HP dv1330 or Toshiba M50-yk4?

Hi,

would anybody be able to tell me which of these two models has a better overall quality? I've been debating between the HP dv1330 (or dv1000) and the Toshiba M50-yk4 (similar to M55) but I haven't been able to reach a decision. Both models have great specs and are close in price. I've been told by a few salesmen that the HP dv1330 now comes with a Bluetooth chip but others have told me that's not true. Also some salesmen have said that the video is not shared (132 mb), contrary to what the specs say. In checking the RAM specs on the comp with 512 mb, 504 is being used whereas shared graphics have 480 mb usually. This is what the system properties say on both models. Both specs are similar, aside from a few extras on each (i.e. toshiba has video-output, HP has remote control and "supposedly" Bluetooth), however, it is more the physical contruction that I'm worried about. The Toshiba looks sexy from first glance, but a closer look reveals seemingly cheaper plastic components. The corners are sharp and and i've noticed the paint wearing off alot on the demo models in several stores. Also, the way the two plastic parts forming the keyboard and the base are put together look as if you could pry them apart with your finger nail. I can't imagine dropping it onto its corner and watching it split in half! The top half also has alot of exposed edges that stick out slightly but don't look too bad. However, it is a single latch that has a very ackward feel to it when you close it. Opening it feels even more uncomfortable, and the screen bounces up and down alot from the force of the release, making it look flimsy. It does have a tight fit when you close it though and looks compact and reassuring. Hardly any clearance between top and bottom. Another drawback is that the copper/orange-colored top seems to be prone to scratches which are very visible on the orange color (every demo model ive seen had at least one big scratch that is visble). I question the quality of the assembly at Toshiba when I noticed that orange paint leaked onto other parts of the hinges in the back during the spraying. This wasn't the case for HP, who's sleek silver top showed no visible scratches nor any cheap-looking paint jobs. The orange/copper is still a nice and attractive color though. The keyboard and palm area seem a little too flexible and a few keystokes seem to flex it and make plastic crackle sounds, not to mention the chattering of keys typing. Even though I thought I was in love with it when I first saw it, the more I look at it now the more I feel like taking it for granted and I cant help but feel as though I'm looking at an expensive piece of plastic. The HP had the opposite effect on me. Somehow I didn't notice it at first glance, and the rough feel of the touchpad area really turned me off. But it has a mesmerizing effect, and the more you look at it the more intruguing and better-quality it seems. No sharp corners (cleverly desiged with overlapping fits and smooth curves), double-latch system closes and opens smoothly (smoother than toshiba although the HP DOES have some worrysome clearance space just under 1/8th of an in.), and seems to be more scratch-resistant in its silver color. The top also curves downwards and looks like the toshiba top with the exception that all corners are secretly curved in one way or another and have a "tucked-in" fit to avoid edges sticking out. The rough plastic also seems like it will never scratch nor wear-out paint and the general build seems harder, and more solid. Regardless, I still am having alot of trouble deciding. I want something that will last at least 3 years and will hopefully still look fairly new! Both notebooks are really nice and the dv1000 has gotten many good reviews. There doesn't seem to be any reviews for the M50-YK4 but reviewers of the similar M55 seemto point out the same construction weaknesses.Its cool to be able to service a Toshiba quickly, and kinda sucksto have to send an HP to the manufacturer too. Anybody have any suggestions or good points? Is HP more/equally/better reliable than Toshiba? Any one have personal experience with the HP dv1000 or Toshiba m50? Please help! Thanks.

 

I'm betting that most people will recommend the DV1330 because it has overall better quality. Both have integrated shared graphics which take up to 128 megs of ram but can take less if you want.