OT Laptop Computer

Im shopping for a new laptop and have alwaysssssssss had good luck with HP and have narrowed my choices down (in the order below) to the three below, but dont know about speed with the AMD versus Intel Chips and their different models:

1. HP DV6-312nr
15.6,,,,,4GB Mem,,,,640 GB HD,,,HDMI & VGA
Intel Core i3-370M $600.00

2. HP DV6-3120us
15.6,,,4GB Mem,,,,,500 GB HD,,, VGA NO HDMI
AMD Turion II P540 $500.00

3. MSI S6000-017us 541 572
15.6,,,4 GB Mem,,,500 GB HD,,,HDMI&VGA
Intel Core i5 $579

The MSI must have a faster chip (i5 vs i3) but unsure of the No 2 AMD chip speed versus my No 1 choice with only the Intel i3??????????

I dont even have a HDMI TV yet, but in the future I take it my TV would have a better pic if I had the HDMI output computer (why No 1 beats No 2 ) ??????????

The sales dude told me they make a cable to go from the computers VGA (like No 2) output that converts to the RGB on back of my current TV THAT TRUE ????????????????

This Office Depot sale ends today, whats yall thoughts and/or know any better deals on a new (NOT refurb) laptop?? MY min reqmts are 15.6,,,4 GB Mem,,,,,,,,500 GB HD and at least VGA but HDMI also may be nice in the future...

Thanks

John T

Hi John,

Just went thru this mess last week when one of our office computers decided to roll over.

Couldn't wait around for parts, had to have it up and going as soon as possible, so bought a little $418 "refurb" Dell just to get us by for a few days.

All I can say is ya get what ya pay for.

It's getting harder and harder to buy "ANYTHING" anymore that's built with any quality to it, but I'd for darned sure stay out of those box stores.

There's a reason they sell so darned cheap.......'cause their product IS cheap......and they don't warranty squat.

If you want a HP, I'd sure go to HP, buy direct so you have some support and warranty. You could probably get a good quality i7 machine that will last.

Just my opinion,

Allan

Lou, I'm probably going to sound like a "broken record", but I do not find "you get what you pay for" to be universally true. Many lap-tops go on sale simply becasue of tech-changes which may mean nothing to you.

I never buy when something has the newest tweaks that I'll never need or use. I also have no loyality to Intel processors. Many AMD chips work just as well. I've been using AMD for many years, and also used to be a Cyrix fan until they disappeared.

Office Max runs sales now and then on HP, Acer, or Toshiba lap-tops and are are great quality.
I rarely buy from Office Max simply because I don't want to pay NY sales tax.

NewEgg has some of the best buys on the planet and often they sell with free shipping and NO sales tax. Go to their site and get on their email "specials" list. We have many lap-tops here; even my 7 year old has his own. I paid $350 for a Compaq Presario with a 250 GB hard-drive, 3 GB RAM-memory, DVD burner, AMD Athalon II processor, wi-fi networking, card-reader, and 15.6" screen. I love it. Model CQ61-420US. They have great tech support with somebody that answers a USA phone.

My wife and little boy both have a Toshiba Satellite L305-S5921 with Intel Pentium dual-core T3400(2.16GHz), 15.4" screen,memory-RAM DDR2 800 160GB HDD DVD burner, card-reader, wi-fi, etc. Paid $330 each for those.

Personally, I think you'd be nuts to pay more money unless there's something very high-tech that you need.

One warning. They just about all now come with Windows 7 Home premium. Note that is the cheapest OS Windows sells and is by no means "premium." It will not run all the older programs that Windows XP did (in all versions). Funny they don't tell you that in the Windows commericials.

If you can't get it to run some of your favorite programs, this is the only fix. First, your computer hardware MUST be compatible with
"hardware virtualization." Many are not. Thus the need to read the small print when you go computer shopping. All the lap-tops I bought cheap have it. Many at twice the price do NOT.
So, if you have the "hardware virtualization", and then spend another $100 for a Windows Pro 7 upgrade, the old programs should then work as they did with ALL versions of XP.

