V2000 vs. DV1000?

I'm consdiering the purchase of either the HP DV1000 or Compaq V2000. I can get either one for almost the exact same price. I know these machines are pretty much the same unit with only minor differences. The HP has the nifty direct media playback , but I've heard conficting info about if the Compaq has a similar feature. The HP also two headphone jacks which could be useful while watching DVDs and listening to music with the wifey.

However, I do like the look of the Compaq MUCH better than the HP. Bad news is I cannot find a SINGLE store that carries either model in stock, so it's impossible to get hands-on impressions. Things like the sturdiness of the build, feel of the keyboard, etc. are SO important to make a final decision. Most of the Compaq laptops I've seen in stores seem to have cheap feeling keys compared to HP. Also, what about weight differences?

Any info appreciated!

Thanks,
Mitch

 

I believe they are the exact same laptop in everything except what you noted.

 

So, does this mean the keyboard feel, touchpad & buttons, build quality and weight are exactly the same?

Thanks,
Mitch

 

within a reasonable margin of error. Are compaq keyboards diff from hp's usually?

 

The Compaq's keyboard is louder and clicks more.

 

As far as keyboard feel ... it's a matter of personal choice ... i went to the local computershops and checked them out personally to get a feel for them. I did like the compaq keyboard but i dont quite like the monotone color.

 

I think they sell a Celeron version of the dv1000 Wal-Mark. There's one of those within 30 mintues of everyone in North America, right?

 

LOL. Yea, I dont think I would buy a computer from Wal-Mart. If someone asks you, "Where did you buy your computer?", I wouldnt want to say,"I got it at Wal-Mart."!!

Best Buy normally has at least one Compaq and one HP on the shelf, maybe not the same model, but you could at least get a feel.

 

I got two Wal-Mart Supercenters 15 minutes away, but they only sell a couple of desktops.

 

I think the dv1000 is definately the better choice(as of today) since it uses the newer platform(chipset & gpu). The V2000 is yet to get this update!

 

Actually, the V2000 also has the chipset and gpu update. At least the V2335us does.

Check out the specs.

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=329223&pfp=72405sale

 

Hmm....then why hasn't HP updated their custom order page...they still sell it there with the older chipset.

 

Definitly go with the DV1000. It has the quickplay feature with remote. So you can basically turn your computer into a DVD player without turning on the notebook. Also it is a sleeker machine, with a more responsive keyboard. However if you do go with the compaq, you should check out the hp L2000 livestrong notebook, because that notebook is truly identical to the compaq except for better specs and an ati vid card.

 

There's the Compaq V2000, with the Pentium M processor, and the V2000Z, with the Turion processor, the HP L2000 is identical to the V2000Z

 

Almost identical the L2000 looks cooler then the R2000v other then that they are the same machine.

 

Compaq is usually cheaper because their products aren't as heavily marketed and b/c of the paint job?

 

From What i heard they have a 15 day no questions asked return policy (woried about those dead pixels?) . IF you go to their stores, they dont have any notebooks in stock, but go online instead. They have various notebooks and even the Ferrari4000. But you do have to pay tax. Wal-mart and Sam's Club I believe are owned by the same company.

source: http://www.notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=93369

 

I am also considering the difference between the V2000 and DV1000. I'm leaning towards the DV1000 for the reasons Jace mentioned above.

However, I wonder about the video performance of the nearly identical machines. All other things being the same, which of the two below will be faster? And will it be a dramatic difference? I don't know much about the video hardware but I can't imagine the Intel option would compare to the ATI Radeon option.

- HP dv1000: Intel(R) Pentium(R) M Processor / Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 900 - Pentium
- Compaq v2000: AMD Turion(TM) 64 / ATI RADEON(R) XPRESS 200M w/productivity ports

 

The ATI IGP is much better then the intel solution even without dedicated RAM the ATI 200m is twices as powerfull as the intel.

 

If there's a CompUSA near you, visit the store. They have both the HP dv1000 series and the Compaq v2000 series. I got a chance to look at both of these notebooks yesterday. Personally... I like the inside look of HP dv1000 better because it's not so bright/white-greyish like the v2000, but the feel of the touchpad & thumb-click is better on the Compaq v2000. I wasn't too fond of the glossy screen of the dv1000 as I know it'll become bothersome when using for a long period of time. Compaq v2000 has the same screen as other notebooks in the market. I think it's all personal preference, but these are just my opinions on these two products.