zt3000 or zx5000

I'm looking into buying a laptop. I'm so confused. There are so many options, so many opinions and so many brands. I was looking at the dell 8600 for the longest time but as it may seem silly I'm not to fond of the color as well as I heard the keyboard is loud. Thats not all but I like the look of Hps. I will be using my laptop for graphic design (adobe photoshop, indesign, illustrator), internet, dvd's/movie, and basic office stuff. I am concerned about battery life, heat, power. What is the performance comparisons between the two - Pentium 4 processors and Centrino processors. Here are the specs that I'm thinking of getting. ram will upgrade myself cheaper, WSXGA 15.4 screen, 60g 5400 hd, cd burner (probably buy external dvd burner bc they are better quality), best graphics card (what would that be?) Whatelse should I be considering? Can I get any more indecisive hehe. PLEASE help. I really want to use this computer soon but don't want to regret it

 

Well, here's a quick breakdown on the units you listed:

1. ZT is thinner & lighter & runs cooler
2. ZX is faster

* Since the ZX runs off a Mobile P4 CPU, they run faster than the Centrino CPU's & therefore run hotter.
* Battery life is generally the same 3.5 to 4 hours, but the ZX must use an Extended battery to get this, if based on regular batteries, it'll be about 2 to 2.5 hours of runtime.
* These 2 units use ATI chips, but the ZX has an ATI 9600 option which is the faster/better chipset than the ATI 9200 for graphics
* I'd recommed getting the DVD burner with the unit rather than buying an external one. You don't have to haul an external drive with you wherever you go, but the only minus is that HP only has +R/RW drives, not the dual format +-R/RW

So, at the end, it's what's you will be doing with the unit. If you're going to be travelling a lot, get the ZT3000, it has a good balance between performance, weight & battery life. But, if you're looking for more of a desktop replacement that has pure raw power, get the ZX5000, it has the faster CPU's & better video card with the same battery life (extended not regular battery) at the cost of weight & an AC adapter the size of a brick (really BIG).

Good luck on a decision & I hope my info helped.

-Vb-

 

how hot does the machine get? i've read so much about the mobile p4 and the centrino and some same the centrino has been tested to run better/faster. Thats why i'm so confused. i think i might have seen that on another forum.. how much difference and what kind of problems might i run into if i get the 9200 over the 9600 graphics card? what do you think of the wsxga vx the wxga? i haven't seen the wsxga only the wxga at best buy. what do you have and what do you think of the plugs being on the sides and not the back? i'm also thinking of getting a port replicator and the 3000 has it attaching to the bottom and i believe the other uses a usb i'm not sure though

 

1. I've heard that the ZX get fairly warm. I guess enough to make it uncomfortable to have on your lap.
2. Basic approx. calculation to compare overall performance between Mobile P4's & Centrino is: Centrino CPU Ghz x 1.4 = Mobile P4 Speed (eg. 1.6Ghz Centrino x 1.4 = Mobile P4 2.24Ghz)
3. Very big difference between a 9200 & 9600, approx. 30% or more. Since you're going to be doing a lot of graphics programs, get the 9600, will make graphics faster
4. Both WXGA & WSXGA+ are good, but WSXGA+ has a higher resolution, maening the text & icons will be smaller, but you will be able to fit more on the screen, best suited for photo editing (photoshop, etc...). Since the fonts are smaller, it may be difficult to see, therefore you need good eyes
5. Pain in the BUTT! I hate the power plug on the side of the unit, gets in the way of the mouse sometimes & also the Kensington Security Lock that also plugs into the right side
6. Regarding the port replicator for the ZX series, they have this desktop docking station where you slide your notbook into it at a 45 degree angle and your screen stand straight up & comes with a wireless keyboard & mouse. It's a very nice setup compared to the ZT series.

-Vb-

 

regarding heat...I have a zx5000, and don't find it to be a problem.. I often work with it sitting on my lap, and truthfully don't notice it getting hot at all.

If you are looking at the zx5000 (I love mine), I suggest definitely spending the extra money to get the 9600 graphics card (+$50 at hp.com) and the 12 cell battery (+$25 at hp.com). I have both...my battery lasts between 3.5 and 4.5 hours.

Hope this helps!
dordale [ ]

 

I have to agree with dordale with pretty much everything. The extra money for 9600 and 12cell is definetly worth it. Also, there is absolutely no problem with heat. I frequently sit with it for hours on end on my lap, both on battery and on power.

zx5000 :: 2.4M :: 512 DDR :: 40gb 4200 RPM HD :: 15.4" :: Radeon 9600 Mobilty M10 :: Aquamark3 22,856