Trying to customize HPNC6000

Thanks so much! I'll be sure to print these emails out when I'm customizing. I will definitely check out the other HPs and see if they have what I need. I was primarily looking at CNet and other computer review websites. But if those two are better choices, then I will go with that.

One last question - am I just out of luck as far as using an iPod goes and transferring my files. Is there no other way of doing that?

1. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-3zCb2ABf9Dm/cgi-bin/prodview.asp?wm=fa&I=472IPODUSB

That's useful if you don't have the right cable...

2. iPod is all about DRM or digital rights management. If I wanted to do an end run around, I could place all the mp3's in a zip file and unzip on the other side. Yes, it will not shrink!

From http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/consumer_electronics/ipod_faq/transfer_connectivity.html

"How can I transfer music/files between computers using iPod?

To transfer music or files between computers, you will need to use your iPod as a hard disk. In hard disk mode, you can effectively drag any file to the iPod, disconnect the iPod, connect it to another computer, and drag the file from the iPod to the second computer."

Much more information there, but you may as well know that a mp3 copied to the iPod with this method... does not play on the iPod.

Bob

Thanks -- these are two great web sites -- now my next purchase will be to find a cheap ipod!

Again, since you are buying a PC notebook you should probably get the new HP Ipod as they give a longer warranty and service period for PC support versus Apple (but the Ipods are the same except for the HP symbol on it).

Note you are getting the older Banias Pentium M cpu if you are buying the older notebook but that is still ok for most uses if you are saving enough money. Buy a Dothan CPU (715 Pentium M or above) if buying new (double the L2 system cache).

The firewire port of used for both video transfer and the Ipod transfer so make very sure you want to forego that option on your notebook. Otherwise, the nc6000 has a very good rating.

Actually, I'm not sure if I'm getting the older or newer. The terminology is foreign to me: what's the difference between older Banias Pentium M or a Dothan CPU?

The original Pentium 1.0 - 1.6 mhz Pentium M (Banias) cpus had a larger transistor size manufacturing process so they had 1mb L2 system cache on the cpu.

L2 system cache is faster than RAM and is one of the reasons the Pentium M cpus can perform at 1.5 to 2 times their mhz speed in comparison to a Pentium 4M or Pentium 3 chip.

When Intel was able to obtain a new manufacturing process to get more chips per wafer and fit more transistors on each chip they came out with the Dothan Pentium M line around June of 2004. Since the transistors were smaller they were able to use the extra space to double the L2 system cache from 1mb to 2mb. This will allow you to access frequent web pages, etc faster as twice as much of this high speed memory access is on the new cpus.

Also, the Dothans are supposed to be slightly more energy effiicient regarding the Banias Pentium M's.

Both chips fit the same socket so some people have have upgraded from an older Banias to a newer Dothan Pentium M cpu.

Anything designated a 715 Pentium M or higher is a Dothan processor -- the 705 1.5 Pentium M and processors not designated with the 7xx coding are Banias cpus.

Again, you can confirm what you have by reading the L2 cache specification on any Pentium M notebook - 2mb is Dothan and 1mb is Banias.

I have a 1.4 Pentium M Banias as I bought my Compaq X1360US retail just before the Dothan cpus were released.

However, if you don't get a great deal used definitely buy a Dothan Pentium M cpu now.

Well, see that's the thing -- the computer I'm getting is a new computer - it hasn't been used. I think it's the older version. I will look into upgrading the chip if I need to. Thanks!

There isn't a huge difference between the Banias and Dothan cpus but the Dothans are improved so definitely get one of those if a new model configuration.

Otherwise, you will be better off with a faster RPM hard drive (get 5400 prm option at least or you can even buy an Hitachi 7200 rpm hard drive and swap it out yourself) and more system RAM (note --you only have 2 slots)

Make sure you look at the order specifications in the pinned General section thread on x1000forums.com

The Pentium M 725 1.6 is enough.
Get 256mb RAM and order the 512mb RAM Stick later yourself to save $ or order 512mb RAM 1 stick and add 512mb RAM later yourself.

Read about how to go through the Fatcash portal to hpshoppping to get 3% cash back later (via Paypal)

Make sure you download the $100 custom order rebate good through 12/1/04 and use that instead of the $50 rebate posted on the order screen.

Yes, if you don't need to be lighter with the 14.1" LCD the 15.4" LCD is very nice for DVD's and spreadsheets and costs less as it is a consumer model.

Also, choose carefully for your LCD --

Briteview XGA (just out in September)-- similar to Toshiba Trubrite or Sony Xbrite in stores

Regular XGA
SXGA (not Briteview)
UXGA (not Briteview)
And, most important order the 64mb dedicated video RAM as you can't upgrade it later.

I don't see anything about a customize $100 rebate, but I do see $50 instant rebate and $50 mail in rebate.

I have posted this so many times on these boards. The $50 rebate on the HP order screens at Hpshopping and the $30 Compaq rebates on their order screens (both at hpshopping) should not be used.

Download the PDF file from the mail in rebates link at the lower left corner of the Hpshopping home page. It is a $100 rebate good through 12/1/04 and it is good for any configure to order notebook (any HP custom order notebook at hpshopping). Submit this with the UPC code and invoice copy instead of the rebate mentioned on the order screen.