Ive had several HP products and NONE EVER WENT BAD which is why Im leaning that way now. We are using the daughters old old HP Laptop (survived 4 yrs of her college) like 7 yrs old and it still works. Ive bought like 3 at Office Depot (where sale is now on) and still got the HP tech support with no problem but actually never needed much of it.

Im going to make a video for You Tube of me butchering up a few banjo songs (Dear Old Dixie, Banjo in the Hollow, Circle Unbroken, maybe Blackberry Blossom) I will send you the first link if you dont laugh, Ive been at it 3 yrs now and can "play" a bit if you use the term loosely buttttttttttt I can keep decent time n stay where the band and rhythm is so folks put up with me.

Later

John T in Indiana

I know this one isn't on your list, but as far as I am concerned you couldn't go wrong with a Sony Vaio. I have had good experiences with them. They cost a little more, but worth it.
My two cents worth.

Windows 7 is a 64-bit OS, but will certainly run any 32-bit program out there.

No, it probably won't run an 8-bit or 16-bit program, but when was the last time ya saw one of those? 1994 when DOS and Win3 was still being used?

Allan

Windows 7 is a 64-bit OS, but will certainly run any 32-bit program out there.

No, it probably won't run an 8-bit or 16-bit program, but when was the last time ya saw one of those? 1994 when DOS and Win3 was still being used?

Allan

'Spose I told ya the story of the morning I asked the wife if she wanted me to sing her a song or play her an instrumental.

She told me she'd rather I just cleaned the garage. :>)

Allan

No it won't work with all 32 bit programs, and I spent a lot of time with Microsoft tech suppport. They agree with me, and it is Microfoft that gave the info I posted. They have flooded the computer market with Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit. I have several 32 bit programs that work perfectly with XP Home an Pro, and either don't work properly or will not work at all with Windows 7 Home Premium that lacks proper "compatibility mode" like all XP versions have.

Microsoft has a compatibilty page running full of 32 bit programs that do not work correctly with 7 Home Premium, along with suggested fixes.

Are you saying you know a work-around that Microsoft does not with their own product?

Maybe you do and maybe you don't, but for now - I'll believe what I have personally seen NOT to work, and the advice given to me from Microsoft.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/windows-7/en-us/Browse.aspx?type=Software&category=Graphics%20%26%20Printing&subcategory=Image%20Editing&os=64-bit&page=17

Few computer companies use their own components. For the most part, they buy parts elsewhere and plug-them all together. So, it's a matter of who is buying the best stuff. All can be checked, but that can be time consuming.

Just about all computer components give detailed info on how long they are supposed to last. If you look at the high end and low end computers, there is not always a big difference in longevity, and sometimes there is none.

Anyway my general point is - there are many brand names that are fine - just depends on what parts they are buying and using.

Yep,

Should have said, "Any 32-bit progam that I've ever came into contact with". :>)

This hi-dollar SOB has driven me crazy for 18 months now. Just could not get it to "load right", nor run correctly.

Well, that is until I remembered that we had ordered it with a soft RAID 0 configuration and I tried to ghost the drive "C".

He!! hath no fury like a woman's scorn 'er somehting like that...................... :>(

Allan

My main gripe with Windows 7 Home Premium is this. Microsoft has flooded the market with ita t low cost. Yet, few people seem to realize that Microsoft quitely left out "Compatibility Mode" in the 7 Home Premium version, even though it was in ALL the versions of XP.

So, who would think that a new OS called Windows 7 Home Premium" would do less then a XP Home version? That use of the word "Premium" is a bad joke.

Also, all versions of XP not only had "Compatibility Mode" for older programs, it also required NO special computer hardware. Now, with Windows 7? Home Premium has no support, and if you upgrade for over a $100 - it still will NOT work unless your computer has special hardware built into it - built into the motherboard.

