Should I get the dv4t or the dv5t?

I am thinking of getting a dv5t with the following specifications:

Processor Pentium(R) Dual-Core Mobile Processor T3200 (2.0 GHz)
Display 15.4" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
Memory 50% OFF 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Graphics card Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
Hard drive 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
Personalization FREE Upgrade to Webcam + Fingerprint Reader from Webcam Only
Networking Wireless-G Card with Bluetooth
Primary battery High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

Cost : $678 before tax and shipping


BUT I see that I can get a better configured dv4t for cheaper or the same price:

Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T5800 (2.0GHz)
Display 14.1" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
Memory FREE Upgrade to 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Graphics card Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
Hard drive FREE Upgrade to 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
Personalization Webcam Only
Networking Wireless-G Card with Bluetooth
Integrated WWAN No Integrated WWAN
Primary battery 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

Cost: $674.99 before tax and shipping

My budget is no more than $700. I don't need a dedicated card as its for school.
The screen size doesn't matter,
What I want to know is which has a better battery life?
Which has better speakers and more features...or are they more or less the same?
Which one should I choose?

Also is there a difference in keyboard size?

 

Dv4t seems like the better choice. It has a much better processor. And the battery life would be a bit longer..even though it'll only be around 10-30 mins.

 

If you carry it around with you a lot, the dv4t is smaller, and the dv5t is, in my opinion, too big to really carry around. Battery life will be slightly better (10-30 min) and the processor is better. I can't see why you wouldn't choose the dv4t!

 

How is the track pad on the dv4t? If I'm seeing right it looks a whole lot smaller than the one on the hp dv5t.

 

Hmm, they have the same screen resolution but you lose an inch of your screen. That's a tough one. What is your primary purpose for this laptop? Are you traveling with it allot? Are you working allot with Powerpoint? Excel? Any business apps? Or is it mostly for word processing and internet?

If it's more basic stuff, i would go with the DV4, but if you are doing more intense work, I'd personally go for the DV5. I originally purchased a DV6500 with the same resolution, but I work allot with spread sheets and ended up having to buy another laptop less than a year later because i wanted something with a higher resolution and therefore could squeeze more on the screen. (that and a number keypad).

 

I'd say go for portability, so dv4t. It has a better processor too.

 

Um..Mostly I'll be doing school work, messenger, browsing the net, Visual C# and Dreamweaver (programming). But occasionally I'll be playing some Counter Strike Source and probably push it to COD4 (on low) . Also I'll be using a projector with it, to give presentations. I don't think I'll be carrying it around so much.

So...Should I go with the dv5t or dv4t?

 

There isn't much difference between the 2 (at your configuration) so it wouldn't matter.

 

Are there any physical differences other than the obvious (screen size, laptop size and weight)?

 

Nope. My friend has a dv2700, and I have the dv6700. The only differences are the ones you've mentioned. Should be similiar between the dv4 and dv5

 

Smaller chassis... I don't think the keyboard is smaller, but it wouldn't make much difference if it did, i'm guessing. Now, talk about keyboards on netbooks, maybe that would be a difference.

 

With comparable processors and the same integrated graphics, memory and same type display, I'd think the power consumption would be very similar. In the specs you listed, the dv5t has the "High Capacity" 6-cell while the dv4t has the standard 6-cell. So equipped, the dv5t last a bit longer than the dv4t. If your budget allowed, choosing the LED display option for the dv4t would help with battery life, but it also costs $100 extra.

In response to your questions- the speakers used in both models are identical as is sound quality. The only significant differences between the dv4t and dv5t pertain to available options (LED display on the dv4t but not dv5t; nVIDIA 9600M GT available on dv5t but not dv4t, for example). Similarly configured, they will perform much alike.

The dv4t would be my pick because of it's slightly smaller size and lower weight. Since the dv4t's 14.1" and the dv5t's 15.4" are both WXGA (1280x800 resolution), you will have the same amount of viewable space on either one! The text and icons will just be slightly smaller on the dv4t.

