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General discussion

HP zt3000 Question

Jul 23, 2004 6:07AM PDT

Hi all! I am a law student and need to buy a new laptop. What do you think of this HP config?


zt3000
$1,861.47
Processor Intel(R) Pentium(R) M Processor 735 (1.7 GHz)
Operating System Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Professional-
Memory 512MB DDR SDRAM (1x512MB)
Hard Drive 60 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
Primary CD/DVD Drive DVD/CDRW Combo Drive
Networking Intel(R) Pro Wireless 2200 802.11b/g & Bluetooth
Display 15.4" WVA WUXGA (1920x1200)
Graphics Card 64MB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) 9200
Productivity Software Microsoft(R) Works/Money
Primary Battery 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
HP extended service plans 3-year HP Express Repair extended service plan

My main questions concern the screen. This one is the most expensive (and sadly i assumed it was the best) Is this true?

Plus, there is a $100 rebate as well.

Additionally, I have heard from some people that HPs are frequently messed up on delivery or shortly thereafter...is this true or are they reliable? Thanks

One more thing (Sorry)...what do y'all think of the 3-year HP Accidental Damage Protection with Express Repair extended service plan for HP Pavilion and Presario notebook PCs $299.99...is it a rip off or is it smart?

I am looking to make a decision this weekend so any response/opinions would be very cool. THANKS SO MUCH!

Discussion is locked

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Re: HP zt3000 Question
Jul 23, 2004 7:38AM PDT

First of all, there are 3 sister machines you can shop for the best price: X1000 series (Compaq), ZT3000 series (HP), and nx7000 series (HP business. These are all the same except the Compaq casing is 1/2 silver on the inside wrist rest with a black touchpad (with a ridge on the touchpad to separate scroll and mouse area) and the 2 HP's are all black inside but the touchpad is silver (with no ridge as indicated above).

You need to get over to X1000forums.com (free) and look in the general section to see what people are buying and why and also get all discounts that you can.
There are over 10,000 registered users and I am happy I ordered a X1360US (prebuilt) as I have gotten tremendous support (drivers/updates) and other information from these forums.

Just to give you some quick tips from there -- you can order 256mb (one slot) and then get 512mb later from Crucial for about 100 (or Kingston, etc) and have more memory for less cost (only 2nd memory slot is easily replaced.

There are also numerous posts there regarding the standard XGA resolution, the SXGA resolution the extreme top UXGA resolution. You need to read these posts to decide.

I am happy with the standard XGA as I most use the wi-fi for web pages, etc. The higher resolutions will make DVD's look somewhat better (as more pixels on LCD) and you will get more screen real estate for excel spreadsheets. Some people swear by the WUXGA (power users mostly using excel) but I have also seen several posts from people who said that SXGA is a better compromise between the 2.

Remember, an LCD has only one ideal fixed resolution -- you can do some adjustments by software but you should still pick the one that is best for you. I think in your case you should get the SXGA or the standard XGA.

Also, you can save extra money over the $100 rebate -- FatWallet can get you 3% for example. Please look at the X1000forums.com for more information.

Note that Circuit City has both X1000 models and ZT3000 models so you can look at both if you want but they are nearly identical. But pricing is not always identical even online so price both unless you are in love with the way one looks versus the other.

I have had no problems with my X1360US Compaq after I updated the system bios to F34 (now at F42) -- I had a keyboard issue before this but this bios update corrected it.

The HP/Compaq support is a pain (many overseas) but so is Dell and Toshiba is a bit better but not by much. Only Apple gets consistently the top reviews for service.

But this forum has done everything I have needed so I recommend it.

However, also check out the excellent value for the Toshiba M35S456 --- 150 off at Circuit City until Saturday -- the specs are nearly identical and it has the new Trubrite XGA screen (you can't get it in SXGA or UXGA however). It is fully loaded with 512mb ram and a DVD burner and 64mb video for 1850.00 on sale until tomorrow and it is ready for purchase now (no waiting).

I like your setup (good choice of 1.7 Pentium M Dothan) on the HP (faster 5400 rpm hard drive also) but carefully consider the LCD resolution choice and consider buying less memory now to save $ and upgrading it yourself (some people recently have gotten Kingston or PNY 512mb memory for under $100 after rebate).