Good Morning John.
I run 140 HP computers and have two HP laptops, all of there are commercial grade, not home/consumer models (there is a difference to be sure).
If the HPs get to be three years old they seem to have a failure rate of about 10% (this is serious student use with the letters worn off of the keys)
My lap tops do not get that use, but both of them have failed hard. One HDD failure, one screen failure, and one fail to boot Mother board issue. (all under warranty, but a hassle none the less with some lost data. (though I back up weekly).
I have had much higher levels of success with Sony computers. They have good reliability, and seem robust. The reason I have HP is university policy and standardization on sourcing to avoid unbelievable repair issues, and cross training, as well as software distribution. I would not choose HP.

The school does purchase Sony flat panel displays, and these have been indestructible. Jim

Winders 7 Pro is available in a 32 bit version also

People will disagree with me but so what.

Dell business class machines have a low failure rate. Windows 7 Pro is available in a 64 bit and 32 bit version. I have the 32 bit a work for compatibility reasons. Seems to run most things without issue. I have had to use compatibility mode to get one or two programs to install. If I were you I would get a business class laptop and the professional version of windows.

Main thing to know about todays laptops is lithium Batteries last about a year and go from fine to stone dead in a matter of weeks.

Home owner grade machines have less cooling capacity and lower end components. I recommend business class machines and a 3 year warranty if it fails after the 3 years its time for a new one anyway. If you travel with the laptop get accidental damage coverage I've used it for everything from water damage to one that was ejected in a car wreck.

Every manufacturer has built some turkeys especialy in the laptop arena. HP has built more turkeys in the business class than I have seen from Dell in the same class.

This is my opinion based on real life experience with business class machines. Your mileage may vary!

I think you need a banjo that weighs a little less for your video!!!!!!!!! HI JOHN T -- Bill

Hey Neighbor,,,,,I was gone again last time you called (Georgia) but Im back home again for now at least

John T

I buynothing but hp refurbs from ecost. they come with a 90 day warranty. but with electronics if it lasts more than 30 days it is most always good to go. did have one that was a problem withing the 90 days and hp took care of it.
get alot better system for 1/2 the cost.
and if there is a problem nost times after a year a power suply will die or video cards.
motherboards and hard drives seem ok if they make it past teh 30 days.

I've been using Dell buisness-class desk-tops for years. I buy used business pull-outs and they've been absolutely excellent. I have three HP Pavillion Workstation XW4100s and hate the thought of ever having to replace them. They're so rugged, you might expect to find grease-fittings on them somewhere. Both have XP PRO which I also hate to get rid off. Just up to recently, new computers cost extra IF you bought with the older XP operating system instead of Windows 7 - but seems now - XP support is over and done with. In my opinion, to date, the best OS Microsoft ever made.

Things have really changed since computers for consumers first came out and there were four or five different brands and makes of DOS (drive operating systems). I started out with Digital DOS, not Microsoft back when the best technology was the 20MB hard-drive, or NO hard-drive- just a 5 1/4 disk or a CD that needed a caddy-cradle to run.

I'm looking as well.

4 gb ram is a minimum.

I could get by with a 320 hard drive. Still have to use an external harddrive as a backup anyway and it can store any movies you have. Just about have to have a couple 1, 1.5, or 2 terrabyte harddrives for multiple backups.

To me, unless you are going to use an external hdtv as a monitor, a 17" screen is a minimum.

Processor: I wouldn't waste your money on any of the single core processors that everyone is discounting nowadays. Get at least a dual to quad core. I googled for a processor comparison. Found a few and znet always has one. Seems like the amd turion II, phenon II and other processors were all close between the 2 and quad processors for speed. Some did gaming and movies better depending upon how they use cache and some don't even use cache which is required for some programs. I decided that any computer on sale for under $500 that has more than a single core processor is a good buy. At $600 you can get anything. I decided that for business and movies and such, the i-3 will handle all I want. The i-5 for the same or less money is even a better processor.