Have you considered buying a retail model as opposed to ordering a configurable model? Circuit City has two great deals this week that you might be interested in-

HP dv4-1120us
Intel T5800 (2.0GHz/800MHz FSB/2mb L2 cache)
4GB RAM
250GB Hard Drive
Intel 5100AGN Wireless
DVD Supermulti with LightScribe
Intel 4500MHD graphics
Webcam
6-cell Battery
$849.99-($120 discount)-($50 rebate)= $679.99
Configured at HP this model would be $824.99

HP dv5-1000us
Intel P7350 (2.0GHz/1067MHz FSB/3mb L2 cache)
4GB RAM
250GB Hard Drive
Intel 5100AGN wireless + Bluetooth
DVD Supermulti with Lightscribe
Intel 4500MHD graphics
Webcam
6-cell Battery
$1099.99-($350.03 discount)-($50 rebate)= $699.96
Configured at HP this model would be $1024.99!

 

wow, those circuit city deals would be the best bet to me anyway. 4 gig of ram and bigger hard drive right out of the box. for what you want to do, i think i'd go with the dv4, if you really need more desktop space, at least for home use anyway, you could always hook up an external monitor for more real estate.

 

I would prefer the dv4t over the dv5t in most instances, especially if the dv4t's LED upgrade was in my budget. But of the Circuit City deals and the two configurations posted by the OP, the dv5t-1000us is too good to pass up!

The P7350 processor should be more energy efficient than the T3200 or T5800, at least in theory. The P7350 (in conjunction with the Intel 4500MHD graphics and Intel 5100AGN wireless adapater) also makes the dv5t-1000us the only "Centrino 2" model of this bunch.

Both configurations listed in the OP also have Bluetooth, so I'm assuming that is a desired feature. The dv5t-1000us includes Bluetooth, too...not to mention 4GB of RAM!

 

One more question... How is the heat on both of the laptops...does the dv4t produce more heat?

 

To the best of my knowledge, most of the folks with heat issues have one of the nVIDIA discrete graphics cards. In particular, the nVIDIA 9600M GT (a very powerful graphics card) generates a LOT of heat!

Models with the Intel 4500MHD integrated graphics don't seem to have the same issues with heat. Even on most of the models with nVIDIA graphics, elevating the back edge of the laptop (to increase airflow underneath and around the system) seems to keep heat under control.

 

I've got the same situation.

The dv4:
Product Name dv4-1120us
Product Number FR921UA#ABA
Microprocessor 2.00 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5800
Microprocessor Cache 3 MB L2 Cache
Memory 4096 MB
Memory Max 8192MB
Video Graphics Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
Video Memory 1759MB
Hard Drive 250 GB (5400 rpm)
Multimedia Drive LightScribe Super Multi 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support
Display 14.1" diagonal WXGA High-Definition BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
Fax/Modem High speed 56K modem
Network Card Integrated 10/100 Ethernet LAN
Wireless Connectivity 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN
Sound Altec Lansing speakers
Keyboard 101-key compatible
Pointing Device Touch Pad with dedicated vertical and horizontal Scroll Up/Down pad
PC Card Slots

* One ExpressCard/54 slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)

External Ports

* 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader for Secure Digital cards, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards
* 3 Universal Serial Bus USB 2.0
* 3rd port shared with eSATA
* 1 VGA (15-pin)
* 1 HDMI
* 1 RJ-11 (modem)
* eSATA + USB 2.0
* 1 RJ -45 (LAN)
* 2 headphone-out
* 1 microphone-in
* 1 notebook expansion port 3
* 1 Consumer IR

Dimensions 13.15 in (L) x 9.45 in (W) x 1.34 in (min H) / 1.57 in (max H)
Weight 5.18lbs
Security

* Kensington MicroSaver lock slot
* Power-on password
* Accepts 3rd party security lock devices

Power

* 65 W AC Adapter
* 6-cell Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)

