Please read down for a more detailed list in the P4 vs. Centrino threads or the like, but:

Multiply by about 1.6 to find how fast a P-M is in relation to a P4-M:

P-M P4-M
1.7 2.72

Okay that helps but what about the hyperthreading feature - how good is that and is it worth it?

Hyperthreading technology was built for cpu intensive applications such as CAD. If you are buying a laptop for general use, then HT is not worth the extra bucks.

P.S - I am receiving my 5150 in a few hours, its on delivery!

I'm also wondering which one to get the 5150 or 8600?  Getting more confused by the minute also.

     My main concern is loading digital pictures from my camera on and how they will look.  I went to Best Buys and they told me there is NO difference between XGA and SXGA.  But they had just 1 laptop that had SXGA, I asked him to put the same picture on both computers, and it really looked much sharper! 

Shirley

Get WSXGA and it would be even sharper, than same for WUXGA, but some people don't like how sharp it is, so if you're not sure I'd go with WSXGA or SXGA to play it safe.

Of course there's a difference between XGA and SXGA.  If you go with the 5150 be sure to get the "ultrasharp UXGA" screen ; aside from the higher resolution it is brighter and has wide viewing angles ; all of the 8600's in all of the screen resolutions have the "ultrasharp" features.  If your main concern is viewing pictures from your digital camera, either computer would be fine.  As far as screen resolution, I think that PICTURES will look fine on any of the high-end "ultrasharp" screens ; but for TEXT. there is a noticeable difference ; with much clearer print with higher resolution screens.  So -- if you get the 5150, get the ultrasharp UXGA ; if you get the 8600, get the WSXGA screen (my recommendations).

 if you get the 8600, get the WSXGA screen (my recommendations).

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Wow thanks, I wouldn't have thought the WSXGA would be better than the WUXGA.        I'm thinking of getting the 8600, and figured I should just get the best one for viewing pictures.  Maybe I should just get the WSXGA and save $100.

       Other computer's I've looked at you need move the screen all around to see it really well.

Shirley

WSXGA may not be "better" than WUXGA on paper, but the true meaning of better in the case of LCD's is all in which one you would like the best. And WSXGA doesn't have a bad resolution where everything is blury, nor does it have the very high resolution of WUXGA which has a very high resolution and can be strenuous on the eyes, so WSXGA is the best choice for those who do not have access to all LCD's to give them a look.

Hi:

I decided to buy 8600 for the following reasons:

(1) CPU with Intel Centrino technology (P M) has no less performance thant Mobile P, but with much longer battery hours - based on Intel's own benchmark. I choose long battery hours.

(2) Larger screen: Reduce the numbers of time to scroll up and down

(3) Resolution - well, depends on each one's needs. But I8600 is good enough.

(4) VGA memory - hard to upgrade so settle down once for all - I take 128MB and assume can last for at least 3+ years

I care less about DRAM although I choose 512MB since DRAM, HDD, Wireless LAN and external DVD drive are all replaceable and upgradable WITHOUT breaking Dell's warranty.

Finally, 8600 is heavy as compared with other models. When I am on a long business trip, I will not carry it but my IBM R40. If you don't travel often and intend to have one to replace desktop system - go for 8600.