Final Decision - dv1000orV2000z (gurl needs help!)

Ok guys, please help me decide here.

My needs again are: 5 lbs, 14-15 inch,3+ hours battery life, able to run photoshop, quark, flash and alot of web windows, word, dvd/cd listening, itunes. Whatever processor that will be able to run atleast 2 graphic programs and web windows simutanteously.

Heres my dilemma in deciding which one to get.

V2000Z :

*Has ATI 200 - how much better is this shared card to the one in the DV1000?
*Has Turion processor how much better is this compared to the Celeron or Pen M in DV1000.
*Sleek, nice outside black casing is scratch resistant - compard to the silver outside scratchable dv1000.
*Tends to get hot, keys are a little louder than dv1000


DV1000:
*Only has Celeron or Pen M processor - how does the Celeron or Pen M compare with the Sempron/turion - will a celeron be able to handle above needs?
*Has the quicplay/remote - if this computer meets the v2000v for performance for me then i'll get this one b/c the remote just wins an extra point to me.
*This lappy seems more durable/stable to me compared tothe v2000z - anyone feel this also?


In either one - if i get the 12 cell - how much more wieght will it add? i know it sticks out like crazy - but since it gives 5 hours it seems worth it if its not too heavy.


Ive considered also the R4000 but its like 8 lbs! I do like V4000T/dv4000 however i really would like for it to have the mediacard slots and it is a little to bulky for me.

Im spending waay too much time figuring this out - now i just want to order one! someone please help me out!! Why cant they merge the v2000z with the dv1000 !

 

Any Help Would Be Awsome!!!!! NEED TO BUY TONIGHT!

 

The Sempron is better than the Celeron in every way, performance and battery life. The Pentium M will give you better performance overall and better battery life than the Turions. I remember seeing a review here on notebookreview where a 1.86 ghz Pentium M in a V2000 outperformed a 2.0 ghz Turion in a V2000Z in everything except for gaming because the V2000Z has a better video card. The Turion is 64 bit capable however. But I don't think that matters to you. I would stay away from the Celeron and Sempron processors at all costs.

I have a DV4000 with the same outer silver case as the DV1000 and mine has no scratches on it at all, and I don't baby it either.

I personally think that the DV1000 is slightly better built and more durable due to it being slightly heavier and having a slightly thicker case. The ATI X200 in the V2000Z is definalty better than any Intel integrated graphics but I don't know by how much. With the V2000Z, you'll get about 5 hours of battery life with the 12 cell and 6-7 hours if you get the V2000 or DV1000.

If you can, I would really, really try to get more than 512 megs of memory and a hard drive that is at least 5400 rpm. I don't know about Quark, but I'm pretty sure all these machines will run your other problems quite well as long as you can plenty of ram and a fast hard drive.

 

ALSO WHATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THESE TWO WIRELESS CARDS?

1) FREE Upgrade to Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG WLAN!
Get the full power of Intel Centrino mobile technology when you match an Intel PRO/Wireless card with an Intel Pentium M processor

2)FREE Upgrade to 54g(TM) 802.11b/g WLAN w/ 125HSM

 

Both cards are very good. I've heard some people say the Intel wireless card is better and some say the other wireless card is better. I personally tnink they are both about equal. Oh, and just because you get the Intel processor, doesn't mean you have to get an Intel wireless card despite what some may lead you to believe.

My DV4000 has the Intel card and it has performed flawlessly. You can't go wrong with either one, both are great cards.

 

ok rahul, thanks man for ur reply!

SO its between these two configurations: which i'll post in just a second.
(i really appreciate your patience - i've been askin for so much help)

 

No prob, are you a student by the way? You can quickly apply for the APP discount over at HPShopping to save you some money.

 

OK so here is the configurations for the two models - please tell me which i'll be better off with for my needs:

HP Pavilion dv1000 customizable Notebook PC
– Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home
– Intel(R) Pentium(R) M Processor 725A (1.60 GHz)
– FREE Upgrade to 14.0" WXGA BrightView Widescreen!
– FREE Upgrade to 512MB DDR SDRAM (2x256MB)!!! -__Will add 1 gb aftermarket____
– 60 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
– DVD+/-RW/R & CD-RW Combo w/Double Layer Support
– Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 900 - Pentium
– FREE Upgrade to Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG WLAN!
– 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
$1,060 after rebates!


