Your input please: Should I buy the 5672WLMi X1600??

Hey all,

I am really getting sick with myself. I have been looking for notebooks for a over a year now and I can not make up my mind.

I want to buy the 5672WLMi tonight from ZipZoomFly.com for $1075 shipped no taxes. I have narrowed my search to the DV2000T and the 5672WLMi.

I went over to Circuit City to play around with and get a feel of what both notebooks feel like. I like them both, yes the DV2000T is smaller, and has the C2D option, but I willnot be interested in Vista until it becomes close to a standard adopted by businesses and schools.

I really like the X1600 in the Acer, but I have no experince with that company. My girlfriend and her mother both have HPs; DV1000, and DV5000. I have used both of them, and although the graphics options in those stink, I feel they are well built notebooks.

I really like all the specs the Acer has, if I had to build and HP with the same specs, it would cost me $1500+ for the business series, or $1200 for the DV series.

So please help me: Do you like your 5672WLMi, should I pull the trigger and get it over with?

THANKS in advance.

 

Oh, and I have read through all the post on the 5672. The only real problems I have seen are small software related issues which can be resolved, and heat which some of you have been able to fix. Other wise it does not see to have anymore issues compared to HP.

What I did not see was people recommending it, and saying how they like it or that they are still very satisfied with their purchase.

If it helps, I will be using this laptop for:
Light gaming, like Tiger Woods, Raven Shield, Halo, Battlefiled, and some other old ones.
Web Design, and programming, Flash, Coldfusion.
Photoshop.
Creating DVD's
Watching TV with a TV Tuner card.
Music editing.
Running Linux in the future.

 

uhh for all intensive purposes if you have noticed "issues" with this laptop why would you want to buy this? if you desperately need one go ahead, and be ready to be stuck with it...

but to be honest with you:
HP Pavilion dv6000t customizable Notebook PC
EZ829AV

* – FREE Upgrade to Genuine Windows XP Media Center!!
* – Intel(R) Core(TM) Duo processor T2050 (1.60 GHz)
* – FREE Upgrade to 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen!!
* – 256MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 7400
* – HP IMPRINT Finish + Microphone
* – FREE Upgrade to 1.0GB DDR2 SDRAM (2x512MB)!!
* – FREE Upgrade from 60 GB 5400 RPM to 80 GB 5400 RPM
* – LightScribe Super Multi 8X DVD+/-RW w/Double Layer
* – Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network w/Bluetooth
* – No TV Tuner w/remote control
* – 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* – Microsoft(R) Works/Money
* – HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
$1,103.98 - $50 rebate - $80 printer rebate (free after rebate printer)
+77 approx tax (7%) comes out to roughly 1060 ish... much better deal for same stuff (except graphics 7400 vs x1600) your call if you like hp so much you can get that too...

 

without the printer you save roughly 6 dollars in tax, (effective cost of "free" printer), so its 1023 + tax - 50 rebate...

 

no.
light gaming on a budget is a dell e1505 or a very slightly increased budget is a hp dv6000t, the x1600 is a moderate gamer on a budget. also this is opinion whats light and whats moderate. if your needs are light the 7400 go/ x1400 are fine, if you want to do some good gaming with some decent framerates and etc, at the expense of a little battery and some heat, you need the x1600. overall i wouldn't call the x1600 light, read this: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=39568

 

do realize though that the acer you are looking at has a considerably older cpu in it. that dual core 1.66 may be good enough for everyday use but when you need the extra power it might not be there. the dual core helps in multi-tasking, the higher frequency helps in gaming. chances are the 1.66 might/might not be enough for gaming purposes, i'd go with atleast a 1.83 just to be on the safe side... your call...

 

The CPU is not that old. C2D came out in late Aug, and the side by side comparions show very little improvment in 32 bit enviroment. There is a thread on this forum that shows that the CPU in gaming is a small factor, given that it is up to date, which I think th CD is.

 

Ok 2 suggestions for you here.

#1. Don't read and believe everything that is posted on the fourms, sometimes things are just plain not true or the user has not done their homework (or they have a specific prefrence when it comes to their hardware).

