How powerful is my new laptop?

Question

First of im a big techie but want 2 ask some pros first. im buying a new Dell Insprion 1520 and these are the specs i know what everything is just need 2 know how powerful it is

OS: Vista Home Prem
Core 2 duo 1.8Ghz
2Gb shared DDR2 667Mhz
15.4" display
Intel Graphics Media Acclerator X3100
160gb SATA HDD(5400 rpm)(can i upgrade it later?)
8x CD/DVD RW
HD audio 2.0
Intel 3945 802.11a/g(best they had wish they had N)
Microsoft works 8
Mcafee Security 15m
56 Whr Batt (6cell)
1 yr warranty
built in 2 mp webcam
i am also buying office 2007 separate

how good is the laptop with multitasking?
is it good enough for 2 firefox, 1 powerpoint, 1 word and still be fast?
i know about dual core but dont know if it has it the name sounds decieving i will be using this laptop from Sopomore in HS all through College is it reliable enough?

any help=much appreciated

ok ive changed everything even a new laptop design since im 2 lazy to put each one here is the link with my cart: (u cant hack as there is no credit card)

https://ecomm2.dell.com/dellstore/basket.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&itemtype=

here are the specs as i the link wont work:
Module Description Description Product Code & SKU Product Code & SKU
Inspiron 1720 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7700 (2.4GHz/800Mhz FSB/4MB cache) GT77HN [222-8604]
Operating System Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition VHP3E [313-5195][420-5769][420-5924][420-6436][420-6813][420-6995][420-7026][420-7244][463-2282]
System Color Jet Black BLK [313-5473]
MEMORY 4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz 4G2D [311-7220]
LCD Panel High Resolution, glossy widescreen 17.0 inch display (1920 x 1200) 17UXGAT [320-5504]
Video Card 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT 256NV86 [320-5468]
Hard Drive Size: 160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM) 160GB [341-4709]
Network Card Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem INTNIC [430-0493]
Optical Drive CD / DVD writer (DVD+/-RW Drive) 8XDVDRW [341-4716][420-6464]
Sound Card High Definition Audio 2.0 IS [313-4783]
Wireless Networking Cards Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card IP3945 [430-2334]
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Answer 1

i am not sure about this "56 Whr Batt (6cell)"

the configuration is rocking.. it will support nfs carbon game at good resolution.. so u can estimate its processing power.so no question of "is it good enough for 2 Firefox, 1 powerpoint, 1 word and still be fast?"its too good..
Only thing i feel is low is "8x CD/DVD RW", go for 16x or 18x DVD writer which will support both CD and DVD writing.. i think they give you a free upgrade.
I you want any more information you can ask me!

Answer 2

"2 firefox, 1 powerpoing and 1 word"? Are you serious?
My old Pentium 3 500 MHz is at all times running at least 5 or 6 instances of a spreasheet, 2 or more word processors, firefox, media player and more stuff with ease! And I'm running Linux!

What you have there is the equivalent of a Ferrari compared to a Yugo for me!

A Core2Duo is capable of rendering a 3D drawing and editing multimedia at the same time. You have a monster of an equipment. You better hold onto something, because your system will FLY!! :-)

Oh wait! You have vista! Sorry, my Yugo is about to beat your overloaded-with-crap Ferrari.

Seriously, get rid of Vista, install XP on your computer and enjoy the true potential of it.


EDIT:
BlessedGuy: You must really be a blessed guy if you got good customer support from Dell. :(

Answer 3

it's pretty juiced up but in my experienced windows vista kinda slows everything down. Remeber its minimum requirements is 1Ghz Processor and 1G Ram, thats only for the operating system. If you will be editting videos and the same time rendering, vista will kinda drag. Plus im not a big fan if Intel Graphics and it takes some of your RAMs space coz it's shared. But I think with the 2Gb RAM it will cut off the issue but im not sure though. Core 2 has two processors in one chip so basically your running two pcs in one box so i can say it is very good in multitasking. In my core2 PC i usually edit videos and at the same time burning dvds and surfing the net with out even feeling a slow down my system.
If your not a power user like i am i don't think you need to upgrade this baby maybe until 4 - 5 years.
And yes both RAM and hard drive can be upgraded later.

Answer 4

that's arguable in a feeling because of the fact the "suitable pc" would lack hardware good factors a undeniable determination has or the seen layout of the pc. to not point out the outrageous value of modern, better hardware. It comes all the way down to what you like truly. some human beings will possibly not discover the choose for Bluetooth, Blu ray drives, overpowered pictures enjoying cards, processors, RAM and all that. while truly that's all upto the shopper to return to a determination what they choose. reality of technologies, extra constructive hardware will constantly come out each and every so in many situations so possessing the suitable pc in 2012 may be the final in 2015. maximum appropriate processor for laptops is Intel i7-3940XM. suitable RAM would be DDR3 +16GB (who desires that lots?) wish you're waiting to empty your products, it is not affordable.

Answer 5

Yes! that's strong enough. however if you want to play games on it you might want to find something with a dedicated Nvidia or ATI graphic card.

and yes, you can upgrade the harddisk later, also if available you might want to buy an extended warranty, cause that's always useful, just in case =D

and from what i know with dell notebooks, they're pretty reliable and have good after sales service.

Answer 6

It probably good. I build my own now so I get exactly what I want. I build some wild stuff now. I see if I can find a pic to inspire you.
Dang, I can not even think what it called now, neighbor brought over wine, someone may know. But, here a Laptop made from wood.
http://www.powerbook.org/soberay/Image/wood/wood.jpg

Answer 7

1.8Ghz is slow by todays standards. I would'nt buy anything under 3Ghz myself.