A New Notebook

[Full_Throttle]

I've decided to fuck the PC idea, yet again. I'm gonna get a notebook PC: I'm not going to game much. I'm stuck between two of the HP Pavilion entertainment laptops: the dv6000t (http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_can_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=notebooks&a1=Usage&v1=Entertainment&series_name=dv6000t_series) and the more mobile dv2000t (http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_can_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=notebooks&a1=Usage&v1=Entertainment&series_name=dv2000t_series).


Reason for notebook: I'm going to start a full-time internship this coming summer at a nearby hospital. I'm going to need a computer to work with, and I've also wanted/needed a new computer for a while (it'll also keep me busy while commuting on the buses). I'd also like to be able to play games, but nothing too fancy: just some older (2004) games over the weekends. Also will be using for movies, music, film editing, and all of the "entertainment" things. I'd like at least 2 hours of battery life (doesn't seem like much, but it seems like a hell-load to me: my mom's laptop has 3/2 hrs battery). I'm getting the 12-cell battery for sure. I'm just torn between the 15.4" with 256mb graphics card and the 14" with 128mb graphics card. Will the extra 128mb be useful at all? I'll probably still be gaming for the next few years until I get a real job.

So, 15.4"/C2D 2.0GHz/GeForce Go 7400 256mb, 14"/C2D 2.0GHz/GeForce Go 7200 128mb, or possibly the desktop replacement dv9000t 17"/C2D 2.0GHz/GeForce 7600 (256/512) mb?

Also.... do you think I'll need 2GB of RAM, or should 1GB suffice my super-light gaming needs?

I'm looking mainly at the 15.4" and 14" because of my price range (around $1300, but can strech a couple hundred if need arises). The HPs are nice, but are there any other cheap-ish options notebook options with the things I'm looking for?


Thanks in advance.

[dandragonrage]

I recommend a Compal HEL80 from www.mwave.com, which is a barebones machine. Order the CPU and optical drive (ODD) with the computer. Order the hard drive and RAM and some thermal paste from Newegg or ZipZoomFly or eWiz. Mine cost me about $1100 including overnight shipping for a 15.4" Core 2 Duo T5600, 1GB RAM, Geforce 7600 video...

Also, make sure you have a USB floppy drive to update the BIOS on the computer, as it may not recognize a Core 2 Duo until updated, depending on what BIOS it ships with. You can update the BIOS with no CPU in that computer, though, http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=87834

[uli2000]

Id look at dell. You could get pretty much anything you have listed above for less in a e1505, especially in the outlet. Back in Oct I got a e1505 w/ a core duo (c2d were just comming out, none in the outlet at that time), 1 gb ram, and a x1300 for $609. I'd also look at a botique builder like cyberpower or ibuypower. They build gaming notebooks off of asus' whitebook units for about $1300 or so. I hear they are built like tanks. Plus, they usually throw in some free games.

[Full_Throttle]

Hmm, iBuyPower is a lot more expensive that 1300. That's only the base price. I've taken a look at Dell, and I've decided I don't really like them. Their design isn't anything special and most of their components aren't so great (I've had bad experiences with Radeon cards).

I've been looking everywhere for barebone notebooks. Damn google doesn't know how to search for technologies :roll:


I'll take another look at Dell and at mwave.

Any other good computers out there?

[drewdeluxe]

I got the compaq version (v3000) of the dv6000 and dv2000.. basically the same notebook just different design and one has a camera on the top.. It was an upgrade to a notebook i had years ago, and im my opinion its the best notebook out there.. hp/compaq are great brands..

Your HP will be more than enough to last you a couple of years.. I have a turionx2 with 6150 nvidia with only 1gb ram, and im able to play hl2, css, and bf2 pretty good.. not on full settings of course, but it doesnt lag either.. pretty amazing for a notebook, and not being an alienware..

[dandragonrage]

Try saying HP is the best when you have to fix the goddamn power connector on one because they won't recall them. I will never buy an HP/Compaq. (Note: the brand before I mentioned is CompaL, not the same thing)

[Jewelz23]

Hmm, iBuyPower is a lot more expensive that 1300. That's only the base price. I've taken a look at Dell, and I've decided I don't really like them. Their design isn't anything special and most of their components aren't so great (I've had bad experiences with Radeon cards).

I've been looking everywhere for barebone notebooks. Damn google doesn't know how to search for technologies :roll:


I'll take another look at Dell and at mwave.

Any other good computers out there?
Apple, but it seems to be outside of the range you are looking for.

For PC Notebooks, I'd recommend Dell or HP...with Dell you get the best Pieces.

with any choice you make tho...make sure you get a 3 year warranty with it.

[uli2000]

Try searching for whitebook, thats the term for barebones notebook. But, to be honest, unless you are a experienced pc builder, I would buy something pre built. If you think building a sff or htpc is a tight fit, you will freak at a notebook. The ram is pretty easy to replace in most notebooks nowadays, so buy a notebook with the cpu and gpu you want and get the lowest ram option. You can upgrade it yourself cheaper, plus sell the old ram here or on ebay.