Decision... Compaq V6317 or HP dv6307

Specs...

Compaq V6317

HP DV6307

The core differences are (Compaq | HP):

AMD Sempron 3500+ @ 1.8GHz (512KB L2) | AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-50 @ 1.6GHz (256KB+256KB L2)

120GB (5400RPM) | 80GB (5400RPM)

Aside from that, the h/w is nearly identical and both run Vista Home Premium. Both also have the "imprint" finish, which I like, tho the HP does look a little more sleek... tho not a big deal. The price difference to me is $114, which would be handy for buying accessories like a wireless router, wireless mouse, etc.

Intended usage is primarily web/docs/general stuff, digital image editing and maybe the occassional game at low-mid quality. I personally don't expect a whole lot from a notebook and i'm not willing to pay the premium to get top performance... performance just needs to be sufficient so that it's not frustrating to use given usage listed above.

My primary home PC happens to be a Sempron 3400+ @ 2.0GHz at the moment and it's enough for the time being. With a 7900GS is handles BF2 pretty well. I am a little spoiled by my P4 3.0GHz HT at work tho, and it's soon to be replaced by a C2D E6300...

Thanks.

 

See the sticky about difference between HP and Compaq.

Generally, HP is more entertainment oriented, so you'll see features like included ExpressCard Remote, better GPU choices, Quickplay Buttons/software, webcam blah blah blah.

I used a compaq v4000t before my dv5000t and the current dv6000t and per your expected usage:

1) Web/docs/general stuff: Compaq can handle that no problem

2) Digital image editing: this is more of a hardware issue, if your hardware is up to par with the pavilion counterpart, there shouldn't be any difference.

3). Light gaming: don't expect the latest games with integrated graphics. I mostly played older games like StarCraft, C&C Red Alert 2 and those ran fine on my Compaq.

Overall, for general use and light stuff a similarly equipped compaq counterpart to HP Pavilion is more than adequate.
As for your expected usage

 

Plz update your links( remove the extra "(http://")

I would go for the HP because even thought the Sempron should be able to handle your task, IMO its outdated.

Also do a search and make sure the Go6150 can play the games you want to play at an acceptable setting.

And, Fill out the FAQ, so we can help you better.

 

Links are fixed... doh.

According to the spec pages the Compaq does feature QuickPlay... maybe not as robust as the HP, but it's there. It really comes down to the CPU tho... the remote, webcam, etc aren't terribly important to me. It's just hard to find meaningful numbers on mobile CPU's and actually make an informed decision.

Here are my answers to the FAQ:

1) What is your budget?
A: < $800CDN

2) What size notebook would you prefer?
A: b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen or c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen

3) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in.
A: Canada

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
A: I prefer HP/Compaq... don't like IBM/Dell/Toshiba for various reasons

5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
A: General usage re: web/documents, digital image editing (5-6MB images from a dSLR in PhotoShop) and possibly the occassional game (no problem cutting down quality to compensate for integrated video)

6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
A: I have a desktop at home/work and would be buying a notebook for when i'm mobile or want to do some work somewhere else around the house, etc.

7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
A: I wouldn't mind, but it's not an absolute requirement and I don't expect much gaming ability from a notebook in this price range w/ integrated video/shared memory.

8) How many hours of battery life do you need?
A: Must have > 2 hours on the stock battery... closer to ~3 hours would be nice.

9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
A: Online is fine, but only if I can see/touch the notebook in person somewhere first.

10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
A: XP or Vista... might as well go with Vista at this point.

11) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
A: wide

12) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
A: d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.

13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
A: no preference

14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
A: Yes... but I can withstand a compromise for improved price/performance

15) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
A: I'd like to see 3 years out of it...

16) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 200GB?
A: ~80GB should be sufficient

17) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
A: Yes, DVD-RW

 

Get the HP. CPUs are extremely difficult to upgrade so it's a good idea to get a dualcore CPU now.