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General discussion

AMD equiped notebooks

Mar 2, 2005 10:49PM PST

After reading this forum and other articles, I believe I've concluded that I should buy a notebook that has a 64 bit processor designed for mobile use. I'm not a programer, or otherwise a big power user (some photo work and burning compilation discs, otherwise just office operations and communications) but the 64 bit option seems to make the most sense right now. I've been looking at the HP zv5000v and the Compaq 3000z configured as follows:XP pro, 1.8 G chip, Brightview screen, 512 ram in one strip,60 G HD, DVD/CD burner combo, 12 cell barrery. The questions that come to mind are: 1. I noticed that the HP web site doesn't say if the 1.8 G chip is the AMD mobile chip or the same one that's used in desktops. I'll be in Jamaica all next winter and I'm concerned about heat issues so I think the question is important to me. I talked with HP Shopping about this, so far without success. Does anyone know the answer? My second question is, what other notebooks, running the AMD 64 should I be looking at. I guess my third question is, what other issues should I be concerned with in making this choice.

Discussion is locked

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I may have that or nearly that model here.
Mar 2, 2005 10:57PM PST

It's either a DP341Av or the DP533AV. I think the DP341AV is as close to the model you are looking at. This one has a widescreen (very nice), wifi, bluetooth, AMD 64 @ 1.8GHz, 512MB RAM, 60 GB HD, 3x USB 2.0, Firewire, SVideo out, I think some DVI output, SD/MMC card reader, DVD/CDRW drive and maybe some other features. This model was a HP refurb delivered to my doorstep for 738US.

Performance is very smooth and it updated from HP then Microsoft without a glitch.

However the Norton antivirus expired the first day, but no bother since I just uninstalled it and installed Free AVG when that popped up.

Bob

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mobile chip set
Mar 2, 2005 11:14PM PST

Do you happen to know if the 1.8GHz is the AMD mobile or regular desktop chip?

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Your research please.
Mar 2, 2005 11:24PM PST

Such information is on the compaq.com or hp.com website. But I think the units I have make fine desktop replacements. They don't get hot in spots like some desktop replacements. I'd reccomend the 2 model numbers if you think you'd like them.

Again, I am just an owner of a few of these and will share what I feel about them.

Bob

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my research
Mar 2, 2005 11:49PM PST

I checked the web site and got some information regarding the 1.8GHz and it's being "optimized for mobility" but I couldn't find anywhere that told me it was the AMD mobile chip. I then called HP Shopping and the representive I spoke with, although very nice, likewise he did not have the answer and was going to try and run the information down. The review in CNET indicates that the zv5000 has a mobile chip, however, I'd like to see it from the manufacurer. Can you tell me where on the web site you found the specific reference that they have the mobile chip? BTW, does the card reader on your machine read conpact flash cards?

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I'm didn't look for that detail.
Mar 3, 2005 12:06AM PST

For me, it wasn't an issue. I would not have made my decision on this point but I see that for you it is the decision point. In that case, these laptops are not for you as well as the company that won't answer such a question.

However, I'm still very happy with the models I noted.

If you'd like my opinion on the models I noted, I can answer that as well as other aspects, but I'm not a salesperson or support for these units. Just another person who has them and can share my user experience.

Sometime in the next few months there will me a new mobile Athlon 64 chip out. But that's the future and I leave it to others to speculate what that will bring.

Bob

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I didn't look...
Mar 3, 2005 1:22AM PST

Thank you for your attention to my posts. I still like the products we've been discussing and I enjoy the insights you bring to this forum as well. I have hopes that the folks at HP will come forward with an answer to my question, and I might buy one of these products even if the chip is not the AMD mobile.

However, you are correct in assuming that I might have concerns about doing business with a company that is unable (or unwilling) to answer such a seemingly straight forward question.

In any event, thanks again for your responses

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Small issue... AMD chip is a mobile version. Chipset?
Mar 3, 2005 1:34AM PST

I can't answer that one. The CPU however is doing some tricks with pushing the clock down dynamically to conserve power. In the models I have, this results in the Windows "About" box to show odd MHz or GHz numbers which some owners think is a bug. I undertand this issue so, for me it's not a bug.

Your question in the last post was different. In your first posts you asked about the "chipset" and in the last one the "AMD chip" or possibly the CPU. I'm sorry if I missed that you wanted to know if it's the mobile version of the AMD CPU. That's an easy one. It is indeed the current mobile CPU.

But I don't have such detail handy on the support chipset. However, it does all the usual laptop tricks such as suspend, hibernate, power savaings and more, but we see that in the desktops too. Here's my explanation why.

It takes millions of bucks to develop a chipset. If said chipset can have all those power saving features and can be used in laptop and desktop, then you save money by having just one support chipset. Only the "gamers" may clamor for more. The CPU is another animal when it comes to the laptop. It must have some sort of speed stepping or dynamic speed throttling or else the battery would be some suitcase sized anchor.

Hope this helps,

Bob

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Small issue
Mar 3, 2005 2:32AM PST

Indeed, you're last post was helpful... and I confess, I was being inprecise with my use of the language. I did mean "chip" not "chip set". I apologize for the sloppy posting... I also think I MAY be straining at a gnat a bit here, considering I'll likely want a new machine in a couple or 3 years, but when a person has retired, one's perspective on large purchases changes somewhat!

Thanks again.

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I hear you...
Mar 3, 2005 2:44AM PST

No need to apologise. It's just me reading every word to see what was being asked. Sometimes I miss the point entirely.

If you look at my profile, you can email me there if you think of something you want me to comment on about the DP533 or DP341 I have at my disposal.

Bob

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HP/Compaq does not use mobile chips except for centrino's
Mar 4, 2005 3:04PM PST

So far among major manufactors selling laptops featuring Athlon 64's or P4's, only the following use mobile versions of these processors: Sony, Toshiba, Gateway, Fujitsu, and Avertec. I owned the Compaq 3000z for a time, mine was configured with a athlon 64 3700+, it was fast but it truely was a desktop replacement (size, weight). If you are considering an Athlon 64 notebook, first off you're not gonna find one that's less than 7.5 lbs (at least I haven't yet among major vendors). Not many of them will carry the mobile version of Athlon 64. The only one I do know of is gateway/emachines. I happen to own one that I bought from bestbuy for $1249.99 (reg$1399.99)(during one their more attractive weekly specials) it's the gateway 7422GX featuring the Athlon64 3400+ 2.2GHz mobile processor, 1GB RAM, ATI Radeon 9550 64MB Video Memory, DVD+/-RW DL Optical Drive, Wireless, 15.4" WXGA UltraBright (GLossy) display, 6-in-1 Card reader (includes CompactFlash), 4 USB ports, among others. For 1,149.99 without any specials you can get last quarter's model 7405GX Athlon 64 3200+ 2.0GHz, 512MB RAM, ATI Radeon 9600 64MB Video Memory, DVD+/-RW, and all the rest.