Is it worth waiting for a DirectX 10 graphics card (laptop version) if I'm in a hurry to buy?

Question

I'm looking to buy a Dell XPS M1710 (the top-of-class gaming laptop) but Dell are still shipping this model with Windows XP until end of March, I suspect because they may be introducing a GeForce 8 series graphics card for DirectX 10 under Windows Vista for the same time or shortly after.
On the one hand, I could get a 10% discount (that's quite a lot at these prices) and be sure to receive it before I go on a long trip in May by making do with the Geforce 7950 GTX currently shipped with this model or on the other hand, I can wait till April, risk not getting my laptop before my trip (which is one of the reasons I want the laptop) but have a DirectX dedicated graphics card. Is it worth the wait and risk? Opinions...? Thanks.

Get out of here with your shameless spam Treva, preferably where the sun doesn't shine.

Thanks so far guys. Zack bear in mind that the mobile 8 series is already scheduled for early second quarter. Apparently G84M and G86M first and then the high-end G81M in Q3. I think they got over the heat problems with a smaller chip or something, e.g. G81M will be a 65nm die instead of 90nm.

Answer 1

Well remember that with laptops it is next to impossible to replace the graphics card, so if you get a DirectX 9 card in it, then you are stuck with only having DirectX 9 for the life of the laptop. I'm not sure whether you are okay with that, but that is definately something to consider.

Answer 2

One of the great things about Dell laptops is that 'you can' upgrade graphics cards on them, as i have in the past...

but the only thing is that the M1710 is the flagship model, and i don't think the new 8 series cards design to fit the current model (heat issues)

the 8800 cards have been out since Novemeber on desktop that and are power hogs. NVIDIA is stating power supplies from 400-450 watts will be required. Considering these notebooks systems run off of 130watt power brick...


The new Core 2 Duo with 800FSB won't be out until Santa Rosa comes out and Intel has that scheduled for Q2 2007. (Core 2 Extreme Q3) So I'd say it's going to be August before you see a new XPS 1710 design.

DX10 cards could pop up before then but they have alot of work ahead of them

you can still run DX10 games on a DX9 card, just not with a very good performance minus the dx10 pixel shaders...

My advice is stick to the current model....Which can run Vista easily (my precision Dell M50 does)...also there are not many games that support DX10 anyway apart from Halo 2...

This is the same thing as the 2004 with the DX9 situation where everyone was rushing out to buying DX9 cards to play the Half Life 2 as that supported DX9 shaders...people upgrading their 4200Ti to fx5200/5700....and its was the only game for 6 months that supported DX9

Wait till Nov 2007....and see whats available

Answer 3

particular, in case you look on the present industry developments, you will recognize that without DX10 able card, you will no longer have the skill to play those new video games you want. bear in mind, you will desire pci exhibit as older agp taking part in cards isn't able. that is reputed via microsoft which you will additionally desire vista OS to run the drawing near Halo 2. verify their internet site for verification.