Buying A Laptop

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587
Hey Neo.. One more small doubt.. Is the Dual-Channel memory specified as DDR2, like for example:

1024 MB (2 x 512 MB) 667 Mhz DDR2 SDRAM


Nope, that's just RAM specification.

RAM has come a long way with the early EDO RAM, then SD RAM (am too sleepy to remember the rest )
588

moi landing here late but i guess will be helped out by the experts on this thread...
wanna buy a lappy for my b-skool...
my range 35000-45000 can go upto 50,000 as well...

at what price can i get a good one with max features..

P.S my dad's being adament on buying a compaq one for some 36,000 he's seen the model likes it but i havent seen yet which one...
what should i do..
gimme more choices so that i can check out for more...
waitng for replies ...

589


Someone tell me how long this 6 cells and 9 cells batteries last ? And also, wrt Graphics cards, ATI et al come out with diff cards for desktops and Lappies ?


AFAIK,6 cell corresponds to little over 2 hrs...and 9 cell little over 3 hrs
590
moi landing here late but i guess will be helped out by the experts on this thread...
wanna buy a lappy for my b-skool...
my range 35000-45000 can go upto 50,000 as well...

at what price can i get a good one with max features..

P.S my dad's being adament on buying a compaq one for some 36,000 he's seen the model likes it but i havent seen yet which one...
what should i do..
gimme more choices so that i can check out for more...
waitng for replies ...

the best thing to do wud be go thru the website of most of the brands. now as u say ur dad is adamant on buying the compaq. check if similar specs are available with any other brands. if u r looking for more features at lower price, try acer or zenith. a few of my frnds have been using acer and r pretty happy with the performance..

cheers
591

hiya ppl,
Just got a fax from HP:
HP Compaq nx6125
AMD Turion 64 Mobile Technology ML-30 (1.6GHz)
AC adapter External 65W slim adapter
Audio Integrated 16-bit Sound Blaster Pro-compatible stereo audio, AC97 audio, integrated microphone, integrated stereo speakers, volume control and mute buttons
Battery 4.8Ahr 6-cell Lithium-Ion battery, up to 3.75 hours of battery life
Cache 1MB Level-2 Cache
Communications High speed 56K modem with digital line guard, integrated 10/100/1000 NIC, integrated wireless LAN 802.11g, integrated Bluetooth
Dimensions 3.1cm(H) x 32.8cm(W) x 26.7cm(D)
Display 15" colour TFT XGA (1024 x 768 resolution)
Graphics Integrated ATI Mobility Radeon X300 PCI-Express (with up to 128MB shared video memory)
Keyboard 101/102-key compatible keyboard with isolated inverted-T cursor control keys, editing keys, left and right control & alt keys, and 12 function keys; One-touch access to HP Info Center, Wireless on/off, Presentation mode, and volume control
Memory 256MB (1 x 256MB) DDR SDRAM (333MHz)
Multibay Optional MultiBay II accepts devices such as: DVD-ROM, DVD/CD-RW combo, DVDRW/R and second hard drive
Optical drive DVD/CD-RW combo
Optional docking HP Docking Station, HP Advanced Docking Station, HP Adjustable Notebook Stand
Ports/connectors (1) Type I/II PC card, (1) Integrated smart card reader (optional), (1) ExpressCard/54, (1) 6-in-1 digital media reader slot, (1) IEEE 1394 port, (1) S-video port, (1) VGA port, (1) Headphone/Line-out, (1) Microphone in, (1) DC power connector, (1) Travel battery connector, (1) RJ-11, (1) RJ-45, (3) USB 2.0 ports
Security features Configuration Control Hardware, Memory Change Alert, Ownership Tag, Setup Password, Power-On Password, Integrated HP Biometric Fingerprint Sensor, HP Drivelock, Enabled for PC Smart Card options, Kensington Lock Slot
Smart hard drives 40GB (5400 rpm)
Software included HP One-touch Button Software, HP Mobile Printing Driver, HP ProtectTools Security Manager (BIOS Configuration, Credential Manager), HP Wireless Assistant, HP Help and Support
Weight (min.) 2.72kg - may vary, depending on configuration and components
cost 39500 + 4% vat + 3% octroi.

Now a zenith pc configuration:
Intel Mobile Pentium M Processor 725 (2 MB Cache,1.6 GHz,400 MHz FSB),
Intel 915 GM, Original Intel PRO Wireless 2200 BG ( 802.11 b/g),
256 MB DDR2 SDRAM,
40 GB UDMA ATA-100 HDD upgradeable upto 80 GB,
(15.4) WXGA + Wide TFT Display.-WXGA Resolution (1280 x 800)
DVD-CD/RW Combo Drive,
Built in 56Kbps V.90 MDC Modem,
Built in 4-in-1 Card Reader
Integrated Internal Stereo Speakers
Integrated Intel Graphics & Sound, Integrated 10/100/1000 LAN,
Intelligent Glide Pad, Type II PCMCIA Slot, IEEE1394a Port
9-Cell Li-ion Battery,
Carry Bag.
The cost 3800 + 4% vat+3% octroi
(both come with dos)

hp has a 6 dell battery,a 1 mb l2 cache and ddr ram whereas the zenith notebook has a 2 mb l2 cache,9 cell battery and ddr2 ram
what say ppl,which 1 should 1 go for?

