Gona try and keep this short and sweet as I know your time is valuable. Sorry Pics are w/ 3 Megapixel, sorry its all I have
CPU
Sporting a Core 2 Duo T7400 @ 2.16 GHz this thing can FLY. Theres no problem w/ 5 webpages open, burning a CD/DVD, listening to iTunes, and converting an Ipod movie. There are never any freeze ups, or slow downs with this laptop. As far as games go, they fly. Unfortunately, many games as of today arent able to utilize the extra core, but future games will, so this type of CPU should last you several years and provide excellent multi-tasking and gaming. This CPU converted 50 300MB clips in about 1.5HRS, try that w/ a single core.GPU
The Go 7900GS is no weakling. Some question if the 7900GS will be able to perform to their liking or should they shell out the extra pennies for the 7950GTX. Truth is, the GS is the underdog to the GTX and while both are excellent performance cards the GS can easily provide excellent frame rates for even today's most hardware intensive games. Viewing HD movies and trailer clips is simply astonishing. This card is also been known to be 'Over clocking friendly' so you hardware nuts 'overclock til you drop.' Gave a few games a test run and here are some results.
7900GS results:
Doom 3/Quake 4- Settings- ALL ULTRA HIGH- 1600x1200- 30-60FPS
FEAR- Settings-ALL HIGH-1024x768-30-100FPS
Bioshock- All High, 1024x768-20-40FPS
Crysis- Struggles but playable at 1280x1024 Medium Settings 15-25FPS (Told ya the GS was a trooper)
These benches were done w/ 2 not 3 GB of RAM!!!
Update- So I installed a 7900GTX, which replaces the 7900GS. All I can say is WOW!!!
7900GTX results:
Gears of War- 1920x1200 20-35FPS. ALL HIGH, NO VSYNC
Bioshock- 1920x1200- 20-30FPS. ALL HIGH, NO VSYNC
Crysis- Pending...
These benches were done with 3GB RAM!!!
If I overclock it, these FPS will go up and up and up (except maybe Crysis)......
7900GS results:
Doom 3/Quake 4- Settings- ALL ULTRA HIGH- 1600x1200- 30-60FPS
FEAR- Settings-ALL HIGH-1024x768-30-100FPS
Bioshock- All High, 1024x768-20-40FPS
Crysis- Struggles but playable at 1280x1024 Medium Settings 15-25FPS (Told ya the GS was a trooper)
These benches were done w/ 2 not 3 GB of RAM!!!
Update- So I installed a 7900GTX, which replaces the 7900GS. All I can say is WOW!!!
7900GTX results:
Gears of War- 1920x1200 20-35FPS. ALL HIGH, NO VSYNC
Bioshock- 1920x1200- 20-30FPS. ALL HIGH, NO VSYNC
Crysis- Pending...
These benches were done with 3GB RAM!!!
If I overclock it, these FPS will go up and up and up (except maybe Crysis)......
Design/Looks/Construction
The whole Dell lineup needs a face lift, and the 1705 is no exception. It has plain look to it but I personally never really cared enough to like or dislike it. Its a silver/gunmetal look with white stripes along the sides of the laptop. The construction is extremely well done.
Dell claims that all models are 'Road Ready' and are fit to stand up to the natures of traveling. There is no flexing on the screen and more importantly, no rippling effects appear if you apply pressure to the back of the screen. The keyboard is slightly flimsy, its easy to push down on one key and see the rest of the keys 'flex' around it. Not a major concern for me because I use a Logitech external keyboard for typing. In fact I never touch my laptop, so its in excellent condition as far as cosmetics go.
Dell claims that all models are 'Road Ready' and are fit to stand up to the natures of traveling. There is no flexing on the screen and more importantly, no rippling effects appear if you apply pressure to the back of the screen. The keyboard is slightly flimsy, its easy to push down on one key and see the rest of the keys 'flex' around it. Not a major concern for me because I use a Logitech external keyboard for typing. In fact I never touch my laptop, so its in excellent condition as far as cosmetics go.
Battery Life
I usually have it plugged in, but I do move around some and my experiences are as follows. If you are watching a DVD turn WiFi off, as I find it chews up battery life faster.
