POLL: Which of these laptops are better?...Ordering soon!

[Cheex]

The specs on both these machines are very similar and the price difference is only $8.

I must say that I'm leaning towards the Dell.


SPECS:

Turion 64 X2 1.8GHz
1GB DDR2-533 RAM (2 Dimm)
60GB (DELL) / 80GB (HP)
Xpress 1150 (DELL) / Go 6150 (HP)
802.11 g (DELL) / b/g (HP)
Webcam (HP) (not a must for me anyway)
Genuine Vista Home Premium


I am maybe gonna order this tonight, so quick responses will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Keysplayr]

Out of these two machines, I don't know which would have better onboard graphics, the Xpress 1150 or the Go 6150. And one thing for certain, after you DO buy one, make sure to get an additional 1GB of memory if you're going to run Vista. 1GB is just so not enough to make it run "like it could".

Make sure these laptops are upgradeable to at least 2GB of RAM. If there are only two slots for memory, and you buy 2x512 sticks instead of a single 1GB stick, you are screwed and will have to buy a full 2GB of memory later on. Can I ask what your budget is for your laptop? What is your absolute maximum you are willing to spend on one.

Keys

 

[Brainonska511]

I'd go for the HP. Larger hard drive is certainly worth it. As far as the wireless cards go, 802.11 g is the same thing as 802.11 b/g since G is backwards compatible to B.

 

[Cheex]

@ keys:
There are only 2 slots and I'll be getting 2x512MB stick in them. Max budget is about $650.

@ Brain:
Thanks for that info on the wireless. Hard drive space isn't so much a bother for me. It is MAINLY for schoolwork (programming and such).


Cost is an issue. My father is getting me this for school.

 

[n7]

Since you asked, i'd go with the HP.

For various reasons, i really don't like Dell.

The HP is also a bit better notebook for the money when you take the webcam, graphics, & extra HDD space into account.

 

[n7]

BTW though, you should really go into retail stores & hunt for clearance/open box deals though.

I've seen notebooks w/ 2 GB & dual cores go for less than $650 CND, you just need to know where to look.

I suspect you could find something with comparable specs or better on a clearance/OB/demo deal for under $500 USD.

 

[Cheex]

Well I live in Jamaica people so I'll be ordering either direct or from a big e-tailer like Newegg or so.

I kinda prefer HP myself but I just want the best for the money at this point. Durability is also a concern.

 

[Keysplayr]

Well, then I'd have to say go with the HP also. Dell tech support is not what it used to be. And the webcam is a nice toy.

 

[JustaGeek]

Originally posted by: Cheex
Well I live in Jamaica people so I'll be ordering either direct or from a big e-tailer like Newegg or so.

I kinda prefer HP myself but I just want the best for the money at this point. Durability is also a concern.

The best for the money is HP. Even if it happens that you initially pay more (if you do...)

I have been using their desktops and have a Compaq laptop (typing on it right now), and would not even consider any other brand!

 

[corkyg]

Today, I go with HP for two reasons. First, qualityt control. Dell has really been having quality problems of late. Second - tech support is currently better at HP. It represents better value. A very small reason - the touchpad on the HP has an on/off switch.

 

[Cheex]

I guess I should be looking now more and more at the HP. I also think that they are more aesthetically pleasing (they look better).

 

[apoppin]

HP ...

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: JustaGeek

Originally posted by: Cheex
Well I live in Jamaica people so I'll be ordering either direct or from a big e-tailer like Newegg or so.

I kinda prefer HP myself but I just want the best for the money at this point. Durability is also a concern.

The best for the money is HP. Even if it happens that you initially pay more (if you do...)

I have been using their desktops and have a Compaq laptop (typing on it right now), and would not even consider any other brand!

i personally think the thinkpad series are the best laptops in the world. Until they were bought out by lenevo. But lenevo also doesnt make bad laptops as well.

 

[myocardia]

I agree with most others here. I'd go with the HP. Just keep in mind, like Keys has already said, that you'll be wanting to upgrade to 2x1 GB of RAM as soon as possible.

 

[alimoalem]

Originally posted by: aigomorla
i personally think the thinkpad series are the best laptops in the world. Until they were bought out by lenevo. But lenevo also doesnt make bad laptops as well.

i can't say anything negative in regards to build quality for Thinkpads as my dad has had several of them in the past decade or so and i know how they are but honestly, why can't IMB/Lenovo make something attractive? it's the ONLY thing that kept me and is keeping me from getting a Thinkpad.

anyway, Cheex, go with the HP. i have the dv2000t (the 14.1" model of what you're looking at with an intel CPU) and i'm very satisfied with it. idk how dell's warranty is but the battery is covered for HP laptops so they'll send you a new one if you can't stay unplugged as long as you used to be able to. they've got some outsourcing when it comes to customer service, but they also have domestic employees (at least that's my experience with HP's customer service) and they seem professional and friendly. again, i'm not sure how dell's stuff is but i don't hear good things about it.

 

[Cheex]

Well the 2GB RAM issue for Vista is now coming to the fore but I don't think my father will be able to afford to do that right now so...

I guess I will just have to stick with 1GB (2x512MB Dual Channel) for now. I may have to personally upgrade it later.

Also, on a whole HP seems to be my best bet.

@ alimoalem: You say you are very satisfied with yours. What do you use your machine for and how much memory do you have?

 

[Cheex]

Well guys, I got in touch with HP and it turns out that they won't accept an international purchase. Anyway, DELL WILL!!

So I'm now considering the Vostro 1500. I know its a 'small business' laptop but the specs and price are a lot better than the Inspiron. Plus I love the full black.

Can an 'individual' purchase a 'small business' laptop from Dell?

Also, should I get it with XP :thumbsup: or Vista ?

 

[Cheex]

That idea crashed also.

When you get to checkout, they ask for Company Name and Tax # and all manner of evil.

Looks like I'll be stuck with an Inspiron 1501.

 

[zig3695]

i would just try putting the place of your employment in there. screw the tax number stuff, just type in 00000 or something... btw, my 1501 inspiron has been running great for over 6months now, its been a wonderful machine. love it!

 

[Megatomic]

It's too bad you can't the HP. I've got one and it's a great machine. I like HP way more than Dell, I've had nothing but heartaches with Dell computers over the years.

 

[opticalmace]

whatever you get, get it with XP.

 

[Brainonska511]

Originally posted by: opticalmace
whatever you get, get it with XP.

Any particular reason you would like to give for this comment?

 

[Megatomic]

Originally posted by: Brainonska511

Originally posted by: opticalmace
whatever you get, get it with XP.

Any particular reason you would like to give for this comment?

I'll second the recommendation with the qualifier that my personal experiences with vista have been far less than stellar. XP for now, vista later.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Megatomic

Originally posted by: Brainonska511

Originally posted by: opticalmace
whatever you get, get it with XP.

Any particular reason you would like to give for this comment?

I'll second the recommendation with the qualifier that my personal experiences with vista have been far less than stellar. XP for now, vista later.

Vista is fine imo ... and i was 100% against changing until i was forced to ... it actually won me over ... now XP seems so primitive by comparison.

^That said^ - i also did not have a stellar experience with Vista RC2 and older HW - i would not recommend Vista 64 now with older aps .. not to mention 1GB of system RAM will be pretty slow with Vista - even with a Ready-Boost .... since you will never be playing DX10 games on it, i'd also recommend XP for a notebook.

 

[Cheex]

Well I'm about to go order the Inspiron 1501. I'm going to go do that now before the power is shut off here in Jamaica. We are going to get hit by Hurricane Dean in a few hours.