What's In The Box HP Pavilion WebCam with Integrated Microphone

HP Mobile Remote Control

vs the dv5
Product Name dv5-1125nr
Product Number FR977UA#ABA
Microprocessor 2.10 GHz AMD Turion X2 RM-72 Dual-Core Mobile Processor
Microprocessor Cache 1 MB L2 Cache
Memory 4096 MB
Memory Max 8192MB
Video Graphics ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics RS780M
Video Memory Up to 1918 MB
Hard Drive 250 GB (5400 rpm)
Multimedia Drive LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support
Display 15.4” diagonal WXGA High-Definition Brightview Infinity Display (1280 x 800)
Fax/Modem High speed 56K modem
Network Card Integrated 10/100 Ethernet LAN
Wireless Connectivity 802.11b/g WLAN
Sound Altec Lansing speakers
Keyboard 101-key compatible
Pointing Device Touch Pad with dedicated vertical and horizontal Scroll Up/Down pad
PC Card Slots

* One ExpressCard/54 slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)

External Ports

* 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader for Secure Digital cards, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards
* 4 Universal Serial Bus USB 2.0
* 4th port shared with eSATA
* 1 VGA (15-pin)
* 1 HDMI
* 1 RJ-11 (modem)
* eSATA + USB 2.0
* 1 RJ -45 (LAN)
* 2 headphone-out
* 1 microphone-in
* 1 notebook expansion port 3
* 1 Consumer IR

Dimensions 14.05" (W) x 10.2" (D) x 1.37" (min H)/1.65" (max H)
Weight 5.84lbs
Security

* Kensington MicroSaver lock slot
* Power-on password
* Accepts 3rd party security lock devices

Power

* 65 W AC Adapter
* 6-cell Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)

What's In The Box HP Pavilion WebCam with Integrated Microphone

HP Mobile Remote Control


i'm thinking the dv4 because its lighter, better wireless, and better cache. but, what about the grahpics card?

i'm using this like the OP. School, school, very light gaming, school, programming (java), school, surfing web, virtual machines, school. and school

 

btw guys I got the dv4t since it had $349 savings. The specs are:

Color Onyx
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T5800 (2.0GHz)
Display 14.1" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
Memory FREE Upgrade to 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Graphics card Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
Hard drive FREE Upgrade to 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
Personalization Webcam Only
Keyboard HP Color Matching Keyboard
Networking Wireless-G Card with Bluetooth
Primary DVD/CD drive SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer
Primary battery 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

For $674...$724 inclusive of TAX...
I couldn't get to use the coupons

I guess not bad for a first laptop. I'll do gaming on ma desktop.

 

Looks like a great deal for $674! Enjoy!

 

Why not take a look at the dv4z or dv5z amd is cheaper so for the same price you will get more.

 

While that's is normally true, the dv4t is actually CHEAPER than the dv4z currently! Both the dv4t and dvt start at $599- that's after a $200 instant discount on the dv4t and a $150 instant discount on the dv4z. The dv4z would actually be MORE expensive if it was upgraded to a 2.1 or 2.2GHz AMD processor to be more closely matched to the 2.0GHz Intel T5800!

If the AMD "z" models aren't less expensive than the Intel "t" models, I doubt they'll be selling many of the "z" versions. The pre-configured AMD-based models sold by retailers are priced substantially lowering than similar Intel-based models. It's just the CTO models on HP.com that are priced so closely.

 

I don't understand the laziness of computer users. I carry my DV7T.

 

i had a Clevo D900T 17 incher that weighed in at around 13.5 lbs it was a bear to lug around, even in a backpack, which had other crap-tack-ular stuff in it as well. the dv5t is much lighter and nicer for me anyways, to carry around.

oh, btw.. what kind of contest did you win?

 

5t > 4t. go with dv5t. z's heat is a major letdown.

 

WOW, 13.5 pounds! That's right up there with the recently-discontinued HP Pavilion HDX 20.1"! A friend's dad bought one of those when they first came out. I always though they should include a small donkey or some other sturdy animal to transport them for you!