Im running a 6 Cell battery so maybe if you move around alot, go for a spare battery or opt for a bigger capacity battery such as a 9 Cell. There are 7 different options for 'dimming' down your screen brightness which is also another way to conserve battery power. You may even go into the 'battery optins' and choose 'Minimal Power Management' for maximum efficency. I generally have no problem watching 3 full 45 minute episodes of Prions Break on setting 5/7 before i have to reach for my adapter to recharge.
As for heat, this baby doesnt get that hot (must be use to it from my sauna like showers). While some heat is given off, its not enough to 'burn' you or send you the ER w/ 2nd degree burns.
Also, if you're worried about battery life, maybe look into the Intel GMA 950 or the ATI X1400 as they need less power to run then the 7900GS, and should give you some extra battery life. However, if you must have a GS, know that the card will clock itself down when running on battery to save power
Im running a 6 Cell battery so maybe if you move around alot, go for a spare battery or opt for a bigger capacity battery such as a 9 Cell. There are 7 different options for 'dimming' down your screen brightness which is also another way to conserve battery power. You may even go into the 'battery optins' and choose 'Minimal Power Management' for maximum efficency. I generally have no problem watching 3 full 45 minute episodes of Prions Break on setting 5/7 before i have to reach for my adapter to recharge.
As for heat, this baby doesnt get that hot (must be use to it from my sauna like showers). While some heat is given off, its not enough to 'burn' you or send you the ER w/ 2nd degree burns.
Also, if you're worried about battery life, maybe look into the Intel GMA 950 or the ATI X1400 as they need less power to run then the 7900GS, and should give you some extra battery life. However, if you must have a GS, know that the card will clock itself down when running on battery to save power
Screen
The WUXGA can bang out a max resolution of 1920x1200. Anything and everything I view is simply beautiful. I highly recommend this screen even if it means saving that extra paycheck. Its a $150 upgrade but Ive heard so many complaints about the default screen Dell gives you, some resort to Ebay for alternate screens. I think those people were kicking themselves later for not going the extra 150 bucks for the WUXGA. Id recommend it 12/10.
Media Buttons
These things rock. They come defualt on all Dell laptops, and they are the best thing ever. I dont have to switch windows to get to iTunes I just simply hit the appropiate button and it registers w/ iTunes. When multi-tasking, you will also come to love them.
Price
I paid about 1600 for the entire system. Frankly Im quite pleased as i know my hardware options suit my needs perfectly. Luckily I did my homework on my hardware before purchase so I acquired a strong understanding for how everything would run. Hats off to NBF for skooling me in hardware 101.
With the after market upgrades Im up to about $1875 USD
With the after market upgrades Im up to about $1875 USD
Conclusion
Pros:
*PowerHouse-Lots of muscle to get sh*t done.
*Excellent platform-Easily handles most current PC games.
*Media Buttons- Allow for maximum convenience.
*Solid Constrution- Holds up well to daily rigors of life.
*Screen- Amazing quality, very sharp crisp clean look.
*Ports- Excellent port placement and lots of USB/Media Ports.
Cons:
*Flimsy Keyboard- Will do fine, but wears easily w/ extended use.
*Battery Life- Could be longer, adjust your settings to your prefs.
*Tech Support-Hope you're ready for thick accents and no experience
*PowerHouse-Lots of muscle to get sh*t done.
*Excellent platform-Easily handles most current PC games.
*Media Buttons- Allow for maximum convenience.
*Solid Constrution- Holds up well to daily rigors of life.
*Screen- Amazing quality, very sharp crisp clean look.
*Ports- Excellent port placement and lots of USB/Media Ports.
Cons:
*Flimsy Keyboard- Will do fine, but wears easily w/ extended use.
*Battery Life- Could be longer, adjust your settings to your prefs.
*Tech Support-Hope you're ready for thick accents and no experience
Side Review
Sennhesier RS130 Wireless Headphones
Take a look at the pics and you can see they have a comfortable fit and you forget you even have them on due to their extremely light weight. They are excellent for doing chores around the house or simply sitting at the computer doing whatever. Excellent range and battery life for the low low price of $60 US Highly reccomnded 99/10.
Sennhesier RS130 Wireless Headphones
Take a look at the pics and you can see they have a comfortable fit and you forget you even have them on due to their extremely light weight. They are excellent for doing chores around the house or simply sitting at the computer doing whatever. Excellent range and battery life for the low low price of $60 US Highly reccomnded 99/10.
If you want to see anything else, or have questions, post or PM me.
