quick help dv2 vs dv3t

i already have the dv2 an i really like it so far. battery life could be a lot better but eh. not that big of a deal. i ordered the dv3t today for some more power and integrated optical drive. my question is do i really need it?

i use my computer for

itunes
aim
internet
word


i know with all those up the dv3t will outperform this one but buy how much? is it really worth all the work to be trading it back in and paying some more money? i really like the sleekness of the dv2. lastly how much will a clean install help the dv2?

 

For the tasks you listed, unless you are multi-tasking heavily, I don't think you'll notice a huge difference. I use WMP, pidgin, firefox, and word almost everyday on my old inspiron 8600 with a Pentium M processor, and it runs everything just fine.

I think a clean install will really help speed up things (especially since HP laptops have been known to ship with a lot of bloat). Regarding the performance of the dv3t vs. dv2, I think the dv3t will feel a bit snappier, simply because it has a dual core processor.

 

Take a look at Cnet's review of the dv2 and the dv3510nr. Cnet uses their own multimedia multi-tasking, Adobe Photoshop Image processing, iTunes encoding and Battery Life tests.

dv2 Review- LINK

dv3510nr Review- LINK

The dv2 is much slower in the Multitasking test, which is logical comparing a low-voltage single-core to a higher-end dual-core processor. The dv2 takes about twice as long to complete the Adobe and iTunes tests as the dv3510nr. Even so, the dv2 completes those two tests in less than half the time of comparable Intel Atom-based netbooks.

Personally, I'd choose the dv3t which should have significantly better battery life and far better multi-tasking capabilities than the dv2. The dv3t is less than one-half pound heavier than the dv2 and doesn't cost much more either...it's worth it for the extra performance, IMO.

 

any other opinions would be greatly appreciated. i need to make a decision by tonight.

 

i'll probably will never use photoshop. not running that one thing will probably be a huge improvement. also it appears the dv3t is thicker than the dv3z?

 

Given what you have listed I would think the dv2 would be fine. I have one and can run all of these with no trouble. I put Lightroom on as well and it doesn't run great with multiple large files open but is fine for editing one image at a time.

 

I honestly think the dv3t is your best choice, because the minuscule price increase gives you a whole lot more options JUST IN CASE you use it (i.e. optical drive, faster core 2 duo for multitasking, etc). I have found using single core processors (not trying to be biased because they are older CPUs), anything tends to be a little bit slower for me. My gut feeling says the dv3t for a boost in performance. You never know what you might see doing down the road. Always be ahead of the game than be behind.

 

well the dv3 is $213 more. this is f%$#@!( annoying! i can't decide.

 

I see $213 might be a little daunting, but do you ONLY see yourself working with the given things in your first post? And how often would you watch a DVD or make a data backup disc from your computer?

If you want better battery life, the dv3t comes with a 9 cell battery. That would help a lot. It's what I plan to buy with my dv3t in the next couple days.

 

any other opinions? i have to ship this out tomorrow if i decide to do the swap.

 

Lets see,you've got quite possibly the sexiest UltraPortable available right now,but you want to give it up.The Dv3 strikes me as a somewhat vanilla offering,if you need an optical drive it is cheap and easy enough to add an external.Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...I love my DV2

 

If the tasks you listed are all all that you are going to do with the laptop, then I would go with the dv2. Its gotten quite favorable reviews on this forum, and it would save you the hassle of having to return your laptop, pay restocking fees, etc. Plus, from what I've seen, the dv2 has an awesome design and build quality.

 

yea i think i'm going to return it to hp anyways and go to staples and get it. mine has a slight warp in the keyboard and it's easier to deal locally. i do wish i could get a tv tuner somehow though.

 

if i do the exchange it do i get another 21 days for the new laptop?