Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Dell 6000 vs toshiba M45-s331 DDR2 & 5400 HD worth extra$$?

Jan 25, 2005 10:49PM PST

I have narrowed my choices to two new notebooks. My question has to do with the comparitiv performance of the two machines.

They are both the new 1.6 sonoma with integrated graphics. Because of cost, I am okay with the integrated graphics. My question is with the memory and hard drive. The Toshiba still has PC2700 memory while the Dell has DDR2. Will this make much of a difference?

Also, the dell has 5400 drives while the toshiba has the slower 4200. I understand that the seek time is slower on the 4200, but will I notice much of a difference?

Do these performance differences justify paying $250 more for the Dell? The Toshiba is on sale at compusa for $1250 this week and Best Buy will match the price. (compusa also will include a free tivo this week)

Lastly, and probably most importantly, I am struggling with the decision of purchasing an extended warranty from BB. Is this worth the $250 or is it just a big money maker for the store?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Big boost on the Dell
Jan 25, 2005 11:37PM PST

The dell has DDR2 which means it is dual-channel. Dual channels mean a lot more data throuhput. Plus it runs at a faster MHz speed. Additionally, having two memory channels means that the CPU and the GPU can access the ram easier at the same time. That means the Integrated graphcis of the Dell will perform better than those of the Toshiba. Seems like Toshiba didn't have anything in the pipe for Sonoma and is trying to retro-fit.

As for the hard drive, you will definately see a 20-30% improvement on the hard drive. And if you upgrade the dell to the available 7200-rpm drive, you will be VERY happy. Happy

Or if you can wait a couple of months, Dedicated graphics on the 6000 will be available.

- Collapse -
Go full Sonoma or no Sonoma (advantage Dell)
Jan 26, 2005 6:35AM PST

Yes, I would not buy a notebook with some of the Sonoma specs and not others. Either it is a certified full Sonoma Pentium M or it is not.

Note that the wi-fi in Sonoma is also improved and has A now in addition to b/g and the wi-fi is supposed to interfere less with other devices (like some 2.4ghz cordless phones but I have not had this issue).

So, if you can find an outstanding deal on a non Sonoma then it may be worth it but not a notebook stuck in the middle like this Toshiba.

You can always add a hard drive later but if you can get it now in 5400rpm go for it as you will have up to 50% faster seek time and if nothing else you will have faster boot ups.

No, I would not get the Best buy extended warranty.

You can double the 1 year limited manufacturer warranty to 2 years for free with an AMEX or qualified Visa/Mastercards.

- Collapse -
Toshiba-first test....very low battery life
Jan 27, 2005 4:57AM PST

On another forum, "abaxter" did a battery test with the toshiba at full power with wifi on, while running no applications. 1 hour, 17 minutes until shut down!!!!!

I know that you can save some battery life by dimming screen, etc. but this is not a good sign for the m45.

- Collapse -
Seems spot on.
Jan 27, 2005 5:49AM PST

I get that much on most laptops if I run SETI on battery power.

Lessons?

1. Don't do that.
2. Use the battery profile.
3. Get the bigger battery pack since the stock one is sized for PRICE!

Bob

- Collapse -
? Dell 8600 1.6 vs Toshiba M45s351 1.6, DISPLAYS
Feb 1, 2005 10:16PM PST

I saw the Toshiba Trubrite (but no place to see the dell) .. and think the Display is Great.
Very Bright and beautiful.

Does Dell have same quality?

While the Toshiba only has WXGA/1280x800 ..
The Dell also comes in WSXGA 1650x1025.. or
WUXGA 1920x1200 ... as well as WXGA

Toshiba has really crummy battery Life.. .. like 1? hours
but I would probably use it with power cord as I travel only a little.

Display is Biggest Issue with me though.

thanks

- Collapse -
Dell Monitor
Feb 7, 2005 2:41PM PST

I've seen the dell monitors, they are nowhere near the brightness of the Trubrite screens. They are rather dull by comparison. I have read that the WSXGA and WUXGA monitors have trouble making whites look white, but I have not seen either of those screens in person.