The 2nd notebook looks like a Compaq X1000 series or HPZT3000 series as it has the 15.4" widescreen, the ATI 9200 video card, and also it weighs 6.5 pounds.
I would not get the 1st one for one simple reason other than the fact it is a hot running Pentium 4M -- it has shared (integrated video graphics).
The 2nd notebook (the Compaq X1000 series or HPZT300 series) has 32mb dedicated graphics.
You must be looking at a store prebuilt system as it has the Intel 705 (Banias -- not the Dothan line which is 715 and higher and has DOUBLE the L2 system cache for very little extra cost ($50-75 more if ordering custom online).
At any rate look at X1000forums.com for the advantages or ordering custom.
Recommended specs:
Intel Pentium M 725 Pentium 1.6 (2mb L2 cache)
5400 rpm hard drive 60gb (50% faster than 4200)
256mb RAM (order 512RAM later yourself for less for 768mb total)
CD-RW/DVD ROM
Intel 2200b/g wi-fi (bluetooth option only $19 more online --can't get this retail)
15.4" Briteview XGA LCD ($50 more than regular XGA on prebuilts -- this just came out and you will be disappointed if you don't check this out).
By ordering custom you can get a $100 instant discount, a $100 custom order rebate and a free DVD ROM to CD-RW/DVD ROM upgrade for the HPZT3000 line (disregard the $50 rebate -- you can download and submit the $100 custom order rebate instead -- see x1000forums.com) The Compaq X1000 is the same notebook except for appearance but they have a $50 instant rebate and $100 custom order rebate.
The HPbriteview XGA LCD just became available yesterday (9/8/04) at HPShopping so nearly any prebuilt model you see out there today does not have it yet. It is very similar to the Trubrite LCD on Toshiba M35S456 (6.2 pounds) if you have seen that.
Get a Pentium M (Centrino) processor as it makes a lighter notebook, you will like the 15.4" widescreen for DVD's and viewing spreadsheets (more columns at right and left) and it still will fit in a notebook backpack that holds a 15" notebook.
But if you get that prebuilt you will get the older Banias 1.5 and you will not get a HP Briteview LCD.
If you are in Canada where there seems to be a time warp in what is available buy it.
If in the US, shop custom.
Bellow are specs for two notebooks. I can get either one and I need some advice which one to go for. It has to be one of the two so advice to look for something else will not help me much. Here are the specs:
Notebook 1
operating system: Windows

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