HP Dv7t or Dv7Z?

7Z: AMD Turion(TM) X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor RM-70 (2.0GHz)
ATI Radeon(TM) HD 3200 Graphics

7T: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P7350 (2.0GHz256MB
NVIDIA GeForce 9200M GS

Please help this newbie make a wise choice. The DV7T costs $162 more than the DV7Z . Is it worth the cost with Graphics card and Intel processor?

Or would I just be better off with this one:
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8400 (2.26 GHz)
It's only $200 difference than the DV7Z.

Thanks for your help.

 

Save your money and get the 7z. Be sure to get 64-bit Vista and plan on swapping in 4GB DDR2-800 RAM if the notebook doesn't come with it, that'll do far more for performance than anything else. I'm assuming that you're doing the usual web browsing, word processing, etc, nothing terribly stressful. If you're buying direct from HP be sure to configure 802.11n and Bluetooth, those can't be upgraded later.

 

dv7z doesnt support n i think

 

Does too.

It's just another card. It doesn't care about AMD vs. Intel.

 

Thanks for the advice. Mostly using it for web browsing, photos, etc. My 11 year old daughter plays some games on there. We are not hard core game players. Since we already have a wireless n router, we will get the bluetooth + n wireless option. Is the Intel chip suppose to be faster? What is the main difference? Can someone please tell me?

Configuration Summary for $1079.00 on the HP website. Is this a good deal? Comes with 2 yr warranty + additional yr if you use their American Express Card for being a Executive member.

Selected Features:

* AMD Turion(TM) X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor RM-70 (2.0GHz)
* 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
* ATI Radeon(TM) HD 3200 Graphics
* Wireless LAN 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth
* 17.0" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
* Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
* Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
* 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* HP Color Matching Keyboard
* No High speed 56K modem port
* LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
* HP Imprint Finish (Mesh) + Microphone + Webcam
* Cyberlink DVD Suite Premium
* No TV Tuner w/remote control

Included Features:

* HP Pavilion dv7z Entertainment Notebook PC
* HP PhotoSmart Essentials
* QuickPlay 3.x
* Integrated 10/100BASE-T Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector)
* 1 Expansion Port 3 connector
* 1 ExpressCard/54 Slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)
* HP Pavilion Webcam
* 4 USB (4th shared with eSATA port)
* IEEE 1394
* Consumer IR (Remote Receiver)
* HP Mobile Remote Control
* HDMI 1.3 connector
* 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader
* Built-in Altec Lansing stereo speakers
* Touch Pad with On/Off button and dedicated vertical Scroll Up/Dow

 

The specification should have no problems with your intended usage of the laptop. However, I presume you are going to use this laptop mostly on the desk near a power outlet since the std 6 cell is going to last ~2hrs max.

The Intel is going to be faster when you look at benchmarks and is going to be faster and better option if you are into encoding audio or do more intensive tasks. for regular usage(like browsing, light gaming, general use etc) it wont make much difference. As long as you have enough RAM and a 5400rpm HDD any modern system should work fine. The intel c2d's are also more efficient so you will get extra bit of battery life.

I'm personally pleased with the performance of the AMD Turion, more than enough for my tasks.

 

And what about the temperatures of the palm rests, keyboard and touchpad? Are they higher on dv7z or on dv7t?

 

I just received my dv4z with the ZM-82 and I am very happy with it - for the price. The battery life is not so good, but I have not noticed any heat problems in the short time I have had it. You may want to consider getting a cooling pad to sit it on if it (or any laptop for that matter) will be used for hours at a time.

 

Villager, make sure you check this out:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9032986&type=product&id=1218010538308