Which of these laptops would be better for my needs?

[JutTG]

IBM Thinkpad 770z

or

Compaq Armada 7800?

http://www.usedlaptopcomputers.com/used-laptop-computers.html

Both are the same price.. the only difference is, the Armada has a 20gb HD and 128mb ram, and the Thinkpad has a 14gb HD and 256mb of ram..

Now, I am only using this laptop to play my SNES emulator, MPEG/AVI files, DVD movies, and MP3 files; those will be the 4 main uses of this machine.. Now, I was thinking, the extra 128mb of ram with the Thinkpad wouldnt make much difference for these tasks.. But I was also thinking about installing XP pro, so I know the extra ram would come in at a HUGE advantage there. On the other hand, I would like a lot of storage, because I will be storing a lot of MPEG/AVI files...

I dont know if I can install XP, because I read somewhere that there is compatibility issues with XP and old notebooks.. and the Thinkpad's name was listed, not sure about the Armada..

So which should I go with and why?

Any links to reviews would be great.

 

[JutTG]

I just changed my mind about installing XP... Im just going to let whatever OS it comes with run... Probably 98.

 

[Acts837]

I have drug a few laptops (Micron, Dell, Toshiba, IBM, Compaq) around in my days. My personnal recommendation is the stinkerpad. Right now my primary rig at work is a IBM T22 (900MHz, 384MB, CRDW/DVD with a docking station)

 

[JutTG]

I dont have enough money for something like that.. It's either that IBM, or that Compaq... which would you recommend then??

 

[BurnItDwn]

Between those two I would go for the IBM.
Ram upgrades are cheaper and easier than Hard drive upgrades. Dont have to worry about ghosting or reinstalling anything.

Win98SE would rum quite well on both of those, Win2k should also run ok, though the 128MB box will run poorly when multitasking.

Also, if you are on a Dial up ... the IBM does include a 56k modem. (if its pcmcia you can sell it on AT FS/FT and get a few bucks of your money back though its prabably integrated)

EDIT ...

You way also want to look around at other vendors for a better price.

I'd check www.compgeeks.com
Also www.pcliquidator.com
And www.teamexcess.com

I've never ordered laptops from the above, but i have bought parts from all of them, and they always shipped me the product in good shape, in reasonable time, and with no problems.

 

[Acts837]

IBM

 

[Lucky]

If you could save up about $300 more you can get brand new dells for about $900 with CDRW's/20 gig/1.7 gig processor. Check the hot deals forum.

 

[JutTG]

Ill check out those 2 sites.. Though I must say, I have checked a LOT of places, on the net and off, and those are about the best prices I have found for a used notebook (I dont trust Ebay or buying from someone else).

Lucky, I dont really need all that speed.. This notebook is only going to be used for Movies/SNES emulators, so paying $300 more for a Dell would be a huge waste.

 

[JutTG]

HOLY S***!

THANK YOU BURN IT DOWN... You just saved me like $100... That site you gave me has great prices... why the hell couldnt I find those before, LOL! If you can think of any other really cheap sites, dont hesitate to post...

Again, thank you.