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ajf815
07-01-2007, 02:40 AM
Wow i haven't been on here for 2 years (last time i built my computer, thanks for the help) but its time for a new computer for college. I've been looking around a little bit and I'm down to 2 options unless you guys know something better!!

First let me tell you what I want out of my laptop. Mostly I play World of Warcraft but I want to be ready for a game that i like maybe a new FEAR, or Warhammer Online basically I want to be ready for games that I might like. Also I want to try to keep it under 1700$ So here are the 2 laptops that I'm considering:

Hp dv9500t

Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo T7300 (2.0GHz/4MB L2Cache)
17.0" WXGA+ BrightView Widescreen (1440x900)
2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
511MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS
HP Imprint (Radiance) + Mic + Fingerprint Reader
160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support
High Capacity 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
HP Deskjet F380 All-in-One (Free with a -80$ rebate)

Order total $1,790.09 -80$(printer) $1,780.09

Dell Insprion 1720 (This is with a educational discount, i don't know if HP has one)

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7300 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB/4MB cache)
Genuine Windows® Vista Home Premium Edition
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
Glossy, high contrast, widescreen 17.0 inch display (1440 x 900)
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 8600M GT
Size: 160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
CD / DVD writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)
Integrated 2.0 Megapixel Webcam
85Whr Lithium Ion Battery (9 cell)
3 Yr In-Home Service, Parts + Labor - Next Business Day
All-In-One Inkjet 926 (50$)

$1,657.04 +Tax (guessing about 115$) so $1772.04

So the major things i was looking at was the graphic cards and that the dell processor looks a little bit faster. Also on the Hp it does offer vista business is that worth the upgrade i really don't need some of the features that it provides. If you guys know if hp has a educational discount let me know.

Your input would be greatly appreciated.

pam123
07-01-2007, 08:46 AM
Read this first : http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=182352

There is one more thing you should be aware of, both HP and Dell have been gigged for using proprietary drivers and not updating them after the first year or so.
So not only are you going to be in bind with a possibly outdated graphics card, you may be in one because there are no driver updates.
As of this posting Dell has said it will "look into the situation" and HP hasn't replied at all.

In short, if you want to play the latest games when they come out take the tomster's advice.