Compaq Presario V2000Z customizable Notebook PC

– Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home
– AMD Turion(TM) 64 ML-28 (1.6GHz/512KB L2 Cache)
– 14.0 WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x768)
– ATI RADEON(R) XPRESS 200M w/productivity ports
– 256MB DDR SDRAM (1x256MB) - ____WILL ADD a 512 or 1GB stick aftermarket____
– 60 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
– DVD+/-RW/R & CD-RW Combo w/Double Layer Support
– 54g(TM) 802.11b/g WLAN w/ 125HSM/SpeedBooster(TM)
– 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
$828 after rebate!


It seems as with the DV1000 the only added benifits of that one is the 1)better built quality, 2)remote control & media buttons whereas the v2000z lacks that but has a better video card and is turion but it does give off heat and the keys are kinda loud (i purchased it for a week but returned it so i know)


So basically the dv1000 for an extra $200 just gives media buttons/remote
Maybe im best off gettin the v2000z with the turion and gettin 1gb memory aftermarket? Where can i get the RAM and how do i put it in?? If its too hard i can just purchase it thru HP. Whats best to do?

 

i forgot to ask - the heat issue in the v2000z - is that something to really be concerned about?? i mean will it affect the life of the lappy ? i want it to last me 4 years!

 

Well, you had said that you wanted over 3 hours of battery life right? Well, the standard 6 cell battery on the V2000Z gives you a little under 2.5 hours and slightly over 3 hours on the DV1000. Maybe you should not get the 12 cell battery for the DV1000, saving you some cash.

So, are you a student or not? Because you can quality for the APP discount, which saves you about 6% purchase I think.

Given the price difference, I'd get the V2000Z. You can use the extra cash to get more memory or some other upgrades, plus the video card will help. I have heard of some users complain about excessive fan noise and heat. I'm sure there's a way to fix that.

 

Hey rahul!
Ya well it would be nice to have atleast 3 hours - when i had the v2000z (just for a week) it drained out too fast for me - im always moving around! So i definity want the 12 cell (only $39 for upgrade!)

THe only negatives on teh v2000z are the heat, less durability- but the little extra juice from the video card may make the photoshop/quark work a whole lot better.

I dont know how to go about getting more memory tho - is it really alot cheaper getting it aftermarket? Should i just place the order with 1 stick of 256 then add in a 1 gb stick in the other slot after i get it? I see other pple who have added it in after market but do i physically do it myself or have some service center do it? I wonder if its worth that hassle... a guy at best buy said if i do it myself i can fry my lappy?!

Yes i already signed up for the student discount - it toook of like $60.

Thanks for ur help - my cousins name is rahul - maybe i should call ya cuz too!

 

oh how do i fix the fan noice and heat - u said 'tehres a way to fix that'?

 

It is always cheaper to get your own memory and install it yourself rather than ordering more or getting somebody else to install it. Installing ram is probably the easiest computer upgrade you could ever do. Install it yourself. You will not fry your computer, it is very safe to upgrade the ram. That moron at BestBuy only told you that to scare you into having them upgrade it for you, and then they'll charge a lot of money and you're computer will be with them for at least a week. Anybody can upgrade the ram, it isn't rocket science.

Although I don't know where's the best place to order ram. There's lots of V2000Z owners here who have upgraded the ram, you can always ask them how to do it and the best place to order it.

I'm pretty sure all you have to do is take a screwdriver and take off a panel from the bottom of the notebook, take out just pop in the 1 gig stick you're gonna order into one of the empty slots. Yeah, its best if you order the notebook with just one 256 meg stick.

I know there's a way to reduce the heat from this notebook but I'm not sure exactly how to do it. You can go and ask other V2000Z owners. Good luck!

 

I keep hearing about people undervolting their notebook's processor to reduce heat, here's a topic of how to do that,

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=20249&highlight=V2000Z

Keep in mind that the HP L2000 is the exact same as the Compaq V2000Z except for the case.

 

So, what notebook did you order by the way?

 

hey rahul ok so im gona order the v2000z - i just gota figure out the heat issue and memory thing by reading more threads...

The L2000 to me is just down right nasty!! lol seriously its got lance armstrong all over it!! i would spec it out but i member that the video card is no better than the v2000z.

I guess my last and only concerns with the v2000z is: is really HOW much better is the ati radeon200 compared to those intel 900 - i know u said its better - but if its only like 30% better then its not really a big difference.

