Can't decide between these two!

Hi everyone. I guess I need some (more) help deciding. I want to buy one of two HPs: the dv4000 or the ze2000t. If I build-to-order, I can get them almost identically configured, with a couple of differences. Here's what I have them boiled down to:

HP dv4000 and ze2000t features-in-common:

Pentium M 1.73 GHz
512 MB RAM
80 GB HD (4200 rpm)
Intel GMA 900
DVD-writer
Card reader
Wi-fi (in fact they're both configured to be Centrino)
All other I/O ports (USB, VGA, S-video, FireWire, Audio in/out, PC Card, etc.)

The price difference between them is VERY small when configured as above.

Now, here are the differences between the two models, even when configured as above:

dv4000:
1280x800 widescreen
4 USB ports
DVD QuickPlay
I can buy with a faster CPU (1.86, 2.0, or 2.13 GHz)
I can buy with a faster HD (5400 rpm)

ze2000t:
1024x768 XGA screen
3 USB ports

Now, I know what you're probably thinking: 'Geez. the dv4000 specs out so much better! Spend $150-300 more than the ze2000t and you'll have a much faster, better equipped machine!'

But you should know the screen on the ze2000t is really nice. The image is BIGGER in appearance than the widescreen on the dv4000 (It's about an inch taller). Having the extra pixels horizontally with the widescreen is nice, but again, the image is squashed a bit....because it's shorter. My old XGA 14" laptop screen is actually taller than the dv4000's screen!

So other than the obvious differences (widescreen vs. XGA, faster HD possible, faster CPU possible, no. of USB ports, QuickPlay), can anyone think of other things to consider? Will the extra $150 or so for the upgrades on the dv4000 make _that_ much of a difference?

I'm sure either one would be fine. Can someone post some opinions on some things I may not be noticing? Such as longevity? Do widescreens seem to be the future for laptops? How about desktops, for that matter?

Sorry for being so anal(!). But I know I'm not alone here! Thanks for any/all opinions!


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Another thing they have in common: the lame Intel shared memory graphics chip. ATI has the only decent shared memory GPU right now (IMHO). The ze2000z series has it along with the 64-bit AMD Turion CPUs. I'd definitely go that route over the plain ze2000. HP doesn't have a 15.4" widescreen Turion middleweight offering though. Acer does (Travelmate 4400 with Radeon X700), as does MSI (nice but a little expensive and tough to find). Staples has a really good deal on a stripped-down retail model of Compaq's version of the ze2000z this week (M2105, $550 after instant rebate and $30 mail-in rebate).

I really like widescreens. The extra screen width is very useful when web browsing and it's GREAT for DVD movies. I've settled for a Samsung 204T 20" desktop monitor hooked up to my zv5000z, it's not widescreen like my notebook but it works very well along with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. That's a good point actually, there's a lot to be said for a smaller/lighter notebook (which the zv5000z isn't) with a big monitor for when you're at home. In which case you should be looking at the L2000 Special Edition and Compaq Presario V2000z (14" widescreen, 5.5 pounds).

And I'm rambling a bit...

 

I like your rambling brainstretch

I would definitely get the dv4k. It's a very good notebook, great for multimedia, can't be beat (except for gaming, which is it's big downfall )

And, widescreen is great like brainstretch said. Awesome for widescreen DVD's, and also good for spreadsheets and, widescreen PPT presentations are really cool!

 

Oh yeah, I know that. This is why I'm looking around the $1000-ish range. That, and the fact that the only game I usually play on the PC is chess, I don't need a hard-core gaming graphics chip.

Yes, this is what I am having the most trouble with. Like I said, my current laptop is pretty average (14" XGA TFT), but I'm just not sure I like the idea of the new screen being almost an inch shorter (less tall), but with a few more pixels squeezed in (800 vs. 768). I'm sure I could get used to(!) the extra pixels in width though!

That's quite all right. I appreciate the comments.

Hmm. I could buy the widescreen...and if it's really not working out for me and my eyes, I could return it to HP and buy the ze2000....(now it's my turn to ramble)...


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