how is the paint quality of hp nc8230 ???

i'm considering buying this notebook...

how about the hp paint quality ??is its paint come off easily like many notebooks(i have bad experience with Dell D600)

and how sturdy it is compared with IBM Thinkpad T series ???

thanks for your help !!! :hp:

 

Denny,

I have the HP nx8220 (available in most countries except US) which is the sister notebook to the nc8230. The unit is not really painted, the entire lower half of the unit is made of a plastic/composite material. The top half (LCD) is, I believe, made of a magnesium alloy material. I've had the unit for a few months now and have not had any issue with the "paint" job. The surfaces have been designed to withstand scratching vs other notebooks.

I believe the quality is probably on par or even better then the IBM's. The outer shell of the IBM's are very flimsy when removed from the body of the notebook. They depend on a stiff inner skeleton, that's why it feels tough. HP on the other hand uses fairly stiff materials for its outer shell and well as a strong skeleton.

Some IBM's also have a rubberized coating on their notebooks (usually on the lid and palmrest area). I've seen this rubber coating peel away due to heat and wear exposing metal below.

Personally, I like my HP as it has all the features and power I require for work or play (games). It doesn't cost as much as an IBM and provides similar quality, if not better (in my opinion). I don't think you'll be disappointed with the nc8230. Just checkout the reviews on this site for the nx8220 and nc8230.

-Vb-

 

thanks for your help Venombite,
sorry for my poor english

this will be my first HP...so I want to know alot about it's quality

i really interested with nc series of HP...it has so many features with considerable price compared with IBM thinkpad...
btw, i have heard that nx8220's lid is made from different material s from nc8230 which is made from magnesium alloy, is that true ???

and how about the hinges on the nc8230??with it will loose or creaking in short time???or it will let the screen woobling or something not tight???

thanks for your help :hp:

 

HP's Business Class is usually pretty good quality wise.

 

Denny,

The nc8230 & nx8220 are the exact same unit, except for a few additional items that are included with the nc8230. Things like a serial port, 3 button glidepad as well as a track point, it also comes with a standard 3 year warranty. Other than these few items, the unit is generally the same. With that said, the LCD lid is also made of a magnesium alloy material (according to the specs on HP's site).

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12228_ca/12228_ca.HTML

Just scroll down a bit to the "What's Special" section which indicates the enhancements that were included on these units. Now this is for the Canadian models, but should also be the same worldwide (except for the US since they don't have the nx8220).

From the time that I have had the nx8220, I have not noticed any problems with the hinges. They are tight enough so that it feels solid when opening and closing, but not too tight to make it creak or cause any difficulty opening.

If you take a look at the reviews from the links below, you'll see that these units are generally the exact same units.

My nx8220 Review
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2397

MClassic's Review of his nc8230
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2357

Just a quick note, my comments regarding the poor LCD quality was resolved after I got the unit replaced (for non-product related). Now, the LCD is bright and very sharp and clear.

-Vb-