need help p150hm vs p170hm

Hello all, long time reader who finally decided to join the forums.

I've been looking at these two models trying to decide which makes the most sense. I like the 150hm for the size and the 170hm keeps tempting me with the 120hz screen, even though I'm not a fan of 3d. If I were to go with the 170hm I would get the 580m video card to go along with the screen, but the bigger size and higher price point makes me wonder if in the long run is it really worth it compared to a 60hz screen.

Another thing that keeps me from going with the 150hm is that I've had bad experiences with ATI and would probably end up splurging on the 580m as well without the option for the 120hz screen.

 

What is it you really want with that 120hz screen if you dont want the 3D option..?

 

That's a good question. I've read the debate about 120hz vs 60hz for normal viewing, and to be quite honest I don't think there is a definitive answer whether the extra hz really helps with normal viewing. The price is very close for both models unless someone has a very good argument to support the ATI 6990M (besides the obvious price difference)

the question is should I go with the bigger model to get the option of 3d (even though I'm not a fan having it there in case a game comes out that I would like to try in 3d) and anyone who owns a 120hz screen on a 170hm do you see a major difference when playing games on it vs a 60hz screen?

 

Looks to be about $250 difference between the two setups if you go with a 6990m with an upgraded AU matte screen, or about $450 with the stock screen.

That being said I was a die hard Nvidia guy myself, my desktop PC has an SLI setup. I just could not justify the massive price jump. I personally have not had a single blue screen or any kind of problems with the ATI drivers since I got this machine, so I'm happy with my choice. I know you will not see a difference unless you're over 60fps which doesn't happen much with newer titles. I usually play MMOs and the system in my sig runs quiet and cool for extended play periods.

 

I've been thinking the same thing about the ATI. I had a few issues with desktop models I bought when I built my own pcs, since I haven't seen anyone complain about them with Malibal purchases I might consider them. If I were to go that route the real question comes up with the 170hm vs the 150hm. I'm used to smaller laptops (I currently use a w520 right now) and I've been thinking that the 150hm will be closer to what I'm used to. My brother has a ASUS and it's huge like the Alienware models for 17inchers.

Is there a reason you went with the Satori over the Lotus with your Radeon video card?

 

If you are going to be playing darker games or need it for photoshop, a matte screen is a must. Glossy.... is terrible for darker screens settings, really bad glare. Thats why I'm upgrading to a matte on my own.

 

My original system had the stock glossy screen, when I ordered a replacement it had the AU matte screen which I absolutely love. Very rich and smooth when gaming, very easy on the eyes.

 

Did a simple google search.
60Hz vs 120Hz Explained

Googled, 60hz vs 120hz

 

I'm definitely going with a matte screen, I'm not much for glossy screens.

 

If you want to run 2 hard drives/SSDs and an optical drive you need to go P170 (or 3 storage drives and no optical), seems like you don't really want the screen upgrade anyway.

 

only difference with the 17 inch is the extra hdd option, bit larger screen size and better cooling (for whatever it's worth).

keyboard is pretty much the same and so is the trackpad, personally if you don't need the extra harddrive I'd go for the np8150

 

Since you are used to smaller laptops as you said so I would go for P150HM for the portability. You can setup 2 drives on P150HM and get an external slim DVD or Blue-ray player/burner.

The 95% matte screen (1920 × 1080) is exactly the FHD screen in W520. I do not have any issues whatsoever with the ATI, it works perfectly both in Windows and Linux (Ubuntu).

 

I'm one of those people who thinks CD reader/writers are deprecated. I usually get the HD caddy so I guess having 3 drives isn't really critical for me especially with the usb 3.0 and esata ports.

Hmm seems like 150hm might be the way for me to go then, I've heard the screen looks better than on the 170hm as well but I'm not sure how much truth there is in that statement.

I hate to ask one more question but does anyone have a strong opinion on the 6990 over the 580m, would you buy the 580m for the extra cost or would it be almost foolish based on the cost difference?

 

The 17" has bad viewing angles from what we've heard from customers. The higher color gamut screens have better viewing angles but at a premium of course...

We've received a lot of positive reviews for the 15" screens though, especially since it weighs less.

Personally I think the 6990 is a steal, definitely worth using. However, Nvidia has the CUDA cores which would help with programs that use it like Photoshop. If you're just planning on gaming though I'd suggest the 6990.

 

I agree on the optical media point. I have a single external drive I use on the few occasions I want Blu-Ray on the laptop, otherwise it's all hard disk drive usage.

As for the screen, here's a link to a comparison guide so you can get an idea of stock vs upgraded:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sag...-between-different-screen-options-photos.html

For the cost difference, most go with the 6990. I personally prefer Nvidia and have always had Nvidia cards (at least since the desktop ATI 9xxx series years ago). Personal preference and driver support are big drivers. However, if you have a need for CUDA, PhysX, or 3D Vision, then there isn't much comparison.