Advice on buying a computer - Page 2

moroniccow · 07-07-2006, 02:53 PM

powersavers are your friend!!!

**laboye** · 07-07-2006, 03:36 PM

Toshiba Tecras can run high-end games despite their specs. If you stick in another 512 of mem, you can run fully-featured 3D games on high settings even though the processor doesnt seem that fast. Tecra M3 and M5 exhibit this phenomenon. I havent tried it with the M7 or M2. The Tecras are Toshiba's higher-end and midrange business machines.

**TheMatt** · 07-07-2006, 09:24 PM

Video cards in laptops will not be upgradable, so whatever comes in lappy is what you will be stick with without some major hardware replacement that is usually not worth it.

**laboye** · 07-07-2006, 11:00 PM

Not necessarily. Ive seen 3 laptops already that have a replaceable video card. They use a proprietary bus, but they are replaceable...

ebackhus · 07-08-2006, 08:36 AM

I vote no. I can't stand HP computers. And for that price, there's gotta be a hitch or some of the parts came ultra cheap (low quality).

**Fox** · 07-08-2006, 09:53 AM

It's a decent deal at that price, but the only really decent component in that entire system is the processor. 512MB Ram? 80GB Hard drive? In a 2000 dollar machine, I think not. It's probably worth more along the lines of 600 or 700 dollars.

I just bought an Acer Aspire 5670 for 1000USD (500 some pounds?), and it has a 120GB Hard Drive, 1gb of memory, 512MB of dedicated video memory in a Mobility X1600, which isn't too bad. Dual core Pentium M 1.66GHz, which really pulls its share of weight, and doesn't eat up nearly as much battery life as a hyperthreading 3.xGHz definitely would.

It's a difficult choice. Just look through your options and consider your needs. Laptop prices are falling rapidly this summer, so you might as well get one that'll last you a couple of years.

**Joefireline** · 07-08-2006, 10:40 AM

That is a nice system, Fox, but just for the record, correct me if I am wrong,it has 512mb HyperMemory, 128mb of that dedicated, 384mb shared.

moroniccow · 07-08-2006, 03:06 PM

that is true, batt life on that thing is gunna eat up the battery in a second

**laboye** · 07-08-2006, 03:59 PM

Those machines were 2k stock many years ago. Its not quite up to standards as of now. Now, is it a deal for the price, or not? Are we going to make this poor human buy another computer at a higher price. Again, my opinion: I dont like HPs, but at that price, you cant beat it.

**Fox** · 07-09-2006, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joefireline

That is a nice system, Fox, but just for the record, correct me if I am wrong,it has 512mb HyperMemory, 128mb of that dedicated, 384mb shared.

I don't believe so, because task manager reports total system memory at 1GB, and directx reports the video memory at 512MB.

**laboye** · 07-09-2006, 10:48 AM

Nah, that machine's got all dedicated, baby.

Fox: Cool avatar!

**Fox** · 07-09-2006, 10:55 AM

Thanks, it's a frame from the comic vgcats. Extremely funny stuff.

~~whodat~~ · 07-12-2006, 08:04 AM

Quote:

However, it is just the computer and power cable, but I have access to my brother's restore disks (also made for HP Pavilion).

cant use someone's operating system on your new rig, if thats what you meant.

**Joefireline** · 07-12-2006, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laboye

Nah, that machine's got all dedicated, baby.

Fox: Cool avatar!

Flamming hell! That must have some damn good graphics then! How the hell would it have any battery life then?!? Or does it use graphics that is already built into the mainboard when mobile?

**laboye** · 07-12-2006, 11:43 AM

That it does. Memory doesn't affect the battery as much as the GPU and clock speeds. Fox, whats the milliamphourage (mAh) on that battery?

ebackhus · 07-12-2006, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joefireline

Flamming hell! That must have some damn good graphics then! How the hell would it have any battery life then?!? Or does it use graphics that is already built into the mainboard when mobile?

The video card in there is the only one it has. Obviously it's gonna have HORRID battery life.

**laboye** · 07-13-2006, 04:02 AM

You never know. I've come accross many machines that suck juice like crazy, but have magnificent battery life. The IBM T60p has an Intel Core Duo 2.16GHz, ATI Mobility V5200 (256MB Dedicated), 1GB DDR2 (PC2-5300), 100GB SATA HD. Yet there is a rare 5400mAh battery for it that has it last up to 3 hours. Battery capacity counts...

There are many places that will build a good battery for you and your machine for a good fee. Usually the ones they build are above 4500mAh.

crazijoe · 07-13-2006, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whosdat

cant use someone's operating system on your new rig, if thats what you meant.

Actually you could, but make sure you use the product key that is for your computer and not your brothers.

Standard P4s in mobile computing will always suffer short battery life. For a longer battery life you want to get a Centrino or a Pentuim M. Plus being a P4, this thing will get hot.
The memory is a little short for me. I usually like at least 1GB in a laptop.
The one thing I do like about this laptop is the separate numerical keypad, separate graphics with dedicated video memory, and the large screen.

