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i have searched the internet for decent laptops that are under $1500. i have come up with two that i want but i can't decide which one would be better to suit my needs. i'm going to be gaming alot and watching DVDs alot. but i'm also going to use this for college in a few years, so i tried to max out on some upgrades so that my laptop will match that of future laptops and won't \"suck\" if you know what i mean.
here's the two i have found [they both are running windows media center]:
Dell Inspiron E1705 -Intel? Core? Duo Proc T2400 (1.83GHz/667MHz/2 X 1MB L2 Cache) -17 inch Wide Screen XGA+ -2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz -60GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive -8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability -Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 Internal Wireless -256MB ATI MOBILITY? RADEON? X1400 HyperMemory -53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery -Microsoft Works Suite 2006 Price: $1,462
Compaq Presario V3000Z series -AMD Turion™ 64 X2 Mobile TL-52 (1.60GHz/512KB) -14.1\" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280 x 800) -NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 6150 -2.0GB DDR2 SDRAM (2x1024MB) -80 GB 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive -Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support -802.11b/g WLAN -12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery -Microsoft® Office 2003 Basic -Genuine OS recovery -IMPRINT Finish + Microphone + QuickPlay -HP 65W AC Adapter Price: $1,387.98
i think i would be able to decide if i knew which processor is better for what i'm using it for and what the specs are on the NVIDIA GeForce Go 6150. i'm leaning more towards the compaq presario due to its smaller size and better microsoft software [office basic rather than works suite 2006]. the compaq also has a better battery and a bigger hard drive, but something makes me want to buy the dell due to the larger screen and the video card.
can you guys tell me which is better for my needs [as listed above]?
I would say the Compaq for one reason only. I've never owned one, likewise I've never owned a Dell, but...
When I was on orders for Iraq, I was debating whichkind of laptop to bring. The Compaq V3000Z series was on my list. I asked a couple of my old military buddies what they thought and they said that the two best laptops in Iraq that have stood the test of time in the heat and sand were that Compaq series and *surprise* Averatecs.
Seeing as Iraq is probably one of the worst places on earth for a computer to be, sounds to me like the Compaq is pretty rugged and can stand the test of time against the elements. That has to count for something.
Thats only my buddies opinions though. Take it or leave it.
The only Dell laptop I've ever handled felt like a gooey flap-jack in my hands. One of our dispatchers has a Dell laptop and I can't believe how flimsy it feels compared to my HP. My HP feels solid and doesn't make a sound when picked up, but her Dell snaps, crackles and pops when picked up. it just feels like the thing is going to break.
Not saying Dell is bad seeing as thats my only experience with them, it just sounds bad.
It could be the previous-gen SKU. The new Dell laptops are much more robust, and I know what you mean... my sister had a past day Inspiron and I hate it. It does creak and die everytime you do ANYTHING to it... it's irritating.
But the new silver ones rule, aside from easily disappearing paint on the \"Inspiron\" word.
I have not had much experience with laptops, but if you are going to be using this for college, I might suggest one of the new Tablet PCs. If you do not know what they are, they are the same as a laptop, except you use a special pen, and take digital notes right onto the screen. They are a bit more expensive at the moment, and I have never used one myself, but it might be worth looking into. They would be usefull for college, since even though you can type out notes pretty fast on a laptop, certain things, such as mathematical equations, drawings, diagrams, etc., can not be typed. The \"magic pen\" would allow you to quickly jot down notes on these in the middle of a lecture.
However, Tablet PCs are pretty expensive right now, runnning closer to the $2,000 range, and even more if you want one with that would be really good for gaming. I do think though, that they will go down considerably in price over the next year or so, and they would fit your budget better then.
Here are a few Tablet PCs that recieved good reviews:
I have not had much experience with laptops, but if you are going to be using this for college, I might suggest one of the new Tablet PCs. If you do not know what they are, they are the same as a laptop, except you use a special pen, and take digital notes right onto the screen. They are a bit more expensive at the moment, and I have never used one myself, but it might be worth looking into. They would be usefull for college, since even though you can type out notes pretty fast on a laptop, certain things, such as mathematical equations, drawings, diagrams, etc., can not be typed. The \"magic pen\" would allow you to quickly jot down notes on these in the middle of a lecture.
However, Tablet? PCs are pretty expensive right now, runnning closer to the $2,000 range, and even more if you want one with that would be really good for gaming. I do think though, that they will go down considerably in price over the next year or so, and they would fit your budget better then.
Here are a few Tablet PCs that recieved good reviews:
I don't reccommend a tablet. The video cards in them aren't that strong. Laptops can do more than tablets and their cheaper. It would be easier to type assignments using a laptop. Pen & Paper + Laptop is a cheaper alternative and you will have more performance from your computer. The only people i know who do use tablets are doctors who are always taking notes and faxing them over a network while walking between patient rooms and things like that. but college students typically don't have lots of money and need the equipment before school starts.
but... if you want something that doesn't suck you should get a Dell XPS M1710 i have used one before and they are so sweet! They play everything maxed out and that would last you probably 4 or more years till it would suck. though it is $1-2000 more than your current laptops you've selected. but even the better out of the too you've selected wouldent last that long with the games coming out these days.
Last edited by krazykaveman on Tue Aug 29, 2006 11:22 pm; edited 1 time in total
The Turion 64 X2 isn't a bad mobile processor... but the Core Duo is faster, and the Core 2 Duo is even moreso (you can add Core 2 Duo's to Inspiron E1705's now).
The Dell you've configured would waste that Compaq. Utterly. The Core Duo at the same clockspeed generally defeats the Turion 64 X2 in non-gaming tasks, and considering you have a Mobility Radeon X1400 in the Dell versus a Geforce Go 6150 (an integrated solution) in the Compaq, you're going to find that that Dell laptop is better suited for gaming.
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