ThinkPad R60 vs HP NC8430 - Which would you pick?

Update: I went with the NC8430!


So, the price is almost identical. I'm having a hard time deciding between the two. The Thinkpad has better hardware but a worse GPU. The HP has worse hardware but a better GPU...

So what do you all think? Read my first post here for what type of notebook I'm looking for.

Door #1
HP Compaq NC8430
CPU: Core 2 Duo T5600 1.83Gz
Ram: 1 GB (2x512 MB)
HDD: 80 GB (5400 RPM)
GPU: x1600 256MB
Display: 15.4" WXGA

Door #2
ThinkPad R60
CPU: Core Duo T2500 2GHz
Ram: 2 GB (2x1 GB)
HDD: 100 GB (7200 RPM)
GPU: x1400 128MB
Display: 15.4" WXGA


Hmmmm... darn it's hard picking one of these puppies out!

 

A T5600 ~= T2500. No difference there.

The RAM and HD shouldn't be such a big issue since they are easily upgraded. The nc8430 is smaller than the R60. But I believe that particular configuration of the nc8430 only has a DVD/CDRW combo drive.

For gaming, I'd pick the nc8430.

After reading your earlier post, it might be worth wild to pursue a barebones notebook such as the Compal GL30, Asus s96j/z96j, then eBay the parts you need to save money.

 

Good point, I never thought about the upgrading part really. Can't upgrade the GPU but can upgrade the other things! This model does have a DVDRW drive, but that doesn't really matter that much to me since I do all my burning on my desktop rig anyway.

So unless anyone has any other suggestions I think I'm going to bite on the NC8430. The deal I'm going to get on it is just too good to resist.

I checked for hours and hours on prices for everything I could (used, new, in Canada and in the US). Including the Dell 6400, HP dv6000t, Acer 5672, Compal GL30, Compal HEL80 and Asus s96j/z96j (umong others). Nothing came in at the pricepoint of the NC8430 I found. Plus I'd prefer to buy something buisness class and it has the thumbstick mouse I know and love. This should be a nice replacement for my current Thinkpad I think.

Yes? No? Am I just crazy?

 

i would go for the nc8430 as well. it's a good notebook, and the build quality should be somewhat similar.

 

If you've found a good deal, I think it's a great system. I back your decision!

 

Thanks folks! I just wanted a reassurance I wasn't acting too quickly or jumping the gun before I took the plunge. Nothing worse than buyer’s remorse on a big ticket item! If anything I over think things sometimes. I remember spending a whole weekend researching on what the best battery chargers and batteries were. I didn’t even spend that much time on the digital camera they were for! Hehehe, well I guess that a notebook warrants the research!

One other question since we're already talking about this model. Does anyone know if you can upgrade the CPU in the NC8430? I hope it's not BGA as I'd like the option to upgrade to something more powerful in a couple years to extend its lifecycle. I just did a quick Google search and didn’t come up with anything. Although the screen is getting a little blurry after spending the whole day searching and checking and double checking things. I need some fresh air me thinks!

 

Yes you can. Processor isn't soldered on. Picture from a nw8440 from NBF. If you mind me not asking, how much did you pay for your nc8430, seeing how you set a pretty tight budget on yourself. I was always interested in a nc8430 but I had to settle for a z96j.

 

Thanks for the answer. That is good to know!

Don't get a case of buyers remorse yourself now. From your review it looks like you got your notebook awhile ago, prices are bound to come down after time. It's the unfortunate part about darn technology. With the new CPU's and GFX cards coming out soon, I'm sure in a month or two I'll find something that was better for the same price. I'll try not to let it get to me, hehe.

I got it for $1050 (USD). It's new (open box) and has a 3 year warranty (minus one month). One heck of a good deal for the notebook if you ask me!

HP Compaq NC8430
CPU: Core 2 Duo T5600 1.83Gz
Ram: 1 GB (2x512 MB)
HDD: 80 GB (5400 RPM)
GPU: x1600 256MB
Display: 15.4" WXGA

 

I have a little concern about my CPU. It's a T7200 2.0 GHz. When I use CPU-Z to check it. The core speed is only 997 Mhz and multipler is 6.0 Is this normal ?

 

Since you posted your question in the Gaming Forum...I'll chime in and say you did the right thing by picking up the HP nc8430. Much more gaming power than the R60. And it has a better CPU...and RAM is always upgradeable. It's good enough for the life of this notebook...I wouldn't worry about upgrading anything other than perhaps going up to 2 GB or RAM.

And great price, by the way. Congrats!

Please start your own threads in the future. This question would get much more attention that way. Your CPU is running at slower speeds when max speeds are not needed.

 

Thanks! Glad to know it was a good deal.

I was thinking the same thing. The current RAM speed with the two 512MB modules is only PC2-4200. Since the FSB on these puppies is 667MHz it would make sense to me to get some PC2-5300 memory. I just found a Corsair 2X1GB PC2-5300 Dual Channel Memory Kit for $90 USD. I think I'll get it.

Another question, how hard is it to put in the stick that goes inside the case? I've put together PC's before but I've never had to take apart a laptop. I don't want to void the warranty either. Any comments on that? Thanks again.

Edit: I found the instructions. Seems easy enough! I doubt they will be able to void my warranty for me just upgrading my RAM will they?...

 

It is supposed to be very simple, however, if I remember correctly the nc8430 has a slightly different RAM configuration. See if you can locate night_2004's nc8430 review as he discussed adding his own RAM in it.

 

I found the review. He doesn't mention any problems with the upgrade, but he just upgraded the one module that you get to from the bottom of the notebook.

 

Right. If I am remembering right...there's one above the keyboard and one slot below or something like that. Glad you found it because I only vaguely remember the details.

 

I think I should be good to go. Now the darn waiting game for it to arrive starts! I hate waiting, hehehe.