How much is Enough?

hi!
earlier i had posted about purchasing the dell vostro 1320.
i am reviewing my decision and what puzzles me is how much is enough?

things i will do with the laptop::::
use the laptop for programming in .net/php/sql.
use windows 7 ultimate
use a bit of photoshop
run vmware at times(virtual pc)
use it to watch movies/720p videos
general computing....using the internet
dual boot windows with red hat linux 5

things i won't do with the laptop::::
no gaming at all
no 3d-max/maya

i can live with:::
a 14 inch screen(not a 15.4)
about 2 hours of battery life with resource intensive tasks

now HOW MUCH POWER DO I NEED?
i don't see the need in splurging close to 60k on the dell 1320
i can save some money and go ahead and build me a new rig.

now what laptop would you recommend??

get a DELL STUDIO .. simple choice there.

STUDIO 14. 45-50k outta do it.

be a lil more specific so that we can come to config details.

how can i be more specific?
the apps and the os and the tasks i would use/not use my laptop for have been listed.
i don't want something underpowered and i don't want something that would be an overkill for my needs!

my primary requirements::::::::
13.3/14 incher
something that would give me stutter free 720p/1080p video playback
something that would give me atleast 2 hours of battery life
amd/intel anything would do

Studio 1555 is your best bet!

It has:
Has decent gfx but you don't need so not quoting. All this you can get under 50k. Get 3 years complete cover if are interested for additional 9k.

how about something within 40k?

i get to save 20k and can get a new antec cabinet+ati radeon 5850

Acer Aspire 5738G
Intel C2D T6400 (2.0) GHZ, Intel GM45, 2MB/800MHZ FSB, 4GB DDR3, 320 GB HDD, nVidia GeForce 512MB VRAM, DVD Writer ~41k. Go for this to save a few more bucks. As you dont need GPU for gaming this GPU would do.

i came across these on deltapage.com

***Dell vostro 1088 @ rs.33000
Intel t5670 ---1.8ghz
2gb ram
250gb hdd
Ati radeon 4330 512mb
14.1 inch

***Dell vostro 1088 @ rs.41000
Intel t6670 ---2.2ghz
4gb ram
320gb hdd
Ati radeon 4330 512mb
14.1 inch

how are these configs?

Go for the Vostro 1088. Has got a better processor.

sunny27, if your budget is 60k I suggest you go for the macbook or thinkpad T400 base model.

the former has 7 hrs of battery life and the latter is not too far behind. The T400 can also be ordered with special high resolution matt screen.

In case of thinkpad T400, the extended onsite warranty for 3 yrs can just be purchased for 5K.

I also reversed my decision to go for Dell Studio and switched over to Macbook just for a new experience. Have many Dell desktops and they tend to be boring and very expensive to repair after the maintenance period.

IN one instance my dell desktop motherboard fried out after surge in modem ethernet line. It was out of warranty and the Dell folks ask for seriously weird amt for breakfix warranty. It really pissed me off.

Then why not get Inspiron for 35k?
You don't need gfx anyways and it has got
T6600
4 GB RAM
320 GB HDD
14.1 -15.5" inch

All this comes well under 40k. 20k saved easily.

yeah ..............
i never knew deciding on a laptop was this difficult.
i saw this laptop today at the local top notch infotronix dealership(zebronics walla)
msi cr400x
intel t6400 @ 2.0ghz
2gb drr2 800mhz ram
250gb hdd
nvidia 8200m
14.1 inch
6 cell battery
2 years warranty
cost---30thousand including vat and everything(will spend 2.4k extra for 2gb of transcend ram---total ram would be 4gb)
now this is a sweet deal!!
i just need a laptop now for portability---this config can run vmware,linux,windows7,php and .net and easily play 720p movies.......will use it for a while and give it to someone in my family and buy a better more powerful laptop.

+ i get more cash to play with my upcoming build might consider a core i7 1366 platform -- saw what the core i9 can do.