Thoughts On This Cheap Laptop??

[JackSpadesSI]

I'm looking to buy a laptop for my wife. She'll be using the laptop for web browsing, iTunes, Microsoft Paint, photo viewing, DVD playback... since that doesn't sound too demanding to me, I'm looking for a cheap system (UNDER $500 including any tax and shipping).

I want the laptop to come with Vista Home Premium SP1. It would be GREAT if it came with a restore disc (although this seems uncommon) since I don't own Vista as all my other computers are XP.

I'm stuck between the Compaq CQ60-215DX for $449.99 from Best Buy, or the HP G60-230US for $449.99 (after MIR) from Newegg.

Compaq CQ60-215DX...
Pros = GeForce Go 8200M, 15.6"
Cons = 2GB DDR2, 250GB HDD, no LightScribe, only WiFi B/G, no HDMI

HP G60-230US...
Pros = 3GB DDR2, 320GB HDD, LightScribe, WiFi B/G/N, HDMI
Cons = Intel 4500M, 16"

As you can see, the only thing I'm really stuck on is the graphics accelerator for both laptops. How big of a difference is there between the Intel 4500M and the GeForce Go 8200M? I actually consider the size increase to be a negative as I want something as small as possible while staying above those tiny 14.1-inchers.

Does anyone know if either or both of these systems is upgradable to 4GB? Do they have an open slot so I can buy the 1-or-2GB to bring it up to a full 4GB without throwing out the DIMMs it came with?

Anyone have issues with HP mail-in rebates? I'd hate to think I'm buying a $449.99 laptop when it turns out to be $499.99 after I get nothing back in the mail.

I want to buy this ASAP (Valentine's Day gift) so I would greatly appreciate swift advice! Thanks!!

 

[JackSpadesSI]

...Oh yeah, and if anyone could comment on each laptop's battery life I'd like to know that, too!

 

[JackSpadesSI]

Compaq CQ60-215DX
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ol...oduct&id=1218041998438

HP G60-230US
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16834147920

 

[InflatableBuddha]

For the graphics, this chart is the closest I can find.

The Intel GMA 4500M is ranked #116; the GeForce 8200M G (which I assume is similar to the Go 8200M) is #118. Almost a dead heat - the Intel graphics actually has 2 more shaders. Since you're not looking for anything more demanding than DVD playback, either will suffice.

For performance, you're correct, the HP with the Pentium Dual Core and 3GB memory will be faster. The Pentium Dual Core will also have better battery life (the Core architecture runs cooler than the Athlon X2 architecture).

The HP seems to be the better laptop.

 

[IlllI]

also those 8xxx series chips were getting recalled a few months back due to some error in the mfg process. maybe a year or so down the line the thing could be overheating and causing you issues.

 

[BlueAcolyte]

Just an FYI, 15.6' is actually another name for 16... Regular 15' is actually 15.4'. I'd probably go with the HP because of the other features (you aren't playing games, right?)

Both probably have 2 DIMMs, so you might have to throw one in the HP out or both in the Compaq to upgrade to 4GB.

 

[JackSpadesSI]

That link made me feel better. My current web surfing laptop (which I'm typing on now, bought in 2006) only has the ATI Radeon Xpress 200M (#165) so at least both of these are better!

 

[JackSpadesSI]

How can I find out which type of RAM is already in the laptop? It says DDR2, but nothing more specific. At 3GB that must mean 1x1GB and 1x2GB sticks. Do I need to replace both sticks so I know that both new sticks are paired, or is just replacing the 1GB with a 2GB (the max system memory is 4GB) good enough?

If I only need to replace the 1GB stick I'd need to know the speed of the 2GB stick so they'd be compatible.

If I need to replace both sticks, I'd need to know the maximum supported speed so I can buy that 4GB (2x2GB) kit.

Also, how many pins are these RAM modules? Newegg carries 144-, 200-, and 204-pin modules. DDR2 is only in 200-pin, so I suppose these are 200-pin?

 

[Chadder007]

Definately go with the HP.
This considering NVidia's recent gpu failures.

 

[JackSpadesSI]

Could the HP G60-230US handle Neverwinter Nights 2 smoothly (with graphics settings set down to medium)?

 

[JackSpadesSI]

Ok... the Newegg HP laptop got expensive before I pulled the trigger. Instead, I'm looking at the Compaq CQ60-212US from tomorrow's Staples sales ad for $399.99.
http://www.staples.com/office/...alogId=10051&langId=-1

How does that stack up to the HP I asked about above? It has an extra gig of RAM, though a smaller HDD. It's got the nVidia graphics vs. the HP's Intel. No N-wireless. Not sure if it has a webcam (anyone know??). Also not sure if it has HDMI-out (anyone know??).

Thoughts greatly appreciated ASAP as the sale starts tomorrow!!!

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

Originally posted by: JackSpadesSI
How can I find out which type of RAM is already in the laptop? It says DDR2, but nothing more specific. At 3GB that must mean 1x1GB and 1x2GB sticks. Do I need to replace both sticks so I know that both new sticks are paired, or is just replacing the 1GB with a 2GB (the max system memory is 4GB) good enough?

If I only need to replace the 1GB stick I'd need to know the speed of the 2GB stick so they'd be compatible.

If I need to replace both sticks, I'd need to know the maximum supported speed so I can buy that 4GB (2x2GB) kit.

Also, how many pins are these RAM modules? Newegg carries 144-, 200-, and 204-pin modules. DDR2 is only in 200-pin, so I suppose these are 200-pin?

You need DDR2 memory, speed wise, just match it to the spec of the memory in the machine specs, or get faster rated memory.

I just purchased a new laptop at Fry's last night. I got a c2d 5800 (2GHz) 4GB, 160GB hdd, for $600