bay, you can get some good deal on Dell's there.