Help me choose a laptop please

[Logan8252]

Hi. I'm trying to decide between these two laptops. This isn't a desktop replacement or anything and I won't be playing games on it. It's more or less to be able to have a computer with me when I'm away from home. Also I do photography on the side, so it would be nice to be able to dump photos to the laptop during the shoot so I don't run out of space on my compact flash cards and to also be able to immediately show clients preliminary results.

First the HP dv1000 I have configured as follows:
Pentium M 725 (1.6GHz)
14.0" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x768)
Intel(R) Extreme Graphics designed for Pentium(R)
512MB DDR SDRAM (2x256MB)
40 GB 4200 RPM Hard Drive
FREE Upgrade from DVD to DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive!!
Integrated 56K Modem + 10/100 Ethernet LAN

Second the Compaq v2000 configured with exactly the same specs:
Pentium M 725 (1.6GHz)
14.0" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x768)
Intel(R) Extreme Graphics
512MB DDR SDRAM (2x256MB)
40 GB 4200 RPM Hard Drive
FREE Upgrade from DVD to DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive!!
Integrated 56K Modem + 10/100 Ethernet LAN

Their prices are identical, but the HP has an extra rebate of $50, so the HP should be $50 cheaper after rebate. I plan on going down to Best Buy or somewhere later to hopefully see them in person, but based on what you know is one of these models better than the other?

Second, here are a couple questions in general. Does the Pentium M 710 (1.4GHz) have the same amount of cache as the 725? Because if so on both models, I can downgrade it to that processor and then upgrade the hard drive to 60GB 5400RPM. If the 710 has as much cache as the 725, then I'd assume the HDD would be the better way to spend the money, is that correct?

Also the Compaq has an additional option for $25 for "Intel(R) Extreme Graphics with productivity ports." What is that? Also they both have additional options for wireless networking (which I need), but should I add that on myself afterwards? Thanks for your time.

 

[fbrdphreak]

First off: They are the exact same computer. I assume you know that HP owns Compaq, so its kinda like choosing between a plain ol' Chevy truck and a plain ol' GMC truck. I have seen both in person and I personally like the way the HP looks. Its got a black/blue scheme which looks really hot, esp with the blue buttons/LEDs. The Compaq is all silver and I just don't like the look.
Second of all, it looks like you are missing wireless. This may be "unspoken," but make sure you get wireless b/g; I believe HP offers either the Intel Pro b/g or the Broadcom b/g, both of which are okay.
Since I'm bored, I configured both laptops the same for you. I used a 6-cell batt, WinXP Home, and the Broadcom b/g/Speedboster as it was the same price as the Intel Pro b/g. The HP came out to $1,224USD (before $50 MIR USD) and the Compaq came out to $1229 {Just realized it included the Productivity Ports in this price also} (before $30USD instant rebate). I noticed for either model, you can upgrade to a 60GB 5400RPM drive. Let me recommend this HIGHLY to you. The extra spindle speed will help in general performance, as 4200RPM drives are dirt slow. The extra capacity will be nice as well of course. However, if you just want to get out with the lowest price possible for now and upgrade to a 60-80-100GB 7200RPM at a later date, that's not a bad choice either. For $200USD retail, you can get a Seagate 100GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache
In reference to your question about the 725 vs. 710 CPU's: no, they are not the same. The 710 is based on the Banias core of the Pentium-M, which has 1MB L2 Cache and manufactured on a 130nm(?) process. The 725 is the newer Dothan core, which in addition to the 2MB L2 Cache, was manufactured on a 90nm process, has improved branch prediction, etc etc: overall better performance and better power conservation. You made the right choice going with the 725.
As far as the productivity ports, had you clicked on the "Tell me more" link; you'da known!
"Additional productivity ports include expansion port for HP Notebook Expansion Base, 6-in-1 Digital Media Reader, and S-Video out."
So yes, definitely get them if you go with the Compaq. To my knowledge, the HP comes with those options already. Also, if you buy one of these in a store, they will come with these ports.
If you have any other questions, feel free to write back. GL

 

[preslove]

Doesn't the hp come with that pcmcia remote thingy as an option?