I'd agree with your assessment. The newer Intel graphics stuff is much better
than the GMA X3150. Go with the Intel HD 2000, 3000, or 4000. I believe this
is in any just about if not all 2nd generation Intel CPUs.
That includes the G6xx line. G630 is the current one.
While some people feel the prices are a bit high we have kept them in line
with retail. Before people start on "but I can get xyz" for $200. That isn't
a comparable sytem. There are different qualities for the components which
are used in systems. We don't go with the cheapest hard drive or used
refurbished components. Nor do we use digital restrictions to increase our
after market sales of replacement components. All these things are to your
advantage.
So- yes- you can buy less expensive hardware that is of a lower quality and
higher spec. Most people do not need an i7. What they need is an i3 or less,
4GB+ ram to last them though the next LTS release, and a fast SSD (beneficial
to applications / system start up times / etc). If they still have money left
over after all that a matte screen is a nice add or maybe even essential
depending on how much glare you can stand relative to your systems
performance.