Im gona figure out the heat issue and the memory card issue and order this baby tonight!!

Just wish i didnt have to wait 2 weeks for it!!

 

I have no idea how much faster the ATI X200 is compared to the GMA 900. I'm pretty sure its at least 50% faster than the GMA 900 but I could be wrong on that.

 

More like 300% faster, IIRC, and it does DirectX 9 in hardware. Vastly better GPU.

 

Awww, no fair. I wish ATI would use it in the DV1000 and V2000. Or Intel should work on making better integrated graphics.

 

Brianstretch - thanks for the reply - so definitly go for the ati 200m in v2000z over the intel 900 in dv1000 - do u know if the ati200 card will allow for "more like 300% faster" performance for quark/photoshop/flash/design software?

What is IIRC?
thanks!

 

i really like the v2000z - in fact i think im fallin in love with it! B/c no other laptop NOT even sleek, badass, pricey ones appeal to me!

So im glad to hear that even being that the 200ati is shared that its still a 'higher end shared card' (i understand it stands no chances with a dedicated x700 -but im not playing any crazy games) Just for dvd's and design software and maybe some tinkering with maya/lightwave.

 

Intel has largely conceded that they can't make a decent integrated GPU and has only recently allowed ATI to sell theirs. Windows Vista is forcing the issue since it will require DX9 hardware capability IIRC. I don't think nVidia will be making an Intel version of their new integrated GPU (desktop version is out, notebook version is early next year), there's just too much bad blood between nVidia and Intel. Intel has treated third-party chipset makers like crap, suing most/all of them repeatedly, and not all of them are trusting enough to give the Intel market a try again now that Intel has messed up (both in terms of design and capacity) and needs them, especially when AMD is ascendant and actively helps them.

****, where did this come from?
http://www.xmeld.com/html/msi1011.html
Purty. Not shipping yet though.

 

IIRC = If I Recall Correctly.

I'm not sure about the impact it'll have for those specific software packages. For GPU-dependent apps it'll be around 300% (3D games, etc). The apps you listed are more 2D-oriented so I'd expect a significant but less dramatic impact.

 

Yikes! That really puts Intel in a bad light! So ATI can make decent integrated graphics whereas Intel cannot? I guess because ATI is an expert in graphics. And I guess Intel won't let ATI use their integrated graphics in Pentium computers but will have to stick with cruddy Intel graphics. I really wish the HP DV4000 had the ATI X200 for example, or at least a decent GPU.

 

With the programs you're talking about neither card will be maxed even close to max output.

I've run both on lesser cards with zero issue.

The ram will have the biggest effect on performance if you're running both at the same time.

Unless you're doing some intense 3d rendering, gaming, or trying to run something hardcore like Avid I don't really see the point.

In the end both will work while. One will use more battery, and one may at times produce a more rapidly redndered image, though with suffient ram I doubt it.

Personally, I like both machines though I feel the dv1000 is superior in build quality and multimedia performance.

A big drawback to both machines for any image work is the drastically small field of view. I'm nearly incapable of getting my dv1000's entire screen in perfect view from any angle.

Sitting directly in front of it I can get about 95%, then it drops RAPIDLY. Screen is perfect with not one lit or dark pixel but it's not very friendly to moving eyes.

 

Brainstrech - ok so ur saying that for 2D(quark/photoshop) software there will be a good enough difference even within shared cards? ANd for 3D there will be an even greater improvment?
So the ati200 shared will do better than the intel900shared??

(i really would go with a x600/x700 but their all in such heavy laptops and i cant compromise wieght for performance - i just need a graphics card that can do 2D mainly and a little 3D when needed)


So i definitly should pick the ati200 over intel900 by far.

 

Spectreman - thanks for ur info - i didnt quite understand what you wrote here - are you saying that you ran 2D software (quark, photoshop) on both shared cards the ati200 and the intel900 and it didnt make any difference? that both gave you the same performance?

And niether cards will be maxed out even close to max output? So that means that these shared cards are more than able to handle 2dsoftware?

Also - one will use more battery and one produces a more rapidly rendered image? Which one will do what? will the v2000z render faster while the dv1000 has more batterylife?

Do you yourself own either of these?

As for ram - will a 512 + 256 stick be enough ?

Thanks everyone for your help!