 

It was a college geared laptop giveaway. I had to tell them why I wanted it and a cool thing I could do with it to study. I mentioned recording lectures. I won. It's pretty awesome.

 

et the dvt4

 

cool on the contest..

yeah, that clevo was purchased about 3 1/2 years ago.. paid 2400 bucks for it. 80 gig drive, 2 gig ram, i think it had an 8200 or 8400 nvidia.. whatever was available then. i could have gotten a second harddrive installed, never got around to it.. it came with a dvd burner, and i put a second slot loading one in. thought that was kinda cool.. burn disc to disc. i got it from www.mtechlaptops.com they have some pretty good deals there for what you get. and they'll ship to anywhere. no need for a signature.. but i think that's a good thing when it comes to something like a laptop being sent fedex or ups. i think the fl90 chassis they sell is the same as our dv5t's. i think.

 

SWEET!!! Are the specs in your signature line correct- it has the 2.8GHz T9600 and nVIDIA 9600M GT? That is some SERIOUS POWER!

 

hi friends

i am also planning to buy dv5t customize laptop with following specification

Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit) edit
Processor Pentium(R) Dual-Core Mobile Processor T3200 (2.0
GHz) edit
Display 15.4" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView
Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050) edit
Memory 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) edit
Graphics card Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD edit
Hard drive 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart
Hard Drive Protection
Personalization Webcam Only
Keyboard HP Color Matching Keyboard
Networking Wireless-G Card
Modem Port Integrated 56K Modem
Primary DVD/CD drive SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double
Layer Support edit
TV & entertainment experience No TV Tuner w/remote control edit
Primary battery High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery edit


with 743 $

Please suggest me wheather its worth or not or can i get any deal better than this

 

well, there's a coupon out now, NB3434 and you could get this below

Onyx

Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
Pentium(R) Dual-Core Mobile Processor T3200 (2.0 GHz) edit
15.4" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050) edit
FREE Upgrade to 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
256MB NVIDIA GeForce 9200M GS edit
Hard drive FREE Upgrade to 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection edit
Webcam Only edit
HP Color Matching Keyboard edit
Wireless-G Card edit
Integrated 56K Modem edit
Primary DVD/CD drive SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support edit
TV & entertainment experience No TV Tuner w/remote control edit
Primary battery 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery edit
Productivity software Microsoft(R) Works 9.0

for only 740.51 ...plus tax.. the 3 gig of ram upgrade is worth it, and you could ditch the 10 modem,, unless dialup is your only way to connect. but either way,, nb3434 is 30 percent off of 999 or greater. watch the black price up above the red price when you're configuring your laptop. that's the price that has to go over 999.

 

btw Grover001,

DO NOT pay for the 2 day shipping, just get the free 5-7 day shipping, it will come in the 2 day time period anyway.

 

my concern is 1680x1050 display with Processor T3200 (2.0 GHz).will it take more power and therefore bettery life will be less. i am paying 75 bucks more for this display.is it worth or i should go with normal 1280x800 display and as it is customize laptop i dont know about the warrenty period also.is warrenty is included in the price or i have to pay extra bucks for that.


And Please tell me how to use this coupon to avail the discount

 

well, obviously, depending on what you're going to be doing, will affect your battery life the most. gaming, vs. word processing, vs. watching movies. I would guess by your original choices that gaming, won't be a factor. pixel size won't really matter as far as battery life is concerned, but you could notice a difference if you were to move to a DV4 notebook. the screen is a tad smaller, but you could gain in battery life, if that is your most important factor. so to answer your question, yes, it's worth it. here are some examples of the difference in resolution on the DV5. Their is also a 12 cell battery you can purchase if you really want extended battery life. I purchased that for mine.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=4090305&postcount=3967

a standard 1 year warranty is included, it shows that during your customization choices, you can get a bigger better warranty if you want to pay for it. That's under HP Total Care.

to use the coupon, during checkout on the last page right below where you choose your shipping method, you'll see a place to add the coupon code. NB3434, there are only a limited amount of these coupons, so you have to act fast. sometimes they range from 1200 to 1800 uses.