ZX5000 configuration change?

Very strange, on www.shopping.hp.com , the Radeon 9600 has disappeared from the built-to-order ZX5000. Only the 9200 is left. In the comparation table, the 9600 is still there though. Would they be introducing the 9700 soon?

 

I noticed that too. I opted to buy my notebook 6/2/04. I was not to happy with the absence of the 9600 but the extra 75 price drop made it hard to pass up. I thought the rebate was going to drop from 100 or 50 dollars off. owell.

Very excited to get my notebook,

ZX5000
60 gig 5400rpm
radeon 9200
bluetooth
1x512 mb ram
dvd/cdrw
15.4" widescreen
Poleisdav

 

I have also noticed that and been very disappointed with them. I do not think it is a problem of supplies. There are just two reasonable options:
1. HP has some sort of "deal" with nVidia not to offer M10 or M11 ATI cards as of beginning of June (right when their zd7000 gaming offer expired) because nVidia is afraid that no one will go for their cards. Frankly, I do not like this alliance, Dell offers 9700 since long ago and I guess HP would have many more customers with ATI cards in their notebooks. I have also heard that ATI cards are more power efficient and hence fit notebooks perfectly.
2. A glimmering hope. They are about to bring ATI 9700 in it! At least the comparison table says something about 128 MB of dedicated memory. Has it been out there before?

I just hope the last one is true but my intuition suggests it is the other way around. [ !] I am not going to buy anything less than 9600, although in fact I do want 9700.

Just wondering, how many of you (who have not bought your notebooks jet) would go for 9700 with 64/128 Mb instead of 9200 or 9600?

 

Got an unsatisfactory reply from HP:

I do not have an explanation for why the 64MB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) 9600 option disappeared from the customized ZX5000 on the hpshopping.com site.
Things change on the web site periodically, depending on pricing, components, availability, and demand.


The best thing I can suggest is that you check the web site periodically to catch changes in what is available.

 

That's what they say. Definitely, they are not going to tell us that they have some "deals" with nVidia. I'm judging by their other deals. Look, their high-end graphics laptop zd7000 goes with nVidia cards _only_! Isn't it strange? Dell offers an option between nVidia and ATI which is reasonable but HP cuts all good ATI cards from their notebooks. Just browse through their notebooks - there is only one R3000T Compaq notebook with 9600 (but 9600 is as old as 20th century), the others are no better than 9200! No 9700s, no 9800, nothing! so there are _no_ current ATI cards in their laptops (even high-end graphics laptops). So what am I supposed to think about them and nVidia??? I can kind of accept living with 9600 because it supports DirectX 9, but 9200 just does not cut it for me! On top of it, I can point out the similar "deal" by nVidia to try to push ATI away from the market: there is a new game - S.T.A.L.K.E.R - coming soon which is a competitor to Half-Life 2. And in the game announcement they say they support some "special features" of GeForce 4-FX cards and do not plan to do anything to help those with ATI cards. What a shame, they would rather work harder to produce something of ATI's quality rather than do this B.S. marketing. ((

I am coming to the conclusion to give up and go look for a laptop other than HP with new ATI cards, probably Acer or whatever. I am ready to wait for about a month because later on - in July, August the prices are going to jump up since many people will be buying their laptops for school. So there is no point of waiting too long. If HP is not going to bring ATI back _really_soon_, I will pick a laptop of some other company and HP will not get my money.

 

Exactly, I was thinking of buying with a 9600 but defintely not with a 9200. And the 9700 would be great. Does the 9800 exist in notebooks?

 

This change has really made me unhappy. I was seriously within 2 days of purchasing a zx5000. If it only has a 9200, I might as well go for the lighter zt3000 and forget about gaming on my laptop. Yes, I know the 9200 does a decent job with today's games, but meh. They also got rid of the mobile P4 in the zx5000. The other chips run too hot. The $50 rebate (instead of $100 that they've had for a long time) really stinks as well.

Damn you, HP. [ ]

Hopefully if enough people complain they will go back.

 

Crap on sticks... here I am, working hard as hell to finish accumulating the last $200 I need for that zx5000 laptop and WHAM, here comes the configuration change. As of now, P4M is still not an option and neither is the 9600.

Well, looks like I'll be settling for a stupid dell instead. Maybe. I guess I'll wait til the beginning of July to see if the zx5000 is merely having a facelift or about to be put into the retirement home.

 

All of you guys are exactly right, I was also about to get a ZX5000 and now they screwed it all up. Let's bombard HP with a bunch of PISSED OFF emails!!! Because this REALLY pisses me off.

 

I just checked there site. On the ZX5000 overview page it says you have an option of "ATI MOBILITY RADEON graphics with up to 128MB of dedicated memory." Then when you go to customize it, the ATI 9200 with 64MB memory is the only option. What the hell are they doing and what is going on?????????

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by billy269

 

no it wasn't, bc the 9600 was the m10 with 64mb they never had a 128 in the zx5000 before.

zx5000 :: 2.4M :: 512 DDR :: 40gb 4200 RPM HD :: 15.4" :: Radeon 9600 Mobilty M10 :: Aquamark3 22,856

 

There is no mobile ATI 9800. But for zx5000 HP now offers a bunch of Intel processors neither of which is mobile. I would understand two options:
1. You want a low-heat notebook with mobile processor and mobile video card;
2. You are not concerned with low heat, so you go buy a 3.2 GHz with HT processor and non-mobile video card.

Now, for example, ATI offers a deal - ATI 9800 PRO with 256 MB for $300. If someone is going to buy a desktop instead of laptop this may be a good deal.

 

BTW, does anyone know what is X800? What is the difference between X800 and 9800? Is X800 mobile or not?

 

I also e-mailed them about listing the 128 MB dedicated memory in the video card and apparently they forwarded my message to the web team in charge of updating the site and it should be fixed soon.

 

I e-mailed HP about this BS and kindly asked them to return the 9600 and the mobile P4 in the zx5000. Here is what they said:

"Regretfully, we do not become aware of release dates until shortly
before they are available to our customers, and as such, cannot provide an
exact date of return for this product. I recommend checking back
regularly for product arrival."

[insert crap about signing up for their newsletter]

"We constantly evaluate our web site and products to see how well it
meets our customers' needs, and we always welcome suggestions that will
help hpshopping.com better serve our customers. I have forwarded your
comments to the group that handles these for their review."

Hopefully enough people will complain and the people responsible for this will bring it back. Knowing my crappy luck though, as soon as I buy a zt3000, the 9600 will be back. [V]

 

Thank you, Heatseeker! I have also sent a message but have not received any response yet. If I got one I will post it here as well. Pretty sure we are not alone who want 9600 back.

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>
Knowing my crappy luck though, as soon as I buy a zt3000, the 9600 will be back.
<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></font id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'>
Good idea, tomorrow I am calling Lady Luck to complain about nasty HP! [] Be sure, she is gonna be on our side. At least, we do not demand anything impossible, just bring the things back, so it should not be a problem for her. I believe she is a nice girl and don't want to let us down. []

 

Well, HP seems to have removed the 9600 and 128 MB from the compare-table on the website. [ ]

 

yeah the HP never offered a 128mb card, but they do seem to have removed the 9600, which is a bummer.

as for the x800 it is the latest ATI videocard for the desktop, not mobile yet but they are working on that. For more information you may want to read these two articles:
http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=NjEw
http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=NjEx

zx5000 :: 2.4M :: 512 DDR :: 40gb 4200 RPM HD :: 15.4" :: Radeon 9600 Mobilty M10 :: Aquamark3 22,856

 

One suggestion for those wanting the zx5000 with the 9600 graphics card...

It's my understanding that the compaq r3000t (dedicated graphics)is basically the same machine as the zx5000. There is still an option to purchase this notebook with the 9600 graphics card on HP's website. Looks like the pricing for the compaq model might be slightly higher (even without the upgraded graphics card) than the comparable zx5000.

dordale [ ]

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by fredz

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by dordale

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Venombite
http://www.emachines.com/products/products.html?prod=eMachines_M6809

It has a DVDRW+/-, 80GB HDD, ATI 9600 video w/64MB, an AMD 64Bit processor & a 15.4" Widescreen LCD.
<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></font id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'>

Well, have you seen that sucky resolution? 1280*800, eerk. I want 1920*1200, nothing less... And only HP (or Dell) have this.

 

Bittahbrotha,

I know you've been looking at the HP models, but have you considered any other brands? The reason why I'm asking is because I looked over the forums and the eMachines seem to be a unit, all the users who bought them, are happy with. It's priced fairly aggressively, a MSRP of $1549US for eMachines top-of-the-line model:

http://www.emachines.com/products/products.html?prod=eMachines_M6809

It has a DVDRW+/-, 80GB HDD, ATI 9600 video w/64MB, an AMD 64Bit processor & a 15.4" Widescreen LCD.

I'm not trying to sway you away from the HP line, but this seems to be more in your price range with all the features you're looking for, other than the Harmon Kardon speakers & the HP name/design.

-Vb-

 

Unfortunately, Lady Luck does not help this time, everything goes off the right track... Even the call to Paul Martin could not solve this problem. [V] I am not sure if the people out there in HP know who is responsible for parts and supplies. Their response was good, polite but they offered me Compaq! [ !] That is not a good-looking thing, sorry guys, but Pavilion 2 times better.

In fact, I like the E-m that Venombite suggested. 64 bit processor is a real thing and I don't need high resolution with my badsight. Here is also a cheaper one
http://www.emachines.com/products/products.html?prod=eMachines_M6805
with HD = 60 GB and, CPU = Mobile 1.8GHz Athlon 64 3000+ w/HT and !ATI RADEON 9600/64 DDR! On top of it it's just 1.6" slim and 8.7 weight. I am getting swayed away by all these goodies.

Venombite, what city are you from, eh? I lived in Hamilton for 2.5 years and love Ontario, never been to Ottawa though([:I] ashamed). Going to visit my friends in Hamilton and "Trono" this summer and drink some Alexander Keith and Upper Canada. [8D]

 

I have read through some thread on E-machines and found out there are some problems with them because they are kinda "raw":
1. The speakers do not speak, that is, the sound is not loud enough, so the only option is headphones;
2. The memory is upgradable upto 1.2 GB only. In theory you can have upto 2GB, but having done so, you will lose your warranty because you will have to remove a lot of parts to get to it.
3. Wireless card has some freaks and you will have to reboot your laptop sometimes if you are going to use Wi card a lot.

I have to think if it is worth buying it or not, b/c on the other hand E-machine with all those components in it is _really_ cheap.

I'm kinda confused. [B)]

 

Thanks for trying Wyrm.

I agree -- the eMachines are definitely really nice. I hate how people still bash it because of its previous history.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>
Sure, but it's a different build. I'm looking at the thing right now, and one of the key reasons for me going after the zx5000 series was the look of the machine AND the harmon kardon speakers built into the thing. Which the compaq machine lacks. And yeah, this model is looking higher on the wallet-munching side, even with that HP student discount.

I'm starting to have to face the truth here, that I just won't be getting a lappy with a 9600 video card for under $1250... ah well. Back to sitting on my butt and watching for a decent (re: suitable for me) deal.
<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></font id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'>

I just looked at the comapq and the way I configured it, it came out less than the 1250 with the 9600 gpu and 12 cell battery.

zx5000 :: 2.4M :: 512 DDR :: 40gb 4200 RPM HD :: 15.4" :: Radeon 9600 Mobilty M10 :: Aquamark3 22,856

 

Wyrm, I'm located in the good ol' T.O., just enjoying the smog warnings and overpriced gas prices, but I'll live...cough...cough [ ]. You're right about the issues with the unit, but you can't expect the best unit out there for a budget price. But what it does offer is a possible alternative to the budget minded buyer.

Fredz, this unit's not for everyone. Especially having a res of 19x12 will definately rule out some of the people with bad eyesight (I'm getting there myself). But when you're really strapped for cash, this is an option worth considering.

-Vb-

 

I keep E-m as the second option and Acer as the 3rd right now. I am still having negotiations with HP, that is, looking for someone who is responsible for parts delivery. Currently, I can not say anything else except for that it will take a couple of days. I will let you know if I get any interesting info. I still have some ideas how to get to this notebook.

BTW, info about 128 Mb was not a fluke.

P.S. There are some other things to enjoy in Ontario, for example, car insurance prices. [ ]

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Wyrm

 

This really pisses me off...guess I will have to opt for that damn Nvidia card and go with the zd7000 series.

 

What the hell are you talking about with the ATI 128 MB video card? That is not offered on their site. Where did you find this?

 

[?] To buy or not to buy? [?]

HP Pavilion zx5000 with
Proc = Intel Pentium 4 2.8 GHz or Intel Pentium 4 3 GHz with HT
Display = 15.4"
RAM = 512 MB
HD = 60 GB 5400rpm
CD = CDRW/DVD-ROM
Wireless = 54g integrated 802.11 b/g
Video = 128 Mb ATI RADEON 9600 [ ]
Battery = 12 cell
Warranty = 1 year limited H/W Warranty; 90-day S/W Warranty
Other stuff including spill resilient keyboard.
Price = $1,501.00 + $75 Shipping

There are still three problems with this one:
1. Processor is not mobile;
2. Warranty is just for 1 year;
3. No rebates and discounts.

At the same time there is no guarantee that there is going to be one with mobile processor soon. So, I want to hear (or see) your opinion.

 

if you can really get it, it looks good to me.

zx5000 :: 2.4M :: 512 DDR :: 40gb 4200 RPM HD :: 15.4" :: Radeon 9600 Mobilty M10 :: Aquamark3 22,856

 

OK, guys. I talked to one of my friends and got a very good advice about notebooks - do NOT buy anything if there is something about it that you do not like. That is why, I decided that there is no point to hurry up buying it and want to share all my info that I have as of now. Hope you will do the same if you find something worthy. [8D]

After a couple of forwarding and resending of my emails I got stuck, that is, the mailbox of the person at HP who is doing parts supplies rejects emails with an error: message could not be delivered. Either his mailbox is full or there is such a big mess at HP that they know nothing about who is doing what. [B)]

Here is my current list of good alternatives for zx5000 as of now:

1. The very zx5000 with ATI RADEON 9600/128 MB (configurable):
http://www.staples.com/catalog/configuration/bto_details.asp?PageType=1&cal_Sku=559162
Main pros: ATI 9600/128 MB, speakers, good design.
Cons:
a) It costs about $150 - $200 more than the same one through HP mainly because they do not have free delivery and student discounts;
b) Video card needs to be verified if it has DEDICATED memory and if it is a regular non-SE version;
c) Processors really SUCK;
d) 1 year warranty only.

2. The second choice - emachinces:
http://www.emachines.com/products/products.html?prod=eMachines_M6805
http://www.emachines.com/products/products.html?prod=eMachines_M6809
http://www.emachines.com/products/products.html?prod=eMachines_M6807
The last one is about to appear soon, although there is no link to it from the main web page yet.
Main pros: price, 64-bit processor, ATI 9600/64 MB.
Cons:
a) Speakers suck;
b) Memory is not upgradable higher than 1.2 GB.

3. For real fans of ATI video paradise (as I am) but a little bit more expensive than the previous ones:
http://www.portablez.com/index.php
Among those, check out the cheap ones:
http://www.portablez.com/content/0/40small-v.php (hit customize)
http://www.portablez.com/content/1/40v.php
http://www.portablez.com/content/1/cl56.php
Main pros: brilliant ATI RADEON 9600 or 9700/128 MB, good design.
Cons:
a) Centrino processors for Compal and NONMOBILE Intel for Prostar/Sager models. Centrino may be fine with games but I have doubts about it. Nonmobile processors are too hot.
b) Customer/tech support - I have no idea;
c) These models are 15";
d) A little bit ($100 - $200) more expensive than the previous ones.

4. Acer Aspire AS2012WLMi:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=34-115-116&depa=3
Main pros: got a great video card ATI 9700/64 MB, CD-RW/DVD-RW.
Cons:
a) Processor (1.5 Centrino) is not good enough for upcoming games like
I) Stalker (graphics better than Half-Life2): http://www.stalker-game.com (switch the flash on);
II) Half-Life 2;
III) Doom 3;
b) Acer does not have many branches in North America, mostly spread in Europe;
c) A little bit more expensive ($100-$200) than HP-s and E-ms.

That is my brief review of notebooks with good ratio performance/price. Hope it is going to be useful to someone. E-machine references are due to Venombite.

 

Just my two cents:
I would probably either
A) wait and hope
or
B) either the Compaq R3000T or get one of the eMachines

zx5000 :: 2.4M :: 512 DDR :: 40gb 4200 RPM HD :: 15.4" :: Radeon 9600 Mobilty M10 :: Aquamark3 22,856

 

Since you are a moderator here, your 2 cents may be taken as 2 dollars.

I have not mentioned Compaq, Dell and Toshiba because I do not like these brands. I do not claim that this is a _complete_ list of the best notebooks, this is just a list of best ones from my point of view with all the info provided "as is" without any expressed or implied warranty and blah, blah, blah. [ ]

Quikster, frankly, do you think that I am too picky?

 

about compaq yes I do, because Compaq is owned and built by HP they were bought out a couple of years ago. The machine is identical to the HP inside and are even bought at the same website. The only differences are the casing and speakers.

zx5000 :: 2.4M :: 512 DDR :: 40gb 4200 RPM HD :: 15.4" :: Radeon 9600 Mobilty M10 :: Aquamark3 22,856

 

I'll throw in my 2 cents as well...since I'm not a moderator, it's probably only worth a penny or so[ ]

But, I have to agree with Quikster...if you were seriously considering the zx5000 before HP dropped the option for the ati 9600 card from their website, the Compaq R3000T (dedicated) makes a good replacement...being identical in almost every way. Plus, the Compaq is still available with the mobile pentium processor if that's important to you.

It is interesting that Staples is selling the zx5000 with ATI-9600 128 megs...You might want to wait a few days and see if this configuration becomes available on hp's website. (I do believe that this would be a dedicated graphics card, as far as I know that is the only way the zx5000 can be configured--but I've been wrong before!)

dordale

 

There is no any reasonable explanation why I do not like Compaq. It is a great notebook with most of desirable features in there and good price, but... choosing a new notebook is like picking up a new girlfriend. I just do not want it and I can not explain why. [8)] Actually, I have almost decided to buy Emachine. I can give HP about a week to change their mind and if nothing is going to change then I will abandon HP and go with an E-m.

 

If your going to compare it to picking a girlfriend the zx5000 and Compaq R3000T are like identical twins, one of which has died hair and is slightly worse dressed.

zx5000 :: 2.4M :: 512 DDR :: 40gb 4200 RPM HD :: 15.4" :: Radeon 9600 Mobilty M10 :: Aquamark3 22,856

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Quikster

 

except he hasn't slept with either, he's still trying to pick one [8D]

zx5000 :: 2.4M :: 512 DDR :: 40gb 4200 RPM HD :: 15.4" :: Radeon 9600 Mobilty M10 :: Aquamark3 22,856

 

That's because I was betrayed! [ ] At first, they showed a beautiful and wealthy girl and now I have to choose either beautiful or wealthy one (or beautiful and wealthy may also come back, though they usually don't [xx(]). The thing is that quite often computers behave little humans, so if you love it, it won't crash or hang and, if you love your PC it usually serves much better than any warranty because you are always there to protect it and keep it up. That's why I have to pick the one that I will love (there is no need to let your girlfriend know that 'cause she may feel jealous).

 

Uh, I just slipped in on the tail end of this thread and have decided it's best to not read posts in the HP forum...LOL

[ ]

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

 

Yeah stay out of our "area" [ ]

zx5000 :: 2.4M :: 512 DDR :: 40gb 4200 RPM HD :: 15.4" :: Radeon 9600 Mobilty M10 :: Aquamark3 22,856

 

You know, after thinking about it for some time, I have sorta done my regularly scheduled 'change' in decision about the laptop. And to justify this fickleness, it's only because I'm about to plunk money that I just barely have for a notebook that better not barely last a year or two (or barely suit my needs).

So, that being said, maybe I will get that silly R3000T thing (or the more expensive Emachine 6805). Gonna wait maybe two weeks before my final decision. But if I see that the zx5000 with better options does come back after I buy a different one, I'm going to have to go Alabama Man on whatever lappy I do end up getting

 

I guess there is something wrong either with me or HP. www.xpbargains.com says (posted Jun. 14):

$50 drop + Now P4-2.8GHz minimum instead of 2.4GHz.
New Customizable HP Pavilion zx5000 notebook w/ P4-2.8GHz, 256MB, 40GB, DVD, modem/NIC, free 15.4" WVA WXGA screen (1280x800), 64MB ATI Mobility Radeon 9200, modem/NIC, XP Home for only $1099 - $100 rebate (exp 9/1/04) = $999 w/ free shipping. Configure the system as above. choose P4-2.8GHz, 256MB, 40GB, DVD, modem/NIC, Radeon 9200, to get the low price.

Looks like I have some kind of problems with my mind and eyes. Not only do not I see any $50 drop in price but also there has not been 2.4GHz processor in zx5000 since long ago. On top of it, there is nothing like $100 on their web-site! They offer $50 mail-in rebate only.

Am I nuts or what? Maybe I have recently picked up some kinda contagious disease that affects me? Help me! Hilfe mich!

 

yeah i got mine at the end of march and it didn't ship till beginging of april

zx5000 :: 2.4M :: 512 DDR :: 40gb 4200 RPM HD :: 15.4" :: Radeon 9600 Mobilty M10 :: Aquamark3 22,856