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General discussion

Which HP notebook?

Dec 12, 2004 8:26AM PST

So I am now leaning towards an HP. Honestly no idea why. Which models from the HP line are best? Any have issues? What should I get and what should I realize is outdated?

I will use it to pull up properties online for clients, run online searches, email, and fill in paperwork online using WiFi. I also want something I can use to watch movies on airplanes and use if I am out of town. I'd like good battery life.

Thanks

Kathy

Discussion is locked

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Re: Which HP notebook? - additional question
Dec 12, 2004 8:49AM PST

And how would you compare the Toshibas to the HPs? Thanks

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Look at the HPDV1000 --14" widescreen and 5.3 pounds
Dec 14, 2004 7:26AM PST

Kaleyna:

You want a Pentium M (Centrino) notebook for 3.5-4 hours battery life using wi-fi (54G minipci card built in) and up to 5 hours not using wi-fi (but DVD's or CD's would also probably be in the 4 hour range).

Since you want to use it on the airplane this is an ideal size and weight (the 6.5 pound 15.4" widescreen HPZT3000/Compaq X1000 series I have is better for home use for the LCD but it is a bit harder to use on the airplane tray and also heavier).

This model has DVD/CD playing fuctions with the operating system off (works just like a regular CD/DVD) so you not only save battery power but you get instant access and save the hard drive as well. Also, there are 2 headphone jacks in the front and a built in remote control in the PC card slot.

This model does not have dedicated video RAM but based on your use you don't need that (for games or higher end video programs or video editing).

See Hpshopping.com, DV1000forums.com and they are all over at retail but ordering custom is the best choice.

Costco has a good price on an in store model for $1299 right now with a DVD burner or you can order through Costco.com to hpshopping and get a custom unit with a 6 month costco return policy on top of the 30 day hp return policy and 1 year limited warranty. And the Costco American Express Platinum card (or Visa/MC that has it)will double your 1 year limited warranty to 2 years for free (for any notebook not just this one).

Get at least the Pentium M 725 1.6 Dothan processor for the full 2mb L2 system cache -- lower ones have 1mb or less --

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wait
Jan 7, 2005 12:12PM PST

i have a dv1060 and i just noticed you can see shadows from the fluorescent lamps behind the screen...look at the bottom left and right hand corners of the screen...never saw this on my toshiba satelite

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Some salt in cup of tea
Jan 8, 2005 2:01PM PST

As I understand your PC belongs to dv1000 series.
According to Reviews in PC World and other respectable magazines and forums this series is perfect except:
1. Not sturdy enough (press top of pc and you will see your finger prints on screen)
2. Noticable glare for BrightView screen.
3. Unusually narrow vertical angle of viewing- !!!
On 1/9/2005 I was in Best Buy and Circuit City - both have dv1040 (brother of yours) and I checked it - 1,2,3 are ALL TRUE.