Studio 15 vs HP DV6974CA

Greetings notebook gurus. I've been anguishing between two notebooks: the Dell Studio 15 and the HP DV6974CA

I'm sure you are all familiar with the Studio 15, but here are a couple of links for the HP:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pr...angid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10107497&catid=25315
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ca/en/ho/WF06b/321957-321957-3329744-64354-64354-3725196-3756267.html)

The HP is currently $999. For only $20 more I can build a pretty similar Dell. I've highlighted the most important similarities and differences below:

SIMILAR:
1280 x 800 15.4"
4GB 667Mhz RAM
320GB SATA at 5400rpm
Wireless N
Bluetooth
Travel Remote
HDMI
5-in-1 memory card reader
integrated webcam

DIFFERENT:
CPU: Dell T5750(2.0GHz), HP T5850(2.15GHz)
OS: Dell Vista 32 bit, HP Vista 64 bit
VIDEO: Dell ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3450, HP NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS
OPTICAL: Dell 8x slot load CD/DVD, HP 8x tray load CD/DVD with lightscribe
Dell extras: fingerprint reader, backlit keyboard
HP extras: touchpad off button, 56 k modem, S-video out, Firewire

Currently, I'm leaning toward the HP for the slightly better CPU, 64-bit Vista and better connectivity (S-video for my old TV and firewire). However, the Studio is attractive with its slightly better video card and fancy touches like the fingerprint reader and backlit keyboard. I would appreciate any opinions on the above reasoning... in particular any inaccuracies or omissions!

Thanks in advance,
Ayre.

PS: This notebook is (mostly) for my wife - therefore no heavy gaming (maybe Myst like games, but that's about it). Other than that there will be photoshop, some simple multimedia and surfing.

 

From the futureshop.ca link I'll take it your from Canada. So you wont be able the price that Lotta gave you.

I was in the same dilemma until I received a Dell 20% coupon. Right now they don't have any available coupons in Canada for the Studio. I built the same system as the HP for $1219 on dell.ca. Only difference was windows 64bit (which you can download a torrent and use your given vista cd key to activate legally).

I'd say go for the HP, I know a few people who have one and they're great laptops. If it wasn't for a coupon I got back in July from Dell I would of bought one of those.

 

I deleted my response didn't realize you were from Canada.

 

Thanks Lotta and Sebastien for the quick replies. Yes, I am from Canada - a fact that I am only sad about when it comes to purchasing new technology! I would love to be able to have the choices and prices that Lotta suggested, but it's just not the way it works

Sebastien - I'm very interested in your opinion since you bought a Studio but recommended the HP. I debated with myself for a long time on the WLED option from Dell. How do you like it, and how does it compare in terms of sharpness to the HP's of your friends? Do you feel that it has improved the battery life of your laptop? Also, how does the Studio feel in terms of build quality relative to the HP's? I've been able to hold HP's in my hand and am quite pleased with their quality feel... I've not held a Studio 15, but if they're similar to the Inspiron 1525's I'd say that HP has more aesthetic appeal. Finally, have you done the 64 bit vista upgrade? I was reading a thread in which it was described, but wasn't really keen on trying it myself if I didn't have to!

Thanks in advance for any answers to these questions.
Ayre.

 

The WLED is a very nice upgrade, I compared the two laptops and hands down my Studio won. If you have the extra cash it's worth it. There are so many factors involved in battery life that I couldn't tell the difference. I'm sure it uses less power. The fact that my screen is set to turn off after 2 minutes of inactivity, the LED option is great for that, no warm up so I have my full brightness right away.

Built quality is great, I was worried because the Inspiron line feels cheap and this is just one notch above. Upon arrival all those concerns were gone, great build quality just like the xp. Keyboard is nicer on the Studio compare to the HP.

I'll be doing the 64 bit upgrade later this month.