592


hp has a 6 dell battery,a 1 mb l2 cache and ddr ram whereas the zenith notebook has a 2 mb l2 cache,9 cell battery and ddr2 ram
what say ppl,which 1 should 1 go for?


given the 2 configuration i think the HP will be a better option. primarily 2 reasons for that. 1st is that u get a 64 bit processor which will have a higher speed FSB and hence will be faster. ram will not make that gr8 a difference to speed. u can always upgrade to ddr2 for a few hundred extra. besides hp has a ATI radeon with 128 mb shared memory which will make a lot of difference to the graphics.. especially if u game. besides, HP has a better brand value and service..

battery life is something u shud consider though i think the zenith will not give u a lot of advantage. u havent mentioned the weight of the zenith system. if u r gonna carry it along a lot, the HP at 2.7 kg is a tad heavy..

cheers
593
given the 2 configuration i think the HP will be a better option. primarily 2 reasons for that. 1st is that u get a 64 bit processor which will have a higher speed FSB and hence will be faster. ram will not make that gr8 a difference to speed. u can always upgrade to ddr2 for a few hundred extra. besides hp has a ATI radeon with 128 mb shared memory which will make a lot of difference to the graphics.. especially if u game. besides, HP has a better brand value and service..
cheers


Funky,

The 64 bit doesnt exactly make it faster.Instead of crunching data in 32bits, the 64 crunches data in 64bits. Again most applications arent built to really take advantage of it. MS' has a 64bit OS but how many people actually use it? Also its just that AMD's architecture is completely different when compared to the P4s and is currently the better one. Again, FSB is redundant in AMD.

2. I've said this over and over again-- The speed race is OVER. Get over it. Its all about performance. Did you know that Intel's HT isnt the grand success that Intel hoped it would be? For the simple reason that most applications arent built to take advantage of it. In some cases, turning OFF Ht has proved to improve system performance considerably.

3.RAM will make a LOT of difference to speed. Trying running a system on 64MB(ok ok 128MB) RAM and then shift to 512MB RAM. I'd love to see how you then say that RAM has no role in improving speed.

4.Do you know what the shared memory means? Lets say you have 512MB of RAM. Shared memory implies that this card will happily take over128MB leaving you with 512-128 = 384MB of RAM to run applications. Have fun
594

agreed that there are not many applications taking advantage of the 64-bit architecture. but its always better to have a 64 bit system if u r buying a new one.. atleast newer games n software will be designed to take advantage.. what say ?

coming to the HT issue. i have an HT system and i have seen that there is no difference in performance over a regular system. do u think turning off HT will help the performance.. of late my pc has been running slow.. especially the start up. damm norton..

another thing.. i upgraded from a 256 266mhz ram to 512 mb 400 mhz ram.. but found no improvement in the performance.. what cud be the reason ?

595
agreed that there are not many applications taking advantage of the 64-bit architecture. but its always better to have a 64 bit system if u r buying a new one.. atleast newer games n software will be designed to take advantage.. what say ?
coming to the HT issue. i have an HT system and i have seen that there is no difference in performance over a regular system. do u think turning off HT will help the performance.. of late my pc has been running slow.. especially the start up. damm norton..
another thing.. i upgraded from a 256 266mhz ram to 512 mb 400 mhz ram.. but found no improvement in the performance.. what cud be the reason ?


Yeah obviously it makes sense to go in for 64bit

Abt the HT thing, why dont you try it and see how it goes?

As for the 512MB Ram, if your motheboard doesnt support it,I dont think you'll see performance benefit. Though I am inclined to think that the system would have difficulty recoginising the RAM in such a situation. Try a Mem test or CPU-ID to see RAM frequency. Then again, are you using applications that are RAM intensive or you simply surfing the net?
596

Heh!
I am back with my silly doubts. I am still undecided whether to get the lappie from India or abroad. If I get it from the US, will the warranty be applicable in India ? Say for the Dell model ?
And suppose if I buy it in India, and I want an additional RAM fitted, how do I get about doing that ? 😐

597
Heh!
I am back with my silly doubts. I am still undecided whether to get the lappie from India or abroad. If I get it from the US, will the warranty be applicable in India ? Say for the Dell model ?
And suppose if I buy it in India, and I want an additional RAM fitted, how do I get about doing that ? :|


As always, get lappie fm abroad. MORE bang for the buck

I believe there is an option for World Wide warranty though you may have to pay a little extra. Not sure abt it so dont take my word -- you could mail DELL and ask them

And if you want additional RAM added,tell 'em before hand so that they'll add it for you and then you can pick it up. This shouldnt be a problem at all. Its called Customisation and they'll be more than glad to do it for you(atleast for the price that you'll be paying, they should)
598

Absolutely correct...i bought a Dell lappie few months back ...from US...i customised the laptop online..and accordingly the price changed...but the best thing is when u customise it online..u can get the best or the most optimal configuration u desire ...a facility that u cannot get in a retail shop...especially for the branded laptops...for eg...i knew a laptop is something which u cannot actually plan to buy new/upgrade to a better configuration soon...(if u find the config is outdated)...so i opted for the highest config available like 2GB ram and 100 GB HDD though i might actually never utilise the computing power it has until i plan to setup a server at home :sad:..but it would actually cost more if u plan to upgrade it later...and while getting it directly from the Dell/any branded online store u are sure u r getting a tried and trusted component installed..

