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    yes, another newbie needs help

    Discussion in 'HP' started by chemgoddess, Aug 5, 2004.

  1. chemgoddess

    chemgoddess Newbie

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    I'm trying to decide between the zx5000 and xd7000 series. Here's my situation - I'm a graduate student who runs a couple modelling and graphic programs that need a fair amount of RAM to run. I'm also fairly impatient when waiting for boot-up or opening programs. As you might expect, I listen to mp3s while working thereby only adding to the system load. I have also (although rarely) done some gaming.

    Here are the queries:
    Is 60GB / 7200RPM better than 80GB / 5400RPM for processor speed? (I think it is but want to check)

    Any comments on the brightview screen? Worthwhile upgrade/not?

    I'm a big fan of saving money - anyone know of any extra coupons/offers outside of the $50MIR and $100IR (on the 7000 only)?

    They both run Pentium 4 3.00GHz, the 5000 series w/ HT tech, the 7000 series w/o - or at least that is what I gathered from the HP website. I do intend to upgrade memory to 1024MB. I don't care about weight. It is going to moved short distances (apt to car, car to lab) about once a month for three months and then will have a permanent home.

    Many thanks. [ :)]
     
    chemgoddess, Aug 5, 2004
    #1
  2. brianstretch

    brianstretch Notebook Virtuoso

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    The 7200RPM drive is going to be a bit faster than 5400RPM, though the gap isn't as big as it is between the 4200RPM drives and 5400RPM. I'm very happy with my 7200RPM drive, lots of us here have swapped them in to replace those awful 4200RPM models.

    Playing MP3s will use 1-2% of CPU time. Insignificant. Encoding MP3s will stress CPUs a bit though, if you're into that.

    I prefer the higher-res 1680x1050 screens over Brightview. YMMV. For chem work I'd think you'd want the higher res.

    You might want to check out these:

    http://www.sagernotebook.com/pages/notebooks/product.cfm?ProductType=4750

    Better CPU for what you're doing and better options. More money though. I'd recommend the HP zv5000z but the GPU is weak and you'd have to swap in a 7200RPM HD on your own (HP only offers 4200RPM drives). Great for getting work done and the price is right, just forget about making Doom 3 look good (the right CPU can't make up for the wrong GPU).
     
    brianstretch, Aug 5, 2004
    #2
  3. Run1track

    Run1track Notebook Deity

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    http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles/view.php?cid=10&id=693

    *******************************************************
    Fujitsu S6210: 1.6Ghz PM ~ 768MB RAM ~ 60GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
    *******************************************************
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
    Run1track, Aug 5, 2004
    #3
  4. chemgoddess

    chemgoddess Newbie

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    Thanks for the advice

    I'll check the alternatives too

    [ :)]
     
    chemgoddess, Aug 6, 2004
    #4