Upgrade for Compaq L2000 or V2000z

I am planning to get either the LiveStrong version or the regular V2000z notebook.

My question is:

1. Which one would you get? They are pretty much the same price for Turion 2G, WXGA BrightView, 512MB RAM, 60GB@5400rpm, DVD writer w/ DL and 6 cell battery.

2. It comes with PC2700 RAM, it it a benefit to install faster RAM into it? Or it will still run them as 333MHz?

3. What other upgrade should I consider?

Thanks!

Glenn

 

While I like the black color a lot on the L2000, I don't like the yellow trimming and the Lance Armstrong badge on it, so I'd personally go with the V2000Z. Both machines are the exact same on the inside, the only difference is the color in the case nothing else. Even the bios of the L2000 says V2000Z! Well, if you buy the L2000, you get a wristband and some of your money goes towards a good cause, the Lance Armstrong foundation.

I wish they'd offer the V2000Z in black.

 

The memory will run at the slower speed if you get faster stuff. I'd agree on getting the v2000z. I like the look of it, but thats me. If you want good battery life might want to consider the 12 cell battery. It does add a little weight and sticks out the bottom a smidge. Good Luck.

 

1. Its really personal preference, the L2000 has the Livestrong which some people dont like but you do give a $50 contribution to the cancer foundation. Other than that they are pretty much the same.

2. If you upgrade both modules then you can probably manually force it to run at 400MHz.

3. Since you already have a 5400rpm HDD, in the future you could probably look into a 7200rpm HD. Also try to get the 12 cell battery as it will double your battery life but will add a little bit of weight and stick out from the laptop.

 

I'd agree on getting the 12-cell battery. As posted, it will double the standard 2.5 hour battery life, but will stick out the back. It is worth the $25 to upgrade though, that is very reasonable.

Upgrading the RAM would make no difference. Most AMD64 systems such as that are designed to use DDR333 for stability issues. And, if my calculations are correct, you will only see a 2.5% performance increase with DDR400 memory. Not worth the hassle.

A 7200RPM drive will do more for your performance than anything - improved access times, better response, and faster loading.

As for the original question, I'd get the L2000 because it looks better in my opinion, but they are the same laptop so it doesn't really matter.

Chaz

 

And if you decide on the L200, live in the US and are a member of Costco, they have refurbed items, with a 1 year warranty, for $800.

Check it out.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11096637&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=4774&hierPath=4365*

Stuatr Friedman

 

With the current BIOS upgrading to DDR400 makes considerable differenceI (I think). You do not need to force it run at DDR400 it supports DDR400 as long as both modules are DDR400. I would suggest take V2000z with 256MB and then upgrade by replacing that module. I upgraded from DDR333 to DDR400 Corsair Modules.

See the V2000z review
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=28492&page=2&pp=10

These are the improvements in my Laptop, but again in realworld, I saw considerable framerate improvement during games.

Sandra: as I predicted it my review benches it is increased to 2761/2758 MB/s. (from 2241/2242)
PCMark05: 2199 (from 2125)
PCMark04: 3435 (from 3331)
PCMark02: Memory Score 7457 (from 6762)
3DMark2001SE: 5014( from 4423) Wow!
3DMark05: 634 (from 586)

Instead of paying HP $50 for 256MB more, you could get 512MB DDR400 stick for same price.

As per the differences between L2000 and V2000z(other than cosmetic stuff), I heard Keyboard is different, by default L2000 comes with 5400RPM HDD(HDD you can choose for V2000z) also.

If you do not mind battery sticking out and half-a-pound more weight, I would suggest 12 cell battery for $25 more. I did not like weight and shape, so I went with 6 cell.

I think you will be okay with either choice.

 

Wow, that is one super duper deal for a fully loaed one!. I would have jumped, had I seen this before I bought mine.

 

I say take the L2000; even better take the refurbished one because you'll save money which you can put into RAM. 1gb will give you better performance, 2 gb would be too much if you ask me. In any case, the notebook supports pc3200, so don't worry about the speed of the memory.
If I was to buy now, I would buy again the L2000. Everywhere it's simply full of silver notebooks with black lids and what is more, I really like this guy and am happy to make my $50 donation to his cancer foundation /the wristband is very cool -much better than the one "support our troops"/
Livestrong

edit:
I forgot to mention, that whichever you choose, be prepared to undervolt it. Helps a lot, I haven't heard my fan today!!