What do you think about this laptop?

Ok, first off, I am more of an Intel cpu fan than AMD, so I'm biased there. At least its a dual core, but it only has 1Mb L2 Cache. I realize that the architecture is different from Intel, so I wont comment more. I would look for at least a T7100.

Yes, definitely upgrade to 2Gb 667 Ram like you mentioned.

The 7150M is a class 5 integrated video card...aka junk, and since you're considering Vista (personally I wouldn't), you should get at least an 8400m (class 3), or an 8600M (class 2) and can both utilize DX10. I would go XP and like a 7900gs, which is class 1, or even a Go 6800 is better than the 7150M. I prefer cards with at least 256MB dedicated ram, so then they don't share a portion of system ram.

Definitely look for a 7200rpm hard drive.

No WLan?

I guess for that price its OK, but I could not recommend it...especially to run Vista...no way!

I just picked up an E1705 from Dell outlet for under $900 that would blow that one away! The E1705 is basically an XPS M1710 without all the bells and whistles...mostly lights and flashy stuff.

Good luck with your search.

That M1710 is a sweet machine.

Well, the E1705 model is no longer available, however, I did find one priced at $999. Dell suggested the next model of E1721/1721, so I checked it out and customized it...which ended up being $1264. yikes! lol

Here is how I configured it:
====================================================
My Components
Intel® Core%u2122 2 Duo T7250 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition
Jet Black
Glossy, high contrast, widescreen 17.0 inch display (1440 x 900)
128MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
Size: 120GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM) [Note: The 7200rpm drive was another $150]
CD / DVD writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)
Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini-Card
Built-in Bluetooth capability (2.0 EDR)
Integrated 2.0 Megapixel Webcam
85Whr Lithium Ion Battery (9 cell)
High Definition Audio 2.0 [Note: this was default...would this be acceptable quality?]
Wireless mouse ($20)
====================================================

The "Intel® Core%u2122 2 Duo T5450 (1.66GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)" is $50 less.
The Intel® Core%u2122 2 Duo T5250 (1.5GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)" is $100 less.
Should I even consider the T5xxx chips?

EDIT:
I configured basically the same laptop (dv9500t) over at HP and it was a $1 difference and 2gb's of ram and an 8-cell battery. The 7200rpm drive was another $50. Oh yeah, it has an integrated web cam and mic.

I not sure what more I can cut out of it without shooting myself in the foot. How much of this machine do you think I can upgrade myself without having to send it in to dell? (I've built plenty of desktop models...it's just been about a half of decade or so).

*tag! you're it*

P.s. The reason I am trying to keep it under a $1k is so I can keep from having to make payments on it.

That was another question I was going to ask about. So, since you're suggesting refurbs, I guess you believe them to be a viable option. I've always been leery of them.

Another quick question; Does Dell have a good machine? Who is leading the race right now? I guess you can't determine machine quality by their support, b/c just about everyone (Dell, HP, etc.) would be losing.

What's your thoughts on these matters?

EDIT:
I know we've been talking about <$1,000, but for the sake of conversation, what do you think about this one for $1150:
===========================================
Microprocessor 2.00 GHz Intel® Centrino® Duo processor technology featuring Intel® Core %u2122 2 Duo processor T7300
Microprocessor Cache 4 MB L2 Cache
Memory 2048 MB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Memory Max 2048 MB max supported
Video Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS
Video Memory Up to 1023 MB total graphics memory, 256 MB dedicated
Hard Drive 320 GB (5400 RPM) Dual HDD - 160 GB x 2 (SATA)
Multimedia Drive LightScribe Super Multi 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support
Display 17.0" WXGA+ High-Definition BrightView Widescreen (1440 x 900)
Fax/Modem High speed 56k modem
Network Card Integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector)
Wireless Connectivity Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection
Multimedia Features HP Imprint Finish & HP Pavilion WebCam with Integrated Microphone
Sound Altec Lansing
Keyboard 101-key compatible

Notebook keyboard with scroll bar and integrated numeric keypad

2 Quick Launch Buttons-HP Quick Play Menu and DVD
Pointing Device Touch Pad with On/Off button and dedicated vertical scroll Up/Down pad
PC Card Slots

* 1 ExpressCard/54 Slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)

External Ports

* 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader for Secure Digital cards, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards
* 3 Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0
* 2 Headphone out
* 1 microphone-in
* 1 VGA (15-pin)
* 1 TV-Out (S-video)
* 1 RJ-11 (modem)
* 1 RJ -45 (LAN)
* 1 notebook expansion port 3
* 1 IEEE 1394 Firewire (4-pin)
* 1 Consumer IR

Dimensions 15.16 (L) X 11.65" (W) X 1.57"(H)
Weight 7.7 lbs
Security

* Kensington® MicroSaver lock slot
* Power-on password
* Accepts 3rd party security lock devices

Power

* 90W AC Adapter
* 8-Cell Lithium-Ion battery

HP Mobile Remote Control
1.5yr extended warranty
===========================================

Thanks again,
Shad

Dell refurbs come with the standard 1 year Dell warranty...nothing to worry about. And yes, I do recommend the outlet. My E1705 arrived "AS NEW".