Upgrades worth it for new laptop purchase?

I'm going to buy a HP DV4T for my first laptop, but don't know if it's worth it to upgrade the processor, graphics, and network card. It will definitely have 64 bit Vista Home Premium (will switch later to Windows 7) and 4 gigs of ram. My usage is typical internet surfing, email, using Office 2007 programs, light photo editing, and I might want to try some light gaming like the Far Cry and COD series, though I don't consider myself a gamer even on my desktop. We currently use a Netgear "G" router for wireless, though this laptop may travel sometimes to places that may use older/newer wireless systems. Which of these upgrades, if any, would be worth it for me?

1. Processor: P7350 or P7550 for $50 more or P8700 for $150 more.
2. Graphics: Intel 4500MHD or 512MB NVIDIA GeForce G 105M for $135 more.
3. Network: Wireless-G Card or Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card for $25 more, or Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth for $50 more.

 

If you intend to game, then definitively get the GPU, Intel GMA4500MHD is not a gaming IGP, it is meant as a basic graphic controller for the display solely.

Are you sure it is P7550? I only know of the P7350 and P7450, but ok. pointless. What speed is the P7550 posted there? If it is 2.13 it is P7450, and it is not worth it.
Are you going to stress the CPU at any point? If so, the P8700 at 2.53 is a good one.

A wireless N card can use ABGN frequencies. The G card can only use ABG. The N allows a lot faster connectivity and range, and if you use the G you get the same, but you have the chance for faster wireless later on.

How often do you use bluetooth? Trying to connect the phone to the laptop or such? I dont use it at all, so for me there is no need.

Any more question?

Always glad to help!

 

i just recently ordered my dv4t with the P8700
nvidia graphic card
and wireless n

well u cant upgrade your graphic card in the future that is for sure so i suggest getting the nvidia it'll last longer in the long run. The processor you can upgrade that anytime and im not sure if u can upgrade the wireless card in the future, sooner or later wireless g might disappear haha. if u have the money i suggest u upgrade but upgrading the graphic card is a must

 

I agree with phanpride. GPU can not be upgraded at any point.
Chipset does not allow this. Just confirmed it with some other thread about the Chipset GM45 (the one that uses the GMA4500MHD) it does not support GPU, so you cant even think about upgrading it.

If you are in a budget, the best GPU possible is the way to go. CPU, HDD, RAM, and WiFi card are upgradeable, but sometimes it could void the warranty.

If not in a budget, get the P8700, the GPU (a must) and the N card.

 

Usually, HDD, RAM, and WiFi card upgrades won't null warranty.

 

aaaargg! I blew it on the cpu cost differences in my first post (now edited).

The lowest cpu I'd consider is P7350 @ 2.0GHz, then it would cost $50 more for the P7550 @ 2.26 GHz, or cost $150 for the P8700 @2.53 GHz. Just not sure what is the most cost effective here, especially between the P7550 and P8700.

I just double checked, and yes it is a P7550 @ 2.26GHz.

I was leaning towards the G 105m, and will probably get it. From what I've read, it does okay heat-wise for general use, and gets warm with gaming, at least some think so, but at least I'd have the capabilities.

Sounds like it might be wise to go with the wireless N card since it will still work with G and be availble to us if we upgrade our router sometime or are someplace where they are using N. As far as Bluetooth, we only use it to connect our cell phones to our car. I don't know if we would ever use it for anything else around the house or elsewhere.

 

dont worry about the bluetooth u can get it anytime too... avoid the t processors if u dont want heat and want more battery life.

 

P7550? Must be new and replacing the P8400 at the same speed (2.26) hmm rather odd.

2.26 GHz for daily use is very good. It wont ever lag, unless you start rendering models or the like.

Definitively go with the NVIDIA G105M, which is around the 9300M GS, and it is ok for light faster gaming or more intense and slower gaming. (dont expect it to run Crysis at max settings!)

The N is a good upgrade. You never know when you might need it.

BT I find it useless. Only use I can think of is a BT mouse...

I agree with phanpride. The T series CPU consume 35W (agains the 25W of the P series) generating about 20-30% more heat for the same performance, and they eat battery life somewhat faster.

HDD and RAM are VERY easy to upgrade (normally), you get some screws out, and replace it, and jobs done!

 

Forgot to ask. What is the maximum you are willing to pay for a laptop?
Have you filled out the FAQ before?

 

Thanks for the advice. I'll save the extra $150 and just go with the 2.26 GHz P7550. I need to stay under $1000 after tax, and with current HP coupons it looks like I'll be able to do it. I haven't filled out the FAQ form before, but I've been doing a lot of research here and doing some hands-on in the local stores, and really like the physical size of the DV4, the 16:10 screen, and especially like the keyboard that they have. I was considering the Dell 14z, but was not impressed when seeing it in person.

 

Good luck with your laptop there, then!
If you got any questions, post them.

We are all here, happy to help you out!

 

I don't think it is worth upgrading the CPU or GPU. The most I would upgrade would be the RAM, hardrive and maybe the Wifi/bluetooth if I was adventerous and absolutely needed the upgraded functionality. Also by upgrading the CPU and GPU, if you can, will most likely void the warranty.

 

At The Fire Snake,
The OP is asking before purchase, what upgrades should that can be performed on the DV3t.

So, before purchase, the GPU is a must to upgrade, since it can not be upgraded later, it simply is impossible. The chipset GM45 only supports the GMA4500MHD IGP, while configuring with the NVIDIA GT105M, the chipset is the PM45, which only supports one GPU.

So I stand with the upgrade of the CPU/GPU before purchase. After purchase, HDD and RAM are very easy to upgrade, just a matter of removing a pair of screws and swapping the RAM sticks with the newer/bigger ones.

At duvallite, I think the best way to get a laptop is to get the best possible GPU inside your budget (if you intend to game) and the rest is upgradeable. In this case, getting that NVIDIA GT105M is a far better choice than sticking with the GMA4500MHD.

Hope this is useful!

 

Oh, sorry I misunderstood. I agree with Serg. Get the best GPU(once again if you need it) and CPU at purchase, since it is hard or impossible to upgrade later.