HDX16t vs HDv6t vs Studio XPS 16

Hi everyone,

I'm really hooked on the HDX16t. There is a 25% coupon going on right now, and I'm really thinking about pulling the trigger. But I thought I'd ask here, to HP owners, if there is a better choice.

Is the HDv6t a better buy than the HDX? I want roughly a 15.4" screen, but I don't mind a 16". I do want a 1920x1080 resolution, and I am looking for performance with some graphic ability (I am interested in the 1GB video card that HP offers with the HDX16).

Lastly, does the RGBLED screen that the Dell Studio XPS16 make it that much better than the HDX? I've been told that it's a decided advantage to Dell, but I'm not sure how.

I am sure I will get some objective responses. I look forward to them!

Take care,
John

 

Scratch the HDv6t. It only takes 1366x768 resolution.

 

Disadvantages of the XPS16 over the HDX16 are:

I know alot of people are complaining about the XPS16's screen saying the reds are way saturated. Also the ATI GPU in laptops are not supported by ATI. Alot of heating issues and many BSODs.

Advantages of the Dell over the HP are:

It uses newer DDR3. The RGBLED is supposed to be more advanced, showing more colors and using less energy. It has the option of SSD drives. It also has backlit keyboards but HP just added this option too. Face recognition software, used in place of passwords.

I personally have been following both laptops for months and am too about to buy the HDX16. The deciding factor for me was that the XPS16 has all the BSODs and heating issues. Plus Dell almost never offered discounts on it. Although the XPS16 looks cooler with its leather trim and offers more advanced, newer technology such as the DDR3 and the RGBLED screen, it proves insignificant if you get BSODs all the time, plus you get more for your money with the HP.

 

Thanks opti...how would this compare to a Dell Studio 15 that has similar specs (2.66/1066FSB/6MB Cache, 1920x1200 screen, 4GB 800MHz RAM, 320GB 7200RPM HD), but is $1550?

I know, between everything, the HDX is an overall better machine. But is it that much better than it's worth the extra $450-500?

 

I don't know much about the studio 15 but I'm pretty sure it comes with a weaker Graphics card. That and the 16 inch screen are the main differences. To me, the HDX16 is still worth it compared to the studio 15. I like the 16 inch widescreen and the 1gb graphics card the HDX16 has.

 

It does...it comes with a 256MB video card. I really don't play graphics-intensive games, but I've seen that NCAA Football 09 may be released for the PC this year, and I'm interested in that. ; )

I have a 15.4" Inspiron 1521 right now...I do wonder if the HDX 16 would fit in my Swiss Army bag, or if I'd have to get a new one.

Boy, seems like I'm leaning...

 

If there's one thing I dislike, it's the battery life. That can sort of be solved with the 12 cell, but I rather not have the lump sticking out the bottom. The graphics performance also could have been better, but I've still been able to play all my games on high settings (besides crysis) at decent res, but usually not 1080p. The 130M could help with that if it's gddr3, but I haven't heard anything. Too late for me anyway! Been over 5 months and my HDX is running strong, enjoy your purchase

 

I generally keep myself tethered, honestly...so it's not a big deal. I've configured a few of them and I'm liking it more and more. I am still considering the Dell, but my research on the DDR2 vs DDR3 comparisons told me that it's no big deal by staying at the DDR2 (esp. if I go with the T9500 and the 130M, which I would be).

How long is your battery life? I think I read that it's about 3:30 with the 12-cell. I primarily run text-sims (Out of the Park), music, WordPad, and surf the web. So I'm not being too intensive on the battery.

 

I guess the one other question I have is, how often do good deals come around on this machine? 25% off is a very good deal...I saw a 30% coupon pass through before.

I'm wondering if I should pull the trigger today because of the 25% off discount expiring tonight, or if I should hold off for a deeper discount.

Can someone supply any info to that end?

 

About 100 minutes on average, screen 50-70%, internet over wifi and listening to music on headphones.

As for deals, I got mine for $1250, so you could say I got a really good deal... that was with the base hard drive though, the 250gb 5400 rpm. Their hard drive prices aren't worth it if you know how to switch it yourself.

 

It's only $50 to upgrade to the 320 GB 7200 HD, which is pretty cheap.

Is that 100 minutes on the six-cell? I had read times along those lines on the 6, but the 12 was considerably longer.

 

Yes, on the 6 cell. I just configured an HDX and a XPS16...

Both with P8700, 4GB Ram, 64 bit vista, 1080p, 7200rpm 320gb, and blu ray drive. Upgrade the HDX to 130M and it's 1800 (hp) versus 1650 (dell), but with one of the 25-30% or 400-500 off coupons it's a much better deal than the dell. You can also save some money by upgrading the hdd yourself, and get a "free" external in the process.