Hi everyone-
I am looking to buy a mid-range laptop that can be used primarily for home use but also some travel. I have settled on a 15.4" size and have found three models under $700 that appear to do what I would want. I am looking for web surfing, some photo editing, blogging and running Microsoft Office.
The models that I am looking at are:
1. Dell 1525
Intel Core 2 Duo 5800
4 GB DDR2 Memory
250 GB HD
Basic CD/DVD drive
Basic Webcam
Vista Home Premium 64-bit OS
1280x800 screen (possible upgrade to 1440x900 for $50)
Intel Next Gen Wireless-N (possible Bluetooth inclusion for $20)
6-Cell Lithium Battery (possible upgrade to 9-Cell battery for $70)
$674
2. HP DV5T
Intel Core 2 Duo 5800
4 GB DDR2 Memory
250 GB HD
LightScribe CD/DVD drive
Basic Webcam
Vista Home Premium 64-bit OS
1280x800 screen (possible upgrade to 1680x1050 for $75)
Intel Next Gen Wireless-N (possible Bluetooth inclusion for $25)
6-Cell Lithium Battery (possible upgrade to 6-Cell High Capacity battery for $29)
$660
3. HP DV5Z
AMD Turion X2 RM-70 (possible upgrade to RM-72 for $25)
4 GB DDR2 Memory
250 GB HD
LightScribe CD/DVD drive
Basic Webcam plus Fingerprint Reader
Vista Home Premium 64-bit OS
1280x800 screen (possible upgrade to 1440x900 for $50)
Intel Next Gen Wireless-N (possible Bluetooth inclusion for $20)
6-Cell Lithium Battery (possible upgrade to 9-Cell battery for $70)
$620
I would appreciate any advice and feedback. My biggest concerns are:
- Is the AMD RM72 worth the $25 upgrade over the RM70?
- Are the RM70 or RM72 comparable to the Core 2 Duo 5800?
- Do either the Intel or AMDprocessors have better battery-saving features?
- Is there a big difference on a 15.4" screen between 1280x800 vs. 1440x900 vs. 1680x1050 when I am just doing basic computing -- not watching movies, playing games, etc.?
-How important is Bluetooth? Do I need it for anything other than a Bluetooth mouse?
- I've heard negative things about the HP DV5 touchpad -- glossy can stick if your finger is not completely dry.
Again, this is my first time on this site and I have seen some great postings and would love any feedback. Thank you in advance for any thoughts and opinions that you have.
Jay
I am looking to buy a mid-range laptop that can be used primarily for home use but also some travel. I have settled on a 15.4" size and have found three models under $700 that appear to do what I would want. I am looking for web surfing, some photo editing, blogging and running Microsoft Office.
The models that I am looking at are:
1. Dell 1525
Intel Core 2 Duo 5800
4 GB DDR2 Memory
250 GB HD
Basic CD/DVD drive
Basic Webcam
Vista Home Premium 64-bit OS
1280x800 screen (possible upgrade to 1440x900 for $50)
Intel Next Gen Wireless-N (possible Bluetooth inclusion for $20)
6-Cell Lithium Battery (possible upgrade to 9-Cell battery for $70)
$674
2. HP DV5T
Intel Core 2 Duo 5800
4 GB DDR2 Memory
250 GB HD
LightScribe CD/DVD drive
Basic Webcam
Vista Home Premium 64-bit OS
1280x800 screen (possible upgrade to 1680x1050 for $75)
Intel Next Gen Wireless-N (possible Bluetooth inclusion for $25)
6-Cell Lithium Battery (possible upgrade to 6-Cell High Capacity battery for $29)
$660
3. HP DV5Z
AMD Turion X2 RM-70 (possible upgrade to RM-72 for $25)
4 GB DDR2 Memory
250 GB HD
LightScribe CD/DVD drive
Basic Webcam plus Fingerprint Reader
Vista Home Premium 64-bit OS
1280x800 screen (possible upgrade to 1440x900 for $50)
Intel Next Gen Wireless-N (possible Bluetooth inclusion for $20)
6-Cell Lithium Battery (possible upgrade to 9-Cell battery for $70)
$620
I would appreciate any advice and feedback. My biggest concerns are:
- Is the AMD RM72 worth the $25 upgrade over the RM70?
- Are the RM70 or RM72 comparable to the Core 2 Duo 5800?
- Do either the Intel or AMDprocessors have better battery-saving features?
- Is there a big difference on a 15.4" screen between 1280x800 vs. 1440x900 vs. 1680x1050 when I am just doing basic computing -- not watching movies, playing games, etc.?
-How important is Bluetooth? Do I need it for anything other than a Bluetooth mouse?
- I've heard negative things about the HP DV5 touchpad -- glossy can stick if your finger is not completely dry.
Again, this is my first time on this site and I have seen some great postings and would love any feedback. Thank you in advance for any thoughts and opinions that you have.
Jay