Done my homework, still can't decide

[Soapy Bones]

I'm searching for a new laptop to go along with the desktop i currently have. I dont plan to do any gaming or intense graphic work, but would like to watch dvd's or divx files. The Centrino technology has obviously gotten my attention for what I'm looking for; price, performance, and battery life are pretty big factors. I have somewhat (meaning open to other suggestions) narrowed my search to the following three models.

Toshiba M45S331 Link to CompUSA for details

Compaq V2135us Link for details

HP dv1040us Link for details

Basically they are similar, with the Toshiba being slightly above for having the newest version of Pentium M, Sonoma. I have looked at all three of them and cannot decide what is the best based on this. The price range I am trying to stay in is roughly $1200, and all of these models can be had for right around there.

I am currently wanting to buy this at CompUSA because they have a 36 months no interest financing deal, which is ideal for me. If you know of any where else that has a deal even close to this, I would be happy to check it out.

Thanks for all your help!

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Any Pentium-M will be huge overkill for watching DVD/DivX. With your "predicted usage" you could do all of that on my current P3/600 laptop. Except for the 5-hour battery life, that is.

Look at the Hot Deals forum and the site GottaDeal.com - run by a well-known member here - for Dell coupon codes for up to $750 off Inspirons.

But out of those choices and considering your finance situation - the Compaq would be the best choice.

- M4H

 

[Soapy Bones]

I've checked around both hotdeals and gottadeal.com, i also know who runs it and very much appreciate the assistance i got from him before!

I had configured a 6000 to be pretty kickass in my opinion and got down around 1250, but its a lot more than I need and I'm not sure with the dell situation.

 

[fbrdphreak]

From the ones you listed, the Toshiba is the best bang for the buck.
If you don't want the bigger screen, the dv1040 is an awesome notebook. I just finished reviewing one for LaptopLogic.com (see sig) and the review should be posted within 48 hours if you want a good indepth look at the dv1000 series. We will have a review on its brother the Compaq V2000 if you're interested in that also.
Do you need a DVDRW? Hard drive size? Regardless, I would recommend the 12-cell battery on the HP/Compaq models; it gives you about 5 hours watching DVDs and 7+hours doing normal usage w/wifi on.
Hope this helps and please write if you have more questions.

 

[Soapy Bones]

Well in order to get the financing deal I had available I went with the Compaq V2000. After having it home for about 2 days now, I have to say I'm extremely happy with it. Took it to classes today without wifi and got a good 4-5 hours out of it at least, with it on the entire time doing office work.

I would like to upgrade the battery but at the moment im just going with the stock option there, any good deals?

Thanks for the help and if you are looking for a review on the v2000 on that site, i'd be happy to do something for you

 

[fbrdphreak]

You really should have gotten the 12-cell with the v2000; we're talking 7+ hours baby!! I would call HP and see what they can do about swapping the batt for you, it is REALLY worth it.
I appreciate the offer, but we do have an almost finished review on the v2000. What you could do though is check out the site, maybe check out some of our Google links , and at least participate in our forums! Please feel free to post your impressions on the v2000 as well as any notebook related topics you want to discuss. We are always looking for new members and activity on the forums is what is going to help propel us up
Enjoy your v2000!

 

[hendra]

I have also the same problem on deciding my new laptop.

Here are some of the the choices:

TOSHIBA Satellite A50-S332G
ASUS A6500N/SKU1
ACER TravelMate 4002NLCi
COMPAQ Presario M2015

Can you give some recommendations?
I will use my laptop for powerpoint presentation and a little bit of gaming for my spare time..I am looking for a notebook around $1200.
And, is it a good time to buy centrino or just go for Hyperthreading (since the price is cheaper)?
Thanks...

 

[fbrdphreak]

Well, I did some googling but was not able to come up with much regarding your queries. Basically it looks like you are looking at all Centrino-based notebooks, but I could not determine prices on anything but the Compaq.
If you plan on using the laptop out and about, you definitely want a Centrino notebook for battery life alone; Pentium 4's (i.e. those with Hyperthreading) get 2 hours of battery life max and do not offer much extra performance. What size screen are you looking to use? Would you prefer a widescreen or regular screen? What kind of games will you be playing?

 

[hendra]

I usually go for RTS Game like warcraft III.

Anyway, I finally bought the notebook:

HP Compaq - Business Notebook NX7010

Intel® Pentium®M 745 (1.8 GHz Dothan)
512MB RAM
60GB HDD 4200RPM
DVD-CDRW
15.4" WXGA TFT LCD
Intel Pro 2100 802.11b
64MB ATI Randeon 9200 (Non-shared)
56K Modem
IEEE1394
3 USB 2.0
10/100/1000 Ethernet
Windows® XP Professional

for the price of $1620.
It's a second notebook,
but with Compaq guaranteed until Dec 2005.

However, something is bothering me. I look at
System Properties --> General tab--> Computer:

Centrino 1.8 GHz
200Mhz
512 of RAM

What does 200Mhz mean?? Is it overclocked?? or what??

 

[fbrdphreak]

Overall these specs look pretty good. There are only two things I would change on this:
(1) 60GB HDD 4200RPM -- Spending this much on a laptop, you really should have gotten at least a 5400RPM drive. The 4200RPM spindle speed is exceedingly slow, even tho it is sufficient for general usage. I would have gotten the basic hard drive offered, sold it, and put in a 60GB 7200RPM. You can see how much those cost here
(2) Wireless 2100 802.11b???? I don't know how you got an 802.11b card in here, but you really should have gotten the Intel 2200 (802.11b/g) or the Broadcom 54g card which also supports Speedbooster (125MBit).

In regards to the 200MHz issue, I assume that is only when you're operating on battery, correct? What actually happens is the Pentium M CPU adjusts its clock frequency based on usage, varying between 600MHz & 1.8GHz in different stages. From what I understand, if the system ever reports 200MHz it is merely a software glitch that causes an error in reporting. In all actuality, your CPU never goes below 600MHz when operating on battery.
If that is not when operating on battery, there might be another issue.
Hope this helps