sister wants an HP notebook...

[bigben2wardpitt]

I am looking around for an HP notebook to purchase next week, it can either be built on the HP website or from any website/store, just looking for the best deal, and my sister really wants HP (she's a girl, likes the looks of them and such). I like HP as well, so I do not have a big problem buying her one, question is which one?

Shes is in college, so she will not be doing any gaming of any kind, mostly just downloading/buying music, im-ing, internet browsing, itunes playing, things like that. I will not know a price range for the next few days, but I am thinking not anything unreasonable, I mean, this girl is not going to be doing anything major on the computer, but I also want it to last so:
requirements:
15 inch screen HP laptop, probably not over $1300.
bigger than a 80 gb hard drive
at least 1 GB of ram
intel processor of some kind-- Question-- difference between intel core duo and intel core 2 duo? Which is better? I see the core 2 duos seem to be more money but the processors will only be like 1.6 or something like that, is that indeed slower than the intel core due 1.7 ghz? Just need some clarification there on which is better and which you would recommend.
Also, no HP business laptop, she wants the "Cooler" "sleeker" looking ones. (meaning not THIS-http://www.compusa.com/products/product...15&Pn=Compaq_nx7400_Business_Notebook)



Now I saw this at circuit city:

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/HP-Pavil...atOid/-12963/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

looks like a pretty good deal. On the other side of the price spectrum is this:
http://www.compusa.com/products/product...code=344794&pfp=external&tabtype=ts#ts

which i see got some conversations going on the anandtech hot deals forum.

 

[Megatomic]

I bought a DV6000T w/ C2D T7200, 512MB RAM, 120GB HDD, DVD Burner, GeForce Go 7400, 15.4" screen w/ brightview, Intel 3945 A/B/G, extended 6 cell battery, and Bluetooth for $1137 recently. Then I upgraded the RAM to 2GB myself all for under $1300 shipped. I love that machine and highly recommend it to your sister. I have zero issues with it.

 

[jkresh]

First check with her school (they may have a deal with HP), HP should also have educational pricing on their webpage (though it may not be better then any deals you can find). Second if its going to be her only computer and something she needs for school work then buy directly from HP and get an onsite warranty, if you buy from bestbuy/circuitcity and something goes wrong she could be without the machine for 2+ weeks. Core 2 duo is faster clock for clock and has 64bit compatibility which means that near the end of life for the machine it will be even faster then it is now (as more software will be modified for 64bit), not a big difference for the uses you stated but probably noticeable 2-3 years from now. As for RAM look at the prices from HP in the configuration options then look at crucial.com or hotdeals here, you probably want to buy the minimum ram from HP and just upgrade yourself (really easy and generaly saves a lot of money). Since the machine will probably have vista go for 2 gigs. If she is thinking about taking it to class have her check out the machines at a bestbuy/circuit city to get a feel for the weight and make sure she is comfortable with carrying it around.

 

[oynaz]

For her needs, there is no need to rule out an AMD CPU. They are fine for the price.

 

[Roguestar]

For the record, the Core 2 Duo is vastly better than the Core Duo.

 

[mercanucaribe]

She must be smoking crack. The 'business' ones are the sleek designs. The 'home' notebooks are ugly-- they look like they were designed by Fischer Price, or maybe thsoe companies that make the bookshelf stereos they sell at Wal Mart.

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

Her school doesnt have a deal with HP sadly, from the HP website...


