help me pick parts for my barebone lappy

[ericlala]

Sorry if this is the wrong section. I'm not getting any reply in the other forum.

I plan on getting the Z63a and I am having trouble picking some parts so please go through my list for me.

first the specs of the barebone for easy reference:
Intel® Pentium® M Centrino Processor533MHz Front Side Bus Speed). Sonoma: 1.6GHz (730) ~ 2.13GHz (770) 2MB L2 Cache
? 14.1" WXGA (1280x768) Glare Type - "Color-Shine" and "Crystal-Shine" TFT LCD - Wide Aspect: 250 nits high brightness.
? Intel 915GM Express Chipset with up to 128MB shared DDR2-400 VRAM.
? Up to 2.0GB DDR2-533 SO-DIMM SDRAM System Memory.
? Up to 5,400RPM 100GB or 7,200 RPM 60GB Ultra DMA Hard Disk.
? Combo 8X DVD/24x10x24 CD-RW included.
? 8x Dual Layer DVD Burner/24xCDRW Drive (Optional).
? Build in 10/100/1000Mbps fast Ethernet Controller.
? Intel High Definition Audio: Build in Azalia compliant audio chip, with 3D effect full duplex; built-in speaker and microphone
? 4-in-1 Card Reader. (Secure Digital, MMC, Memory Stick & MS PRO).
? 4.8 Pounds with 8-Cell Battery, 13" x 9.7" x 1.18"~1.28" (WXDXH)
? 8 Cell Battery:4~5 Hours Run-Down Battery Life.

These are the parts i'm choosing:
CPU - p-m 1.86ghz 533mhz bus dothan
i'm guessing higher bus is better? and the step to 2.0ghz is not worth the price?

RAM - OCZ PC2-4200 1GB DDR2-533 CL4-4-4-8 200PIN SODIMM Memory
Kingston ValueRAM PC2-4200 1GB DDR2-533 CL4 200PIN SODIMM Memory
which one? and i chose those to match the 533 bus is that correct? also i chose single stick for upgradeability to 2gb without wasting since someone said dual chan has marginal diff

HD - Toshiba 60GB Hard Drive 5400RPM 12MS 9.5MM 2.5IN Mobile IDE ATA100
for the same price i can get a 80gb but ppl swear by the 16mb cache? help!

cd/dvd - i think i have to go with the asus one made for this lappy?

wireless - which one? i have no clue, and i only need g

I believe that is all, thanks for reading, yes it was long but i ain't buying so much without getting a second opinion


edit: is overclocking/undervolting based on luck of cpu like desktops?

 

[ericlala]

ummm bump

 

[ericlala]

help anyone....?

 

[Vegito]

http://www.bigbruin.com/reviews05/article.php?item=seagateprt&file=1 - this looks interesting.. 5400.3.. i have the hitachi 60 tk60 & 80 tk100, both 7200 rpm.

are those the hdd offered or you're buying your own ?

 

[ericlala]

they do have the 5400.3 at 160 gb costing 400 !! i saw reviews of hitachis being noisy? im looking for a quiet, average heat,mid performance hd

perferably chosen from this list http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?minorcatid=1044

 

[ericlala]

still no reply

 

[Wall7486]

I assume you're just using this laptop for lightwork, word processing and surfing the web. I actually reccomended a couple of my friends to get this, due to the light weight. Go check out istnc.com and see if they are cheaper than where you're getting it. As for the 2.0 upgrade, it depends on the price. On istnc the upgrade from 1.88 to 2.0 is 50 something dollars. I say that's a good upgrade, considering most people don't want to upgrade their laptops later on. If it's between 50-60 i'd go for it.
For RAM, if you go 2 DIMM that will be dual channel, which is slightly faster but usually more expensive. So is your call. Otherwise 1 gig is fine
For the HD, generally i'd go with Hitachi or seagate. 60gigs are good enough, unless you want to install a lot of things. Generally 5400rpm is good enough, but if you want better load time, go with the 7200 which is slightly louder and generates more heat.
Cd/dvd- if you need a dvd burner upgrade to it. If you just need CD, go with the regular.
Wirless - Go with a/b/g. Is probably 5 dollar more expensive with all 3 type of bandwith. After all, is better safe than sorry. That way you're sure you can recieve connections from any hot spot.
Hope this helps.

 

[firewolfsm]

are you sure a dell isn't cheaper, the 600m is lighter and easily has the same specs (with the option for an x300 vs integrated)

for just over $1200 you can get a 600m with 64mb radeon 9000, 1GB ram, 1.7GHz, and 5400 rpm 60GB HDD and a DVD burner

i say that beats your system, especially with the graphics card

 

[Wall7486]

I believe the D600 is quite old. Dell had the D610 now, which weighs about 4.67 pounds. It depends what the OP wants. I personally will get the ASUS.

 

[ericlala]

asus for durability and fitment. i am still lost on which HD to pick? i need something quiet and durable...

 

[Wall7486]

hitachi is the way to go

 

[ericlala]

but a review i read said they were quite loud

 

[Wall7486]

Is inevitable that hard drive will make sound when they load. A hard drive doesn't make much sound when is idle, that's for any brand. Hitachi is a reliable HD company. I have 1 on a similar asus barebone.

 

[ericlala]

how about the samsung spin point 80gb? i can get a good deal on those

 

[Wall7486]

Those are fine too and yes those are pretty quiet as well. As long as you get one of the known brands and you're happy with the storage then it's fine.