Laptop choices; specific questions related to options

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April 15th, 2010, 09:18 AM
videobruce

Laptop choices; specific questions related to options

II'm looking at a number of Laptop possibilities and these three (so far) seem to stand out. Within each choice are questions regarding available options. All are user configurable;

1. HP Probook 6545b;
A. AMD M600 processor worth $90 more over a M520? The stock processor is a M320 which I wouldn't bother with.
B. 250GB HDD worth $50 over the stock 160 GB considering replacement HDD prices? I don't plan on storing alot in the laptop. I have six HDD's between my two home PC's.
C. 9 cell/ 93WHR battery worth $130 over the stock 6 cell/55 WHR considering replacement costs of 3rd party batteries?
D. Internal Broadcom wireless option for $24 worth it over just adding a separate card with a external antenna (assuming there still are those cards)?
E. Would the higher resolution 1440x900 screen over the stock 1366x768 be any better for viewing angles?

2. Toshiba Tecra A 11-ST3500/3501
F. $200 more for the option of Nvida's NVS 2100m graphics over the stock Intel Graphics Media Accelerator worth it?
G. 320 GB 7200rpm HDD worth $50 over the stock 250 GB 5400rpm drive?
H. Intel i5-430M processor worth $80 over the stock i3-330M?

3. Dell XPS 16;
Is there something (a thin film that can be placed over the existing screen) to reduce reflections of these glossy screens?? This is the deal breaker for this choice.

The prices of these are between $1000 and $1200. Only the HP has a AMD processor which is what I prefer, but the issue is the poor viewing angle on the screen from a ComputerShopper review.
April 16th, 2010, 03:35 PM
jdc2000

1A. (Processor) - It depends on what you are wanting to do with the laptop. For most laptop uses, probably not worth it.

1B. (Hard Drive) - If you are not storing much data or installin lots of programs, probably not worth that price.

1C. (Battery) - It depends on how long you want the laptop to run on batteries. If you need the longest posible rrun time, then get the larger battery. Yes, it is priced too high, but I'd stick with the manufacturer's batteries rather than risk the laptop by using something from Hu Wangs's Chinese Battery Shop.

1D. (internal Wireless card) - If you don't mind an external antenna or USB device sticking out, then you can go either way. You won't save any money on this one though. I'd go for the internal card.

1E. (Screen) - You would probably have to check out the effect on the viewing angle yourself. My guess is it won't change much. Viewing angles on laptops usually aren't that big a concern, since it will be right in front of you and you probably won't be needing others to view the screen at the same time.

2F. (Video Adapter) - If you will be using software or games that would benefit, then yes. Otherwise no (standard software).

2G. (Hard Drive) - The 7200 rpm hard drive will make for a noticeable speed increase. It will also use more battery power and reduce run time.

2H. (Processor) - I'd go for the i5 over the i3 processor.

Anti-glare film:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&s...=&oq=&gs_rfai=
April 17th, 2010, 11:53 AM
videobruce

Quote:

1A. (Processor) - It depends on what you are wanting to do with the laptop. For most laptop uses, probably not worth it.

Games, no, but HD TV yes.

Quote:

I'd stick with the manufacturer's batteries rather than risk the laptop by using something from Hu Wangs's Chinese Battery Shop.

That's where I get all my batteries from.... :D How about named batteries? $130 seems a ridiculous price for a upgrade, as opposed to a separate battery.

Quote:

If you don't mind an external antenna or USB device sticking out

Actually I prefer an external antenna, but I don't want a USB device sticking out. How about express card wireless cards??

Quote:

Viewing angles on laptops usually aren't that big a concern, since it will be right in front of you and you probably won't be needing others to view the screen at the same time.

It's the vertical viewing angle that is the problem. Even perpendicular top the screen, I can see the difference between the top and bottom edges.

Quote:

If you will be using software or games that would benefit, then yes. Otherwise no (standard software).

How about decoding HD video? Is that just a processor issue?

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The 7200 rpm hard drive will make for a noticeable speed increase.

Don't they also run hotter? Is there that much a difference in speed other than file transfer?
April 17th, 2010, 12:16 PM
videobruce

Over 100 views and only one reply??
April 17th, 2010, 01:44 PM
jdc2000

Wireless Card - As long as you don't mind the antenna sticking out, go for the Express Card.

HD Video - You didn't say what you will be using as the source for the HD video. However, I'd go for the best processor, video adapter, screen resolution, and battery, and hard drive you can get . Yes, $130 is ridiculously exorbitant for a battery, but if you have problems there will be no warranty issues if you use the manufacturer's battery. The 7200 rpm drive will run hotter, but the speed improvement will be worth it.

Screen vieweing angle - I wouldn't settle for a screen that had the issue you describe when viewed from the normal position.
April 17th, 2010, 06:35 PM
videobruce

Quote:

Wireless Card - As long as you don't mind the antenna sticking out, go for the Express Card.

Internal antennas can't work properly. Antennas are suppose to be external.

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HD Video - You didn't say what you will be using as the source for the HD video.

I'm not talking BluRay, but some (unknown) ATSC/QAM tuner card assuming one is made.

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Screen vieweing angle - I wouldn't settle for a screen that had the issue you describe when viewed from the normal position.

I have never saw a Laptop screen that looked any different.