Computer Guru's Needed!

[arfman]

My laptop is dyin a slow death, the mousepad goes the opposite direction, the screen flickers white, the hinge is broken, its performance is slow (P3 500) ... I need a new one!!!!  And since I just did my taxes tonight and I'm getting FAT return, I'm looking at the following:

1.   Compaq R3470 - $1799
- Athlon 64 3400+ 2.2Ghz
- 15.4" Widescreen WXGA
- 1 GB DDR SDRAM
- 100 GB 4200RPM harddrive
- DVD-RW / CDRW Combo
- Nvidia Gforce 4 440 64MB dedicated

2.  Compaq x6050 - $1699
- P4 530 with HT 3.0Ghz
- 17.0? HD Widescreen WXGA
- 512 DDR2 SDRAM
- 80 GB 4200RPM harddrive
- 24X DVD/CD-RW
- ATI MOBILITY RADEON X300 64MB dedicated

3.  HP z8060 - $1999
- P4 540 with HT 3.2Ghz
- 17.0? HD Widescreen WXGA
- 512 DDR2 SDRAM
- 100 GB 4200RPM harddrive
- DVD-RW / CDRW Combo
- ATI MOBILITY RADEON X600 128MB dedicated


My main large demand is that it must be able to run 3D models with Solidworks.

I have heard the comparisons between the Pentiums and Athlons.  As a desktop replacement notebook (where battery life isn't important), is there a large difference in the P4's with HT and the Ahtlon64 (besides the obvious that the Athlon is 64 bit ready when programs come out in the future)?

How much difference affect does the video card have on the overall running operations of graphic intensive displays?

I want an Ahtlon64 processor, but the only thing I dont like about #1 is I heard the video card isn't great.

I would go with #3 but its a bit pricier and only comes with 512 ram.  #2 is cheaper alternative to #3 but seems like the $300 only difference doesnt make it worth it not to take #2.

Oh, I dont know.

ANyone have suggestions or comments?

btw: reason I have compaq and hp listed only is because I think I have a hookup for 25% off.

[Absinthe]

I would get #3 especially if you're using 3D apps... better graphics card and HT can be useful in some cases.? You can always upgrade the RAM and the graphics card (Hint: Radeon X800 ), although X600 is already good enough.

According to some reviews, Athlon 64 is faster than P4 w/HT... and P4's generally eat more power than Athlon 64's... but I guess battery life is not important to you.

[arfman]

Yeah, thats why I wanted a Athlon64.  The only downside of #1 was the video card and the slightly smaller screen.

How do you upgrade video cards for a laptop?  Is that something easy to do?

Also, I imagine it will be a lot easier to upgrade ram on a laptop?  If I get #3 I will get additional 1gig ram and then I'm set.  If I can upgrade video card, I wouldnt mind getting #1 then upgrading the card!

[rancid]

Are you considering toshiba's at all?  They do have some pretty powerful notebooks with good graphics cards.  Sony would be a pretty good bet for graphics though...that's what they're geared towards.

[arfman]

I would usually consider all major brands and models, but in this case, my gf can get me 25% off all HP and Compaq products, so ... I think that might be the way to go

[Absinthe]

25% off... that's a very good deal

#1 is not bad, but it's using AGP port. #2 and #3 however are using PCI-X port.? PCI-X is faster then AGP.? I chose #3 over #2 because it has DVD-RW and a much better graphics card.

Upgrading graphics card and RAM on a notebook is not that hard.? Just open the case and you should know how to do it.? If you're not sure how, just bring it to a shop, they are happy to do it for a small cost.  Some stores would even do it for free if you buy the parts from them.

[rancid]

i wouldn't really recommend sony given my past experience with them but their stuff has gotten better.  Reason I suggested it was cause of the graphics that you said you do.  The Sony's have a strong base for graphics...that's about all I know for them.  I'm more biased towards toshiba's if you want a laptop but damn 25% off the HP or compaq...go for it!

[arfman]

I was doing some more searching today and wondered why I never thought of Pentium M's or Centrinos!

I think one of the reason was the cost in the beginning, but there are laptops around the $1700 - $2000 mark with Pentium M's.

I know they run cooler, quieter and longer battery life as well.  But is the performance of , say a 1.6 ~ 1.7 Ghz chip 2MB cache and 500mhz FSB be as good as performer as any of the above P4's with HT or Athlon64?

[Absinthe]

If you want a desktop replacement, P4 w/ HT or Ahtlon64 is the way to go.? Pentium M and Centrino laptops are usually lightweight, and have a small screen.? Their performance are not comparable to desktop replacements, but they do have longer battery life.? If you use a laptop only for checking email, surf BCMazda3.com , chatting, spreadsheets, other light apps, and portability is important to you, then get the M or Centrino.

[Inno]

i would choose athlon 64 myself.....for many reasons

[Briefescape]

Don`t screw around get a power book with superdrive geeeeeeeees

[Inno]

y not iBook then!?!?

[vicvic]

hehe.. nothing beats a price error dell..

I am still waiting for good deal on PC.. althought graphic card sux.. you usually have to upgrade it...
I got my PC for $410 tax included.. in 2003..
P4 2.8G/256MB Dual DDR/AGP slot/DVD-ROM/80G HD... and bunch of software cost like $200..

[arfman]

If you want a desktop replacement, P4 w/ HT or Ahtlon64 is the way to go.  Pentium M and Centrino laptops are usually lightweight, and have a small screen.  Their performance are not comparable to desktop replacements, but they do have longer battery life.  If you use a laptop only for checking email, surf BCMazda3.com , chatting, spreadsheets, other light apps, and portability is important to you, then get the M or Centrino.

I think surfing BCMazda3.com will be a given  ... but thats a great suggestion ^^

One more thing I found out is that supposedly those desktop replacements are also loud, because of the need for more or faster fans to cool the hot chip.  I also have at home an AthlonXP in a ultra light notebook, and that thing is LOUD, more so than anything else I've seen.  I hope these HP/Compaq ones arent' as loud.

[arfman]

i would choose athlon 64 myself.....for many reasons

Hey Inno, what are your reasons for choosing an Athlon64?   Are there more reasons than just the future compatibility of 64-bit software?

[Inno]

i do think the architecture of AMD is better than Intel, and also the reason u mentioned.

for the newer generation, im not too sure if this AMD64 has a mobile variant yet, but for the past XP-M, it is definitely more battery optimized