how much difference is there?

i am looking to buy a gateway p series fx laptop. there are 2 that i am looking at, but u can;t customize them =/. but the specs arn't bad. i don't know much about computers so idk what all the numbers mean and everything, so here are the two compared

Processor: p-173x fx- intel core 2 duo processor 2.2GH (what does GHz mean?)
P-6860 fx- untel core 2 duo processor 1.83GHz


Hard drive: P-173x fx 200GB 7200rpm
P-6860 fx 320GB 5400rpm

NEtworking idk if there is a difference:
P-173x fx- integrated realtek 10/100/1000 ethernet adaptor
P-6860 fx- integrated intel 10/100/1000(gigabit) ethernet

the p-173x fx is is about $1900
the p-6860 fx is about $1350

so which is a better deal?

 

get the p-173x

 

Okay here's a quick overview of computers in my own words, bear with me:

CPU/Processor: This is the brain of the computer. Its speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz). The faster (more GHz) the better.
There are two main companies that produce CPUs: Intel and AMD. Long story short, Intel is kicking butt right now in general (there are a few exceptions), so try to stick with an Intel processor.

RAM: This is the short term memory of a computer, measured in gigabytes (GB). Whenever you do anything on a computer, it uses RAM, so as usual, the more the better. Generally 2GB+ is sufficient.

Hard drive: This is the long term memory of the computer. There are two things that go with hard drives: capacity and speed. Capacity is measured in gigabytes (just like RAM), and speed is measured in rpm (rotations per minute). Increasing either one is more expensive, so in your case choose which is more important to you: more storage (GB) or more speed (rpm).

Networking: There are two main types of networking you should care about-- Ethernet and Wireless. All laptops today come with both.
Ethernet is a wired connection and is fast. Gigabit (1000Mbps) is the best, but can be overkill sometimes
Wireless has three main modes: B,G, and N. Wireless N is the fastest, but G will get you going.

Also, consider the GPU (graphics card). It gives smoother playback in movies and is the core behind good gaming.
It is usually made by Intel (ex: GMA X3100), nVidia (ex: GeForce 8600M GT) or ATI (ex: Radeon HD3600). There is no good way to explain this quickly, but the more expensive the better.

Other people can correct me/add to this basis but if you understand the above, you should feel a bit more comfortable in your purchase.

 

I believe the P-6860FX to be the best deal. The difference in CPU ("processor") and HDD ("hard drive") is not worth $550 in my opinion.
The 320 GB 5400 drive is comparable in speed to the 200 GB 7200 one, since speed relies on not only RPM, but also platter density (how much information can be stored on an only platter so that the spindle can move less to retrieve the same amount of data or move the same and retrieve a larger portion of it, effectively reducing time and increasing speed).
Depending on what your plans for this laptop are, the CPU that comes bundled with the P-6860FX is plenty enough. Should the need for a more powerful one arise, you can easily upgrade it (and for a lot less than $550).
Watch out for a discount or an updated model in the near future (should you have excess time to make your purchase, that is).
Hope it helps!

 

k0rn56 the P-173X is $1499 not $1900. The $1999 P-173XL well that has T8300 2.4Ghz. WUXGA 1920X1200, 2X200GB @7200 HDD RAID 0, Intel a/b/g/n wireless and a fingerprint reader. That is why it costs so much more.

For many gamers the 1.83Ghz CPU will be enough and the 320GB HDD does have more space it does offer wireless n which P-173X does not.

To me the price difference seems about correct between the P-6880 and P-173X, $150. I would spend the $150 for better CPU but just opinion. Best buy has had P-6860 on sale several times for $1100 just last week I believe and at that price that is about the best deal.

The P-173XL is well great but you do pay for it. I am not comparing this anymore as not one of the two you mention.

I don't think the wireless card is a big deal as g works fine for me and have realtek. But I mean for some people might matter. Do you use g or n? If you don't know suspect g and does not matter?

HDD's a toss up in most common usage the 200GB will be faster seek times. The 320GB should hang with the 200GB on large file transfers and offers more space.