Configuring dv4000

I'm about to pull the trigger on a dv4000 but wanted to first ask: If I'm going to only be using the notebook for internet, e-mail, MS Office apps, and watching movies (no gaming) is the x700 overkill and not worth the added expense or is there some reason I should consider it?

Here's what I tentatively have spec'd out:

Operating System
Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition with SP2
Processor
Intel(R) Pentium(R) M Processor 740 (1.73 GHz)
Display
15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x800)
Graphics Card
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 900
Memory
1.0GB DDR2 SDRAM (2x512MB)
Hard Drive
80 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
Primary CD/DVD Drive
DVD+/-RW/R & CD-RW Combo w/Double Layer Support
Networking
Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG & Bluetooth(TM)
Primary Battery
6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Productivity Software
Microsoft(R) Works/Money
Accessories
HP Mobile Remote Control

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

If you're certain that you're not going to want to game, then there is no need for the x700.

If you have the $150 (it's still that much, right? I don't know for sure), you might want to get it anyway. You'll need higher-end graphics than the GMA 900 if you want to use Windows Vista with all of the operating system graphics features turned on. Vista won't be necessary software when it comes out, and maybe not even by the time you're ready for a new notebook, but it might be nice to have the option to use it if you are so inclined in a couple years.

Unless they're having a special on the RAM, I'd say get the minimum and upgrade yourself later. I got two 1 gig sticks for my dv4000 off of NewEgg for less than a hundred and fifty bucks, and it is a super-simple install.

 

If your intentions for the dv4000 don't change from those stated, the integrated graphics solution will be fine. Also, 1 GB of RAM is also overkill IMHO...I'd just get the minimum offered in a one-stick configuration (at most 512MB) - then, if you find you need more for whatever reason just head over to Newegg and purchase what you need as needed.

 

Get the lowest option for memory. You can get 1GB for ~$65 shipped AR.

 

I'd order minimum ram and get more after market and spring for the X700. You never know when you may develope interests that can use the extra horsepower you get with the good GPU and you may want to upgrade to Vista. If you do decide to go with the intergrated graphics, I'd consider a Dv1000; then you'd get the same performance in a much more managable size( I have the Dv4000 with the X700 and love it, but sometimes I wish I had a more portable box).

Look at it this way, you may not need the extra performance but it can't hurt and it may pop up as something you want later... you can't upgrade the graphics package after you make the purchase.

 

Thanks for all the advice.

My reason for leaning towards the integrated graphics was less about money and more about battery life - is this a valid concern or is the difference negligible? Some good points making rethink the x700.
As far as the RAM goes, what everyone's saying makes complete sense. Should I stick to the more well known manufacturers when selecting memory or does it not that important?
Togus- Two guys I work with have the 4000 and I have used them frequently. I borrowed one on a trip and did notice that it was a bit large on the tray table, but I don't travel that much, so this isn't a huge issue for me.

 

Battery life won't suffer much with x700; besides you can always turn off most of its features and thus save power in Windows.
Yet, I would not have the GMA 900! It seems that ATI x200 Hypermemory would be the perfect card for your needs - dv5000z, v5000z, zv6000, r4000.

 

You can also underclock the ATI x700 in Notebook Hardware Control to save power.

 

Everyone has an opinion on this, but here's mine: So long as it has a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer, it's good enough. Notebook memory has pretty universal latencies, as opposed to desktop memory where there can be large discrepancies between the value stuff and the enthusiast sticks. There are so many other performance compromises that go into a making a notebook run, I don't think the huge amount of extra dollars is worth it for a single tick lower in one latency.

The two gigs I have in my dv4000 are the Transcend sticks from the Egg, and I believe they are the ones Bill is speaking of. As I said, I spent less than $150 on them, shipped, and I have the mail-in rebate check still to come, too.