HP dv8000t vs. HP dv8000z

What factors should I consider when deciding between the HP dv8000t and the HP dv8000z series?

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/s...pavilion&series_name=dv8000_series&catLevel=2

 

I found a pretty good review here ...

http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/HP_Pav...D=16&messageID=1853803&cval=1853803&tag=uolst

 

well, the dv8000t has the Intel Core Duo processor and also a better graphics card than the dv8000z. The dv8000z has the AMD Turion processor and has a single core and also has a weaker graphics card, the Ati X200M. For gaming, go for the dv8000t. but for everything else, the dv8000z is a solid performer.

 

I've been busily reading reviews of both systems. I liked the dv8000z for it's 64-bit AMD processor, but more of the reviews have recommended the dv8000t for it's graphics card and Intel duo core. Thanks for all the input. Since multitasking is so important to me, I may end up going the Intel duo core route.

 

I actually have in possession both the dv8000t and dv8000z. The dv8000t is an Intel Core Duo T2500 2GB RAM 100GB 7200RPM HD. The dv8000z is a AMD ML-44 1.5GB RAM 60GB 7200RPM HD.

I have had the 'Z' for about three months. It has been a solid performer. The 64-bit option is nice, but right now it just doesn't have a real use for me. The extra memory space that 64-bit allows just doesn't apply to a notebook. I did have some trouble with the 'Z' not being able to turn on. I would have to remove the battery and unplug it from the AC adapter, then plug it back in for it to power on. There was no BIOS fix for the 'Z', but reading the 'T' BIOS update fix, there is a mention of this particular problem being fixed.

I have had the 'T' for about a week, and I just got it imaged the way I want this past weekend. The speed increase is small, but is is noticeable. T dual core does seem to help with the work that I do. It could be the extra memory that I have in it, but most likely the CPU itself. I did not go with the 'T' version for the graphics card, as I am not a gamer. But I will say that when I installed the latest Vista beta on the 'Z', the ATI X200 was able to have the full Aero experience. But it seems a little lagging. That could very well be due to the nature of the beta code. I have yet to install Vista on the 'T'. One huge annoyance that I had with the 'Z' was the headphone audio output. Whenever the CPU on the 'Z' was being taxed, there was a high pitched whine coming through. That is not present in the 'T'.

I am happy with both models, but if I were to have to choose one, I would go with the 'T'. If you need 64-bit computing and have applications that utilize it, it would be a no brainer for the 'Z', obviously.

 

If you can I would recommend waiting a bit as the Turion x2 dual core version of the dv8000z should be coming out soon I would think.

 

@ehanson555 ... thanks for that info; it's helpful

@lappyhappy ... ya, I would like to wait, but for how long ... I read a thread that mentioned that the memory used by the X2 won't be ready until August ... giving about 2 months to adapt, some say those systems may not be available for sale until October ... what are your thoughts?

 

The X2 is coming out in a couple of weeks - correct me if I'm wrong... HP usually takes another couple of weeks to update their lineup, so maybe by mid June we should have the dv8000z with the X2 in it.

 

Turion X2 notebooks use standard DDR2-667 SODIMMs. It'd be nice if DDR2-800 were available for notebooks but it's not required.

 

The X2's still fall short of the Duo T2600, go with the "T" for now as AMD won't have a fighting Laptop chip for atleast another 6 months. Intels Core architecture wipes the floor with anything AMD for now in Laptops. It was something I ran into when buying my Dv8000t I checked everywhere for results and benchmarks. I have a nice 7 page review I will be posting shortly... for the "T" version. I think I just about cover everything you need to know

 

Core architecture does very well on Intel's chosen benchmarks. So long as the application can make appropriate use of the massive 4MB L2 cache and 64-bit capability is not needed it's interesting, if expensive. I wouldn't write off the Turion X2 just yet.

 

There is a lot of debate for the z or t.
Unless your playing heavy games, the z is fine.
If your doing a lot of multi-tasking, both will do fine... it's more memory you need to add, not the cpu type.
I have the ml -32 and with the extra memory I have, 1.5GB, it does great.
I do lots of multi-tasking with both Corel PhotoPaint & Adobe PhotoShop and several other online pages open and have no problems running them at all.
Movies and TV... is fantastic!

More Memory is the secret folks!!!

My take on the cpu choice for the z or t is just an ego thing.

 

I was trying to choose between these for weeks (Turion ML-37 and Core Duo T2300) and was pretty sure I'd get the z because it was cheaper. If I read any more about dual core vs 64 bit my head would explode. Personally I don't do computer work where one would have a definite advantage over the other. I ended up getting the Core Duo a few days ago when it went on sale 200 bucks off... with the bigger amount of RAM it saved me the upgrade cost I would have spent on the z, plus it's got the nVidia graphics which just seemed like the right thing to do with that screen So far I love this computer but I'm sure I would have been quite happy with the other also.

 

it is a given that the Core Duo is better "and this is coming from a true AMD Fan" , you guys are focusing to much on 64 bit tech, buy the time it becomes a standard these laptops will be obsolete...

 

Maybe, maybe not. Vista Beta 2 is out.

 

Vista Beta Yeah! it will be 1 1/2 years before it is world wide, and atleast 2 years before it becomes a standard.