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

[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.