HP Pavilion dv6000t customizable Notebook PC


* ? Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic (32-bit)
* ? Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo T7200 (2.0GHz/4MB L2Cache)
* ? 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x800)
* ? Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 950 - Core
* ? HP Imprint Finish + Microphone
* ? 1GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* ? FREE Upgrade from 80GB 5400RPM to 120GB 5400RPM!!
* ? DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive
* ? 802.11b/g WLAN
* ? No TV Tuner w/remote control
* ? High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* ? Microsoft(R) Works 8.0
* ? System Recovery DVD w/Windows Vista Home Basic



2-year HP Accidental Damage Protection with Express Repair Extended Service Plan for HP Pavilion and Presario Notebook PCs 2-year HP Accidental Damage Protection with Express Repair Extended Service Plan for HP Pavilion and Presario Notebook PCs

i was able to get all this for $1294

seems like a good deal for the processor, i was looking at circuitcity and although there are some good deals, nowhere near the processor that i was configuring on the HP website.

also, i looked at the 6500, but it is more expensive than the 6000t from the beginning, and i was able to make this one less expensive...

any thoughts?

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
She must be smoking crack. The 'business' ones are the sleek designs. The 'home' notebooks are ugly-- they look like they were designed by Fischer Price, or maybe thsoe companies that make the bookshelf stereos they sell at Wal Mart.

ok although i completely disagree with you, this is not the point of the thread, thank you for your insight though.

 

[Megatomic]

Originally posted by: bigben2wardpitt
Her school doesnt have a deal with HP sadly, from the HP website...


HP Pavilion dv6000t customizable Notebook PC


* ? Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic (32-bit)
* ? Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo T7200 (2.0GHz/4MB L2Cache)
* ? 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x800)
* ? Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 950 - Core
* ? HP Imprint Finish + Microphone
* ? 1GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* ? FREE Upgrade from 80GB 5400RPM to 120GB 5400RPM!!
* ? DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive
* ? 802.11b/g WLAN
* ? No TV Tuner w/remote control
* ? High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* ? Microsoft(R) Works 8.0
* ? System Recovery DVD w/Windows Vista Home Basic



2-year HP Accidental Damage Protection with Express Repair Extended Service Plan for HP Pavilion and Presario Notebook PCs 2-year HP Accidental Damage Protection with Express Repair Extended Service Plan for HP Pavilion and Presario Notebook PCs

i was able to get all this for $1294

seems like a good deal for the processor, i was looking at circuitcity and although there are some good deals, nowhere near the processor that i was configuring on the HP website.

also, i looked at the 6500, but it is more expensive than the 6000t from the beginning, and i was able to make this one less expensive...

any thoughts?

Drop back to 512MB and upgrade the RAM yourself to 2GB. That's your best bet. Nice config, I can speak from experience.

 

[jkresh]

go back to 512 and by 2gigs separately (install them for her). Go to home premium (home basic is missing Aero which is one of the big features of vista). Go to the 12cell battery (make a big difference in using it away from the wall). Upgrade to the A/B/G intel wireless with bluetooth (bluetooth could be useful for voice chat with the same headset as used on a cell phone, some schools have A wireless as they set up before G was widely available, and A is considerably faster then B). Also move to the dvdrw drive, and consider getting the built in microphone/webcam for videochat...

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

ok i will definitely do vista premium, but 12 cell battery, is that going to make the laptop heavier?

Also, right now at 512 (the default price) i got the computer at 1,047. If I want 2 gb i pay $125 more from HP. Right now i see crucial memory 2 gb for this lappy at 102.00- that is without shipping. So i am saving, in the end, 15 bucks or so?-- i am not sure it is worth it, because once this girl gets her lappy she wants to be on her way. Now this is not my money, i have got a price max at 1600, which i know i am not even coming close to... so knowing that would you guys STILL reccomend going through the hastle of shipping the memory seperately?

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

Operating System Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
edit

Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo T7200 (2.0GHz/4MB L2Cache)
edit

Display 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x800)
edit

Graphics Card Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 950 - Core
edit

Personalization HP Imprint Finish + Microphone
edit

Memory 40% off upgrade from 1GB (2 Dimm) to 2GB (2 Dimm)!
edit

Hard Drive FREE Upgrade from 80GB 5400RPM to 120GB 5400RPM!!
edit

Primary CD/DVD Drive Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support
edit

Networking Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network w/Bluetooth
edit

TV & Entertainment Experience No TV Tuner w/remote control
edit

Primary Battery One 6 Cell and One 12 Cell Lithium Ion Batteries
edit

Productivity Software Microsoft(R) Works 8.0
edit

OS and Recovery Media System Recovery DVD w/Windows Vista Home Premium
edit


for $1548 shipped with the $250 2 year accidental/and warranty + tax

 

[jkresh]

since crucial is only $20 less or so I wouldnt worry about it (though I think you can find it for about $60 in hot deals...), the 12cell battery doesn't say it extends from the case so it shouldn't add much weight and it will add several hours of use per charge.