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Re: HP zt3000 Question
Jul 23, 2004 7:41AM PDT

The 3 year warranty is worthwhile if you will be carrying the notebook around a lot and think that you may encounter more service issues.

Also, many people get a new primary laptop every 2 years so I got the standard 1 year and got doubled to 2 years for free by using my American Express Platinum card (some Visa/Mastercards have this also).

If you definitely know you want it as your primary machine for 3 years then you may want it.

Get the HP/compaq warranty as opposed to an outside extended warranty if you choose that.

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Re: HP zt3000 Question
Jul 23, 2004 8:11AM PDT

To KenSanramon,
I have been reading your message and not to mention they are very helpful.
One thing I need to know and look for you advice - as you have been mentioning abt the circuit, no wonder they are good deals on Toshiba M35. My problem is want to have Window XP Pro but the if you buy from Circuit city they come with Window XP Home.
1. What is your advice for that?
2. Can I buy that M35 and reformat the hard drive and installed Windows 2000 (as I am very comfy) on that. Do you think would there be any problem with the Hardware drivers if I choose to install win 2000
I appreciate your time and input. Happy

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Re: HP zt3000 Question
Jul 24, 2004 2:24AM PDT

Tomahuja:

Toshiba has the XP Professional available if you order the laptop online for only $80 more with the same specs(you can also custom order your machine there (called M30 still for that not M35) and add or remove what you want.

So, you could save a small amount by buying the machine at circuit city on sale for 150 off and buying the XP Professional yourself but not much as I think the normal retail is much higher than the $80 upgrade Toshiba is charging you (as you can't return XP to get XP professional).

I went to Fry's electronics last night and saw the new HP Briteview screens which look just as nice as the Toshiba Trubrite. It may be the same LCD manufacturer and it looks like a thin glass layer over the LCD just like the best desktop LCD's.

But the HP/Compaq notebooks don't have this screen on the comparable X1000/ZT3000 notebooks so you have to get the Toshiba M35 if you want this in a Pentium M with the 15.4" widescreen

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Re: HP zt3000 Question
Jul 23, 2004 7:57AM PDT

I also see you are a law student. Are you custom configuring this HPZT3000 through the APP (student discount site) on HPshopping? If not, you are losing this additional discount.

There was a 100 coupon code in addition to the 100 rebate that was good recently (find out about it at X1000forums) but it may be gone now. However, there is still a $10 coupon code. And you can save 3% through Fatwallet.

Again, go to X1000forums regarding these pricing and configuration issues.

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Re: HP zt3000 Question
Jul 23, 2004 8:30AM PDT

Ken, thanks for your detailed response...it was very helpful. I had a quick question about rebates etc....I plan on using the APP discount, plus a $100 coupon and a $100 rebate. Now, there is also a discount run by credit cards (Discover or visa in my case) Can I use these discounts plus all the others?

About the HD...I was planning on getting 1 stick of 512 installed and then putting another 512 (from crucial etc)into the free slot (I assume this is something I can find directions for online) is 1024 too much memory?

Finally, I tried linking from Fat Wallet to HP but I show no signs of recognition upon check out. (doing a test checkout, as I have not picked a set up yet) Does this mean it is not working?

I am on the x1000 bb but I can not find info on the different screens...mainly it is just people's favs etc. I dont do anything like gaming or film editing but I still want a pretty good screen. I think I'll go for the in between one. Thanks for your help...it really aides me in my decision. Now all I have to do is decide, pick a printer and other accessories. Happy

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Re: HP zt3000 Question
Jul 24, 2004 2:34AM PDT

I don't know if the $100 coupon is still available (use the code they indicate at the board) and I also think that might not work in conjunction with APP but you should be able to get everything else (APP, 100 rebate, credit card cash back). Ask on the board for the $10 coupon code as you should be able to at least get that if not the $100.

There are long threads about the LCD screen resolution so if you can't find them then post a question in the general section and ask someone to post some of the links for you. Or use the search function. It sounds like the SXGA will be a good compromise for you as again I read a couple of people who got UXGA that said they would get that next time. I am happy with XGA for my use and I would like to have the Trubrite or the HP Briteview (but not available on these models yet) but otherwise the 15.4" LCD is great.

