HP nc8430 vs customized nx8420

I am in the market for a new HP laptop. I've narrowed down my choice to a 15.4" business laptop with C2D T7200+, WSXGA screen and at least 1GB of RAM.

Now, I'm presented with 2 options of what I believe are near-identical models, the nc8430 (which is by far the most popular here mainly because it's the most common in the US?) and the nx8420 (which isn't available in the US). I'm based in AU, so we have both at rather ridiculous prices.

The specs are as follow:

HP nx8420 Reseller CTO = $3200
Intel Core 2 Duo T7400 - 2.16Ghz
ATX X1600
120GB SATA @ 5400RPM
Dual Layer Super Multidrive (light-scirbe)
2048MB DDR2 667Mhz FSB
15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050)
Fingerprint Reader
1 Yr Warranty + 3 Yr Extended (local)

HP nc8430 HP Direct Pre-Configured = $3500 (after discounts)
Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 - 2.0Ghz
ATX X1600
100GB SATA @ 7200RPM
Dual Layer Super Multidrive (no LightScribe)
1024MB DDR2 667Mhz FSB
15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050)
Fingerprint Reader
3 point touchpad + trackpoint
3 Yr On-Site International Warranty

The difference is about $300 and what I'm getting from the nc8430 is that blue trackpoint, 3 button trackpad and a more extensive warranty. However, I'm losing the faster processor (slightly), extra RAM upgrade and lightscribe burner. I don't mind the 100GB 7200rpm drive because I need the performance.

I have never used a trackpoint before, so have no idea if I will appreciate it.

Which do you think is the better deal? Both are incredibly expensive, so this is quite an investment to put in.

 

Odds are that you will never notice the difference between the two processors. If I were in your case, I would probably get the nx8420--It's got more memory, a bigger hard drive (if you don't need the extra speed) and is a bit cheaper. Light-scribe is largely a gimmick, IMO. I had never used a trackpoint until I got my thinkpad, and now I use nothing else-- but if you don't have one, you won't miss it. If you will be moving around a lot or travelling maybe the nc8430 is a better choice with the international warranty.

Both are great laptops.

 

As said above, both are great laptops. I too would pick the nx8420 though. I have an nc8430 that I love, but for saving 300 dollars you sure do get a lot. I don't really use the TrackPoint; I'm way too used to the TrackPad. I honestly wish the TrackPad only had 2 buttons - I use the dedicated side area for scrolling. I too have a lightScribe drive - I do use it, and I like it, but it's hardly a deal-breaker.

In the end I see it as boiling down to saving 300 dollars for an extra gig of ram while sacrificing some warranty. The two hard drives are a matter of preference - the 7200 is nice (I myself have a 100 gig 7200 RPM drive), but for those not needing the boost in performance, the extra 20 gigs is pretty nice as well. Those are the only truly pertinent differences between the two computers for me.

 

Since the nx8420 is cheaper, should I expect poorer construction/build quality since they might be produced on different lines. I have used an nc8430 before and it has superior build.
I travel only once a year, staying overseas for about a month or so. The international warranty might not be that handy in this case I suppose.

 

chrixx,

Since you're talking about a sizeable amount of money..

Unless you "need" a machine for a project that is going to be making you money... you should wait for the next generation machines.

There's some links in this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=91168

 

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PS, the above is about consumer grade machines more so than business machines, but the business class machine will be getting the Santa Rosa platform as well..

.

 

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Here's a deal you may be interested in. NC8430

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=86789&highlight=WeAreNotAlone

http://www.amuras.com/prodDetail.asp?PartNumber=J96048

Here's the spec's in case anyone's wondering:

Vendor Name HEWLETT PACKARD - NOTEBOOKS
Part Number J96048
Vendor Part Number RE798US#ABA
Description NC8430: DUO 2.0GHZ 1GB
AUX Description DVD/CDRW 80GB BT WL 15.4WSXGA
Media SYST
CPU NOTEBK
Unit Price, $.$ $1,299.00 (US dollars)
Weight, lb. 6
UPC
More Details:
AVAILABILITY: IN STOCK - 24ps

HP'S IMAGES

COMPUTERS ARE BRAND NEW, IN A FACTORY (HP) SEALED BOXES, WITH 3 YEARS HP' WARRANTY.

Designed for professionals who take their tools as seriously as their work, the powerful HP Compaq nc8430 Notebook PC combines cutting-edge mobile computing technologies, high-end graphics, and high-resolution displays into a thin and light package.