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

actually the 12 cell does now that i look at it, it makes the back of the computer kind of stand up, if u look above, i have the one 6 cell and one 12 cell option there for now, see what my sis thinks about it.

also if u can direct me to where i can find these hot deals on memory, then it would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi...ption=DDR2+PC2-5300&name=2GB+(2+x+1GB)

would that be the right type of memory to be looking at? anywhere else i can find a better deal?

this may work too...

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/5220847

or maybe THIS!

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=90054

I think those are the right kind of mem for this computer...

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

sorry, double post

 

[newb54]

Tell her that women don't know how to use computers and to get back in the kitchen.






















Just kidding

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

Ok, well, HP is requiring me to get at least 1 gb with vista premium, and it comes in 2 DIMMs, so it really isn't worth it to buy the memory seperately.

But then i looked at the dv6500- the newer model- i dont know what is different about it..

HP Pavilion dv6500t customizable Notebook PC
RM098AV

* ? Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
* ? Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo T7300 (2.0GHz/4MB L2Cache)
* ? 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x800)
* ? Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
* ? HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Microphone
* ? 40% off upgrade from 1GB (2 Dimm) to 2GB (2 Dimm)!
* ? 120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
* ? Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support
* ? Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
* ? No TV Tuner w/remote control
* ? One 6 Cell and One 12 Cell Lithium Ion Batteries
* ? Microsoft(R) Works 8.0
* ? HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

plus 249.99 2 year accidental damage/express repair with a 15 percent off coupon-- coming out to $1453 with taxes and everything.

Think i should just do it?

 

[trexpesto]

flexible to 17 inch widscreen? - there's this great deal in Hot Deals for 800 after 400 rebate

SPECS:

Processor Brand: Intel
Processor Class: Core Duo Processor
Processor Number: T2250
Processor Speed: 1.73 GHz
Front Side Bus: 533 MHz
Mobile Technology: Centrino
L2 Cache Size: 2 MB
Memory Type: DDR2-SDRAM
Installed Memory: 1 GB
Memory Slots Total: 2
Memory Slots Available: 0
Hard Drive Capacity: 120 GB
Drive Controllers: SATA-150
Rotational Speed: 5400 RPM
Optical Drives: LightScribe Double Layer DVD SuperMulti Drive:

* Create a DVD Writable at a maximum 8X Write speed
* Other speed specifications are not available from the manufacturer

Additional Drives: LightScribe DL DVD SuperMulti
Sound Support: Digital Audio (16-bit)
Video Chipset Brand: NVIDIA
Video Chipset: GeForce Go 7600
Installed Video Memory: 256 MB
Resolution: 1440 x 900
Screen Size: 17.0 in
Screen Type: Active Matrix LCD (TFT)
Physical Aspect Ratio: 16:10 (Widescreen)
Port Connectors:

* 4 x Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0
* 1 x Audio - Headphone-out with S/PDIF Digital Audio
* 1 x Audio - Microphone-in
* 1 x Video - VGA (15-pin)
* 1 x Video - TV-Out (S-Video)
* 1 x RJ-11 Modem
* 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet LAN
* 1 x Notebook Expansion Port 3
* 1 x IEEE-1394 FireWire (4-pin)
* 1 x Consumer IR (Remote Receiver)
* 1 x HDMI

