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).
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!

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