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    Do I buy a HP Pavilion ZE4900 ?

    Discussion in 'HP' started by CharlesPO, Nov 16, 2004.

  1. CharlesPO

    CharlesPO Newbie

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    Help !

    I am looking for a laptop that I can use at home to do primarily browser-based tasks in a wireless mode. I have my wireless router set up and configured. A local Best Buy has a HP Pavilion ZE4900 they are selling for approx. $799 incl/rebates. It has a Celeron 1.4 GHz processor, 512MB RAM, a 60GB hardrive, 2 USB 2.0 ports, and a combo DVD/CD-RW drive. What cautions should I consider before buying ? It seems like it is too inexpensive. The hard drive sounds fine, the RAM is OK, the GHz rating seems acceptable. But I am uncertain about the Celeron processor. Any reason to be concerned ? I already have a high-end Compaq PC that is loaded that I use for video editing, etc. I just want a very good basic PC to use as I rome around the house and want to check my e-mail, my E-Bay bids, read web-based news, do some web shopping, etc. However, I don't want to buy soley based on price. If I did, I would look into some off brands like e-Machines and such.

    I can't find the specific model number ZE4900 on my web searches. All I see are ZE4910's, which is spec'd out very similar to the ZE4900. Is the ZE4900 a "close out" discontinued model from HP ? Any and all opinions and thoughts are welcome.
    THANKS !!!!!
    --Charlie
     
    CharlesPO, Nov 16, 2004
    #1
  2. brianstretch

    brianstretch Notebook Virtuoso

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    Well, its Celeron is derived from the Pentium-M rather than the P4, so it's not as wimpy as you might think. Of greater concern is the shared memory GPU and relatively low-res screen. The 6.7 pound weight is decent, though that's partially due to the small 6 cell battery.

    Yes, it's just a preconfigured ze4900 series machine.

    It'll do what you want, but I'd look for something with a 15.4" widescreen and dedicated memory GPU, preferably with an Athlon 64 CPU (maybe a XP-M, in the case of HP's zv5000z series, if the price is right). You'll get the Enhanced Virus Protection feature that the Intel chips lack and better performance.
     
    brianstretch, Nov 16, 2004
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