#2. Remember that core duo's are interchangable with core 2 duo's (pin wise). A simple bios flash will allow you to upgrade down the road, so your upgrade path is still current (which is good)

I know you might have your own preferences when it comes to gaming hardware, but this statement is simply not true in the big picture. If you think that a "faster cpu" will result in better gaming overall please look at this HardOCP article that shows the fact that the CPU only relates to roughly 3%-5% increase in gaming playablility. Now if you want to load a map faster, render something in photoshop, or do any sort of encoding sure there is a slight performance incrase in a faster cpu. But please don't tell me the heart and soul of your gaming performance is due to the CPU, this is just plain false. A 3%-5% increase does not equate out to better FPS and overall "lack of gaming ability" etc.

HardOCP article - http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTEwOCwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==

Now, back to Goddo, please try to understand the x1600 graphics card is a GREAT CARD for gaming mobile wise. It's not big enough to be classified in a "desktop replacement" system that weighs 12 pounds and comes with it's own island. And it's not small enough to take a beating, it's just enough for the cause. My limiting factor in the 5672wlmi is the memory currently. I've skimped on upgrading it to 2GB of memory and as a result my pagefile in gaming (mainly battlefield 2) is causing me to turn down the resoultion and the AA/AF until I get more memory. Having a pagefile that is higher than your physical memory causes problems. So please consider the 5672 for what you need, it sounds like it will run like a champ for your needs and can be upgraded down the road.

And remember, research what you hear and don't take everything for fact.

--ssx--

 

From a completetly unbiased observer, yes you should buy it. haha

 

I have the 5672 (x1400) version, and I advise against buying this machine.

My house is on average anywhere between 78 and 80 farenheit, and this becomes an oven if you keep the cpu at full speed (sitting on a desk). Running it at its lower speed makes it very usable, but that doesn't help when you're trying to compile a program or encode a video.

I have used the AS5, have put heatsinks on the wifi and motherboard chipset, but none of that helps much when the processor starts going and your fingers are using the touchpad. The Bytecc cooling pad does help, but that thing isn't exactly portable. Plus, I expected the machine to be all I needed, I do not see why one should carry around equipment just to make the machine comfortable to use.

I strongly advise that you find a store or somewhere to try the laptop before buying.

 

Thanks for all who posted. Its hard when you are just reading about something, and can not see it or test on your own first. Your info is much appreciated

 

i own the 5672WLMi with the x1600 and it plays Oblivion at full settings @1280x800 and it runs without a hitch and i am taking C++ and visual basic classes and i have Visual Studio 2005, and it compiles with absolutely no problems. besides the basic bloatware, its not a problem, easy-fixable.

and yeah it does get warm but my laptop, not using a cooler, playing oblivion at full settings, my processor runs @ 55C which is normal. overall i believe this laptop is a great buy. with an upgradeable processor. which is cool. but its good for now. and i can see myself upgrading but not for a while.

 

I have the 5672 with the x1600 in it, unfortunately it died after 2 months already ^^

grapiccard issue, .. since they didn't have any motherboards on stock, I had to downgrade to a x1400 for the meantime, until they have it on stock.

well and the heat issue, I fixed that by doing the Rework the users have posted in this forum.

Besides those problems I've mentioned .. I love my notebook

I upgraded it to 2GB DDR Ram @667MHz, and soon I'll upgrade the CPU to a C2D, killed all unnecessary processes, and wow it's **** fast <3

Just make sure you extend your warranty. I have 4 years on mine, just in case the mainboard dies again.

 

I love my as5672 and I really haven't had all the heat issues everyone else talks about. I mean ya it gets a little warm, but never uncomfortable or warmer than my gateway laptop got, and I live in a domr with no AC. I haven't even done any AS5 or heatsinsk things yet. I also left the plastic cover on so that the fan can work as it is designed to. It runs games and does everything I have needed it to do great. I don't think I could have made a better purchase for the price.

 

is there any disadvantage of zipzoomfly over newegg?

 

not hat i know of but i bought my 5672Wlmi through newegg and it got here in 2 days. i cant say there are any advantages, i have never shopped through zipzoomfly i always found the prices better at newegg.

 

I don't know whether you have already decided on which laptop you want, but I'll give my own experience on using the Acer Aspire 5672WLMi x1600.