Dimensions (WxDxH):
14.1 in x 10.2 in x 1.1 in

Weight 6 lbs

Platform Technology:
Intel Centrino Duo

Built-in Devices:
Stereo speakers, wireless LAN antenna, Bluetooth antenna

Embedded Security:
Trusted Platform Module (TPM 1.2) Security Chip , SmartCard reader

Processor:
Intel Core Duo T2500 / 2 GHz ( Dual-Core )
Cache Memory 2 MB - L2 cache

RAM:
1 GB (1 1 gig dimm installed) / 4 GB (max) - DDR II SDRAM - 667 MHz

Card Reader Yes

Hard Drive:
80 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 7200 rpm

Optical Storage:
CD-RW / DVD-ROM combo - integrated

Display:
15.4" TFT active matrix 1680 x 1050 ( WSXGA+ )

Graphics Controller:
ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 - 256 MB

Audio Output: Sound card

Telecom Fax / modem - MDC - 56 Kbps

Networking:
Network adapter - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
Wireless NIC Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG

Input Device:
Keyboard, touchpad, pointing stick

Power AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )

Battery Lithium ion
Run Time (Up To) 4 hour(s)

Operating System:
Microsoft Windows XP Professional

Manufacturer Warranty: 3 years

Condition: New & Sealed

* * * * * *

FYI: The story of the above being a big company had ordered a bunch, cancelled the order... the machines did NOT have a "fingerprint" reader... (All other "normal" versions of that model having a fingerprint reader)..

So the machines were marked down.

PS: Ram can be bought 3rd party and a five year can install it, so don't let the 1gig scare you off...


.

 

Thanks for the information. Now, I can't buy from Amuras or any of these online sites.
I am aware of this Santa Rosa thing, but is it going to be so revolutionary that it is worth the wait? I can afford to wait, but only till March next year. If the Santa Rosa and the replacement for the nx/nc8400 range will be out by then, maybe I'll wait. However, this also means I'll be paying another considerable premium.

 

1: I would think the Santa Rosa Machines to not be much more.... is it worth the wait?.. I think so.... but that depends on your usage of the machine and what is important to you.... Longer battery life+ instant boot up time sounds good to me, plus a faster bus and a host of other improvements.

So you can't place an order online? So in AU you couldn't order a system somehow and come out ahead? Got a friend in the states, have it shipped there on one of your trips, pick it up and take it back home with you?

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I could order online, what I meant was I couldn't order from non-AU shops because I wouldn't want to have one imported into the country like that. Having to exchange DOA unit will be extremely difficult, not to mention the taxes I'd have to pay.
I do have someone in the US, but I won't be visiting them anytime soon.

I think Santa Rosa might not cost much more than the Meroms cost now because I think pricing laptops above $3.5k will kill HP.

 

I agree get the nx8420

 

I understand the issues, import tax, service.... Here's an idea... have someone buy the unit for you in the US, have them run it for a week or two to be sure it's not DOA.... then have them mail it to you as a gift... Along those lines, say for example you were on a trip, and say you left your laptop behind at your friends house.... Could that friend ship you back your lappy without the dreaded import tax?

Another idea I heard of the other day by a poster in AU on a Dell he had bought was to disassemble the laptop into pieces and label it parts.


$1,299, vs $3,500... almost three times as much... While it is not a model to model match, it makes you wonder how much that import tax is...

.

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The $3500 is Australian dollars, which amounts to $2800 American. Configuring the same laptop with similar specs will bring it up to $2200 from HP direct. That's a saving of aproximately $600. Maybe worth the difference, but I really cannot risk the hassle of doing all this.
The $1299 deal is good, but if I get to choose, I won't purchase from Amuras.
I've found someone willing to sell me one at $2800, which will put both the nc8430 and nx8420 at the same price. However, getting the nx8420 will mean getting from an actual brick-and-mortar establishment with guarantees that the item is proper.

 

Chrixx,

I understand ALL your concerns, was just throwing some ideas out there.. Importing a unit, unless there is a BIG price differance is not the smartest thing to do...

That being said I would assume someone with a "Business Class" model would be able to get service more easily than on a "consumer" grade item... the mindset being that business travelers may not be in their home country, or may purchase a unit from another region, more so than "consumer" grade units.... Those Business class people needing a unit repaired NOW, for business.... More so than a unit bought by Johnny so he can play games..

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Best of luck to you, and be sure to "burn-in" (stress test) the unit during whatever return window you may have.

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Ok, I need to order this in the next few days. Can someone confirm if the quality of the nx and nc range are identical? This includes the materials used, fit and finish, etc.

 

Ok, I ordered the nx8420 BTO with 3 year pickup and return warranty after much contemplation. The only thing I'm missing will be the trackpoint and the "nc" tag. Have no idea if those are worth anything.
Will post up my thoughts on it when I receive it.

 

That Amuras deal, OMG! That's half the price of what it costs in Sweden!!!

Remember that the Nc8430 keyboard fits the Nx8420, according to HP, so you can change it later if you want to. But the Nc touchpad also have two sets of buttons, so you either have to:
1 - Have big hands that reach the lower buttons on the Nx comfortably.
2 - Use the other hand for the buttons.
3 - Get a Nc touchpad.

 

I figured the same thing too, which makes me wonder what else I could possibly lose for not getting the nc version or what the justifications are for getting the nc over the nx. Mine's simply the price.

 

I realised that the nc range comes with a serial port, while the nx doesn't! Ok, it was never highlighted as a "feature", but I do not have any use for serial ports anyway.

 

I received my nx8420 today. Everything's perfect EXCEPT there's 2 little stuck pixels! I don't know if they're dead or stuck, but they are 2 white dots that appear only with a black background. It's not dust because they don't appear when the screen is turned off.