Advice on buying a computer

Kenmcfa · 07-06-2006, 08:34 AM

Could you all please give me opinions on the following laptop:
HP Pavilion zd7377
Specs:
* 17" Screen (16:9)
* P4 3.2GHz with HT.
* 512MB Ram
* 80GB HDD
* Windows XP Home
* nVIDIA GeForce FX Go5700, 128MB memory
* 4 USB 2.0 Ports
* 1 Firewire port
* IR port
* S-Video out
* 5-in-1 digital media card reader
* DVD+RW drive
* some kind of other port
* PCMCIA expansion slot
* VGA-Out
* Parallel Port
* Built in Wi-Fi
* Built in Ethernet and 56K modem
* Built-in harman/kardon speaker
* Original Price was roughly £1100 ($2000)

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

It is ex-display, so the finish on the speakers and "intel inside sticker" is slightly old.

I will use the laptop mainly for gaming, but also for schoolwork, music-listening and internet browsing.

Price: £350 (644.28 US$)

**laboye** · 07-06-2006, 08:52 AM

Even though I dont like HPs (for many reasons), for that price, it's a deal! If you have major problems with it, eBayers would jump on that hardware like a starving squirrel on the last peanut on Earth. The performance specs are great; I think it should work well for gaming, for the price. What games do you plan on playing on it?

Once you get it, use this site to evaluate before you buy or try the game:

http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/

**TheMatt** · 07-06-2006, 09:13 AM

I would go for tha even though I am not a big fan of intels. That is a nice spec, although I would consider upgrading the RAM as necessary after you get it.

**Joefireline** · 07-06-2006, 09:45 AM

What a great deal! I don't like HPs, but, like Laboye, it's a deal!
If you put everything on it, and you decide you don't like it, you could sell it again for £600 - 700! So, go for it!

moroniccow · 07-06-2006, 11:24 AM

well, idk, if your a big gamer the specs are a bit concerning. 3.2 ghz is amazing, but 512 mb ram. 80 gig hd wouldnt do it for me. Its also a p4 which is conserning. The graphics card is ok not great. For the price its a great buy. but i would upgrade the ram on a customise before buying it. Atleast to 1 gig. i got 2 gigs on my laptop and a better video card, and im loving it. Its fast. this is just my opinion

**laboye** · 07-06-2006, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moroniccow

well, idk, if your a big gamer the specs are a bit concerning. 3.2 ghz is amazing, but 512 mb ram. 80 gig hd wouldnt do it for me. Its also a p4 which is conserning. The graphics card is ok not great. For the price its a great buy. but i would upgrade the ram on a customise before buying it. Atleast to 1 gig. i got 2 gigs on my laptop and a better video card, and im loving it. Its fast. this is just my opinion

What are you talking about? The 512 is fine, sure for gaming it will need an upgrade to a gig perhaps, but for intermediate gaming, it's OK. 80 GB is also excellent for a laptop. Unless you plan to make this your desktop replacement, 80GB is fine. The graphics controller is excellent! Not many laptops, especially HP have 128MB dedicated graphics. The RAM, sure; if you want to pplay bigger games, upgrade to a gig. Whats wrong with a P4? They're quads instead of duals and this has HT...

"Gosh..."

moroniccow · 07-06-2006, 11:54 AM

lol i got 2 gigs on my laptop, 100 gig serial ata hard drive, Itel Duo, 256 mb Ati radeon x1400 with hyper memory. with a 17 in screen. This computer is quite good and im happy with it. For the price that laptop is a great buy. idk about p4 id rather have and amd 64 or a duo.

**laboye** · 07-06-2006, 12:06 PM

P4s have equivalent processing power as Duos, especially one at that speed. And a 64? Not for a laptop. Plus, why bother with 64-bit computing if you're not going to have any 64-bit applications to take advantage of it? Windows xp Pro 64-bit edition and FarCry work the best under 64-bit environments, too. But anyway, back on topic...

Nice graphics card btw... 17"? Betcha it's not too "portable"

**Joefireline** · 07-06-2006, 12:08 PM

Well, you have got quite a system! Though I don't like dual cores, they still aren't very stable. I take it you use your laptop as a desktop replacement, because with that spec, you won't get barely any battery life out of it! And I bet it is as thick as the length of a 'AA' battery!
That other system, is well worth the money!

**laboye** · 07-06-2006, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joefireline

Well, you have got quite a system! Though I don't like dual cores, they still aren't very stable. I take it you use your laptop as a desktop replacement, because with that spec, you won't get barely any battery life out of it! And I bet it is as thick as the length of a 'AA' battery!
That other system, is well worth the money!

Did you vote?

**Joefireline** · 07-06-2006, 12:17 PM

Yes, and voted yes.

moroniccow · 07-06-2006, 12:22 PM

its quite porable and i plan on taking it on a trip for a week to a technology forum. its 10 pounds which isnt bad at all. and it is a bit big, but i love the screen, and i have no problem with halling it around. Yes this is a desktop replacement. My desktop is crappy and i wanted a laptop so i can go anywhere in my house and use the computer and get internet. Mostly i let my brother play runescape on my desktop (he is 9) and then sit/lay on my bed watching tv and useing the comp.

Again for the price its a nice laptop. My aunt used to work at HP so i have no complaints about HP systems. I looked at buying one for the longest time, but didnt like the video card, screen size, and ram. this computer is so much better than the hp one, and it was upfront cheaper...

btw, i get around 3 hours batt life.

and i plan on keeping it plugged in, if needed i might buy a replacement battery for it if i want more batt life.

