HP vs Dell

[Raduque]

I'm looking for a laptop with a 17" screen, 2ghz dual core proc, 3gb ram and a GPU capable of some light gaming (I'm thinking HD3450/9600GT or better). I'm considering mainly HP or Dell for their in-house financing and being able to order directly from them.

I was looking at this configuration from HP:
Your dv7z series

• OS: Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
  Processor: AMD Turion(TM) X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processor ZM-80 (2.1 GHz)
  Display: 17.0" diagonal WXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900)
  Memory: FREE Upgrade to 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 1GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
  Graphics card: 256MB ATI Radeon(TM) HD 3450 Graphics
  Hard drive: 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
  Networking: Wireless-G Card
  Primary DVD/CD drive: SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
  Primary battery: 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
  OS and recovery media: System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)

$932.99 after $150 instant rebate

Or this configuration from Dell:
Studio 17

• Processor:Intel® Core? 2 Duo T5800 (2.00GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
  OS: Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1
  Display: Glossy widescreen 17.0 inch display (1440x900)
  Memory: 3GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 800MHz
  Hard drive:Size: 250GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
  Graphics card:256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650
  Primary DVD/CD drive:8X Slot Load CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
  Networking:Dell Wireless 1397 802.11g Half Mini-Card
  Primary battery: 56 Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)

$949 straight up, no rebates.


I'm going to be using the machine for gaming (mainly games like CnC3/Red Alert3 Diablo3(when out) SC2(when out), more demanding games at low/medium settings like Fallout3, Dead Space, FEAR, WiC), watching HD videos, email/web/chat and music.

I'm thinking about going with the Dell simply because the 3650 is supposed to be a LOT better than the 3450, but I like the "Onyx" color/pattern on the HP, while the Dell is just plain "Black". I'm also not a fan of the Dell's slot-load DVD drive, and I have to pay extra for 3gb ram whereas it's a "free" upgrade on the HP.

What's the communities' opinion on these machines?

 

[FleshLight]

Go with the dell. It's a C2D, has better graphics by a large margin, and is only $20 more.

 

[IlllI]

3650 > 3450

 

[mpilchfamily]

C2D>Turion

 

[mb]

Originally posted by: mpilchfamily
C2D>Turion

Originally posted by: clandren
3650 > 3450

Yeup :thumbsup:

 

[COPOHawk]

I just purchased the top of the line Studio 17...and what swayed me was the warranty. I was looking in the $1500 range.

I am a small business computer consultant by day and a computer enthusiast by night. The HP warranty is mail-in. The Gateway reliability is suspect (per online research)...and warranty through Best Buy (bring in to store and then mail in).

I found an ASUS laptop from Newegg...but only a one year warranty. I have dealt with ASUS warranties and they are by no means perfect...and mail in.

Dell is the only one left with next business day, on-site warranty (mail in available, but why?)


HTH...

 

[Raduque]

Thanks folks. I'm going to look at getting the dell.