Would you recommend the Compaq v2305 for me?

Hi all,

I'm looking at a number of different laptops. Best Buy canada has the v2305 for 899, which seems like a good deal. Anyone have this machine and can recommend it (or not?) I'll include below an idea of what I'm trying to get out of a machine.


"What will you be using the notebook mainly for? Will you be using it to play games? Will you be using it for word processing / general productivity? etc."
-Playing internet poker, MP3s, Divx/DVD playing, maybe output to a TV (not HD, svideo input). Photoshop/basic photo editing.
I don't play games on the pc.

"Are you looking more at a very small notebook, a standard notebook, or a large desktop replacement?"
-Standard notebook is fine, 14-15 inch screen, don't think I want a 17.

"Will you be carrying the notebook around a lot or be keeping it stationary most of the time?"
-It'll be in my house on my lap while I'm watching TV normally.

"How important is battery life to you?"
-It's not crucial, but I'd like to get at least 2 hours (for Flights)

"How long do you intend on using this laptop?"
-Till it dies.

Features

"Do you need lots of hard drive space?"
-Enough to store some MP3s, Pictures, Divx files. I figure at least 40gigs, but more is welcome.

"Will you be burning DVD's or just CD's?"
-Don't really need to burn DVDs with it, but it wouldn't hurt.

"Do you tend to work with a lot of applications at once?"
-I often have 4 or 5 things open at once.

Graphics & Display

"How big would you like your screen to be? Do you care if it's widescreen or not?"
-I'd like a widescreen, between 14 to 15.4 inches.

"Are you willing to pay more for premium screens enhanced by XBRITE, Crystal View, or Bright View?"
-Not really, as long as the display is decent.

(If applicable) Will you be playing casual games or the latest games?
- only casual games if any

(If applicable) Will you be doing work in a 3D modeling program like 3D Studio Max or Maya?
- no

Miscellaneous

Do you care if your notebook looks good or not?
-doesn't really matter

Are there particular brands you prefer or won't buy from?
-no

How much are you willing to pay for this notebook?
-I'd like to stay around $1000

Are there particular models you have already looked at?

Compaq V2305
Gateway 7320GZ
eMachines M2352
Acer Aspire 5002WLCi
as well the Acer Aspire 3003 / 3002 WLCi
Also the Dell Inspiron 6000 (with Pentium M, but not the 6000d, that's a bit out of my price range).

Some of the above don't have SVideo Connections (I think the Acers). I'd like one, but I'm not sure that's a make or break proposition.

Any help or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

It'll work, but I'd spring for one of the models with a Turion instead of a Sempron so you'll be ready for 64-bit Windows Vista a year or so from now. I would say get a Configure-To-Order model with a 12 cell battery but HP doesn't do CTO in Canada AFAIK. The standard 6 cell should be adequate though.

 

Most versions of Vista will be released for 32 and 64 bit CPUs. Mobile Semprons are good bargain CPUs. You might want to upgrade to a faster hard drive for better system performance. Throw the old one in a case for extra storage or backups.