Card Slots: 1 x Memory Stick
1 x Memory Stick PRO
1 x Secure Digital(SD)/MMC
1 x xD-Picture Card
1 x ExpressCard/34
1 x ExpressCard/54
Network Support: Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps)
Wireless Protocol: 802.11a
802.11b
802.11g
Modem Speed: 56 Kbps
Input Devices: Keyboard
Remote Control
Touchpad
Security Features: Kensington Security Slot
Number of Batteries: 1
Installed Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium
Included Software: Security and Support:

* Symantec? Norton Internet Security 2007 (including complimentary 60 days Live Update)
* HP Total Care Help & Support Center
* Wireless Home Network
* PC Recovery (Softthinks Restore Solution)

Productivity and Finance:

* Microsoft® Works

Multimedia:

* Sonic Digital Media Plus
* Adobe Acrobat Reader
* HP Quick Play
* Muvee? AutoProducer DVD Edition with Burning
* HP PhotoSmart Premier

In the Box:

* HP Pavilion dv9207us Notebook
* HP ExpressCard Analog TV Tuner/PVR with Remote Control
* Mobile Stereo Earbud Headphones (1 pair)
* HP Mobile Remote Control
* 90W AC Adapter
* 8-cell Lithium-Ion battery

Height: 1.6 in
Width: 11.7 in
Depth: 15.2 in
Weight: 7.7 lbs
Limited Warranty: 1 Year (12 Months)

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

she needs something that is a nice size and portable, so although thats a nice rig, 17 inch screen is too big.

 

[overclock]

Check out costco.com pricing.

 

[jkresh]

the 6500 is a Santa Rosa based machine (better built in graphics x3100 vs 950, still crappy but should be fine if she doesn't game allot), its also a few percentage points faster clock for clock and has more future upgradeability plus better battery life. I also would suggest the integrated fingerprint reader (fingerprint reader will help with passwords and the like and decrease the likelihood of someone stealing it form a dorm (as generally when that happens people are looking for something easy and if they know they cant access the machine then they will take someone else's).

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

Originally posted by: jkresh
the 6500 is a Santa Rosa based machine (better built in graphics x3100 vs 950, still crappy but should be fine if she doesn't game allot), its also a few percentage points faster clock for clock and has more future upgradeability plus better battery life. I also would suggest the integrated fingerprint reader (fingerprint reader will help with passwords and the like and decrease the likelihood of someone stealing it form a dorm (as generally when that happens people are looking for something easy and if they know they cant access the machine then they will take someone else's).

eh i cant spend tons on this, i think i will stick with what i got right now, thanks though

in terms of costco.com, wow! that is a really good price? How is that possible?

 

[jkresh]

Costco's prices are good due to membership fee's and volume, they also have a good return policy (thouhg not as good as it used to be) and there include warranty is pretty good (but not anywhere near as useful as onsite support). They also let you do a custom order for hp through them (at a discount) so you can still look at the dv6000/6500 customized the same way as you did above just at a better price (assuming you are a costco member). con figured as above it looks like you can get the 6000 from costco for 1328 and the 6500 for 1418.

 

[bigben2wardpitt]

actually, i can get the 6500 from costco for 1346.

also the warrantys/ express repair is the same either way isnt it?

Selected Features:

* Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo T7300 (2.0GHz/4MB L2Cache)
* 40% off upgrade from 1GB (2 Dimm) to 2GB (2 Dimm)!
* 120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
* Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support
* Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
* Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network w/Bluetooth
* 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x800)
* Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
* Microsoft(R) Works 8.0
* High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Microphone
* No TV Tuner w/remote control
* 2-yr Extended Service Plan with HP Express Repair --- (see?)

 

[jkresh]

ok, the difference between the 1418 and the 1346, was the fingerprint reader/videocam ad the 12cell battery.

Yes if you get the extended warranty from HP then its the same either way, if you weren't getting it costco would still give you a 2 year warranty (they have it on all pc's) through them, and they have a 90 day return policy (not questions asked as far as I know, used to be 6months and before that it had no expiration).