If I could get a new laptop I'd buy a . . .

chris vine · Post by **chris vine** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 12:49 pm

Concept wrote:Hello
I'm also about to buy a laptop and now i found this one.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/gene ... R1002_USEN

What do you guys think about it?

The spec looks OK but I agree with mbenigni, go for a duo core.
Also, once you reckon you have a model number you are interested in, use it to search the web for comments from people who have bought one - I found quite few neg comments regarding screens and customer support for HP laptops, for example.

muscleandhate · Post by **muscleandhate** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 4:55 pm

chris vine wrote:I'd wait just a little bit longer and get a Laptop with a duo core 2 processor, because (so I am told here and other places) they are "improved" versions of the Duo Core proc and also they are 64 bit. Seeing as 64 bit will be the norm once Vista gets rolling................please correct me: any informed geeks out there.

I looked at 2 laptops with AMD Turion 64 x2 Cpus a few weeks back with really low prices - and discovered that the manufacturers (Asus and HP) dont have any 64bit drivers for their machines.........how wierd is that? Also read that "HP has no intention of releasing these drivers in the future".......
So I am waiting.

2 cents.

I didn't have any choice on purchasing mine, because it was my insurance company that decided when I was to recieve my replacement (my housemate urinated on my old Dell lol). Certianly, if I'd have had the chance I'd have probably waited until the 64bit processers are released. The upgraded Duo's are codenamed 'Meroms' whilst the current line are known as 'Yonahs'. The Meroms are basically 64bit processers that run either 25% faster, or 25% cooler than the current line depending on which way you look at it. As for the 32 vs 64 debate, then 64bit processors are the future no doubt, until 128bit that is.

However, as with the intel switch, all software has to be re-written for 64bit anyway, and people still argue whether or not 64bit processors are actually any quicker. What is certain, is that having 16 GIG's of RAM in your desktop is much better than having 2GIGs of RAM. I'm not certain how this will affect notebooks, considering space is always an issue. But I wouldn't be suprised to see MacBook Pro's shipping with 4GIG for those who can afford it.

If you are intending to buy a MacBook (the white/black ones), then you may be waiting sometime before Apple upgrade these machines to Merom units. Apple have announced that the MacBook Pro will ship with Merom from September-ish but no mention of their other units.

chris vine · Post by **chris vine** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 6:48 pm

muscleandhate wrote: (my housemate urinated on my old Dell lol).

kennerb · Post by **kennerb** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 7:34 pm

muscleandhate wrote: (my housemate urinated on my old Dell lol).

Sorry it was yours but I'd like to shake his hand after he washes them.

Not cool to ruin your stuff but that's how I feel about the company.

mbenigni · Post by **mbenigni** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 8:47 pm

LOL I just assumed the "housemate" was a dog. Shake his paw maye?

SubQ · Post by **SubQ** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 8:51 pm

is there any dual cores coming out with PCMCIA, or is everything about the xpress card shit?

mbenigni · Post by **mbenigni** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 9:00 pm

Are you talking mac are PC? My Vaio is a Core Duo w/ PCMCIA.

However... I have noticed that it *occasionally* fails to boot w/ an Echo Indigo IO plugged in. I'm guessing the Indigo draws just a little more current than the Vaio would prefer. Or it could be some kind of timing issue. I love everything else about this laptop, but must admit this is a little spooky.

frisbeedisk · Post by **frisbeedisk** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 9:55 pm

i would by a hal 9000, but yet again he would probably explode like dells!!

kennerb · Post by **kennerb** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 10:12 pm

SubQ wrote:is there any dual cores coming out with PCMCIA, or is everything about the xpress card shit?

Embrace the future dawg!

Atomikat · Post by **Atomikat** » Thu Aug 17, 2006 10:30 pm

schmidtc wrote:Thanks everyone. here's what I've found so far:

MacBook, 13.3" screen, 1.83 GHz, 60GB 5400 RPM = $1199
Sony VGN-FS8900, 15.4" screen, 1.73 GHz, 60GB = $1109
HP DV5000t, 15.4" screen, 1.73 GHz, 80GB 5400 RPM = $829
Dell E1505 , 15.4" screen, 1.86 GHz, 60GB 7200 RPM = $776
Dell Inspiron B130 , 15.4" screen, 1.73 GHz, 60GB 5400 RPM = $625

You can get a macbook refurbished for less than $1.000 bucks at http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/W ... rtifiedMac

bstalz · Post by **bstalz** » Fri Aug 18, 2006 4:28 am

I got a Dell e1405 with 2.0Gghz chip, 160GB drive, 2GB ram, etc. etc. for under $1000 recently.

Google Dell Coupons and then tweak variations of the machine - often, their site will figure prices oddly for the exact same machine. Start with a "lower" model and add things...

Also, if you have a local Dell kiosk at your mall, walk up and say, hey I got this machine quoted in my cart online. Are you able to get a better price? I got the tax taken off.

Of course, you'll have to cost-benefit your time and drive to do this + the risk that they can't do anything (though I've never had them fail).

glu · Post by **glu** » Fri Aug 18, 2006 8:05 am

I would wait if I had the cash burning in my pocket for a new laptop. I am considering the next generation of macbooks.. Isn't there another event coming up soon that might feature some new apples? I have mainly worked on PCs for most of my computer-music making life, but I wouldn't let OSX keep me from the quality and out-of-the-box functionality of a new mac.
It can also run XP under bootcamp, to me that makes this machine more versatile and more valuable than a PC of like features.

I say, with quality components, the ability to run OSX and XP, sleek design, and instant cafe pseudo mojo booster, a new mac wins!

I would stay away a first generation macbook referb though... just my .02

SubQ · Post by **SubQ** » Fri Aug 18, 2006 1:47 pm

Kennerb Wrote:

Embrace the future dawg!

Tell this to the audio companies. No one has come out with any product for this thing.
Besides that, I love my RME multiface, will be difficult to change my mind unless I see a product as reliable and stable as the multiface and cardbus.

For me, and till nowit's just a "Let's make more money with another new protocol" thing.

show me the goodies of this new thing and maybe i change my mind.
best,
coelho

Korhan · Post by **Korhan** » Fri Aug 18, 2006 2:12 pm

One thing that you might want to pay attention to is whether graphics memory is separate or shared. If it's shared, it will be taken from system memory and at high resolutions with lots of colors, you will lose a lot of precious RAM to graphics. Another issue is when you share the same RAM among sound and graphics and have many windows open, Windows tends to get sluggish.

I think my next laptop will be a Macbook. This will happen in late 2007 or early 2008.