New Dell notebook advice please

I have an Inspiron 8200 about 2 and a half years old now.

Centrino is basically an advanced power saving processor. It throttles the processor down depending on what it's doing. Vs, the basic Windows power saving options. The whole purpose is to extend battery life. I've never used one so I don't know how much lag there is due to it. I buttume there has to be some: You can't just turn on the power and turn it off again without lag.

It sounds like it wouldn't benefit you if yours is always plugged in. In fact, I think you'd want to look into something that uses a desktop processor if you're looking for a true "desktop replacement." When battery life isn't the issue, you can do much better then a Centrino. Nothing against Centrino. It does what it does very well.

Remember, there really isn't a true desktop replacement. If for any other reason, as you've found out; tech marches on and notebooks can't be upgraded. I'm buttuming you want the notebook for different reasons?

Also, you may want to take the battery down to about half and pull it out. If your machine is plugged in all the time, the battery will never cycle and you'll wind up ruining it. I don't believe there is a switch to remove the battery out of the charging loop when it's plugged in. I could be wrong, but I've never seen one on any laptopnotebook I've come across.

Best of luck to you