One other thing that i would recommend for people who are likely to travel a lot is to get a lappie which is WiFi enabled ..because lately their has been a trend that in most of the hotels /airports even supermarkets...they have wireless hotspots...which z great if u have a wifi adapter..cos while at a hotel they may actually charge u for providing a wired connection...the wifi is absolutely free in case of the unsecured connections..!!

and yeah DVD writer too is a must...cos DVDs are more easily and cheaply available now than a few years down the lane...

As for the international guarantee for the parts is concerned it would cost another 100$ or so...which i dint opt for...i thought i'd rather pay for it later when their z actually a problem with the laptop...

599

@neo2000 and funkypratik,
wouldnt having a 2mb l2 cache be better than a 1 mb l2 cache.
I know amd has a 64 bit architecture,but the cache memory is half of what the centrino has,the ram can be uprgraded to a dd2,the batteries are 6 cell compared to 9 cell by zenith,these are all secondary issue,the primary one is the cache,if i am correct more the cache memory the better.right?
and yes,funkpratik,the zenith lappy is also around 2.7 kgs in wt.

600

Neo, Pronto

I know about these Dell customisations. What I was asking is, can I tell my friend to get a 1GB Ram from Taiwan, and then ask the Dell ppl to upgrade it after say 6 months ?

Any reviews on the Dell XPS lappies ?

602
Neo, Pronto

I know about these Dell customisations. What I was asking is, can I tell my friend to get a 1GB Ram from Taiwan, and then ask the Dell ppl to upgrade it after say 6 months ?

Any reviews on the Dell XPS lappies ?


I don't think DELL people would entertain that kind of a request. Especially, since their manufacturing facility is in Malaysia (for delivery in India).

Also, if they do, I'm sure they will charge you a fortune for that !!

I think it will be a better idea to get it configured when u r purchasing it.
603

Hi All

I need to compare the prices and features of various Laptops ..
Can someone please tell me the best site where I can do so ..

Also,
It will be good if someone case post all the links .. from where I can directly find the info regarding the Laptops .. say separate links for Dell IBM etc ..

Regards
Ramesh

604

Also,
It will be good if someone case post all the links .. from where I can directly find the info regarding the Laptops .. say separate links for Dell IBM etc ..


Yup, i (and hopefully others) have no other work in life
605
Neo, Pronto

I know about these Dell customisations. What I was asking is, can I tell my friend to get a 1GB Ram from Taiwan, and then ask the Dell ppl to upgrade it after say 6 months ?

Any reviews on the Dell XPS lappies ?

u mean u want to buy the laptop and the RAM separately...well yes sounds okie...infact Taiwan is famous for same hardware at cheaper prices..

about getting it installed i think u have two options..

one, u may subscribe from the Dell centre in India..or maybe in ur city..am not sure where do they have it in India...u can ask them from their chat support..and get them to upgrade it ..but they may not guarantee fixing a RAM which they do not support..clarify this frm the chat support..

the other...may not sound a real great idea...but u may take the RAM and lappie to a local hardware engr..and get it fixed right infront of ur eyes...u may have to see...that the securit seal etc. is taken care of..it may sound a little compromising with the m/c but u will be saving on ur bucks..quite a lot..!!

i am not really aware of the xps lappies...i have the inspiron..but yes they have the best look and feel available among their counterparts...and work really well..(am not really sure...since most of the times..i have used it as an mp3 player..)..no but yes it works well..touchwd i havent faced any probs as yet...
and yes if u are placing the order online...they may not ship the included s/w CDs with the shipment they may just install or dump the s/ws on ur HDD...so confirm this that they ship the..software CDs alongwith the lappie..!!
606

Mav, I hope you know that Desktop RAM and laptop RAM are two completely different entities. You will get desktop RAM at unbelieveable prices but laptop RAM is more expensive. Dont mess with the warranty by trying to add your RAM at a local chappie. GOd forbid, there's a disaster tomorrow, the moment the DELL people see different RAM, your warranty will become null and void. think abt it. you anyway spending a bomb on it,when bringing it fm the US, might as well pinch yourself a li'l more and put in the new RAM now itself.

Just my thoughts

607
Mav, I hope you know that Desktop RAM and laptop RAM are two completely different entities. You will get desktop RAM at unbelieveable prices but laptop RAM is more expensive. Dont mess with the warranty by trying to add your RAM at a local chappie. GOd forbid, there's a disaster tomorrow, the moment the DELL people see different RAM, your warranty will become null and void. think abt it. you anyway spending a bomb on it,when bringing it fm the US, might as well pinch yourself a li'l more and put in the new RAM now itself.

Just my thoughts


Exactly. That's what I also suggested in my earlier post. Its much better to get the config u want from Dell right now.