I would have to agree with a couple of the above posters. Being this laptop came out in Oct 2004, I don't think I could shell out that kind of cash for it.

I too am looking at getting a new laptop. But I think I will wait a couple of months when the Merom processors come out.

View Poll Results: Should I buy this?
yes	9	81.82%
no	2	18.18%
Voters: 11. You may not vote on this poll

07-07-2006, 03:36 PM	#22 (permalink)
laboye TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hollywood, FL Posts: 1,246 OS: Windows xp Pro/Vista Beta 2/Ubuntu 6.06 LTS My System	Toshiba Tecras can run high-end games despite their specs. If you stick in another 512 of mem, you can run fully-featured 3D games on high settings even though the processor doesnt seem that fast. Tecra M3 and M5 exhibit this phenomenon. I havent tried it with the M7 or M2. The Tecras are Toshiba's higher-end and midrange business machines. __________________ Repair Windows XP Guide --- Resolutions Crazy Computer that I'm saving up for::Antec P180 Case;PC Pwr&Cooling 1kW Quad SLI PSU;Asus P5N32-SLI SE Deluxe;Intel Core2 XE X6800;Corsair TWIN2XP2048 2GB PC2-6400 DDR2 RAM;2xAsus GeForce 7950 GX2;BFG PhysX Accel.;IBM DVD-RAM/Plextor DVD±RW;Seagate 750GB HD 7200RPM;WDX 150GB 10000RPM;Vigor Monsoon TEC Cooler

07-07-2006, 09:24 PM	#23 (permalink)
TheMatt TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 13,701 OS: Win 3.1, 98, NT 4.0, XP Debian 4.0, Kubuntu 6.06 My System Blog Entries: 3	Video cards in laptops will not be upgradable, so whatever comes in lappy is what you will be stick with without some major hardware replacement that is usually not worth it. __________________ - Matt M - KB1OSC - Folding@Home 85015 [url="http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/"] If TSF has helped you, please consider donating. If I have stopped responding to a thread, feel free to send me a PM with a link to the thread. It is advisable to subscribe to threads so you will receive updates when replies are posted. You can subscribe to threads from the "Thread Tools" Menu. »Memtest86 »Prime95 »UBCD »SpeedFan »NHC Personal »Everest »Sandra »PC Wizard »RivaTuner »ATi Tool Click here for Useful Articles and Guides

07-07-2006, 11:00 PM	#24 (permalink)
laboye TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hollywood, FL Posts: 1,246 OS: Windows xp Pro/Vista Beta 2/Ubuntu 6.06 LTS My System	Not necessarily. Ive seen 3 laptops already that have a replaceable video card. They use a proprietary bus, but they are replaceable... __________________ Repair Windows XP Guide --- Resolutions Crazy Computer that I'm saving up for::Antec P180 Case;PC Pwr&Cooling 1kW Quad SLI PSU;Asus P5N32-SLI SE Deluxe;Intel Core2 XE X6800;Corsair TWIN2XP2048 2GB PC2-6400 DDR2 RAM;2xAsus GeForce 7950 GX2;BFG PhysX Accel.;IBM DVD-RAM/Plextor DVD±RW;Seagate 750GB HD 7200RPM;WDX 150GB 10000RPM;Vigor Monsoon TEC Cooler

07-08-2006, 08:36 AM	#25 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 14,294 OS: WinXP Pro SP3/Windows 7 RTM My System Blog Entries: 28	I vote no. I can't stand HP computers. And for that price, there's gotta be a hitch or some of the parts came ultra cheap (low quality). __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.

07-07-2006, 02:53 PM	#21 (permalink)
moroniccow Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 20 OS: Windows XP media center	powersavers are your friend!!!

07-08-2006, 09:53 AM	#26 (permalink)
Fox TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 7,752 OS: XP Pro, CentOS My System	It's a decent deal at that price, but the only really decent component in that entire system is the processor. 512MB Ram? 80GB Hard drive? In a 2000 dollar machine, I think not. It's probably worth more along the lines of 600 or 700 dollars. I just bought an Acer Aspire 5670 for 1000USD (500 some pounds?), and it has a 120GB Hard Drive, 1gb of memory, 512MB of dedicated video memory in a Mobility X1600, which isn't too bad. Dual core Pentium M 1.66GHz, which really pulls its share of weight, and doesn't eat up nearly as much battery life as a hyperthreading 3.xGHz definitely would. It's a difficult choice. Just look through your options and consider your needs. Laptop prices are falling rapidly this summer, so you might as well get one that'll last you a couple of years. __________________ Antec Neo Power 500W, ABIT IP35-E, Intel E2180@2.66Ghz, Corsair XMS2 2x1GB DDR2-800, PNY 8800GT, 320GB Seagate * lazy college student alert - If I've inadvertently ignored a thread, please Let me know about it Have I helped you solve your problem? Donate to Techsupportforums Klart Skepp! Last edited by Fox; 07-08-2006 at 09:55 AM.*

07-08-2006, 10:40 AM	#27 (permalink)
Joefireline Enthusiastic TSFer~Joseph Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Portishead (Bristol) England Posts: 5,319 OS: Windows 7 64bit(Desktop) / XP Home SP2(laptop) My System	That is a nice system, Fox, but just for the record, correct me if I am wrong,it has 512mb HyperMemory, 128mb of that dedicated, 384mb shared.

