Need Advice on nc6400 versus nx7400

I looking to buy a notebook, primarily for business use. I got much help from this site (replys to posts & reading other threads) and looked at dozens of models in local stores. Of all I saw (regardless of size or price), I was most attracted to the nx7400 (a local Best Buy got a few in last week). Good luck finding an nc6400 or T.Pad!

Hp.canada shows 7 versions of the nx7400 ($750 to $1400) and 17 versions of the nc6400 ($1350 to $2200). I note the overlap in price range for the two. The 7400 is 5.6 lbs with 15.4 screen (one version with 14.1); while the 6400 is 4.4 lbs with 14.1 screen. Are there other significant differences between the two, i.e. build quality, look, keyboard, options, capability, etc.

 

The 7400 the lacks a pointstick and card reader. It uses the lower T55/5600 Core 2 Duos whereas you can get the faster ones on the 6400. The 7400 is also obviously bigger.

 

Apart from what ZaZ wrote, it’s also worth mentioning that nc6400 is a higher-end model compared to nx7400, meaning:
+ longer warranty (3 years)
+ sturdier construction (magnesium display enclosure and magnesium reinforced base)
+ choice of integrated vs. dedicated graphics (ATI X1300)
+ multibay ii slot (weight saver, optical drive, 2nd hard drive)
+ optional broadband wireless module

Another difference to remember is that nc6400 lacks Firewire interface, if you happen to need it.

 

The NC6400 is NOT 4.4 lbs. At least not in mobile-operational stage. It's 4.4 lbs without the battery, with the standard battery inserted it's roughly 5.2 lbs Was quite dissapointed to find that out when I received mine (+0.8 lbs aint exactly making it heavy but it kinda blows away the weight-to-batteryruntime bonus it had over the Lenovo pieces I was also concidering back then).

It also does not realy run those 6 hours off it's standard battery. With all unused devices (like fingerprint reader, pointstick, IR, smartcard, modem aso.) deactivated, dvd drive removed, wifi and BT off, the screen at lowest lighting level and the cpu locked at minimum speed and min. voltage, I can squeeze out some 5h 15min while surfing and writing in Word (that's with the Intel GMA950 integrated graphics, the discrete gfx versions will run much shorter on battery).

Other than that, the NC6400 stands up strong to all of HP's promises. So I'm quite happy with it, just thought those 2 things should be known to potential buyers.

 

Great replies! Clearly, the nc6400's features win over the nx7400 - lighter weight, sturdier build, pointer, card reader, better warranty, etc. A few other questions:
1) re Pop5k - should one assume then the nx7400 is 6.4 lbs with battery in?
2) re ZaZ - OK, higher processor type generally equates with more speed and more cost. Help me appreciate the following re nc6400 specs. Core Duo T2400+, 1 MB Ram, 2 MB cache versus Core 2 Duo 7200, 1 MB Ram, 4 MB cache. Both listed by HP as running at 2 GHz and the former costs a bit more than the latter!
3) re Dawn's reply - What is the 'basic' difference between the following: DVD+/-RW versus DVD/CD-RW combo versus Multibay II DVD/CD-RW combo?
4) Extending this thread's theme, how does the the nc6400 'stack up' against a similarly configured Think Pad?

 

It’s quite simple - nx7400 features a fixed optical drive (either DVD+/-RW or DVD/CD-RW combo), whereas nc6400 provides a Multibay II slot, which is hot-swappable (allowing you to swap devices while the notebook is turned on) and fits different modules. If you purchase nc6400, you’ll get an optical drive module (either DVD+/-RW or DVD/CD-RW combo) and a weight saver (a piece of plastic you can insert into the slot instead of the optical drive to reduce weight when on the road). As an optional accessory, you can buy a Multibay II hard drive to extend the capacity of your primary drive. Unfortunately, there’s no extended battery available for Multibay II.

The difference between DVD+/-RW and DVD/CD-RW combo is clear, I suppose. With the former it’s possible to record and read DVD/CD media, with the latter DVDs can only be read, recording is limited to CDs.

 

1) Guess so, but I don't know as I've never owned another HP. But seems they list the "naked" weight on their website(s).