 

For what you're doing the GPU probably isn't the limiting issue, but if you want to be able to run Windows Vista a year from now you'll want a DX9-capable GPU and 64-bit CPU anyhow.

The fastest Pentium M might be a little faster than the fastest Turion, but you'll spend several $hundreds more to get that P-M, so it doesn't really matter.

Get a 12 cell battery and battery life won't be a problem on either notebook.

768MB RAM is borderline. If you're looking to buy the minimum 256MB RAM from HP and add more on your own, I'd buy a 1GB PC2700 Crucial SODIMM. I bought a pair of those from Newegg for my zv5000z. PC3200 might work, you'll have to wade through the big V2000z Memory Conspiracy thread to find that out. HP ships PC2700. If you're working with very large images/models by all means go straight to 2GB RAM if you can afford it.

Be sure to configure a 5400RPM HD and get Bluetooth. Internal Bluetooth radios are nearly impossible to add later. (Yes, external USB Bluetooth radios are cheap but external annoys me.)

 

I've found out that for what you're using Radha, even the GMA 900 will suffice. What you really need is a fast hard drive and plenty of ram, those are the important factors for you to consider. Get at least 768 megs of ram and at least a 5400 rpm drive. Remember that both the Intel and ATI video cards are integrated, they use up some of the system's main ram. So its important to get plenty of ram.

 

Ok awsome Brainstrech -
SO i guess my final decision is to go with the v2000z with the turion ml-30, 60gb 5400RPM, 256GB + 1GB Crucial, 12 cell, prod ports. Comes to 900!! + memory cost.

I considered the dv1000 - (i got sucked into the extra cool media features) and thats its better built - but the graphics card is lower as you said and i'd have to the get the pentium m processor which is an extra $150 - which with the same config as above comes to over $1,200 - so im thinkin the turion may be more performance for cheaper.

what do u think?

Is the turionv2000s smarter (better performance) even tho it lacks build quality like the dv1000/4000?

 

Hey rahul!! man ur quick!!Ok so you found out that ati200 is not a whole lot better than the intel900 - Rahul straight up tho with these configs which one would u go for?

Take into consideration the better build quality of the dv1000 vs the turion/dx-9 v2000z. Price wise both are only like $100 in difference so im fine with either one.
(ill add a 1gb aftermarket)
I just want the one that will last the longest and perform the best:

Compaq Presario V2000Z
– Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition with SP2
– AMD Turion(TM) 64 ML-28 (1.6GHz/512KB L2 Cache)
– 14.0 WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x768)
– ATI RADEON(R) XPRESS 200M w/productivity ports
– 256MB DDR SDRAM (1x256MB)
– 60 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
– DVD+/-RW/R & CD-RW Combo w/Double Layer Support
– 54g(TM) 802.11b/g WLAN w/ 125HSM/SpeedBooster(TM)
– 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
$928.72


HP Pavilion dv1000 customizable Notebook PC

– Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition with SP2
– Intel(R) Celeron(R) M 380 (1.6 GHz) -- PENTIUM M is $175.00 upgrade extra - worth it over turion????
– Upgrade to 14.0" WXGA BrightView Widescreen!
– 256MB DDR SDRAM (1x256MB)
– 60 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
– DVD+/-RW/R & CD-RW Combo w/Double Layer Support
– Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 900 - Pentium
– FREE Upgrade to Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG WLAN!
– 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
$1,032 + Pen M upgrade if need be?


Guys - thanks soo much for ur help - u guys rock compared to the dumass's at best buy/microcenter!!!! u should get paid for ur advice!!


V2000z

 

Those two configurations may be only about a $100 dollar difference, but the Turion is a much, much, much better processor than the Celeron. It will perform faster, is 64 bit capable and will get better battery life than the Celeron. Avoid the Celeron at all costs!!! You will seriously regret getting this processor!!

Considering how it costs $175 extra just to go with the Pentium M, I would go with the Turion with the V2000Z, even though I'm an Intel fan. Getting the DV1000 with the Pentium M isn't worth all that extra cash. Use the saved money to get some upgrades for your V2000Z. Go with the V2000Z. The only problems I've heard about it is that it sometimes gives off excess heat, but I'm sure there's ways to fix that, just ask some of the other V2000Z users here. I've seen most V2000Z users happy with their purchase and I'm hoping you will be too.

