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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?
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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.
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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.
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