Vostro 1400 vs HP dv2500t

Ok, same specs aside. Same cpu, mem, hardrive, etc. Which would you prefer? The Vostro 1400 with 128mb dedicated 8400m gs or the HP dv2500t 64mb dedicated 8400m gs WITH HDMI. I guess this is rather objective. I do plan to game some with it and also I do plan to jack it up to the tv every once in awhile.

Other factors to consider:
1.) HP ship time is faster
2.) HP screens only have 1280x800 res
3.) HP screens arent grainy like the dell.
4.) Build quality: Dell is magnesium alloy.

*Biggest factor though to me is the 64mb less of graphics memory. 3dmark scores tend to be 500 pts less on the HP.

Vostro 1400: ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=151760&highlight=dv2500t+review)

HP dv2500t: ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=156500&highlight=dv2500t+review)

*Do you guys n gals think 64mb dedicated memory (500 3dmark pts) is worth an hdmi plug.

 

Well frankly it depends on what games you plan to play with it. If your games will play on both then the 64mb is irrelevant. If the games you have would only play on the Dell then I guess you have your answer.

 

Who said that DV2500 has 64Mb dedicated only? It has 128MB of dedicated memory! Same as vostro, but HP has an HDMI as well.

 

HP said that the dv2500 has 64 Mb dedicated only. However, the difference between 64 and 128 Mb on the 8400m GS is minimal since it isn't a high performance card.

 

Yeah I figured more of the graphix was based on core speed, but honestly look as the 3dmark scores in the links. Has to have something to do with the amount of memory. The HP even had more cpu speed etc than the Dell and the Dell still stomped it by close to 1000 3dmark points.

 

Other recommendations are welcome too. I couldnt find an Asus config for laptops, only the prebuilt deal. But I know Asus makes rock solid mobo's. Id really like to get a graphics card with 128mb dedicated and hdmi for under $1500 if you have any suggestions...

 

Well, sorry about that...Never knew that HP has reduced their 8400M GS from 384Mb to just 319Mb. But I think, there won't be much difference in performance.

 

ahh... the 64mb is the "dedicated memory", like L1 to a cpu. easily accessible compared to accessing the ram for another 384 or whatever it was..

 

I voted for the dv2500t. I don't think the extra memory in the Vostro would be significant enough to make it a better deal. Plus, the HP is better looking!

 

The poll results are completely reversed in the Dell forum. I need objective opinions

sOnIc

 

Well, on looks alone the HP is hands down the winner, I went to the mall to check out the inspiron 14" (same shell except silver), and it was so clunky looking, I said no way. I am on the fence like you now leaning toward the 2500..and wondering if I should spend more and go to the XPS but the build quality reports are very ominous..

Have you considered the hp dv6500t 15.4" as the dedicated memory to graphics goes to 128 I think...not sure what that does to the score...