Tech Support

[joreth]

I'm in the market for a new laptop. I currently have a 17" laptop with full-size keyboard and 10-key, 1.6 GHz, 1 GB RAM, 120 GB harddrive. I use my computer for watching videos, internet, photo editing, and listening to music. I have external speakers and hard drives, so I'm not all that concerned with harddrive space. I do not game - at all - so I'm not concerned with high-end graphics for gaming or video editing, but I still want good enough graphics to do photo editing.

I am also on very tight budget, or else I'd get a Mac. And no, I have no interest in learning Linux at this time - I want something I that doesn't require any new programming or language skills at all and that will run all the windows-based, industry-specific software that I use at work. Now that Macs have the whole dual-boot process working pretty well, I'd consider a Mac, but I can't afford the equivilent computer that I can in a PC.

So, here are the two I'm considering. Does anyone have information positive or negative about either? I'm aware that all windows-based PCs occasionally have a bad egg in the basket, so a single anecdote of "my cousin, who doesn't know anything about computers, bought that one and it sucked" doesn't help. But a statistical DOA rate might.

And yes, I know that Windows Vista sucks, but I either can't afford the modelsl that are still available with XP, or they don't have XP on a 17" screen laptop. I've been running Vista for 2 years now and I've got the hang of how to work around it's stupidity, so if I fail to remove Vista from the new laptop like I was unable to on this one, I can deal.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9166635&type=product&id=1218041148373
HP Pavilion Laptop with AMD Turion™ X2 RM-72 Dual-Core Mobile Processor

The important bits here are, 17" screen, AMD Turion dual-core processor, 4 GB RAM (expandable up to 8 GB), 320 GB hard drive, $699.99

Product Features

• AMD Turion™ X2 RM-72* dual-core mobile processor for true multicore processing
  HyperTransport™ 3.0, AMD PowerNow!™ and AMD CoolCore™ technologies to extend battery life; improved security with Enhanced Virus Protection.**
• 4GB DDR2 memory
  For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB.
• Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
  Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible media; also supports LightScribe direct-disc labels using compatible LightScribe media.
• 17" WXGA+ high-definition widescreen display
  With BrightView technology and 1440 x 900 resolution showcases your movies and games in stunning clarity.
• 320GB SATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
  Offers spacious storage options and fast read/write times.
• ATI RADEON HD 3200 graphics RS780M
  Features up to 1918MB shared graphics memory for lush images. HDMI interface for additional connecting options. SRS Premium sound with built-in speakers.
• Quick Launch buttons
  Put your media within easy reach. HP mobile remote included.
• Built-in HP Pavilion webcam with microphone
  Makes it easy to chat with and send video mail to family and friends.
• 5-in-1 digital media reader
  Supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card.
• 4 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
  For fast digital video, audio and data transfer. 1 eSATA/USB combo port.
• Built-in high-speed wireless LAN (802.11b/g)
  Wirelessly connect to the Internet.
• Built-in 10/100Base-T Ethernet LAN
  With RJ-45 connector and V.92 high-speed data/fax modem delivers flexible wired Web connectivity options.
• Expansion port 3
  Allows additional expansion options.
• Weighs 7.8 lbs. and measures just 1.7" thin
  For portable power.
• Good battery life
  Of up to 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• HP Intersect Imprint bronze and chrome finish
  Features an argyle-like pattern for a sleek look.
• ENERGY STAR compliance
  Assures a high standard of energy efficiency.
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system with Service Pack 1 (SP1) preinstalled
  For a stable platform from which to launch games, programs and applications.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834147921
HP G70-250US NoteBook Intel Pentium dual-core T4200(2.00GHz) 17.0" Wide XGA+ 3GB Memory 320GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi Intel GMA 4500M

Here, the important bits are 17" monitor, 3 GB RAM, 320 GB hard drive, intel dual-core, $699.99 after instant & mail-in rebates.

