Any opinions on this laptop?

[sylvar]

The specs look good enough to me, but I don't know anything about modern CPUs.

http://bfads.net/HP-154-Pavilion-Laptop-w-AMD-Athlon-64-X2-DualCore-at-Circuit-City

$549.99 AFTER $150 MIR
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor TK-53, 2GB memory, 160GB hard drive, wireless b/g, DVDRW, Webcam, Vista Home Premium.

What do you think, sirs?

Comments

[ximinez]

In your position, I would try to find something that came with XP instead of Vista, but otherwise, that seems perfectly sufficient. I'm not a big fan of rebates either. Maybe not the best price, but I have no idea what a good price is these days.

Do you have any info from your employer about what specs they'd need for the job?

[sylvar.livejournal.com]

My main job is to evaluate Evergreen (which is running on a server I ssh to, and has a Windows client) and write a feasibility report. I'm not anticipating much in the way of hardware requirements, but 2GB/160GB seems like enough to make me the limiting reagent. I also like the built-in 802.11b/g and DVD burner, and the built-in webcam is yummy, yummy gravy.

[ximinez]

Sounds like you're on the right track then. Definitely get as much RAM as you can manage. It's one of the hardest things to upgrade, and the one you're most going to want to do if you don't get enough.

I would also make sure that the screen is clear and readable, and consider getting a second monitor so you can go dual screen (I think most modern laptops do dual with no problem).

[cadrys.livejournal.com]

Vista ain't .that. bad. It has some nice things that were missing before, the most obnoxious behaviors can be smacked around, and the oh-my-god-DRM FUD is pretty much just that, FUD.

Disclaimer: Yeah, I work for MS, but not for the 'dose group.

[tiger-stripes.livejournal.com]

The biggest problem with Vista is the amount of memory and processor speed it requires.

Otherwise, yeah, it's very pretty and easy to turn on the wireless in Fry's to get Internet connectivity ;-)

[ximinez]

I wasn't trying to imply that Vista is teh evil, just that he might get more bang for the buck, and have fewer headaches, with XP. I'm not speaking first hand, but I've heard a lot of stuff second and third hand...

[gardenwaltz.livejournal.com]

This is a great deal and very much the kind of system that I am looking for myself. The AMD/HP & 2 gigs of RAM are the real keys.

...However, I am not buying anything from Circuit City, They laid off their most experienced employees in a cost cutting measure, as they were also the most highly paid. In other words, Great job! - You're fired. I know that loyalty counts for nothing these days, but that was a bit over the top for me. Also, it guarantees the stores are filled with morons as they have gotten rid of anyone consistently deserving of a raise.

[cadrys.livejournal.com]

Oh, and to actually answer the question about the CPU...it's not cutting-edge anymore, but it's plenty zoomy for what you intend. That's a nice price for something you don't have to build yourself. :)

[ratcliffe1963.livejournal.com]

I still dont understand how well the various operating systems and applications that run on them handle dual core and now quad core ... or is it all transparent ... I am so ignorant ...

[ratcliffe1963.livejournal.com]

You can always go to one of the vendors (Dell, HP etc) online, and have them ship to you. Then you know its not an open box and dont have to deal with any of the other evilness of places like Circuit City.

This also allows you to configure exactly to your liking, though that may slow the order down :)

[fizzgig-bites.livejournal.com]

I'm not a sir but I would think this computer is pretty good for you. I would try to get XP and make sure the hardware has drivers for XP and not just Vista.

I'm constantly VNC/VPNing in and my laptop is several years old. The net is still the slowest point and nothing I can do about that. I would see what programs you can use locally to speed yourself up and make sure they can run on the laptop. You didn't list how many USB ports but I would make sure to have two and some hubs. I have three with a 4 port hub on one and still switching stuff out. Laptop keyboards suck and track pads are not far behind. Ed has a lot of trouble because of his size and you are close. Plan on buying a keyboard and mouse (wireless optical) at least.

[sylvar.livejournal.com]

"What do you think, sirs?" was just a quote from MST3K. :)

I do have a powered USB hub cum iPod dock, though.

[sylvar.livejournal.com]

Also, how would I get XP at this point? I remember hearing that MSFT was offering a downgrade option, but I don't know more than that.

[fizzgig-bites.livejournal.com]

Ask for it? I know Dell is taking orders for it. Check Ebay for used copies that have their license.

[sylvar.livejournal.com]

Ah, never mind. "There are no downgrade rights granted for Windows Vista Home Basic or Windows Vista Home Premium", according to Microsoft. Maybe if I can find a cheap business laptop, but I'm not holding my breath.

[froglettewriter.livejournal.com]

i'm glad you didn't hold your breath but you foundone for both of us. *smoochies* toad is happy to have me be the copyfrogcat. :0)

[zanna-voodoo.livejournal.com]

My laptop is very similar -- an AMD dual core chip, mine is the TL-56 (slightly lower power consumption, slightly faster processor speed), and it's a Toshiba. I don't love HP products, but that is a good processor and good price, and I would go for it.

Don't count on downgrading to XP, tho, because on a new machine like this you won't find enough drivers for it. G just bought a new laptop and has been fighting the drivers battle for two weeks. If you can live with Vista, just keep it for now. It hasn't bothered me all that much.

As for memory, the 2 GB will serve. But upgrading memory is not very difficult or terribly expensive with laptops anymore. It used to be a major pain, but it isn't now. They are now standard laptop memory sticks and most cases have easy access. It's easier than popping into a desktop these days. I upgraded the memory for my laptop when I bought it and it was a total breeze.

Welcome to the AMD world, my friend! >:) You'll be overclocking in no time!


Please not Circuit City though! This model is available practically everywhere. And after CC did that mass firing of their hourly employees a few months ago, so they could hire cheaper people instead... I encourage a more worker-friendly vendor. :(

[sylvar.livejournal.com]

If you can find it for around $550, please let me know. I've seen comparable machines for $700 at other stores, and I'm not in a position to give an extra $150 to a slightly less evil megacorp.

I've never been to Fry's; is it worth a trip?

[zanna-voodoo.livejournal.com]

Fry's has good sales with rebates, but not every day on every item. Worth checking online before going. Same with MicroCenter (which won't have anything useful on their website).

[nunnehi.livejournal.com]

I'm surprised that no one has asked what sort of video card is built into this. Considering that the print ad makes absolutely no mention of it, I'm guessing it's the usual integrated graphics special. As, unlike the RAM, a laptop graphics card usually is impossible to upgrade after the fact, it bears some consideration, however brief. On the other hand, if you are positive you will never want to play a 3D game on this machine, then no worries... the deal you've found looks pretty solid.

[zanna-voodoo.livejournal.com]

I second this. I can't even play Sims2 properly on the new laptop, due to the low graphics. But for everything else, it's cool.