HP Laptops, I think I've found the one. Your opinions?

T1tan · 20th September 2006, 7:42 PM

Looking at this harvey norman thing, with 4yrs to pay off the laptop, I've got the following in mind:

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/au/en...-77916123.html

It's got sufficient video memory for the games I'd play normally (I hope, pretty basic like sim city, caesar 4 when it comes out and a few other things), is at about the limit I'd want to spend on a laptop. It also has the other functions like being a standalone dvd player and stuff, which is cool if i ever use it. It is also the size I want (I'd go smaller, but it's a good compromise), and has the connectivity.

-----------------------------------------

1. Is a GF go 7200 enough to play deus ex2 (about the limit of what I'd play) - I honestly don't game much.

2. Overall value, what do you think of the following is the best option:
- Option 1: - $2099
Core Duo 1.73ghz
100gb hdd
1gig ram

- Option 2: - $1899 (or $1999, I can't quite remember).
Core Duo 1.6ghz
80gb hdd
1gig ram

3. I'm probably going to end up getting this model, but I'd like to know what you think about HP's durability/breakages/warranty?

-----------------------------------------

All are standard as above link's components. The CPU and HDD is really all that seperates them.

I was thinking about getting the lower spec one with the 1.6, and later on, when the Duo2's are cheaper, just popping one of those in. I'd probably end up backing a lot onto dvd anyway, so the HDD space probably won't bother me.

Opinions?

BuuBox · 20th September 2006, 11:46 PM

4 years is a long time for a product that has a potentially much shorter life. You don't really want to be paying off something that's long been broken.

MrSmith · 21st September 2006, 10:41 AM

It's a very nice laptop.

My brother has a dv2000, but the model with integrated video - It's a very classy laptop.

I'd reccomend it - But if I were you, Pay it off in a year (Any longer, and it'll drag you down, and you'll be paying for old tech, most likely.)

Option 1 seems better value.

The 7200 go will be suitable for very light occasional gaming, nothing hardcore.

T1tan · 21st September 2006, 4:39 PM

oh ill be paying it off within 6 months, i just need a lappy nowish (just started correspondance uni and need to get out of house - too many distractions).

it just gives me flexibility.

would a video card like this be upgradable to a 7400 from another source? My mate is in the laptop business and I could do that later for cost / just below.

edit: thanks for the info

Diesmile · 21st September 2006, 6:03 PM

i prob would go for dell if they got nice speical.

the 7200 go also uses turbo cashe which use ur system ram -> slow down overall performance.

MrSmith · 21st September 2006, 7:15 PM

The graphics card isn't upgradeable - as its soldered to the mainboard.

You should have a look at the dell inspiron 6400, I'm ordering one for $1500:

Core duo 1.73Ghz, 1gb ram, 80gb SATA, X1400 256mb, 15.4" widescreen with truelife.

That's a pretty good deal, overall - better specs than the HP, but it's a bit bigger.

T1tan · 22nd September 2006, 1:19 AM

I guess I'm kinda screwed.

While I'd love that machine, I want to go 14.1 or less.

josh81 · 22nd September 2006, 3:41 AM

hey with that harvey norman payment deal, is it interest free, or is it just interest free for the first 48mths or whatever?
ie. do you have to pay the interest after the 48 mths is up.

I thought it might have been a bit deceptive when i read something, so i thought i'd mention it.

T1tan · 22nd September 2006, 3:03 PM

you have to make minimum monthly deposits until you pay it off.

it's interest free for 4yrs. after that, they rape you.

MrSmith · 22nd September 2006, 5:53 PM

Hmm.. What about the XPS M1210? It's 12", and it's full of joy and happyness!

www.dell.com.au - configer (sp) one, it might be for you.

Ken-f · 26th September 2006, 8:43 PM

Hey, got the dv2024tx about 2 weeks ago...but need to exchange for a certain reason. so went and got the dv2040tx...the only thing that can be irritating is the lag on the mulitimedia buttons....unless it was just mine :S.

josh81 · 26th September 2006, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrSmith

Hmm.. What about the XPS M1210? It's 12", and it's full of joy and happyness!

www.dell.com.au - configer (sp) one, it might be for you.

The XPS M1210 starts at $2400 with no video card, and the next version of it is $3000 if you want independant video, so i assume that's well out of his budget. And the HP he's listed is 14.1", so 12" screen is obviously not a requirement for him.

I saw this dv2040TX at Office Works, the Option 2 model with the 1.6ghz, it was $1998. Just in case HN wont budge on price, another option. The cheapest found by Shop Bot on the net was $1959 from digitalcity, $10 standard shipping i believe.

But if it was me, i'd spend the extra $100 for the better processor and larger HD, well worth it.

I tested it a bit at Office Works, it had nice keys, the keyboard was firm enough, and the mouse buttons were nice too. It's very glossy though, not just the screen, but the whole body, something about that to me seemed to sway closer to tacky than cool/classy.
But the graphics card is the biggest turn off for me, only a 7200. The RAM's only 533mhz, and the battery is only 6-cell. But it's pretty good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken-f

Hey, got the dv2024tx about 2 weeks ago...but need to exchange for a certain reason. so went and got the dv2040tx...the only thing that can be irritating is the lag on the mulitimedia buttons....unless it was just mine :S.

I know with my BENQ, when i press the IE launcher button, it's a fair bit slower than if i just click on the desktop shortcut with the cursor. That's the only button i use, but i think the same might go for Outlook Express.

