How good is this computer? Rate it 1-10

[Dill Bertweed]

I'm looking for something for my daughter and don't know anything about laptops, and she wants this one for Christmas, on the advice of her friend. It will be used for gaming, school, internet, streaming video, and whatever else 20 year old girls do with computers.

Should I keep looking or will this one suffice for 3-5 years? What are the strengths and downfalls with this one?

If this one is no good, any suggestions? I'm trying to keep this under $1000. Thanks

• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-720QM Processor (1.6GHz, 6MB L2 Cache, 1333MHz FSB)
• 4GB DDR3 System Memory
• 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 230M
• 18.4" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
• Lightscribe Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
• Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
• Intel Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
• 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• Mobile Stereo Earbud Headphones (1 pair)
• Microsoft(R) Works 9.0

 

[CurseTheSky]

What's the exact price and what's the brand? Assuming this isn't a "cheap" brand, and assuming it's around $1000, I'd give it a 7.5/10. Everything looks good, but the 18.4" screen is more than I'd ever want to carry (if she's primarily using this as a "desktop" computer, this shouldn't be a problem), and the GT 230M is a bit weak for 3D gaming. If she's only playing older games (or non-graphically demanding games like Bejeweled or games on Facebook), it should be plenty.

If she is into "real" gaming (FPS, RTS, MMORPG, etc.) You may be able to find a similar laptop with a GTX 260M for around $1000-1100ish. It's far more capable and will hopefully be a bit more future-proof.

This ASUS G51Vx is over your budget and only has a dual core processor, it has a 15.6" 1920x1080 screen (my preference), and a GTX 260M: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834220639.

 

[Dill Bertweed]

Ok thanks for the info. I guess I'll stick with this if it gets a 7.5 from the experts. She wants the big screen for movies and shes not wih a TV so its all good.

 

[Rerednaw]

Ok thanks for the info. I guess I'll stick with this if it gets a 7.5 from the experts. She wants the big screen for movies and shes not wih a TV so its all good.

I'm not sure it looks like that build is without the tv turner. I'm only mentioning it because you said she doesn't have a tv. Is this going to be her tv then?

 

[Parasitic]

Is she in college? It's a little big to be lugged around the campus.

 

[bamacre]

A quick google search brings up...
http://www.shopping.hp.com/series/ca...computer_store

Is this it? You may want to consider a longer warranty. One year, in my opinion, is not safe for a $1250 laptop.

 

[Farfrumhumpn]

Honestly, from a PC repair business pov I rate HP 10/10 as they keep us alive. From a consumer pov I'd rate any product from them no more than 5/10 as they have inferior standards even at the high end ( business class units withstanding ) and thier consumer product support is horrid.

Honestly, that is a consumer grade product and if you polish a turd it's still a turd. Get an Asus if it's an option.

 

[HannibalX]

I'd rate it 1/10 but that's just because my POU is different. I don't need a monster like that.

 

[mshan]

Hi Farfrumhumpn:

Does this study (by a company that wants to sell extended warranties) seem consistent with your own in the field observations?: http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/154921


OP:

If she is mobile, I suspect she will want either a 13.3 or 14.1 notebook with excellent battery life.

If she mainly uses it as a desktop replacement, 15.4 widescreen might be fine (1440 x 900 resolution so she doesn't have to scroll screen a lot). Dell Vostro 1520 and Lenovo T500 (upgraded screen with webcam) are options I was researching for my sister. There is often a 15% off coupon for Lenovo and also good discounts on Dell (upgraded 1440 x 900 screen and webcam) if you watch tech bargains dot com. Apple refurb store has 13.3 Mac Pro for about $1000. Dell Vostro 1320 and Lenovo T400 also get good reviews, but I think they have 1280 x 800 glossy screens.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=365492

http://www.studentbuyingguide.com/2009/05/dell-vostro-1520-review/

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac?mco=MTM3NjYyMjI (Apple refurbs are supposed to be like new condition and come with warranty; would only look at current generation refurbs, as previous white polycarbonate Macbooks had problems with cracking and a screen that had poor viewing angles)

 

[MJinZ]

"It will be used for gaming, school, internet, streaming video, and whatever else 20 year old girls do with computers. "

Gaming - F
School - A
Video - A
Whatever else girls do - A
Can a girl even move this around - D(oubtful)

 

[Farfrumhumpn]

Honestly, that study seems to be true for HP/Compaq and Dell as of the last 4 years from what I've seen.

For what I'd recommend if you want a laptop to physically last for 2 - 4 years in a college environment. Get a business class laptop like an IBM/Lenovo, a Dell Latitude/Vostro or HP ProBook.

And yes, stay in the 15.4 and under screen size for portability with focus on the 13" notebooks is she is going to be taking it to class on a regular basis. You can always get her a 22" LCD to use as an external display which she can keep in her dorm room for when she has to work on a project and I'd also recommend a full sized desktop keyboard and mouse.

My .02