Old school (sorta)

So I'm looking at used small laptops, the 700/710 and 1210 specifically. Basically I am wondering if everyone things the cost difference for the 1220 is worth it. I'm seeing between $350-450 for the 700 and ~600 for the 1210 on eBay. I will basically be using the laptop for low demand multitasking; Outlook, Firefox (several tabs), AIM, Excel. If I do play a game it won't be the latest and greatest plus I have my desktop available if I want it too. So should I get the 700/710 now or should I save for a little while longer and get the 1210?

 

It really all depends on the specifications of both notebooks to give the best estimate whether its worth it or not. One things for certain, the XPS is overpriced at the time it was out without any sort of discounts of any kind. It also depends on what you mean by latest and greatest in terms of games, but since your even looking at something small, you probably already know what its limits are.

If you can get some specs up, it would be great. I believe the 700 will be more power saving than the XPS, though its configuration may be weaker than the XPS. This is just out of sheer guessing but that is typically the trend since the 700M is mainly built for mobility.

 

Since I'm looking at the models in general and not specific laptops I'll have to generalize on the specs. Most of the 700/710s I'm seeing are 1.6 or 1.7 GHz, 1-1.25 GB RAM, I'm not really concerned about hard drive size but they have been 60-80 GB. The 1210s are 1.8-2.2 GHz, 1-2 GB RAM, and 160-250 GB HDD. The biggest difference is obviously the processor with the 700 having a Centrino M @ 400 MHz FSB (533 w/ 2 GHz) and the 1210 having a Core 2 Duo @ 667 MHz FSB and dual core. One thing I do want is DVD-RW which not many of the 700/710s seem to have. That may be a deciding factor. Seems to be more common on the 1210s. Battery life is a big one in this decision too. I've already decided that I'm going to have to buy a new battery for which ever one I get.

Here's what I'm currently using: HP zv6009 AMD Athlon 64 3200+ (2.0 GHz), 1.25 Gb RAM, and 60 GB HDD. I'm running XP Home but will be putting a fresh install of some Linux distribution and XP Pro on the new one. I'm basically tired of lugging around an 8 lb laptop whenever I go anywhere or even around the house. That and the hinge on the zv5/6000's are prone to breakage. I replaced both on my wife's 6209 and I have one on mine that broke a few months ago and I'm sure the other will go at some point.

As I said, I have a desktop to go back to. The laptop will be just for web/email when I want to be comfortable and not sitting at the desk.

To throw another twist: the HP tx1/2000s are around the same price as the 1210, anyone have thoughts on them?

Edit: Another twist: Refurbished 1330 for ~800.

 

There was a deal recently for a brand new TX2500Z for $700 I believe from HP maybe you can try and get that again?

 

The M1210 is an amazing notebook.

 

Would you take it over a slightly better speced and more expensive M1330?

 

It depends on what you are looking for in a notebook. If you want a better GPU then the M1330 is the way to go. If you want an LED screen, then you need the M1330. The M1330 has the newer components obviously, but if you aren't in need of the newer stuff then I would probably opt for the M1210. It just holds a special place in my heart, lol.

 

You answered my question. I don't game (much, that's what consoles are for) or do graphics work. And I wasn't going to spring for the LED screen I don't think. So, I'll go up my bid on a nice M1210:
* Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 1.83GHz
* 12.1 LCD Display (Widescreen 1280 X 800) display with True Life
* 1 GB Ram
* 100 GB Hard Drive
* Bluetooth Built In
* DVD+/-RW (CD/DVD BURNER)
* 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery *PLUS A BRAND NEW UPGRADE OPTION 9-CELL 80WHr LiIon BATTERY (valued $70-$120)
*
Kensington Port Replica (DOCKING STATION)

 

Out of that, I might suggest upgrading the hard drive. I assume it is a 5400 rpm.

 

It didn't specify. I hadn't thought about it, but that's something to consider. Velociraptor maybe...eh, might be overkill. I also plan on upping the RAM to 2-3 GB depending on how the existing RAM is configured.

 

The Velociraptor won't fit in notebooks unfortunately. More RAM is good though. Mine worked great with 2 GB and Windows MCE.

 

Ah, misread the specs on the VR. Read 2.5 and glossed over the enclosure part. If I'm lucky the 100GB will be 7200 and I'll be good to go after the RAM. Thanks for the input.