HP DV2000T Vs. Thinkpad T60, usage experience?

[fzkl]

I am looking to buy either of the above laptops with the following configurations. I need to make a decision asap so that I can avail an offer available to employees.

HP DV2000T
- Genuine Windows(R) XP Professional
? Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor T5200 (1.60 GHz)
? 14.1" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x800)
? 128MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 7200
? HP Imprint Finish + Microphone
? FREE Upgrade to 1024MB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
? FREE Upgrade from 60GB 5400 RPM to 80GB 5400 RPM
? DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive
? Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
? No TV Tuner w/remote control
? 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
? Microsoft(R) Works/Money
? HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
$980 - $50 MIR

Lenovo T60:
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN: Integrated Wi-Fi Wireless a/b/g 1
Bluetooth: Integrated Bluetooth PAN 1
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo processor T5500 (1.66GHz, 2MB L2, 667MHz FSB) 1
Operating system: Genuine Windows XP Home Edition 1
Operating system language: Genuine Windows XP Home Edition English 1
Display type: 14.1 XGA TFT 1
System graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon X1300 64MB w/o WWAN 1
Total memory: 1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM) 1
Keyboard: Keyboard US English ? 1
Pointing device: UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) 1
Hard drive: 40GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm 1
Optical device: CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max, Ultrabay Slim 1
Wireless cards: ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe US/EMEA/LA/ANZ 1
Battery: 9 cell Li-Ion Battery 1
Power cord: Country Pack North America 1
Modem cable (RJ-11): PSTN cable 1
Language pack: Language Pack US English 1
Cost: $1093


From a value for money perspective it looks like the HP is a better deal. However, I wanted to know more about usage experience with these 2 models and which would be better from a quality perspective.

 

[corkyg]

If you can afford it, get the T60. It brings more to the table.

 

[fbrdphreak]

My gf has owned two HP's, currently over 2 years old on her dv1000. HP's seem to have the same weaknesses: screen hinges, poor viewing angles, and weak power plugs (connector inside laptop will become loose). Keyboard is above average for a consumer model, and the value is great.

Good luck

 

[RedWolf]

I haven't had a lot of experience with the dv2000 but I've worked with a few. They are nice machines. The touchpad is a bit odd. It is sunken down and the buttons can be hard to push. The keyboard, while better than most consumer grade laptops is not as nice as the T60. In fact, the T60 is the only laptop I've used that has a keyboard that doesn't make me miss my desktop keyboard. The T60 (at least mine) has a light in the lcd for illuminating the keyboard. It's a nice feature and works pretty well in the dark.

The wi-fi software for the thinkpad is pretty nice and works well. Probably not a big deal if you connect at home all the time but nice if you connect to multiple networks.

The T60 has a tracking stick which I like but many people don't. T60 is thinner and lighter than the dv2000.

The T60 comes with more bloatware than the dv2000.

The T60 is very well made and a solid machine. When we were evaluating machines last year the salespeople made a point to close the lid, put the T60 on the floor, and stand on it. The T60 has ducts in the keyboard and case to help drain liquid if you spill on the keyboard. It doesn't drain much but I was told it can do about 4 ounces of liquid at a time. Good for small spills but not much. The T60 has shock protection if you drop it it will park its harddrive.

Overall the T60 is much better made. If you're planning on keeping the laptop for a long time the T60 will hold up better. I'm not sure if the 7200 will perform better than the 1300, either. The 7200 uses shared memory and I believe the 1300 doesn't.

 

[imported_kenyee]

ditto...get the T60...widescreen if possible.
The ultranav is just craploads better than touchpads and the keyboard is lots better.

 

[alimoalem]

the dv2000t is a great laptop (i have one) but i would recommend the T60 in this case (i've had a lot of experience with my dad's). as RedWolf stated, there are a lot of added benefits you get with the T60 in terms of protection and the software on the T60 is better, too. one thing that really bothers me about going from a primarily T-series IBM/Lenovo user to this is that the HP only states how many percent battery life is left - not how many hours/minutes.

plus, you get better viewing angles, the mouse-stick thing (which i find real useful), a stronger build, fingerprint reader (optional), and slightly better battery life (9-cell T60 vs 12-cell HP)

the HP is better in terms of entertainment and consumer purposes. it has widescreen and the speakers are a lot better. it has these touch buttons to help navigate between songs/clips, adjust volume, etc. it comes with a good keyboard which is the best i've seen on a consumer laptop, but still a little under the T60.

if you were getting this for a teenager, the DV2000T would be the way to go. for your purposes, T60, hands down.

btw, i wouldn't get the 7200 Go with the HP DV2000T. little, if any, benefit over the GMA950 and drains more battery life

 

[fzkl]

That was an easy decision to make. The T60 it is. Thanks.