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General discussion

Advice on buying a notebook

by agranas Sep 23, 2005 3:36AM PDT

I have read a lot on cnet regarding there recommendations for buying a notebook computer but I still feel I have questions left unanswered. Any advice would be appreciated.

Basically, I am looking to get a notebook computer that will be minimally portable. 95% of the time I will be using in different locations around the house.

I don't do really do any technical stuff but I do have an extensive digital music library and less extensive photo library. For this I have 150gb external harddrive which has about 40 or 50gb left.

I use the internet all the time. I really want to make sure the notebook I buy has excellent wireless connectivity. For example my dad has a Dell Inspiron 1150 and with my last job I had an HP 6000 and there was a noticeable difference in there ability to receieve the wireless internet signal.

I have a digital video camera and have done very light editing of my wedding videos but don't really think I'll be doing too much.

I want to get the notebook with specs that will fit my needs, and I am having trouble deciding this.

Basically, what kind of processor and how much RAM do you feel is necessary.

I saw a Compaq Presario m2105us Notebook
Mobile AMD Sempron 2800+ 1.6GHz Processor, 256MB RAM, 40GB Hard Drive, 15-inch XGA TFT Display, DVD / CD-RW Combo Drive, Windows XP Home Edition at Compusa for
549 after rebates. Is there any reason not to get this one.

Others I have been looking at are the HP dv4000 and zv6000 which are more expensive (400-500 more) but will have 512ram and either celeron or pentium M processor.

Thanks, Andrew

Discussion is locked

5 Posts
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hp zv6000 actually has AMD Athlon processor
by lappyhappy Sep 23, 2005 5:51AM PDT

The hpzv6000 and Compaq R4000 actually have AMD Athlon or Sempron processors not Intel. These would definitely meet your needs it sounds like. Office Depot often runs very good deals on these machines. Also, check out www.zv6000forums.com for more information.

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(NT) At least 512 MB ram
by nino88 Sep 23, 2005 8:19AM PDT

or else it's slow like hell with the new window XP.

If your price range is less than 1k, you may have less choice on the processors (Sempron and Celeron mostly) but IMHO, you have to have at least 512 MB RAM.

If you're gonna use the laptop for a long time, spending a bit more initially is really worthed in the long run.

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you can get a zv6000 with AMD Athlon 64 for less than 1k
by lappyhappy Sep 23, 2005 10:56AM PDT

I've heard of many people getting a good HP zv6000 from Office Depot and other places with the AMD Athlon 64 processor for around $700. You just have to wait for the good deals that they sometimes have. Even besides that you almost always can get a good one for around $950 or so even without specials.

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zv6000 with AMD Athlon 64 for 850.00
by CLHauk Sep 30, 2005 1:15AM PDT

I purchased a zv6000 with an Athlon 64 3200+, 512MB ram, 80GB HD, 6-in-1 meida card reader, dual layer DVD burner, 15.4 widescreen, firewire and USB ports for $850 after a $150 rebate at CompUSA. I've had it for a little over a month, and it's a great PC. It's a little heavy, but I too was looking more for a desktop replacement with traveling ability as more of a side benefit.

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Same deal at Staples...
by togus Sep 30, 2005 1:19AM PDT

Sweet deal, I think...even if I did just buy a new Dv4000.

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