General
Operating System	Windows Vista Home Premium
CPU Type	Intel Pentium dual-core T4200(2.00GHz)
Screen	17" WXGA+
Memory Size	3GB DDR2
Hard Disk	320GB
Optical Drive	DVD Super Multi
Graphics Card	Intel GMA 4500M
Video Memory	shared memory
Communication	Modem, LAN and WLAN
Dimensions	15.59" x 11.22" x 1.47-1.63"
Weight	7.55 lbs.
Other Features	Kensington MicroSaver lock slot Power-on password Accepts 3rd party security lock devices
CPU
CPU Type	Intel Pentium dual-core
CPU Speed	T4200(2.00GHz)
CPU FSB	800MHz
CPU L2 Cache	1MB
Display
Screen Size	17.0"
Wide Screen Support	Yes
LCD Features	BrightView
Display Type	Wide XGA+
Resolution	1440 x 900
Operating Systems
Operating System	Windows Vista Home Premium
Graphics
GPU/VPU	Intel GMA 4500M
Video Memory	Shared system memory
Graphic Type	Integrated Card
Hard Drive
HDD	320GB
HD RPM	5400rpm
HD Interface	SATA
Memory
Memory Slots	2 x DIMM
Memory	3GB
Optical Drive
Optical Drive Type	DVD Super Multi
Optical Drive Interface	Integrated
Optical Drive Spec	LightScribe Super Multi 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support
Communications
Modem	56K
LAN	10/100Mbps
WLAN	802.11a/b/g/n Wireless LAN
Ports
USB	3
Video Port	1 x VGA, 1 x HDMI
Audio Ports	1 x Microphone jack; 1 x Headphone jack
Audio
Audio	Integrated Sound card
Speaker	Altec Lansing speakers
Input Device
Touchpad	Touch Pad with On/Off button and dedicated vertical scroll Up/Down pad
Keyboard	101-key compatible full size keyboard with integrated numeric keypad
Supplemental Drive
Card Reader	5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader for Secure Digital cards, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards
Webcam	Yes
Power
AC Adapter	65-watt AC adapter
Battery	6-cell lithium ion
Physical spec
Dimensions	15.59" x 11.22" x 1.47-1.63"
Weight	7.55 lbs.
Manufacturer Warranty
Parts	1 year limited
Labor	1 year limited

Very little difference. One is a fraction of a pound heavier, one has 1 more GB of RAM, one has 1 more USB port (but I have several hubs). Both are the same price but one requires a mail-in rebate. I'm ordering several external hard drives from New Egg, so the benefit there is I can add it to the total order and I might save on shipping. So, because they're so similar, I'm looking for anything to tip the scales in favor of one or the other. Suggestions?

Comments

Re: One Point

[joreth]

That's good to note. That's also the laptop that is not all shiny bronze that gets fingerprints and smudges :-)

Re: One Point

[inki.livejournal.com]

FYI, N-standard wireless may or may not work with all N routers. The N standard has been taking so long to form that various companies have been releasing their own pre-N products, which at least two years ago generally did not play well with products from other companies. This may have improved in the meantime.

[joreth]

Actually, I haven't had many problems that weren't specifically Vista related. It doesn't move all that slow and I don't have trouble with a ton of applications open. It's slower than a 2GB, obviously, but not unworkable.

[joreth]

Of course, I also turned off all the fancy Vista BS and run it as Classic Windows, so that probably helps.

[aclaro.livejournal.com]

I would also look at dell laptops. I find that dells are very well constructed - the 17" studio is $650 but I'm not sure how the specs compare.

Consumer reports says that it's never financially advantageous to by an extended warranty EXCEPT with laptops, because the chance that something will fail within 3 years is just really really high. So if you are thinking about getting an extended warranty, that's a good thing to compare because everyone charges something different and that might push you one way or the other. I found best buy to have good prices and service on warranties. I bought my ipod there with a 3 year warranty and just traded it in for a new one when the battery failed after 2.5 years.

I'm sure you're well aware of this, but going down a screen size to 15.4 or so will cut off several hundred dollars for the same thing (I'm not a fan of the big bulky laptops myself, but I understand if it's a desktop replacement). Sometimes it's cheaper though to get a 19" flat screen monitor (new egg sells them as cheap as $100 if you get their specials mailed to you) and a 15.4 laptop, and just use the larger monitor when you're at home.

[joreth]

Hmm, I originally bought the 17" because it was a desktop replacement, and we watch movies on it at work. I like the idea of carrying a smaller laptop with a flatscreen at home, but then I have to decide if that's worth it to lose the extra size when I use my laptop as the primary movie screen at work.

Thanks, also, for the tip about extended warranties. I never buy them because I learned a long time ago they were never financially advantageous, but it's true my own laptop is just barely less than 3 years old and the reason I'm in the market for a new one is because the screen hinge is now busted and being held together with tape.

I did look at Dell laptops because I know they still offer XP, and the first time I went to their website, I couldn't find any 17" laptops. I think I did find some on a later search, but I can't remember why there aren't any in the list here. Perhaps I should go back and look.

[inki.livejournal.com]

My partner got an HP Pavilion (dv2700) a while back. She's been very happy with it. So far our only complaint is that bluetooth functionality (and hardware) seems to be entirely absent, despite being in the specs for this machine. So if you care about bluetooth, check up on that.

[joreth]

I suppose one day I'll care about bluetooth, but I'm actually quite behind the technology curve (compared to my geek friends). I don't own any blue-tooth enabled devices at the moment, so I currently have no need for it in my computer. I'm sure that'll change in the future though.

[inki.livejournal.com]

Bluetooth only came up in the context of a wireless mouse. We were hoping to switch to a bluetooth mouse from a standard USB wireless mouse, since those seem to be not as smooth and you have to manage the little bluetooth dongle. No big deal, but it was annoying that an advertised feature was absent.

[joreth]

ayup, regardless of importance, it's annoying to have an advertized feature not work or be absent entirely. I totally forgot that some mouses are going bluetooth now. One of these days I'll get away from my old wired USB mouse!