v2402us or preconfigured?

Compusa currently has a deal for a v2000 with specs below.

AMD
Processor Class: Mobile Sempron
Processor Number: 2800+
Processor Speed: 1.6 GHz
Bus Speed: 1.6 GHz
Mobile Technology: Other
L2 Cache Size: 256 KB
Memory Speed: PC2700 (333MHz)
Memory Technology: DDR-SDRAM
Installed Memory: 256 MB
Maximum Memory: 2 GB
Hard Drive Capacity: 40 GB
Drive Controllers: IDE (Ultra ATA/DMA)
Rotational Speed: 4200 RPM
CD-RW Write Speed: 24 X
CD-RW Rewrite Speed: Not specified by manufacturer
CD-RW Read Speed: Not specified by manufacturer
DVD Read Speed: Not specified by manufacturer
Additional Drives: DVD/CD-RW Combo
Sound Support: Digital Audio (16-bit)
Video Chipset Brand: ATI
Video Chipset: RADEON XPRESS 200M IGP
Shared Video RAM: 32 MB
Shared Video RAM (Max): 128 MB
Resolution: 1280 x 768
Display Size: 14.0 in
Display Type: Active Matrix LCD (TFT)
Port Connectors:

* 2 Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0
* 1 Audio - Headphone-out
* 1 Audio - Microphone-in
* 1 Video - VGA (15-pin)
* 1 Video - TV Out (S-Video)
* 1 RJ-11 (modem)
* 1 RJ-45 Ethernet (LAN)

Card Slots: (1) Type II / Type I CardBus
Network Support: Ethernet (10/100 Mbps)
Modem Speed: 56 Kbps
Input Devices: Keyboard
Touchpad
Number of Batteries: 1
Installed Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition

Theres no wireless there which could be remedied with a card but im not sure if I like that (never had a laptop before). Also Id buy another 512MB of ram. So is this something worth looking into or should I go for centrino?

 

I just got the 2404us within the past week from compusa for $600AR. $100 more than your rig, but it comes with a turion cpu, 512mb, card reader/productivity ports, 60gb, wifi and possibly a couple other options. IMO the $100 extra was well worth it. But I did upgrade the ram. Just last night I put an order in for a single stick of 1024MB DDR40 ram.

If you can live with a wifi card stuck in your pcmcia slot for life and the extra things found is my model dont really matter to you, then I would say this deal isnt so bad. But since a card reader and turion cpu where on my list, I got the notebook that I have today.

So if your notebook has everything you want get it. If not wait.

 

Ditto what alexjl said. You'll get much better range from the built-in WiFi due to the two antenna panels embedded behind the screen. Upgrading to the Turion, while not mandatory, gives you the option of running 64-bit Windows Vista next year. (Yes, I know, there's a 32-bit version, but I still say 64-bits is most of the point.)

You're also getting a vastly better ATI GPU with the AMD-based HP notebooks than the very weak Intel GPU that comes with most of the Centrino notebooks. You'll definitely want that better GPU for Vista regardless of whether you run the 32-bit or 64-bit edition.

 

Ok so based on this I believe im gonna configure one from hpshopping. What do you think about this?

Operating System Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition with SP2

Processor AMD Turion(TM) 64 ML-32 (1.8GHz/512KB L2 Cache)

Display 14.0 WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x768)

Graphics Card ATI RADEON(R) XPRESS 200M

Memory 256MB DDR SDRAM (1x256MB)

Hard Drive 40 GB 4200 RPM Hard Drive
edit

Primary CD/DVD Drive 8X DVD Drive

Networking FREE Upgrade to 54g(TM) 802.11b/g WLAN w/125HSM!!

Primary Battery 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery +

Id get a 512MB stick to put in there. About the wireless networking with this one, it doesnt say anything about being integrated so how do you know if it is?

 

All HP sells is integrated wireless. I was amazed that CompUSA managed to convince HP to build notebooks without it.

I'd spring for the 12 cell battery option and consider the Bluetooth option (I used my Bluetooth phone to get on the Internet when the power went out this morning). Buying a 12 cell battery later is expensive and adding integrated Bluetooth later is nearly impossible (though you can use those USB Bluetooth dongles and the new Bluetooth 2.0 radios are coming out). Everything else can be upgraded later if you want. Well, OK, maybe get a 5400RPM drive, but otherwise, good inexpensive configuration.

Compare it against the v5000z just to be thorough.

 

I guess compussr wants to be able to sell you add on wireless networking cards? I added the 12 cell battery but im concerned of how much bigger it will make the laptop. I wish there were pictures showing the differences between the two side by side to get a good comparison. I dont know if id still want it if it stuck out more so to speak on the bottom or something like that. Itll weigh more for sure but thats not a big concern because it wont make it weigh that much more.

 

This is the difference between 6-cell and 12-cell. The 12 cell battery more than doubles battery life.

The pictures are from this review: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=20822 but you can find more if you search the forums

 

I personally didn't like the 12-cell battery. I don't know why HP just won't make a battery that extends to the back (like some Sonys) rather than fat and raising the laptop's back.

 

Oh wow, thats huge! Ill be getting the 6 cell I think now. Thats just too big.

 

Ok I think I know which v2000z im gonna buy now. Its saying now that you have to the productivity ports in order to get integrated bluetooth? Is this something I really need, bluetooth that is.

 

Integrated Bluetooth is nice to have, but you can add an external USB Bluetooth transciever later (about the size of a USB flash drive). So, if they're going to make you pay a lot of money for it, skip it.

 

it depends on you budget but if you can afford it, it comes in handy when synchronizing a celluar phone.Nowadays, these mobiles are turning into computers of their own and I really need my bluetooth (internet in places like mountain huts or sending a quick mail while travelling; download the cute little pictures I take from time to time with my SonyEricsson K700, etc)