2) Intel CD vs. C2D:
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/mobile/display/core2duo_12.html
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Core-Duo-vs-Core-2-Duo.2404.0.html

3) What dawn said. But it's not like the drive was anyhow heavy, in fact, I think it's about twice as heavy as the travel bezel. The only reasons I took mine out: No wear on the drive, no danger of damage, wee bit less weight, possibly wee bit better battery life (no drive spins on boot aso.).

4) The T60 widescreen is (afaik) far more expensive. The Z61t's are either more expensive or same price but heavier and most versions run only as long on battery as the NC6400 if equipped with the (larger, heavier) 9 cell, on the other hand they're a little bit smaller (all info based on what I could gather on data from the net, so take it with a grain of salt ).
I was looking at some z61t's though those that I concidered were equaly spec'ed and a bit more expensive. Finally, reading everywhere about Lenovo's widescreen laptop delivery problems (don't know, might be fixed by now) I decided for the HP (which got delivered to my door in less than 24h - *shock*).
I'd certainly take a hard look at the Z61t's. If you're willing to spend (from somewhat to a whole lot) more than what the NC6400 costs, I think you could get an even nicer laptop (and seriously, the NC6400 is already one hell of a nice biz laptop ).

 

The HP nc6400 and ThinkPad z61t should be close in terms of size and weight. I haven't measured them recently, though.

However, the ThinkPad Z61t has stronger hinges (made of steel), also it's offered with titanium lid (beside that is "strong" some people like how it looks)... Alright, no more metals.

Other than that, the z61t is more multimedia-oriented machine meaning: built-in web cam, FireWire, better speakers which are located on the sides of the keyboard while they are both on the right side of the HP...

Also, the ThinkPad has a better keyboard, which accidentally is the best keyboard ever made.

As for the screens, there are different complains about the higher resolutions, so the WXGA screens seem to be a better choice so far.

Anyway, these are some details, I would say that both are excellent notebooks and I don't think that you can go wrong with either of them.

 

The nc6400 also has metal hinges, but they're enclosed by plastic. The speakers on the HP are located on the front, on each side of the card reader. There's no webcam or firewire as pointed out by Dreamer.
Keyboards are about the same. HP's keyboard feels quieter to me.
I haven't seen the Z61t's screen, but the HP screen is dim, has narrow vertical viewing angles and isn't the best you can get in this size.

 

They are not made of steel...so, the ThinkPad has stronger hinges...

They are only on the right side and the z61t has better speakers, imho.

HP nc6400 speakers:

Imho, the z61t keyboard is better... not that HP's is bad but just not as good.

 

The weight listed in HP’s materials for nc6400 is usually the "travel weight", that is with the optical drive removed. One thing I like about IBM/Lenovo’s are the flexible power options (6-cell, 9-cell and Ultrabay batteries) and Thinkvantage suite. Otherwise, I think that HP nc6400 and Lenovo T60 or Z61t are pretty comparable - all are top of the line business notebooks. If I were to choose, I’d rather opt for a notebook with an all metal (magnesium) lid enclosure (as is the case with nc6400 and T60). The titanium plate attached to the Z61t only adds weight. As already noted by Dreamer, there have been numerous reports of the poor quality of the WXGA+ displays on nc6400. If you were to go with HP, I’d recommend to stick with the standard, lower-res. WXGA screen.

They are made of metal alloy and steel (cf. this hp document). So I think your statement about the Z61t having stronger hinges is not well-grounded.

 

http://www.hp.com/sbso/solutions/pc_expertise/professional_innovations/bg.html says "Metal alloy hinges with hardened steel pin axels" if you're interested. I'm pretty sure it's as sturdy because mine is.

My apologies on the speakers because I obviously didn't shine a torch through to check Haven't heard how a Z61t sounds like, but nc6400 sounds ok for a laptop, quite tinny.

Ok, I won't argue on the keyboard. It's really a personal taste.

Depending on your graphics needs, the nc6400 is the only notebook here (between nx7400 and z61t) that can be configured with an X1300 card (either 64 or 128MB). If that's not important, then the Z61t might be a good option if the price difference is small (because you get more multimedia features).

 

The hinges of the z61t are all steel.. so my statement is well-grounded. I'm not sure whether I should argue about hinges though.

 

There's really no point in arguing about something as insignificant as hinges on a notebook, I agree. All I wanted to say is that I respect facts rather than the common, often reiterated, praises. I had the opportunity to work with nc6400 as well as T60 and they both felt comparably solid and sturdy.

