Which is better? Which is a better price for value?

15.4-inch Diagonal WSXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display
2.4 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8600 with 3MB L2 Cache
4G DDR2 System Memory, 320GB Hard Drive (SATA), NVIDIA GeForce Go 9600M w/webcam. WSXGA (1680x1050) Full 1080i/1080p, HDMI
SuperMulti 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support, Intel WiFi Link 5100AGN
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium, dims in inches: 14.05" (L) x 10.20" (D) x 1.37" (min H) in approx., 5.83 lbs
Processor, Memory, and Motherboard

Hardware Platform: PC
Processor: 2.4 Intel Core Duo
Number of Processors: 1
RAM: 4 GB
RAM Type: PC2-5300
Memory Slots: 2 dimm/ 2 DDR
Operating System and Software

Bundled Software: Complete HP's original software package
Special Features

IEEE 1394 Firewire port
HDMI
Two headphones out, Mic In, Expansion Port 3 connector
Integrated Altec Lansing stereo speakers
Hard Drive

Size: 320 GB
Manufacturer: SATA
Type: Serial ATA
Additional Drives: DVD+-RW Jazz Floppy DVD-R DVD+R
Graphics and Display

Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce Go 9600M w/webcam
Interface: AGP
LCD Native Resolution: 1280x800
Cases and Expandability

Size (LWH): 14 inches, 10 inches, 1 inches
Weight: 6.09 pounds
U-Rack Size: 1
Wireless

Wireless Type: 802.11A

For $1200

---------------OR---------------------------------------

Product Features
15.4-inch Diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display
2.53 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T9400 with 6MB L2 Cache
4G DDR2 System Memory, 320GB Hard Drive (SATA), NVIDIA GeForce Go 9600M w/webcam
LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support, Intel WiFi Link 5100AGN
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium, dims in inches: 14.05" (L) x 10.20" (D) x 1.37" (min H) in approx., 5.83 lbs
Processor, Memory, and Motherboard

Hardware Platform: PC
Processor: 2.53 Intel Core Duo
Number of Processors: 1
RAM: 4 GB
RAM Type: PC2-5300
Memory Slots: 2 dimm/ 2 DDR
Operating System and Software

Bundled Software: Complete HP's original software package
Special Features

IEEE 1394 Firewire port
HDMI
Two headphones out, Mic In, Expansion Port 3 connector
Integrated Altec Lansing stereo speakers
Hard Drive

Size: 320 GB
Manufacturer: SATA
Type: Serial ATA
Additional Drives: DVD+-RW Jazz Floppy DVD-R DVD+R
Graphics and Display

Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce Go 9600M w/webcam
Interface: AGP
LCD Native Resolution: 1280x800
Cases and Expandability

Size (LWH): 14 inches, 10 inches, 1 inches
Weight: 6.09 pounds
U-Rack Size: 1
Wireless

Wireless Type: 802.11A

For $1350

Note neither have the infinity display so should I even bother getting these? Are they a good value? These are at my local computer store, so what do you think?

 

I'd go for the first one, but I'm confused about the resolution. Personally I wouldn't worry about not having the infinity display, but it just comes down to preference.

First you mentioned, WSXGA (1680x1050) Full 1080i/1080p, HDMI

Then you listed, LCD Native Resolution: 1280x800

Either way 1680x1050 is not full 1080p. I know it's not your fault it says that but I wish HP wouldn't say things that aren't true.

 

if i buy either of those laptops and if I send it to HP could they install an infinity display on it?

 

Anyone else to share their opinions?

 

The infinity display is just a clear piece of plastic over the display.. making it look sleeker but adding more reflection and glare. Even if HP could put that on later on you might not like it and they would charge you allot for it (requires a totally different display/lid assembly part). But if it did not come with it then they probably won't do it. But seriously, from what I have read about the infinity display I would not want it let alone paying more for something that performs worse as far as glare and reflection. Believe me, glossy screens reflect enough as it is.

 

I'm having a really hard time reading what you wrote, because I like bulleted lists. But if I'm reading correctly, the only difference between these two configurations (besides $150) is a P8400 vs a T9400 processor.

Is an extra 3MB of cache and 0.13 GHz processor speed worth $150 to you? If so, go for the higher spec.

I have read that the T9400 can consume up to 35 W, while the P8400 is lower (25 W).

 

Thats what I gathered as well. The T9400 will drain power a little bit faster. So really, whats more important? Slightly more powerful, or longer battery life?

 

So is the second one a good value or is my computer store charging me a little too much?

 

Its really up to you. What do you need it for? 2.4GHz to 2.53GHz is about 5-7% faster from the benchmarks I've seen. It is indeed better, is it $150 better? Will you be using the laptop unplugged at all? Because the higher processor is higher wattage and will shorten your battery time.

Based on the fact that I got a dv7 (17" version of what you're looking at) with the same specs as the 2.4GHz you're looking at, except a 250GB hard drive (soon to be upgraded to 500GBx2 @ 7,200 rpm =)), bluray, bluetooth, and an Infinity screen for $1,249 after tax and shipping. Yeah, they're getting a bit too much money from you. However, I think that probably about how much HP was selling them for when they still sold them.

 

Personally I'd get the first one as the P8600 is more energy efficient and cooler running, I doubt you'll miss .13ghz and 3mb of L2 unless you do a lot of demanding work on the computer. As was said the infinity display isn't all that special and a lot of people hate them. The prices aren't terrible but you can sometimes do better if you wait for a sale, though it appears HP is discontinuing the DV5T series (which I assume these are from) which means the DV6T will be the replacement, and its screen selections right now seem to suck.

 

How often does HP release new laptops?
Like with cameras it is bi-annualy. How is it in the laptop world?

 

Anyone care to share their opinions?