Dell Studio 17 Purchase

[SysEngrNZ]

Hi, just wanted some oppinions on the spec information of the laptop below. It's currently shipping from the factory so I haven't had the chance to use it yet.

Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T9550 (2.66GH, 6MB Cache, 1066 MHz FSB)
256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650
Intel(R) WiFi Link 5300 (802.11a/g/n) Half Mini-card
Integrated Fast Ethernet 10/100/1000
9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Slot Load Fixed Blu-ray BD-ROM / DVD + /-RW Combo Drive
17'' Widescreen WUXGA CCFL(1920x1200) TFT Display with TrueLife(TM) with WebCam
500GB SATA Hard Drive (In built)
500GB SATA 2nd Hard Drive (In Built)
4GB (2X2GB) DDR2 SDRAM Memory (Upgrading to 8GB when I receive it)
Integrated CREATIVE Sound Blaster(R) X-Fi MB Audio Software Solution
1x ESATA II 300MB Express Card
1x 4-Port USB Express Card

I have a few questions:

1. With the RAM would I be able to use 1023MHz Ram as apposed to the 800MHz Ram? Will this improve performance?

2. With the graphics card that currently comes with the Laptop, is it possible to upgrade this? Even if its done in the workshop at home?

3. How do you think this laptop is going to perform when burning DVD's, estimated time to copy one?

Just the relevant questions and comments would be appreciated.

Regards,


Andrew

 

[Snapshot]

1. I wasn't aware that anything faster than 800MHz DDR2 was available for laptops.
1a. You say you intend to upgrade the RAM to 8GB. Have you found a decent price for 4GB SODIMMs?

2. Possibly, if you can source a better board. Obviously, it'll be the end of your warranty.

3. Go on, give us a clue - how fast is the optical drive when burning DVDs?