 

I'd go with the V2000z and use some of the money you save to buy more RAM, the ML37 CPU (worth the $75 over the ML30), Bluetooth, and all that. I don't see how the build quality could be that much different from the dv1000, the dv1000 is practically the same thing but with a different case color and Intel-based motherboard. Plus, like I said, you'll have the option of running Windows Vista next year, and I'd think the apps you're running will be ported to 64-bit Vista very quickly (and get a performance boost from the 64-bit recompile).

 

Vista will be available in 32 bit version however. I have heard that the DV1000 case is a bit sturdier than the V2000/V2000Z case and I agree with that with all the units I've handled at retail stores. The keyboard of the V2000 is also more flimsy but not horrible.

 

ya those were my concerns too Rahul - the lousy built of the v20000z compared tothe dv1000 but i guess for $900 i cant complain!

The only issue then is the heat - i'll just have to figure this undervolting thing out.

Alright guys you made this alot simpler for me - thankkks alot!!!

 

Trust me, for the price, the V2000Z is an excellent allround notebook. I've seen several other notebooks within that price range that have poorer build quality than the V2000Z.

 

Ya rahul i hear ya - im gettin pretty much everything minus a dedicated card.

I checked out how to install ram online - says to do it with an antistatic band and bag plus i gota ground it and do it on uncarpeted floor!? I dont wana make a day outa it?

im considering just forkin over the cash to hpshoppin for the ram.

I compared aftermarket ram and sure its a bit cheaper but is the work involved in changing it really worth it/

 

I really don't think you need to do all that. Installing ram takes like....15 minutes maximum, it is such an easy upgrade.

 

Rahul - if you dont mind - i've read the online procedure so i get the jist of it - but could u just give me the breakdown of what i do.
Is it just three steps: unscrew cover, insert memory, screw cover? so i dont need to worry about grounding and using a static free bad and wrist band!?

 

I agree that the AMD is much MUCH better processor than the Celeron. Celeron is more or less junk.

That said, I'm not a big fan of any of the 64 bit chips. All these are early incarnations of what will come.

Right now, they use too much juice, cause too much heat, and limit mobility WAY to much for my preference.

Vista will be available on both formats and won't be worth upgrading to until 6-8 months after launch anyway.

Both are good machines, you'll be happy with either.

I you can upgrade to the 1.6 Pentium do that and get the dv1000. If not, get the Compaq.

The Celeron should not be used by anyone other than your grandparents and for NOTHING but basic browsing and whatnot IMO.

I hope you get all you want from your machine either way, good luck.

 

I'm sorry Radha, but I have no idea on how to upgrade ram, yeah, I feel pretty stupid saying that.
I wouldn't want to give you any wrong info.

Here's a G4 article on how to install ram in a notebook.

http://www.g4tv.com/callforhelparchive/features/1331/How_to_Add_RAM_pg2.html

I was looking at a computer article of a guy installing ram into his old 1998 Toshiba notebook and this is what he had to say about static electricity and grounding and all that.

"Static electricity can kill computer parts. In over 20 years of working with computers I've only ever blown up one component with a static discharge, a hard drive, and I felt it when it happened. Lots of experts will tell you that parts are always accumulating micro-damage from imperceptible static electricity shocks from handling. Frankly, while I understand the theory, I don't see it in practice. I keep the memory in it's static bag right up until I'm ready to install it in the laptop and I ground myself on a metal lamp that first, and that's good enough for me. "

 

ok thanks a lot Rahul!

 

Hi Radha,

Changing memory is pretty straight forward in V2000/DV1000 series laptops. Did you check the my review I mentioned in another thread?. It clearly shows what screws to remove for memory changing. You can also download DV1000/V2000 series service manual from HP website which shows step by step instruction on how to change/add memory. About the static electricity, yes it can kill sensitive computer parts, but in more than 10 years of my experience I did not kill even one because of static electricity. As long as we take some basic precausions, we should be fine. Like for example after driving car in winter we will have lot of static electricity. The best idea is touching a grounded appliance/metal computer casing should discharge static electricity.

 

Yeah, just be sure to touch a part of the case that is UNpainted as the paint can kill conductivity.

Go to crucial.com and input the info of you're lappy and they'll GUARANTEE it to the specific type you need.

I would say go no less than 1g total. Memory is cheap these days, shouldn't break the bank at all. Just make sure when you order you opt for ONE stick not two.