07-08-2006, 03:06 PM	#28 (permalink)
moroniccow Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 20 OS: Windows XP media center	that is true, batt life on that thing is gunna eat up the battery in a second

07-08-2006, 03:59 PM	#29 (permalink)
laboye TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hollywood, FL Posts: 1,246 OS: Windows xp Pro/Vista Beta 2/Ubuntu 6.06 LTS My System	Those machines were 2k stock many years ago. Its not quite up to standards as of now. Now, is it a deal for the price, or not? Are we going to make this poor human buy another computer at a higher price. Again, my opinion: I dont like HPs, but at that price, you cant beat it. __________________ Repair Windows XP Guide --- Resolutions Crazy Computer that I'm saving up for::Antec P180 Case;PC Pwr&Cooling 1kW Quad SLI PSU;Asus P5N32-SLI SE Deluxe;Intel Core2 XE X6800;Corsair TWIN2XP2048 2GB PC2-6400 DDR2 RAM;2xAsus GeForce 7950 GX2;BFG PhysX Accel.;IBM DVD-RAM/Plextor DVD±RW;Seagate 750GB HD 7200RPM;WDX 150GB 10000RPM;Vigor Monsoon TEC Cooler

07-09-2006, 10:48 AM	#31 (permalink)
laboye TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hollywood, FL Posts: 1,246 OS: Windows xp Pro/Vista Beta 2/Ubuntu 6.06 LTS My System	Nah, that machine's got all dedicated, baby. Fox: Cool avatar! __________________ Repair Windows XP Guide --- Resolutions Crazy Computer that I'm saving up for::Antec P180 Case;PC Pwr&Cooling 1kW Quad SLI PSU;Asus P5N32-SLI SE Deluxe;Intel Core2 XE X6800;Corsair TWIN2XP2048 2GB PC2-6400 DDR2 RAM;2xAsus GeForce 7950 GX2;BFG PhysX Accel.;IBM DVD-RAM/Plextor DVD±RW;Seagate 750GB HD 7200RPM;WDX 150GB 10000RPM;Vigor Monsoon TEC Cooler

07-09-2006, 10:55 AM	#32 (permalink)
Fox TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 7,752 OS: XP Pro, CentOS My System	Thanks, it's a frame from the comic vgcats. Extremely funny stuff. __________________ Antec Neo Power 500W, ABIT IP35-E, Intel E2180@2.66Ghz, Corsair XMS2 2x1GB DDR2-800, PNY 8800GT, 320GB Seagate * lazy college student alert *- If I've inadvertently ignored a thread, please Let me know about it Have I helped you solve your problem? Donate to Techsupportforums Klart Skepp!

07-12-2006, 11:43 AM	#35 (permalink)
laboye TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hollywood, FL Posts: 1,246 OS: Windows xp Pro/Vista Beta 2/Ubuntu 6.06 LTS My System	That it does. Memory doesn't affect the battery as much as the GPU and clock speeds. Fox, whats the milliamphourage (mAh) on that battery? __________________ Repair Windows XP Guide --- Resolutions Crazy Computer that I'm saving up for::Antec P180 Case;PC Pwr&Cooling 1kW Quad SLI PSU;Asus P5N32-SLI SE Deluxe;Intel Core2 XE X6800;Corsair TWIN2XP2048 2GB PC2-6400 DDR2 RAM;2xAsus GeForce 7950 GX2;BFG PhysX Accel.;IBM DVD-RAM/Plextor DVD±RW;Seagate 750GB HD 7200RPM;WDX 150GB 10000RPM;Vigor Monsoon TEC Cooler

07-13-2006, 04:02 AM	#37 (permalink)
laboye TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hollywood, FL Posts: 1,246 OS: Windows xp Pro/Vista Beta 2/Ubuntu 6.06 LTS My System	You never know. I've come accross many machines that suck juice like crazy, but have magnificent battery life. The IBM T60p has an Intel Core Duo 2.16GHz, ATI Mobility V5200 (256MB Dedicated), 1GB DDR2 (PC2-5300), 100GB SATA HD. Yet there is a rare 5400mAh battery for it that has it last up to 3 hours. Battery capacity counts... There are many places that will build a good battery for you and your machine for a good fee. Usually the ones they build are above 4500mAh. __________________ Repair Windows XP Guide --- Resolutions Crazy Computer that I'm saving up for::Antec P180 Case;PC Pwr&Cooling 1kW Quad SLI PSU;Asus P5N32-SLI SE Deluxe;Intel Core2 XE X6800;Corsair TWIN2XP2048 2GB PC2-6400 DDR2 RAM;2xAsus GeForce 7950 GX2;BFG PhysX Accel.;IBM DVD-RAM/Plextor DVD±RW;Seagate 750GB HD 7200RPM;WDX 150GB 10000RPM;Vigor Monsoon TEC Cooler