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General discussion

Toshiba Satellite M45-s331 or HP Pavilion dv1170us ??

Feb 19, 2005 4:14PM PST

Hi,
I am seriously considering buying the toshiba satellite m45-s331 laptop or the HP Pavilion dv1170us laptop. I have researched both, and they both look like nice systems. I will not be using it for any hard-core 3-d renderings, but would like to be able to stretch this laptop somewhat beyond the standard user (and definitely watch DVDs). Is there anyone out there who owns/has owned one of these?? How do you like it? I really appreciate any comments ...thanx!!

Discussion is locked

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Toshiba Satellite M45-s331
Feb 27, 2005 1:41AM PST

I just bought a Toshiba Satellite M45-S331 and set it up (with help!) a few days ago, transferring data from my old computer to the new one. So far, so good, although I haven't used all the features. Great screen, compared to my 5-year-old Compaq Armada M700, and the keyboard seems fine. I got a wireless mouse instead of using the touchpad, but the latter works just fine. I was able to burn a CD of my favorite music quite easily, and plan to use it to watch DVDs too, though haven't done it yet, nor can I give you feedback about actual battery life. It has wireless capability, but haven't tried it yet. It seems a bit large to carry around a lot, but lighter than my older, smaller laptop and it's serving as my desktop anyway. Don't know enough about the HP to give you any feedback, but I can definitely recommend this Toshiba so far. As I spend more time with it, I'll update this review.
By the way, I bought it at J&R Music World in New York City, for $1399.

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Toshiba satellite
Feb 27, 2005 7:17AM PST

I weighed the two as I was in the same boat but after holding feeling typing with both I stand by tyhe toshiba satellite not to mention the quality and overall appearence to me is more appealing in the toshiba ive been running thgis laptop 16 hrs a day for work and home and not a single problem. I also like the toshiba utilities as they are helpful and too much to list. Only drawback to the toshiba is the graphics card doesnt support hardware t&l only software ....in short some games dont play however the ones that do look better than my geforce4 on my 1.7ghz desktop

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Hp dv1175
Mar 4, 2005 12:36AM PST

I have an HP dv1175, which is similiar to what you asking about. So far it has been good (Not great). If you are looking for a good entertianment laptop this is the one, great DVD functionablility with the quick play feature. My particular notebook has 100 gigs and 1 gig memory. My only complaint is the wireles is good but a little touchy and the system seems to lag sometimes for a machine with all that memory. The processor is certainly sufficiant. Overall i give it a 7.5 out of ten... Also GREAT battery...

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HP dv1170 (HP dv1175)
Mar 6, 2005 10:07PM PST

I purchased a dv1175 and I agree that the media features are great. The 6 in 1 port and QuickPlay features are very handy. I do web design and database work from the laptop and I've not really had any issues yet.

I will say that HP's support really sucks. I called and they were using someone who barely spoke English and they said they couldn't help me with questions I had on XP that I should call Microsoft. Of course Microsoft directed me back to HP and I just decided to give up. If the laptop wasn't 10 times better than my last laptop I would have returned it after my support experience.

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hp dv1175
Jun 10, 2005 11:28PM PDT

I LOVE my HP Pavilion 1175 --I'd give it a 9.5 out of 10 --the minus .5 is that the hard drive failed after 2 months --but everyone says if something is going to go on a new computer it will be the hard drive and it just happens to a certain percentage of machines --PLUS I got my computer back within 2 weeks of when I brought it back to Compusa where I bought it. --of course no charge.

NOW --why I love it: It has a 12 volt battery --it has over 5 hours of battery life!!! I LOVE that; it is relatively light and thin; it has a wide screen that is SOOO clear; you can ''quick play'' dvds and cds; The keyboard is not cramped, and the touchpad has this little scroll area that is WAY cool --just brush your finger down to scroll down; It writes dvds, it has a 100gig hard drive and 1 gig of ram; it has built in WIRELESS, it runs at 1.8 GHz. It has 3 usb ports and this cool built in card reader for all different cards --and for less than comparable others I was pricing. I don't find it slow at all; It is the first major electronic purchase I've made where I didn't have ANY buyer's remorse --I LOVE this machine!! (The only thing I have ever had the least concern about is that the CD drive (internal) seems a little flimsy but it has always worked flawlessly.

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Great First 1st Notebook to Own
Apr 19, 2005 8:26AM PDT

I really like the Toshiba Satellite M45-S331. I bought it Circuit City and thank God I had a real computer nerd/geek who really helped me get all of the things I needed. I like the M45 for the features and price. The only thing I did not like is that it had no real instructions. I really had to get help with the wireless so that I could set up a good security key code. Don't be fooled into thinking that you don't need it. One suggestion that was given to me was to get a really good router. I got a Linksys. I can now go all around the house and out into the back yard and still get online. I got a wireless keyboard and mouse and love that when I am at home.

If you are thinking about getting your first notebook then look at the Toshiba Satellite M45-S331. You can't go wrong

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Customize the Satellite
Jun 11, 2005 3:49PM PDT

I checked out the Statellite at Circuit City and the screen was the best I've seen, but the unit does not seem to be customizable - at least not at the stores or the website. Can this unit be purchased beefed up? I need more ram, faster processor, DVD burner etc.?
Thanks!

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I regret buying the dv1170us
Mar 9, 2005 5:09AM PST

I bought the dv1170us notebook from Best Buy. So far it has been sent in for service 2 times for the same issue. The left front speaker emits electrostatic charges that when touched, freezes the unit. This is a known issue, and the system engineers are trying to figure out how to resolve it. You can call them directly at 866-671-7359 to inquire more about this issue.

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HP dv1170us
Mar 23, 2005 9:35AM PST

I am looking to buy the subject laptop next week.

Do you live in a dry and cold area that is causing the static problem?

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HP dv1170us notebook
Mar 24, 2005 3:00PM PST

I expect to purchase the HP dv1170us notebook in a few days. Anyone else have any coments?

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no hp for me
Jun 13, 2005 10:42AM PDT

go m45.great notbook f,sure.I have only one proublem with it though and that is.......the construction of it.it feels weak.the sides are spungy as well as the dvd drive.great notbook as fare as proformance yet week on the carry i feel.Hp is the wrong way to go f,sure.i own the toshiba Qosmio g15.super strong and has every thing she would ever need in a notebook and more.it,s a little heavy a t almost 10 pounds yet It,s well put together.it,s strong.see the toshiba qosmio rating here on cnet and you will understand this notebook a little better .it has a rating of 8.4