pelihu wrote:
For anyone still holding out, the new Intel Santa Rosa platform for notebooks is out. Most of the big notebook manufacturers have already released new computers with the new chip set. As I understand it, the main advantages are:
1. 800FSB - faster front side bus (v. 677 max before)
2. New processors - 1.8 - 2.4 GHz - with larger onboard cahces
3. Higher performance integrated graphics - the vista Aero interface should run fine on the new integrated graphics, which saves power over discrete graphics for longer battery life
4. Intel "turbo" memory - a Flash memory cache of the hard drive which allows for really fast access of common programs and extended battery life (this is optional)
5. Draft N wireless (optional)
Lenovo has a new T61 Thinkpad out with a 14.1" widescreen, which is exactly what I was interested in. With all the new features, it works out to be about $100 more than the z61t, which is what I was looking at before. I think people who haven't yet bought a new computer should definitely get the scoop on these new platforms before moving. At this small price difference, I believe the upgrade is a bargain.
just so you know, even though the santa rosa platform sports an 800MHz FSB, laptop manufacturers will not release laptops with 800Mhz ddr2 memory until later this year... most likely in july or august. however, in all honesty, you wont notice the difference between 677 and 800MHz memory for most applications....
also, while Intel claims the turbo memory will increase performance, many tech websites are claiming there is no noticable performance increase.
linky:
https://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/in ... i=2985&p=4