You can still use the $50 instant discount or any other promotion in addition to the $100 custom order rebate.

Here is the link again:

http://hpshopping.speedera.net/www.shopping.hp.com/shopping/pdf/rebate_choose_cool_hp.pdf

Sorry, you have been going back and forth between the business HPnc6000 and Consumer ZT3000 / Compaq X1000 (which I have).

The link for the $100 custom order rebate (configure to order notebooks) is for hpshopping consumer models only (Compaq has its own $100 custom order rebate).

If you order the HPnc6000 you see the discounts you can get on the order screen and you are not elligible for the $100 custom order rebate, 6% APP student discount, 12% EPP Employer discount, etc. I don't think the Fatcash 3% portal discount will work either.

If you really want a smaller notebook than the 6.5 pound HPZT3000 / Compaq X1000 you might want to consider the new HP DV1000 at hpshopping. That is qualified for all the discounts above.

Sorry about that - I did find this link.

Again, you are paying a bit more for the HPnc6000 as it is a business model (and you have access to less discounts) but it does have an international warranty (HP/Compaq consumer warranties are for within US only) and you do get access to the HP business support.

You lose the firewire, however, and you pay more for the 14.1" square LCD than for the 15.4" widescreen HPZT3000/ Compaq X1000 models. The HPnc6000 does have a very high rating at Cnet though (8.5).

Again, if your uses do not necessitate having the dedicated video memory (which tops out at 64mb on either the nc6000 or ZT3000) then consider the new hpshopping consumer model DV1000 (about same weight as the nc6000) which also has the DVD/CD controls and can be run with the computer off (and has remote control in PCcard slot).

Some people who don't require the dedicated video memory are going for that as it is a smaller lighter notebook similar to an Apple Ibook for about $1,000.

Thanks - I think I'll go with the zt3000.

Make sure you go to X1000forums.com to see all the current discounts and offers on the ZT3000 and X1000. In addition you can use the search function to read about topics from the past. The X1000 and ZT3000 have been around since about July of 2003 (although then they used the Banias Pentium M processors, a Intel b wireless card and PC2100 memory.

Now, the Dothan cpus are available, the PC2700 RAM and the Intel 2200b/g wi-fi card.

The only real shortcoming people are waiting for is a dedicated video card higher than 64mb but that is still at or above what many notebooks have (Dell 8600 and Acer 2000 series has 128mb dedicated video option).

Make sure you get 64mb dedicated video and consider getting the 5400rpm hard drive upgrade as well. Also order less RAM now and add your own to the open 2nd slot under the notebook later (only fill 1 slot in ordering with 256mb if you want 768mb or 512mb if you want 1gb).

Finally, the HP Briteview LCD is now available (similar to Sony Xbrite or Toshiba Trubrite in stores) in XGA resolution. So decide whether to select the Xbrite (great for most consumers --perhaps too much reflection if using at work with overhead flourescent light or a window behind you), the standard XGA LCD or the higher SXGA or UXGA resolutions.

Remember, LCD's have only one native resolution (unlike multisync CRT monitors) so choose carefully.

Thanks Ken -- after looking at past messages from here and X1000 forum, this is what I am going to customize it: (I guess this is a good thing to keep and show others)

The only changes are I may get a 1-year service plan, so that may or may not bring the price down. I think it's pretty good, including the iPod. (Only getting 20G - no way I'm going to need any more than that.)

HP Pavilion ZT3000

Operating System------ Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition with SP2
Processor----------------Intel Pentium M Processor 725 (1.6 GHz)
Display------------------ 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x800)
Graphics Card---------- 64MB ATI Mobility Radeon? 9200
Memory----------------- 256MB DDR SDRAM (1x256MB)
Hard Drive---------------60 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
Primary CD/DVD Drive-DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive
Networking-------------- Intel

The specs look great. Note that pricing he states includes the HP branded Apple Ipod so the notebook itself is much lower.

Make sure if you you order through hpshopping to learn how to use the Fatcash portal to get a deferred 3% off (details at X1000forums.com).

And, if you are a student or work at a qualified employer use the 6% APP or 12% EPP discounts.

Note that you need a 6 pin to 4 pin Firewire adaptor for the Ipod as Apple has 6 pin firewire (including 2 pins for power) and IBM notebooks (including the HPZT3000) are 4 pin so you have to have the cable to convert from 6 to 4 and plug in the ipod separately (perhaps the HP Ipod comes with this conversion cable) if using firewire.

Also, notice in the upgrades area of X1000forums there is a pinned memory deals thread where you can find current sales on PC2700 512MB RAM to add yourself for under $100 later (to 2nd open slot under the notebook).

You could also order via Costco.com (which is a portal to Hpshopping) and get a slight discount and also get a Costco 6 month return policy. The only drawbacks to this are that you pay sales tax (some people can avoid HPshopping sales tax but not in CA) and you can't use the EPP or APP rebates. But you can still use the $100 custom order rebate. The 6 month return policy is a great insurance policy (in addition to the 1 year HP limited warranty) if the notebook does not meet your expectations but is not defective.

Note that HPshopping gives you 30 days to return the notebook for a refund (some people have done this to change LCD resolutions, etc) but the Costco policy is 5 months longer.

See you on the forums !