POLL: Which laptop should I get?

[BlamoHammer]

I am torn between these two models...help me decide!!

HP zt3000
- Pentium(R) M 1.6GHz
- Microsoft(R)Windows(R) XP Pro
- 512MB DDR SDRAM(2x256MB)
- 60 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
- Microsoft(R) Works/Money
- DVD+RW / R & CD-RW Combo Drive
- 54G Wireless LAN and Bluetooth Combo
- 15.4" WVA WSXGA+ (1680x1050)
- 64MB Mobility Radeon(TM) 9200
- 8 Cell Lithium Ion battery
- 3 Year Limited Warranty plus 3 Year Mail-In Service

$2221.29 AR Shipped


Dell Inspiron 8600]
- Pentium(R) M 1.6GHz
- Microsoft(R)Windows(R) XP Pro
- 512MB DDR SDRAM(2x256MB)
- 60 GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive
- Productivity Pack including Quicken New User Edition
- DVD+RW / R & CD-RW Combo Drive
- 54G Wireless LAN and Bluetooth Combo
- 15.4" WVA WSXGA+ (1680x1050)
- 64MB DDR NVIDIA® GeForce?4 4200
- 8 Cell Lithium Ion battery
- 3 Year Limited Warranty plus 3 Year Mail-In Service
- FREE Dell Truemobile Wireless Router

$2,263.50 Shipped

The Dell seems to be the better bargain once the dust settles but I'm more looking for people who have experience with either one and call tell me what the specs do not. I like the fact that the HP has a button to turn off the touchpad. Small detail but when the laptops are this close pricewise and specification wise the little things start to matter.

 

[Schadenfreude]

-Jehovah knows that HP stuff is usually crap and recommends the Dell

 

[HiTek21]

To hell with HP, I'd get the dell.

 

[nan0bug]

why get either. Pentium M = garbage.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: nan0bug
why get either. Pentium M = garbage.

Please explain.

 

[AnyMal]

Neither. Get IBM, you won't be sorry.

Edit: You should add Neither/Other option to your Poll.

 

[777php]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42

Originally posted by: nan0bug
why get either. Pentium M = garbage.

Please explain.

Yes please do, I don't see any other decent alternatives.

 

[nan0bug]

Originally posted by: 777php

Originally posted by: Chaotic42

Originally posted by: nan0bug
why get either. Pentium M = garbage.

Please explain.

Yes please do, I don't see any other decent alternatives.

I'm not a fan of the Centrino line. The P4 M's are good, but the centrinos just don't perform well enough for the money in my opinion. That doesn't mean they dont have other benefits, but he asked 'Which one should I get' and in my opinion, I said neither. Not only because they both have Centrino processors in them, but also because they have DVD+RW (which is completely friggin useless and overpriced for a notebook, imo) and bluetooth which is pretty much useless if you ask me, definately not worth the price premium unless you have a bluetooth device sitting around that you plan on using.

Laptops are one of those things where you get what suits you though. If I had to choose I would get the one with the 7200rpm hard drive since that will have more of an effect on everyday performance than the graphics ever will.

 

[whaleskinrug]

I wouldn't buy either. I have an ongoing horror story with a different model Inspiron and this has convinced me to never patronize Dell again.

 

[nodoubts2k]

Well, since you're spending that much, get a IBM

 

Why are you getting a DVD-RW?

I vote neither as well...

 

[murphy55d]

Originally posted by: AnyMal
Neither. Get IBM, you won't be sorry.

Edit: You should add Neither/Other option to your Poll.

another vote for IBM.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: murphy55d

Originally posted by: AnyMal
Neither. Get IBM, you won't be sorry.

Edit: You should add Neither/Other option to your Poll.

another vote for IBM.

And another for IBM. My ThinkPad is 3.5 years old and sees heavy use, but it's still more solid than many new laptops my friends have.

ZV

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: nan0bug
I'm not a fan of the Centrino line. The P4 M's are good, but the centrinos just don't perform well enough for the money in my opinion.

Uh, Centrino isn't a processor. Centrino is the combination of a P4-M with an i855 chipset and an Intel PRO/Wireless 2100 network card.

http://www.intel.com/products/mobiletechnology/centrino/index.htm?iid=ipp_mobiletech+detl&

ZV

 

[FoBoT]

we use all HP (Compaq) at work and they are fine. i know dell has the rep, but whatever, this Compaq Evo N600c has been working great for two years, no problems

 

[Gibson486]

Uh, Centrino isn't a processor. Centrino is the combination of a P4-M with an i855 chipset and an Intel PRO/Wireless 2100 network card.

I thought the P-M was based on the P-3?????

 

[GnomeCop]

I think he is getting a DVD burner in the dell because there is a promotion that gives you one for free.

 

[Flashram]

If you are mainly using it for gaming, get the Dell. Otherwise go with the HP.

 

[dnuggett]

why get either. Pentium M = garbage.

Ignore this post. This is the best processor a laptop can have. It perfoms wonderfully.

 

[ultimatebob]

Yeah, I'm not voting until I see the option for an IBM ThinkPad T41 on there. If you're going to spend that much on a laptop, you should really get one that is built to last.

If I HAD to choose between those two, though, I'd get the Dell. It has faster video, a faster hard drive, and the wireless router is a nice bonus if you don't already have one.

 

[stingbandel]

well, I own IBM and it works really well for me. But from the specs that you have, I would go with Dell over HP.

Dell has a really good software updates while HP will give you nothing on software updates. Plus the hdd is 7200 rpm on Dell.

I don't think IBM have the 7200 rpm right now.

Also, If I am not mistaken, you can upgrade the video card on Dell while no with IBM.

With IBM T series, you can't put the DVD burner. Dell can.


that's my opinion.


in the end, it's really up to you cause it's your money.

 

[nan0bug]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: nan0bug
I'm not a fan of the Centrino line. The P4 M's are good, but the centrinos just don't perform well enough for the money in my opinion.

Uh, Centrino isn't a processor. Centrino is the combination of a P4-M with an i855 chipset and an Intel PRO/Wireless 2100 network card.

http://www.intel.com/products/mobiletechnology/centrino/index.htm?iid=ipp_mobiletech+detl&

ZV

I stand corrected then. Whatever they call that processor, I'm not a fan of it. Its good for some situations I guess but the P4-M is more powerful and more futureproof, in my opinion.

 

[dnuggett]

Its good for some situations I guess but the P4-M is more powerful and more futureproof, in my opinion.

There is really no proof in your argument other than it's your opinion. You are entitled to that opinion though, however wrong it may be.

 

[allthismoney]

IBM all the way, I mean the T41 is a superb and sleek machine. Plus you'll get the most vital ThinkVantage technology with it. I'm talking about the HDD Active Protection Software, go to ibm.com and check it out.

 

[Biggs]

Another vote for IBM.