The 1.6 ghz pentium M has a slower fsb (Front side bus) clocked at 400mhz, whereas the 1.86 and 2.0 ghz have a fsb clocked at 533 mhz. You should either buy the 1.86 or the 2.0 ghz model, for it will be faster. The difference in speed between these two is really not that important, but if you can afford it go for the 2.0, but it will not give your notebook much more speed. I am also looking into a dell laptop for college and I found a very nice code to use to get around 100-200 dollars off which works through their employee and affiliates site, which anyone can use. If you are interested in the code, e-mail me at Hombredenieve@optonline.net, or contact me via Aol Instant messenger @ hombredenieva
P.S. In regards to the windows media 2005, I would personally purchase that instead of buying separate components, because it will organize all of your media nicely and it will make it easier for you to record your shows for it is integrated and designed with the dell system.
I'm seriously thinking about buying either the dell 9300 or 6000 (which ever I can find the best deal on) When I go through the customize process there are options for the processor. What is the difference in between the 1.6, 1.86, and 2 Ghz besides the price? Will I notice that much of a difference if I go with the 1.6 compared to the 1.86 or 2 GHz?
I also would like to be able to use the computer for recording tv like tivo, do I have to get windows media 2005 to do this or can you use windows xp and usb tuner and software? besides that I'll use the computer for school, internet, photos and watching/recording dvds.
I would greatly appreciate any help on the differences of the intel processors (I have no idea what Ghz speed means even after doing alot of research) Also I would appreciate any additional ideas or options I should add to the laptop. thanks

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic