dv6700t Special Edition VS Dell 1530

I have been looking to get a replacement to my old Compaq nc6230 for a long time now. I pretty much settled for a 1530 until I read about the grainy screen, the touchpad shocking and the keyboard terrains.

With all that, I suppose that I will have to return to the old forte. Below is my preferred configuration..

Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T9300 (2.50 GHz, 6 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
Display 15.4" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
Memory 25% OFF Upgrade to 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)!!
Graphics Card 50% OFF 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS - For Core 2 Duo Processors
Personalization HP Imprint Finish (Influx) + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam + Microphone
Networking Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and Bluetooth(TM)
Hard Drive 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Primary CD/DVD Drive LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
Primary Battery High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

I pretty much miss the 8600 GT, 7200 RPM HDD and Slot loading Disc drive and almost the hp is half a pound heavier. At least, I can save around 400 bucks on my budget.

What do you think of this configuration? Is this worth making the switch?

 

hi,
first off do you game...will the performance boost of the 8600 make any difference to you in real use? if thats the case, i guess you would have to go with the dell or look at something with a stronger card-whats your budget, maybe we can help.

just based on the above info, i think the HP is a good bet, if little things bother you, i personally wouldnt go with dell, nor am i a fan of that design.

in terms of the lack of a 7200rpm option, thats stupid on hp's part, but i assume that they do that because its not supposed to be a powerhouse notebook or something, but if you want, you can take they're 320gb 5400rpm option for 195$ more, and more or less get "nearly comparable" results as using a 7200rpm hdd.

as for slot loading- i wish every decent notebook had it, but is it worth going for the dell, I dont know, not in my case. from a design standpoint its a plus, and no tray to break-which seldom happens to safe users.

anyway, thats my two cents, if you need the 8600 then the hp is not for you, but otherwise, i see no reason not to save a bit of money and go for it.

 

Niqui - Thanks dude!

I'm not a compulsive gamer. But, I do run a lot of engineering tools that requires a better graphics. I saw that the Vista score is around 3.5 for my build and pretty much the culprit around there was the 8400.

I'm starting to accept your views on not having the slot load and the 5400 rpm drive. I CAN live with it..

Can I buy a GeForce 8600 GT or a 8800 for that matter and install it on the HP without voiding the warranty? [Maybe order it through them and get it installed by a so called tech support guy??]

 

I called HP on it. Their tech support was such a d**b a** that they advised me to go for a 1280 x 800 as it is the best graphics card option that they have.

 

i highly doubt you will be allowed to swap graphics cards on the hp without voiding the warrantee..are you set on the hp and dell or can i recommend you other stuff based on your budget.
i have the 8400m gs with 64mb and i score a 3.5,whereas all the rest is above 5, but i have no use for graphics but since you do, i would say dont settle for the 8400, i dont know the demands of your programs, but i would say look for the 8600 then, as you will be happier in the long run... and considering that mine is anportable and yours is a 6 pound mainstream size, i would think you should have more graphics power.

 

I'll be glad.. Please.. My budget is close to $1200. I can stretch it till 1500 if I like the design etc., (like the 1530)

Same case here. Is 3.5 good enough for Windows Aero? I've been reading that some people experience a not so good performance with it.

It is not that my tools mandate a 8600. I have tried using all of them on a P IV with 2gig ram on Win XP pro. Eventhough the user experience is not all that great, they run.

I have been using Win XP Pro for almost 5 years now and this is going to be my first real switch to vista. I'm not really sure how much juice Vista would need to keep itself up and running in the first place.

 

On my configuration, my aero score is only 3.2 and gaming 3d scores around 4.6

No slow downs here and aero runs very smooth and fast. If you have a problem with aero and the 8400 its probably something else going on.. bad driver etc.. And yes the HP's only offer the wxga screens but they generally look really nice. I had a higher res dell that I returned and I would much rather have my nice looking hp screen then the dark/grainy/poor viewing angle crappy sec dell that I had on the 1420. IMO, HP design is good and has better fit and finish build quality. The built in speakers are worlds better then the generic crap that dell uses.

The windows index score is not a good indicator of performance anyway. HP's current design is tried and tested and has been very successful. I'd say HP is the best choice for those that don't want to take chances in getting a lemon. Dell is really a crap shot for sure and getting a good one is more of a risk. Little QC problems are more of a issue with Dell.. sure was for me. Too many problems with screens, Blue tooth loosing connectivity, cracked housing, poor speakers.. no pathetic speakers, and cheesy cheap looking media buttons are just a few of the little annoyances I had with Dell.

 

Go for the Dell, Dell lets you CTO , and there is high resolution screen option with NV8600GT with GDDR3, which HP never offers so if Dell is available in your area , just get a Dell , cheaper , faster more professional service.

 

Here are my scores if that would help you. 8400 M GS is pretty good. It runs a bit hot on my notebook but you shouldn't have such problems as yours will be a fairly bigger rig.

 

i have the 8400, no problems in vista, runs quick and smooth.

 

whatabout the following: both in the 1200$ region.


asus f3sa: well in your budget, see specs, you can add ram and change hdd.
Intel Core Duo 2 T7500 2.2GHz 4MB L2 Cache, 800FSB
- 15.4“ WXGA+ (1440 x 900) Display with Color Shine & Anti-glare technology
- 1GB (1 x 1GB) DDR2 Memory (4GB Max)
- ATI Mobility™ Radeon®HD 2600, 512MB VRAM w/1280MB Max
- 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
- 1GB Intel (Robson) Turbo Flash Memory
- Super Multi Format DL DVD±RW Optical Drive
- Built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam with mic
- Biometric Fingerprint Scanner & TPM
- 4 x USB 2.0 & 1 x Firewire Ports
- SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO Card Reader & ExpressCard
- S-Video, VGA & DVI Ports
- Integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit LAN
- Intel Next Generation N 802.11a+b/g/n Wireless LAN
- Integrated Global 56K Modem
- Integrated Bluetooth V2.0 EDR PAN
- Built-in High Definition Audio w/Surround Sound
- Windows Vista Home Premium
- 2 Year Global Warranty & 30 days Zero Bright Dot (ZBD) Policy
- 6.5lbs; 14.2” x 10.5” x 1.1~1.6”

or the asus f8sn
- Intel Core Duo 2 T8100 2.10GHz 3MB L2 Cache, 800FSB
- 14.1“ WXGA (1280 x 800) Display with Color Shine & Anti-glare technology
- 3GB DDR2 Memory (4GB Max)
- NVIDIA GeForce8600M GS 256MB DDR2 VRAM, TurboCache up to 1024MB
- 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
- Super Multi Format DL DVD±RW Optical Drive
- Built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam with mic
- Biometric (RF) Fingerprint Scanner
- 5 x USB 2.0 & 1 x Firewire Ports
- S-Video, VGA & DVI-D (HDMI) Ports
- 8-in-1 Card Reader & ExpressCard
- Integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit LAN
- Intel Next Generation N 802.11a+b/g/n Wireless LAN
- Integrated Global 56K Modem
- Integrated Bluetooth V2.0 EDR PAN
- Built-in High Definition Audio w/Surround Sound
- Windows Vista Home Premium
- 2 Year Global Warranty & 30 days Zero Bright Dot (ZBD) Policy
- 5.7lbs; 13.6” x 9.8” x 1.1~1.5”

 

i have the 8400 gs and it gets 4.1 in WEI

 

@HI DesertNM - Thanks for your suggestions! I'm starting to feel the same way. But, the XPS design still gives me goosebumps.

@lappyforphotoshop - Thanks!

@radopod, Niqui, Valleybacker - Thanks! Good to hear that 8400 doesn't stop you from doing anything

@ Niqui - I'm a bit apprehensive about Brand Asus, the Support and stuff. I thought you would be recommending a Sony..

 

Update : I went to a Best Buy store near my place and had a long look at all the three models. I think with all the creepy things about the 1530 it is very much out of my equation.

The only reason that I chose 1530 over 1330 initially is the 8600GT. Now that I'm finding out 8400 is good enough for all practical purposes, I feel as if I can fall back on 1330 itself!

So, I'm going to wait till 4/1 when the next set of XPS coupons are getting out and choose one between the 1330 and the 6700t.

Thanks for all your suggestions!

 

i was abit apprehensive about asus, until i bought one.
i owned a w2, which was considered the asus flagship, and it was very well built and probabaly the best looking laptop i have ever seen.
i wouldnt recommend the budget asus systems, but i have heard good things about the asus f8.

 

Oh.. I will give it a shot..

 

I would reccomend posting next time in the what should i buy section. If you post in the HP section you will get people telling you to buy the HP.. likewise in the Dell forum most people will say Dell. If you want an unbiased opinion don't post in one of the companies forums.

 

@angelicvoices - Seems logical. Will do it next time!