Unsure.. L2000 or dv4000

I've always been excited about the L2000, but my dad doesn't want to buy a 64-bit chip that he claims will have less hardware life due to the heat.

I need something that could perform like a DTR (or as close to one as possible) without being super-portable: battery life, weight, size etc. are not of great importance. Also, I tried to keep my budget within $1400.

Mostly for normal tasks, and for running database administration programs, programming etc.

Here is my configuration for the dv4000:

Intel Pentium M 750 1.83 GHz
256 MB DDR333 (plan on adding a 1 GB stick later)
80 GB 5400 rpm
Intel GMA900
DVD+/-RW/R & CD-RW Combo w/Double Layer Support
Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG & Bluetooth(TM)
15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x800)
QuickPlay

$1223

And for the L2000:

AMD 64 Turion ML-37 2.0 GHz
512 MB DDR333 (2x 256 MB) (add 1 GB stick later)
80 GB 5400 rpm
ATI RADEON(R) XPRESS 200M w/productivity ports
DVD+/-RW/R & CD-RW Combo w/Double Layer Support
54g(TM) Integ. Broadcom 802.11b/g WLAN & Bluetooth
14.0" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x800)

$1168

I'm more of an AMD supporter, while my dad claims that if AMD really was that good, it would have taken over Intel by now.

But I'm fine with either one.. just which is better?

The L2000 has a fan/heat problem that is still unresolved, and I've heard reports that the dv4000 doesn't have this problem. I have heard, however that the dv4000 has a strange viewing angle problem and that the LCD is not firm enough.

Or would I be better off buying another notebook? I chose to put this in the HP section since I wanted to keep it among HP notebooks, but I'm only to suggestions.

Thanks

 

Tell your dad to read this:
http://www.sudhian.com/showdocs.cfm?aid=690
To say that Intel fights dirty is an understatement. Intel relies on coercion and the fact that most end-users don't know any better.

By your criteria, the zv6000/R4000 may make more sense. Bigger screen, slightly better GPU (same GPU but with 128MB of dedicated memory), Athlon 64 instead of Turion (faster CPU options). Either GPU would be a few times faster than the Intel GPU in the dv4000. Since the zv6000 runs its cooling fan all the time regardless of need it stays nice and cool.

I'm convinced that the people who are having heat problems with the L2000 have abnormally hot HDs, mostly the Samsung drive that HP recently started using. The equivalent Intel-based dv1000 notebook should have the same issues. People who received better HDs (Hitachi, etc) don't appear to be having heat issues.

 

Hi Brian,

I'm one of those L2000 users who have Samsung HD.
HP has shipped a replacement HD. Not sure if it's hitachi.
I'll swap it to see if it makes any difference. If it does,
I'm keeping L2000. It's pretty nice. Otherwise, it's going
back to HP.

I'm not 100% convinced about HD...but it's probable.
When I watch DVD on L2000 (no HD activity), it's cool
n quiet.

Imran

 

I usually tell folks to respect whoever is paying for the laptop.

However, your Pop is wrong on several accounts.

CPU life and heat: I'm sorry, but I've had HUNDREDS over latops over the last 10 years, and NOT ONE ever has a CPU failure; most of these were run 24/7 in less than ideal ventilation and temperature.

As for AMD taking over Intel, that assumes that you have to be #1 to be legit. See Avis, JetBlue, etc as examples. Competition is good.

Let's deal with facts:

DV4000 has Quickplay - does that matter?

L2000 has better graphics processor

L2000 had 64 bit chip; this future-proofs your laptop. Eveyone says 32 bit is fine now, but I guarantee you in two years, Longhorn and it's 64 bit apps will be the rage and be wicked fast compared to 32 bit.

L2000 is cheaper.


IMHO, the heat/fan issue on the L2000 is a boogeyman and not a real issue. However, get the 12 cell battery (on either computer) - you will be happier.

 

If you are worried about the heat longevity of the notebook you could consider the nx6125s, they are also from HP and also use the Turion chips, have a better graphics solution (x300 instead of the 200m) and start around $1000. They also ship with a standard 3 year warranty which can be upgraded to include accidental damage for around $150. I was also originally looking at the L2000, but decided on going with one of these for all of those reasons.