All the faster processors makes it boot up faster. You won't notice it running word, excel, or your browser. The browser is limited by the speed of your internet connection and the browser itself. But you need a faster processor to keep ahead of predesigned windows obsolesence.

I've bought Dell, Toshiba, Gateway, and HP. They perform till they become obsolete due to the change in windows and upgrades. Toshiba ranks at the top for reliability but I've been ok with the ones I've had (knock on wood). I'm seriously considering a Acer for the next one. Keep them ventilated and the vents uncovered and free of dust. I had some boot problems with the Gateway last winter but figured out it was heat related. I have it propped up so it gets good air flow underneath. Some get hot cause people lay them on their lap and cover the vents.

Take your computer models and put them into the search on Amazon and then read the reviews. I do that for everything although it appears that some reviews for one model get lumped in with another so make sure the review is taling about oranges and oranges.

Bottom line: Unless the MSI has some serious faults in reviews, I'd go with it and the i-5 processor. Buy an external HD for a backup. Office Depot has a good warranty program and you may want the extended one although I only get the externded warranty for printers which I've used a few times.

That said, for $20 between i-3 and i-5, look at the other stuff. Number of usb and hdmi ports depending upon what you do. I think it would be worth it to have built in bluetooth for accessories such as keyboards and mice. I have to use an external keyboard as I can't type with my palms sitting on the front of the laptop nor can I use that mousepad except in an emergency.

I assume they all have webcams, wireless N, and the latest DVD burner with either lightscribe or labelflash should you get into the dvd making bizz. Having a Blu-ray dvd burner may be a deal breaker. I'm not a movie renter but having that would work for when the kids come over and rent something.

Finally google you printer and make sure it has a 64-bit driver available. If not, you may be buying another printer unless you access it through your old computer on a network.

Hi Jde. Reading the posts on computers, and you mentioned "LOU" .was wondering if there is another lou on here? AS for our computer, I"m ignorant on em but Victor is somewhat up to date on em. We Run a DELL that is over 10 years old(I Think) that has All the bells and whistles we could have on it. Reason for that was Music writing programs, and other thngs. No problems with this unit except when the sound system came(finally) after 4 weeks delay, was being held in MIN by D.H.L.that said they couldn"t deliver because there was no body home. Yea righTTTTTTT.
Finally got it and pluged it in line and if failed. Called Dell and was told that unit was out of production and out of warranty. NOW THE SH-t hit the fan.* 8 hrs on the computer and phone with dell reps( who I couldn"t understand
Promised replacement at no cost. ,then their story changed from rep to rep. I went to the supplier for Dell and they said that unit was out dated and hadn"t been used for a couple of years. So I ordered a new one from that company (Creative ) for $23.12. Called Dell and told em I wanted reinbursment. They refused, So Now the fun Begins. Got in touch with everybody I could think of including th BBB who had me fill ouit the 3 required statements of what I had done to resolve the problem. Guess what, I finally got a call from the DELL attorney, saying there should never have been any question as to why Dell shouldn"t bear the cost of replacement. He said to just send a copy of the receipt where I got the new one from ,and Dell would cut me A check.
They did. Over many hrs and frustrating jibberish from Dells reps, I got the check. Otherwise this computer is first rate, so far.JM2C worth .Reguards LOU.

I think I'm going senile, that's all. Seems I was thinking about you, and reading JT's post at the same time. Then, things got mixed up inside my head. My head is too jarbled with many things.

So, yes, you are the correct Lou - problem is I responded to a post you did not initiate. Only other Lou I ever knew is my dad, and he's long dead. My little boy is referred to as "hey" or "Louis."

If you're planning on using your laptop with a new LCD display, then HDMI is a must.

Without knowing the particular processor version, it's hard to say whether the i5 is much faster than the i3, but it will probably use a bit less power. Either chip should be adequate for a long time.

I don't know anything about their laptops, but I have an MSI motherboard in my desktop machine and it is first-rate. I'd lean towards the MSI machine. It sounds like a good deal.