Core 2 Duo T5250 (1.5GHz) vs. Core Duo T2450 (2.0GHz)

I'm trying to decide between these two systems and will be buying them off bestbuy.ca.

HP Pavilion DV2550SE 14.1" Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 1.5GHz Laptop ($1,200)
- 2GB RAM
- 256MB Video Memory
- 667MHz System Bus

HP DV2418 14.1" Intel Centrino Core Duo T2450 2.0GHz Laptop ($800)
- 1GB RAM (expandable to 2GB)
- 128MB Video Memory
- 533MHz System Bus

Both are 160GB 5400 RPM and will be running Vista Home. All other specs are basically the same.

Basically I'm just looking for the faster and better all-around laptop. Would the speed be about the same since the C2D is more efficient, or would the Core Duo be faster if I upgrade the RAM to match the C2D's?

Some additional info:
- This laptop is for college, so I'll be using it for word processing, watching movies, listening to music, email, occasional gaming, and some Computer Science classes if that matters (I'm pretty set on a CS major).
- Cost isn't much of an issue since both are within my budget, so it's just a matter of saving a couple extra hundred dollars if both are about the same.

 

Speeds would "feel" similar but in CPU intensive applications the C2D system should be a bit faster due to faster processing cores and faster bus speed, and the C2D should also be better on battery life. The extra RAM is nice to have if you run multiple programs at once, and the video performance is slightly better with the dv2550se as well.

If money is tight, go with the dv2418 and save $400. But since you say cost isn't a big issue, then I would opt for the newer machine's hardware (dv2550se).

Having said all that...have you looked at the laptops in the store? I find many people don't like the 14" screens and generally prefer the 15.4" models for viewing comfort. If size/weight are not big concerns, you should be able to find 15.4" screen models with similar features for about the same money.

The 17" screens I find are a bit too big for portability, but everyone has their own needs and comfort levels. Good luck!

 

I just did a huge amount of research before making the exact same decision that you are making. I am a long time HP user and am upgrading my dv1000.

I picked up my dv2550se yesterday and love it. The information is very hard to confirm, but the processor that is in the dv2550se is the new Intel Santa Rosa variety. I am not sure if it is really slower than the T2450 or not but the fact that it is Santa Rosa was the clincher for me.

The finish on the dv2550se is remarkable too, very unique. I do not like the 12 cell battery that it comes with and will be looking for a 6 cell replacement. Unfortunately you don't have the choice.

 

I've had mine for just over a month and adore it. It has the slowest of the new processors, which is no slouch, and the Intel 3100 integrated graphics card. I specifically chose this processor and graphics card because a laptop that ran cool and quiet were my top priorities.

I have not been disappointed! I've made a lot of purchases in my lifetime and I must say that this, along with my Canon SD700IS digital camera, have my highest rating for customer satisfaction. Both fit like kid gloves in my hands. They work well, and are beautifully made.

I looked side by side at both 14" and 15" screens while in the store before buying and, quite honestly, barely saw a difference. I upped the system font size a tad and Firefox really does a great job of increasing font size when needed.

I've had nothing but positive experiences with Vista on this new machine with the latest hardware; I'd never go back to XP.

Someone else can answer if the 2550 meets your gaming needs.

 

I agree, the 2 GB of RAM on the Verve will make it run much faster than the other HP, but as far as the video goes, neither has a good video card, though the x3100 is a respectable GMA, it isn't meant to run games. If you are looking into gaming/3D rendering on your laptop, find one with a dedicated card.

As far as screen size goes, it's completely a personal choice. Go into a store and see for yourself which one you like better. These days, laptops are trending more and more to smaller sizes. 14.1 screens are becoming as popular as 15.4 inchers.

 

I use to have a 15.4 (DV6000T) and loved it. I simply downgraded to the DV2500T because of the screen. I am a college student, and although the 15.4 is nice, it adds extra weight when carrying it around. It is a balance between portability and a desktop replacement however, which is what I was orgionally looking for.

So, eh, in the end it is based on your needs. If you only carry it around occasionally, the 15.4 is nice. But, if you need to carry it around more then 50% of the time (like I have had to do as college goes on...) 14.1 and smaller gets more and more appealing.

 

Awesome. Thanks for the replies everyone! I've decided on the dv2550se

 

As I stated in another post, I am loving mine. I recommend downloading the GM965 drivers from Intel, which were recently updated. My "Verve's" Graphics Speed was bumped up on the Windows Experience.

Intel GM965 Chipsets

 

Have you checked out the DV2422(i think) which has 14.1", AMD TL-56, 2GB, 160GB for $850 @ Futureshop? My brother got it and he likes it. It will probably be faster then the T5250 at wPrime etc. He got like 40sec for 2million in wPrime and 3050 at PCMARK05

 

I too had the difficult decision of design vs value. The dv2550se is great, with the only flaw being a stuck pixel on the first one I bought and a dead pixel on the one I returned it for. The extra gig of ram is a definite plus - my machine is constantly using more than 1GB. The slower clocked processor is the slowest of the Santa Rosa line, but by no means slow. It runs cool and quiet.

However, the DV2418 will run everyday applications fine, and is probably better value even with a ram upgrade. For me, I picked the dv2550se because I have been waiting too long for Santa Rosa to settle for second best.

 

There's also the cousin version of the DV2418ca, the HP DV2422 at Futureshop on sale for $849.99 but an AMD Turion X2 TL-56, and 2 GB of Memory.

The benefit of ordering the DV2550se this week (until Thurs.) is that your saving $400 from the regular price, free printer, and Santa Rosa processor (which is new compared the older DV2400 series line of processors).