Stuck between two HP Laptops for University

Hi everyone,

I've been using this site a lot recently to check GPU/CPU bench marks and I've come to two laptops.

HP DV6-6195CA for $1149.99
Specs:

15.6" 1080P Display
i7-2630
8 GB DDR3
750 GB HDD @ 5400 RPM
Radeon 6770M w/ 2GB GDDR5 VRAM
HDMI Out
Blu-ray Reader
2 USB 2.0
2 USB 3.0
6.5 hours battery life

HP DV7-6197CA $1059.99

17.3" 900P Display
i7-2630
8 GB DDR3
1 TB HDD @ 7200 rpm (2x500GB)
Radeon 6770M w/ 1 GB GDDR5 VRAM
HDMI Out
Blu-ray Reader
2 USB 2.0
2 USB 3.0
9.5 hours battery life


I'm in Canada, so if you have any other suggestions please feel free to provide them. Also my limit is 1200$, and I would like to have a dedicated video card.

My biggest issue is the 900P display over the 17.3". Would that look crisp still despite the difference in PPI? and is the 2GB GDDR5 really just a marketing ploy? It seems to be to me.

 

Why must you go for a prebuilt? You can get an upgraded screen on the dv7 from hp's web site (which I think works for canadians) with a 30% coupon that you can use on shopping.hp.com

 

I've tried to find a way to buy off the HP website but it doesn't seem that I can with this particular model. That's why, or else I would if I could

 

His options are different if he's in Canada. Last time I checked he can't use the coupons.

 

Do you think 1600 * 900 over 17.3" will look satisfactory? I'll only be using it for personal photoshop / starcraft 2

 

Smaller portable laptops always better for university. I'd go for the 15" - it has a better screen too.

 

Satisfactory yes. Ideal no. If you don't pay much attention to screens you should be fine.

 

In my opinion you should get the following

15.6" 1080P Display
i7-2630
8 GB DDR3
750 GB HDD @ 5400 RPM
Radeon 6770M w/ 2GB GDDR5 VRAM
HDMI Out
Blu-ray Reader
2 USB 2.0
2 USB 3.0
6.5 hours battery life

If possible you should get the Radeon 6770M w/ 1GB GDDR5 VRAM, because 2GB GDDR5 VRAM just won't improve your FPS. Also you might want to get a second battery (if battery life is a big issue).

 

Hmm perhaps you're right, I'm going into my 5th year so I'm pretty aware of how far I'll be taking this. I just don't like the idea of paying for a 2GB video card which will never be able to be utilized and a smaller screen with less battery life.

 

Well, you could still get the dv7, but keep it mind that it is going to be heavier and the screen is not matte which means that using your laptop outside is nearly impossible.

 

You can buy a 9 cell battery if you really wanted to that will give you 9.5 hours of battery life on the dv6t.

I dont' like the 9 cell because it juts out from the bottom of the laptop

 

is the 15" matte? if so then im all over that.

 

The dv7 is smaller and lighter than other 17 inch laptops. The XPS 17 for example makes it looks small, though the screen size is the same. I think it's 6.5 pounds or so. Don't feel like checking.

Most students have glossy as well, so the OP won't feel left out as he screams at his laptop in the sunlight.

EDIT: yes the 1080p screen on the dv6 and dv7 are matte/anti-glare.

 

meh. 17" is hard to fit in a backpack. I think the 15" is the best option, especially with the nice matte screen.

 

Yeah in his case, he should shoot for the 15 inch if he can. And you just buy a backpack that supports 17" laptops and carrying it everywhere is simple. I have one, and it's great to have even without the laptop. So roomy

If you are carrying it EVERYWHERE then you'll probably feel the extra pound after awhile. Mine will sit in my dorm most of the time, so I'm fine with it. YMMV.

 

I think i'll hit up the local bestbuy / futureshop and see how I feel about the sizes ... thanks guys. I'm still not sure which way im leaning, but it looks like 15" is winning

 

Wise choice. That's what I did before buying.