 

Alright, then I have to say that I've personally used both of them...

 

Most helpful! Leads me to nix the nx7400 in favor of the nc6400 and bring the Z61 into the mix. So, I'll try 'elimination by reduction'. Levono.canada lists the Z61 with 27 configurations over 3 lines (e-4 ,t-12,m-11).
1) Bluetooth - n/a in the e-line which is also limited to core solo and M processors. Leaves 2 t and 4 m.
2) Screen size - t is 14" and m is 15.4". Either OK.
3) Screen resolution - prefer WXGA 1280x800 (for Word docs). This eliminates 2 m's (WUXGA and WSXGA+).
4) Of the 4 left, 3 have T7200 at $2200 CAN while the one is an m with T5600 at $2500 - not sure why price difference, but I note it has 100 GB HDD, while the others have 80.
5) Of the 3 at same cost, I think I'd go for the 15.4". Anyone know the weight difference?
6) So, the Z61 at $2200 versus nc6400 about $1700...do you think the extra cost has merit?
7) Neither the nc6400 not the Z61 in stores so no 'look, touch' for me.
8) Any advice and/or precautions with respect to ordering both - keep the winner and, God forbid, send the loser back home?

 

The ThinkPad z61m is meant to be desktop replacement. It's heavy (~3kg) and thick... it's just bulky. So, if you want portability you should forget it. You cannot compare it to HP nx7400, which is thin and light for its size. Lenovo offers another notebook - T60 widescreen which is one of the lightest notebooks on the market. However, a 14.1" would be much more portable, of course.

If the difference in price between the HP nc6400 and the z61t is significant, I don't think that it's worth it.

Can you post links?

 

Ordering both? Only if you're willing to pay a potential restocking fee (dunno bout the shops you're at so check before you try that).

Some of the z61t's are very similar to the NC6400 and those that are should only cost a little bit more than the HP. Can't imagine what justifies 500$ difference tbh. For that price increase, I'd expect something seriously superior.

Btw. the screen rez is fine. Got that 14" WXGA and it's way crisp and clear enough for work, movies, games.

I've just checked the Lenovo website and configured a T60 15" Widescreen to meet the configuration of the NC6400 and all in all the price would be shy under 1500$. Seems like a pretty good deal to me (it's those moment I wish I could just hop over the pond to do some quick shopping ... we're SO getting ripped off in Europe). The main differences to the NC6400 would be: 15" instead of 14" and somewhat around 0.3kg heavier.

 

Neither HP nor Lenovo offer customization in Canada, and Rowe is from Canada.

Other then that, the widescreen of the T60 might not be great since Lenovo uses the same screen as Dell in the Latitude D820 (which is "famous" here) and people started complaing about that in the Lenovo section and even sending back their T60ws. So, I would not recommned this notebook for now.

 

Well, too many details I didn't know.

 

Thanks to all for sharing your knowledge! I'm researching Lenovo via US web site, as Canadian site lacks the 'customize' tool - Picking among 17 configs for Z61 was bad enough. Well the T60 has 140!!

Can you inform how to 'post a link' and how to include Quotes from others in a reply.

 

Just copy it from the address bar of your browser and paste it into the post.

Either use "quite" / "multi-quite" buttons (down right side of each post) or just copy & paste the text you want and put it between these tages: (QUOTE)...quoted text....(/QUOTE)... use "[ ]" istead of "( )" in the example..

lol such an explanation..

 

Again, thanks to everyone for your input. It really helped me limit my HP options to the nc6400! On the other hand, it convinced me to take a closer look at the Thinkpads before making a final decision.

I research the Lenovo US website - it offers a user friendly 'customize' option (Shame on the .ca bunch!). I'll also place a post in the Lenovo subforum on this site.

Final question here. I noted that the T60 has a 15" screen option. Anyone know the pros/cons versus the 14.1" screen?

 

The 15" (SXGA+) of the ThinkPad T60 is called "FlexView" and it's incredible (probably the best screen but it costs about 250$), so if you're talking about this screen, then yes I would choose this notebook over the others.

However, Lenovo also offers the T60 with just a XGA resolution, which is too low for a 15" standart screen (IMHO), so I would skip it.