Also, there is a detailed post in general on how to use Fatwallet for the 3% ... a window pops up when you sign up and then proceed to HPshopping -- that has to remain open through your transaction and then it should work. Look for details at the forum.

If you like your keyboard/LCD screen elevated a bit I highly recommend the Targus podium coolpad. It allows more airflow under the laptop for cooling but this machine is nearly always silent. Also, however it raises the LCD closer to eye level and makes the keyboard at a slant for more wrist rest support. Also, it has 3 heights that can be adjusted and the unit swivels around to any angle you wish (2nd plastic layer connects to table). It is normally 29.99 but Office Depot has 10.00 rebate on this through Saturday only.

I had the 14.99 travelers coolpad (much shorter feet) from Target and really like that also so when the podium one went on sale I jumped on it.

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Re: HP zt3000 Question
Jul 24, 2004 5:08AM PDT

Cat:

If you don't want a higher screen LCD resolution or a faster speed hard drive your ship has come in. In response to the Toshiba M35S456 150 sale, HP has listed the ZT3380US (fully loaded very similar to Toshiba with 64mb video, 512mb RAM, 1.7 Pentium M Dothan, DVD burner --but no Trubrite) for a 200 rebate off or 1999-200 = 1799. See Circuit City now...
This is $50 less than the Toshiba.

Both of these are excellent machines.

Toshiba has the Tru-brite but HP has a great keyboard. Nearly every otherh specification is similar but Toshiba uses Nvidia video and HP/Compaq uses ATI.

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Re: HP zt3000 Question
Jul 25, 2004 4:04AM PDT

Note, for those of you that don't require the new Dothan Pentium M processors (1.6 {Pentium M and above) Best Buy has the ZT3340US HP 15.4" model for only 1349.99 after 200.00 rebates this week (Sunday-Saturday). It has the 705 Pentium M Banias which is still a great machine but has 1mb L2 system cache instead of 2mb on the Dothan CPUS.

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Re: HP zt3000 Question
Jul 25, 2004 1:19PM PDT

Hey Ken!

You are great, thanks for all your help! I went to circut city to look at the zt3000...it was really nice. Sadly, I saw the Sony Vaio and now I am torn between the vaio and the HP. The vaio's XBRITE screen is amazing but I dont know about the specs of Vaios. I dont suppose you know anything about these systems? ANY help would be great. Thanks so much

C

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Sony support.
Jul 26, 2004 2:21AM PDT
http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-7586-0.html?forumID=68&threadID=30693&messageID=349566

I've written it before, but if you ask this person why they can't get a Restore CD from Sony, it will likely be the usual answer.

Sony, in my experience has no focus on service, support and is best avoided unless you LOVE the laptop and are willing to risk it.

I have yet to find any reason why Sony support is the way it is. But if you look on their website, you didn't find drivers for laptops ready to fetch in case you lost a restore CD and Sony wouldn't sell you a restore CD.

My thought? They treat the laptops like toasters.

Bob
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Re: Sony support.
Jul 27, 2004 10:43AM PDT

Bob replied to you regarding the shortcomings of Sony. They look great but Toshiba notebooks beat them nearly across the board for price and reliability if they have a similar model (Sony has some exclusives especially on the ultralights).

I already told you the Toshiba M35S456 would be an outstanding option for you and it was on sale at Circuit City for 150 off last week (see message above). Its Trubrite screen technology is very similar to Sony Xbrite but I guess you did not look at this laptop while you were there.

Note -- the LCD screen panels are NOT made by the notebook manufacturers. Therefore, Sony Xbrite, HP Briteview, Toshiba Trubrite, and Fujitsu Crystal View are all company trademarks for the new bright contrast LCD's now being manufactured by some company.

I know that HP/Compaq uses Hitachi, Samsung, LG, or other manufacturers for their LCD panels but I am not sure which one is making these new ones.

As I already told you the Compaq X1000/HPZT3000 series does not have these bright XGA screens yet.

These screens like Xbrite are only XGA so if you want a higher SXGA or UXGA resolution you won't find that yet anyway.