HP Laptop Buying Help

Hi guys,

i am planning to buy this HP laptop, G62-154CA,

HP 15.6" Intel Core i5-430M 2.53GHz Laptop (G62-154CA) - Silver - Future Shop

and i would like to ask for your opinion of it.

I'm a life science student looking for a notebook to use around campus and home.

I plan to use the laptop for normal usage like text and very minor video editing. (absolute no gaming)

For the graphics card, it is much better from those Mobile Intel chipsets that have less than 300mb of Shared memory. (something I have currently)

With the new Intel HD video card out, I don't know if it is suitable for me.
There is no dedicated memory which kinda sucks, but the shared memory improved to 1.6gb~ and it should be enough for no gaming, light video editing, and movie watching/music listening.

Other than that, I think the processor, laptop itself, the features, and HP is a wise choice for $ 650.

 

After using it at a costco (I believe) it seems like a well-built laptop. It is extremely sturdy and any processor even from 3-4 years ago should suit your needs fine$ if you're not gaming then why bother with anything except for an intel hd graphics card. It should handle everyday tasks just fine.

 

The G62 seems ok, looked at it a Staples. But for your needs I would look at the the DV5. It is a little smaller, has the option of a back lit keyboard, and a nicer trackpad to mention a few things.

US configuration w/ educational discount:

HP Pavilion dv5t customizable Notebook PC
•black cherry
•Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
•Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-370M Dual Core processor (2.40GHz, 3MB L3 Cache)
•FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
•FREE Upgrade to 500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
•Intel(R) HD Graphics
•14.5" diagonal High-Definition HP BrightView LED Display (1366 x 768)
•SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
•HP TrueVision Webcam + Digital Microphone
•Wireless 802.11b/g/n Card
•Full-size backlit keyboard
•6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (standard)
•Microsoft(R) Office Starter 2010
•HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

$719.99

On a side note, I would not buy from Future Shop. Maybe it's a typo, but the Ad lists the G62 as having an Intel Core i5-430M 2.53GHz. HP lists the Intel Core i5-430M Dual Core processor as 2.26GHz with Turbo Boost up to 2.53GHz. I think that is more than a little misleading for the average buyer looking in this price range. Also, their ratings are not very good ( Store Ratings & Reviews - ResellerRatings.com - Find Trusted Stores).