20th September 2006, 7:42 PM	#1
T1tan Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Sydney. Posts: 3,852	HP Laptops, I think I've found the one. Your opinions? Looking at this harvey norman thing, with 4yrs to pay off the laptop, I've got the following in mind: http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/au/en...-77916123.html It's got sufficient video memory for the games I'd play normally (I hope, pretty basic like sim city, caesar 4 when it comes out and a few other things), is at about the limit I'd want to spend on a laptop. It also has the other functions like being a standalone dvd player and stuff, which is cool if i ever use it. It is also the size I want (I'd go smaller, but it's a good compromise), and has the connectivity. ----------------------------------------- 1. Is a GF go 7200 enough to play deus ex2 (about the limit of what I'd play) - I honestly don't game much. 2. Overall value, what do you think of the following is the best option: - Option 1: - $2099 Core Duo 1.73ghz 100gb hdd 1gig ram - Option 2: - $1899 (or $1999, I can't quite remember). Core Duo 1.6ghz 80gb hdd 1gig ram 3. I'm probably going to end up getting this model, but I'd like to know what you think about HP's durability/breakages/warranty? ----------------------------------------- All are standard as above link's components. The CPU and HDD is really all that seperates them. I was thinking about getting the lower spec one with the 1.6, and later on, when the Duo2's are cheaper, just popping one of those in. I'd probably end up backing a lot onto dvd anyway, so the HDD space probably won't bother me. Opinions? __________________ --Nik

21st September 2006, 10:41 AM	#3
MrSmith Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: nor perth Posts: 2,393	It's a very nice laptop. My brother has a dv2000, but the model with integrated video - It's a very classy laptop. I'd reccomend it - But if I were you, Pay it off in a year (Any longer, and it'll drag you down, and you'll be paying for old tech, most likely.) Option 1 seems better value. The 7200 go will be suitable for very light occasional gaming, nothing hardcore. __________________ [X2 4200+, Asus 8600GT Silent, 1gb, modded Antec Plusview2] [Dell i6400/1.83Ghz C2D, 1gb ddr2, 256mb X1400] [Middlesbrough FC, Fremantle Dockers, Perth Glory] [Myspace, trades] \|\|Dr. Pepper Club Member #001\|\|

21st September 2006, 4:39 PM	#4
T1tan Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Sydney. Posts: 3,852	oh ill be paying it off within 6 months, i just need a lappy nowish (just started correspondance uni and need to get out of house - too many distractions). it just gives me flexibility. would a video card like this be upgradable to a 7400 from another source? My mate is in the laptop business and I could do that later for cost / just below. edit: thanks for the info __________________ --Nik Last edited by T1tan; 21st September 2006 at 5:14 PM.

21st September 2006, 6:03 PM	#5
Diesmile Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Adelaide Posts: 1,008	i prob would go for dell if they got nice speical. the 7200 go also uses turbo cashe which use ur system ram -> slow down overall performance. __________________ GB MA770-US3 \| AMD Phenom II 720 \| Team Xtreem Dark 1066 2*2GB \| HIS 4780 512mb \| TOPOWER 500W EPS

21st September 2006, 7:15 PM	#6
MrSmith Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: nor perth Posts: 2,393	The graphics card isn't upgradeable - as its soldered to the mainboard. You should have a look at the dell inspiron 6400, I'm ordering one for $1500: Core duo 1.73Ghz, 1gb ram, 80gb SATA, X1400 256mb, 15.4" widescreen with truelife. That's a pretty good deal, overall - better specs than the HP, but it's a bit bigger. __________________ [X2 4200+, Asus 8600GT Silent, 1gb, modded Antec Plusview2] [Dell i6400/1.83Ghz C2D, 1gb ddr2, 256mb X1400] [Middlesbrough FC, Fremantle Dockers, Perth Glory] [Myspace, trades] \|\|Dr. Pepper Club Member #001\|\|

20th September 2006, 11:46 PM	#2
BuuBox Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Melbourne Posts: 3,021	4 years is a long time for a product that has a potentially much shorter life. You don't really want to be paying off something that's long been broken.

22nd September 2006, 1:19 AM	#7
T1tan Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Sydney. Posts: 3,852	I guess I'm kinda screwed. While I'd love that machine, I want to go 14.1 or less. __________________ --Nik

22nd September 2006, 3:41 AM	#8
josh81 Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bellbowrie, Brisbane Posts: 2,414	hey with that harvey norman payment deal, is it interest free, or is it just interest free for the first 48mths or whatever? ie. do you have to pay the interest after the 48 mths is up. I thought it might have been a bit deceptive when i read something, so i thought i'd mention it.

22nd September 2006, 3:03 PM	#9
T1tan Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Sydney. Posts: 3,852	you have to make minimum monthly deposits until you pay it off. it's interest free for 4yrs. after that, they rape you. __________________ --Nik

22nd September 2006, 5:53 PM	#10
MrSmith Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: nor perth Posts: 2,393	Hmm.. What about the XPS M1210? It's 12", and it's full of joy and happyness! www.dell.com.au - configer (sp) one, it might be for you. __________________ [X2 4200+, Asus 8600GT Silent, 1gb, modded Antec Plusview2] [Dell i6400/1.83Ghz C2D, 1gb ddr2, 256mb X1400] [Middlesbrough FC, Fremantle Dockers, Perth Glory] [Myspace, trades] \|\|Dr. Pepper Club Member #001\|\|

26th September 2006, 8:43 PM	#11
Ken-f Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Brisbane Posts: 326	Hey, got the dv2024tx about 2 weeks ago...but need to exchange for a certain reason. so went and got the dv2040tx...the only thing that can be irritating is the lag on the mulitimedia buttons....unless it was just mine :S.