I own this laptop since mid-June till now, and honestly, I'm really happy with what I have bought. I had been using desktop all the while, I have 3 desktop machine designed for power gaming and programming, 3D design and such. Bought this laptop due to having need to come to Australia to continue my final degree in IT, and a portable machine seems better.

1. The processor power is really adequate for any average task(single/multi), a little bit slow when you're doing heavy 3D design and running millions lines of programming codes (JAVA). However, it can be upgraded to Core 2 Duo! Which I'm considering doing so very soon. Need AUD500 for a 2.0GHz (T7200) which I don't have at the moment

2. You'll need to do a clean OS install when you first get the laptop, or else It's gonna load alot of crap and slowing down the system.

3. The heat issues is there, areas around the touchpad and palm rest will get warm until palm sweats (well, my hand sweats easily so maybe it's my case ). I bought an Antec cooler, and use RM Clock to monitor the voltage and processor speed, and this solve the heat issues. The max temp I ever saw from RMClock is 60C which is really rare unless is running full load. Usually is 38C idle and 45C normal usage. Right now it's 39C while I'm typing this. Note: Using a laptop cooler, The bottom of the laptop is not "linear". for me, I had to use "stuff" to make it lay linear on the cooler, and have 1mm gap between the surface of the cooler with the bottom of my laptop to maximise airflow. If you just let it sit on the cooler, the cool air hardly go into the laptop coz air is hardly sucked in from the cooler.

4. Now, for gaming, it's really really good! I'm an avid gamer and I was somewhat dreading how can I play games on a laptop, since I always play using desktop. It turns out really good (after you tune it for abit ). The stock speed on the x1600 is really bad in my opinion... mine is 440MHz core and 375MHz. Games will always have visual stutter most of the time. After using ATI Tool and tweak it up to around 500/460, problem solved. Getting 2G of ram also helps. Overall, I'm quite satisfied with x1600 performance. You can't run it at max performance on any games though, but playing at "High" performance has no problem.

5. Design of the laptop is alright, depends on your personal taste. 4 USB2 ports with 2 on each side, and sound input/output on the front. For me, I don't like the way its design, but with the power of the laptop, I can bear with it.

6. Screen is good, bright and clear. The camera is well... you need some tweaking to make it work better, or else it's going to "lag" alot. Just some minor setting changes on the cam.

7. Vista capable. I had tried install Windows Vista RC1 on it, and it works perfectly! The speed is good, and windows seemed to open instantly. what i meant was it doesn't seem to have laggynest( is this a word?) or performance degrade. However, I revert back to WinXP pro for the moment as a lot of my software doesn't work on Vista!! Will tinker around with Vista after I finish all my uni assignments this week >.<. PS: If anyone has any tips on the Vista stuff, please pm me

Well, Overall I'm quite Happy with this laptop, although it really need some upgrades to suit my needs (for me). I bought mine in Malaysia, and the specs on some hardware is different to the US. My HD is 93Gig, only 512 ram, Unlike the usual 120G and 1G or 2G ram.

sorry for the long post, Just wanna share my thoughts on owning this laptop. I had never like Acer brand, because in Malaysia, there's mostly problem with it and every newly bought Acers sure will be sent back for warranty claim very soon. I took the Acer's Perception risk and bought it due to its low price but high performance compared to other brands, and had never regreted my decision. PS: Can't wait to upgrade to T7200 Core 2 Duo

 

Well I have owned this laptop for a month now. If I was a user who did not know how to apply thermal paste, reformat the Hard-drive, and tinker with the chipsets & settings; I would not have purchased this laptop. The real reason I purchased this laptop because I saw a challenge that needed to be overcome. I have run this laptop out here in the desert heat and it now idles around 50C outdoors. Before all of my modifications, it was idling around 60-63C. I never use(d) a cooler pad.

The bloatware was pretty bad for me, but for the non-geeky user it helps to utilize all of the features that the laptop has to offer. I definetly recommend upgrading to 2gb of pc667 DualChanneling ram to increase the gaming and overall performance.

I prefer this laptop look over the dv2000. Mainly because I dont like seeing my fingerprints all over the laptop. Also I enjoy the looks of my fellow peers when I pull out a laptop that they have never seen before. Even better when I boot up into windows vista.