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is there that much of a difference between centrino 1.7MHz vs a PIV 3.4 or PIV 3.4 extreme? (would you notice it on gaming?)
Not really, the 1.7GHz Pentium-M performs on a par with the 2.8GHz P4 - but in things like Web Page rendering (and other repetitive operations), the 1.7 P-M can take on a 3.4GHz P4 (it takes the Extreme Edition P4 to surpass it (larger Data Cache)). So, no in terms of games, there is a difference, but not 'very' noticable - but what you gain is about 50-100% more battery life (and more prospects of upgradability).
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Also - what limits the the computer most - is it video card, processor, hard drive speed..? - possibly I am looking at the wrong options with these configurations.
Hard Drive, without a doubt - the HDD speed is the primary cause for bottleneck on a notebook computer, make sure you get a 7200rpm HDD (At ALL costs!), as this will bring you performance much the same as a 5400rpm desktop Drive. Otherwise, no all else is pretty much even.
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Finally, is there any news of better battery life on the high end models in the next couple months?
Not really, nothing ground breaking.
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I've read alot the posts here - and am debating between a dell 8600 1.7 centrino vs. a 8790 Sager or D870P Mirage eurocom. What would you suggest as the best solution for some battery life yet fast enough to last for gaming over the next 3 yrs or so?
Go for the Inspiron over the Sager- better Support, build/LCD quality, upgradability and in the end, experience. But if you want my advice, take a look at the Inspiron 9100 or the Inspiron XPS. It only uses P4 CPUs, but it has a large battery, and a modular bay for a second battery, and it has fully Dell Supported upgrades - i.e. when a new graphics array is deployed, you can fone dell, and they will upgrade your notebook for you (not for free of course), in your house! Coupled with that, you get the [more] reliable service, top end performance and a beautiful display. That's what I would get were I in your position.
RaPTuRe
Who's General Failure and why's he reading my disk?