**TheMatt** · 07-06-2006, 05:56 PM

Is that a WXGA or a WSXGA screen? Just curious. Also, you might not get the best battery life on that since you have a desktop replacement CPU. But you could also probably get a longer life battery.

moroniccow · 07-06-2006, 06:01 PM

Standard:
17 inch Wide Screen XGA+

any reason why you needed to know this? the screen is pretty bright, but it dims when i unplug the power cord. I like the screen alot. lol and the battery life doesnt mind me but i would like to know how to optimize battery life if you know of anything i could do

**TheMatt** · 07-07-2006, 10:32 AM

Just curious as to whether the larger screen would have a higher resolution. My 15.4 inch screen is also XGA+.

moroniccow · 07-07-2006, 10:34 AM

lol ok then.

**gamerman0203** · 07-07-2006, 11:55 AM

the graphics card will do you fine for a while, but it is nearly equivilent to what I have in my lappy and I can only play games like Oblivion on Low settings. Do you know if that vid card is upgradable? Also, I run a p4 2.8GHz on a 12cell battery and doing general tasks like internet I'll get 1.5 hours out of it. Games or movies I won't even get 1 hour. Just a heads up

**Joefireline** · 07-07-2006, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gamerman0203

I run a p4 2.8GHz on a 12cell battery and doing general tasks like internet I'll get 1.5 hours out of it. Games or movies I won't even get 1 hour. Just a heads up

That just defents the point of MOBIlE computing!

**laboye** · 07-07-2006, 01:03 PM

Time for a new battery! Well, as long as you take good care of it, the battery shouldn't be a problem. Again, you sure as hell can't beat it for the price. I'll check up on upgrades for that machine...

**gamerman0203** · 07-07-2006, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joefireline

That just defents the point of MOBIlE computing!

sort of, but I didn't want an incapable machine either.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laboye

Time for a new battery!

thats actually all I got when I first purchased it! But I have turned off all the power saving options....that could be it...lol

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

07-06-2006, 08:34 AM	#1 (permalink)
Kenmcfa Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: A wretched hive of scum and villany (Bathgate, Scotland) Posts: 96 OS: Windows XP Pro x64, dual booting with XP Home for safety	Advice on buying a computer Could you all please give me opinions on the following laptop: HP Pavilion zd7377 Specs: * 17" Screen (16:9) * P4 3.2GHz with HT. * 512MB Ram * 80GB HDD * Windows XP Home * nVIDIA GeForce FX Go5700, 128MB memory * 4 USB 2.0 Ports * 1 Firewire port * IR port * S-Video out * 5-in-1 digital media card reader * DVD+RW drive * some kind of other port * PCMCIA expansion slot * VGA-Out * Parallel Port * Built in Wi-Fi * Built in Ethernet and 56K modem * Built-in harman/kardon speaker * Original Price was roughly £1100 ($2000) However, it is just the computer and power cable, but I have access to my brother's restore disks (also made for HP Pavilion). It is ex-display, so the finish on the speakers and "intel inside sticker" is slightly old. I will use the laptop mainly for gaming, but also for schoolwork, music-listening and internet browsing. Price: £350 (644.28 US$)

07-06-2006, 08:52 AM	#2 (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	Even though I dont like HPs (for many reasons), for that price, it's a deal! If you have major problems with it, eBayers would jump on that hardware like a starving squirrel on the last peanut on Earth. The performance specs are great; I think it should work well for gaming, for the price. What games do you plan on playing on it? Once you get it, use this site to evaluate before you buy or try the game: http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/ __________________ 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

07-06-2006, 09:13 AM	#3 (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	I would go for tha even though I am not a big fan of intels. That is a nice spec, although I would consider upgrading the RAM as necessary after you get 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

07-06-2006, 12:06 PM	#8 (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	P4s have equivalent processing power as Duos, especially one at that speed. And a 64? Not for a laptop. Plus, why bother with 64-bit computing if you're not going to have any 64-bit applications to take advantage of it? Windows xp Pro 64-bit edition and FarCry work the best under 64-bit environments, too. But anyway, back on topic... Nice graphics card btw... 17"? Betcha it's not too "portable" __________________ 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

07-06-2006, 09:45 AM	#4 (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	What a great deal! I don't like HPs, but, like Laboye, it's a deal! If you put everything on it, and you decide you don't like it, you could sell it again for £600 - 700! So, go for it!

07-06-2006, 11:24 AM	#5 (permalink)
moroniccow Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 20 OS: Windows XP media center	well, idk, if your a big gamer the specs are a bit concerning. 3.2 ghz is amazing, but 512 mb ram. 80 gig hd wouldnt do it for me. Its also a p4 which is conserning. The graphics card is ok not great. For the price its a great buy. but i would upgrade the ram on a customise before buying it. Atleast to 1 gig. i got 2 gigs on my laptop and a better video card, and im loving it. Its fast. this is just my opinion

07-06-2006, 11:54 AM	#7 (permalink)
moroniccow Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 20 OS: Windows XP media center	lol i got 2 gigs on my laptop, 100 gig serial ata hard drive, Itel Duo, 256 mb Ati radeon x1400 with hyper memory. with a 17 in screen. This computer is quite good and im happy with it. For the price that laptop is a great buy. idk about p4 id rather have and amd 64 or a duo.

07-06-2006, 12:08 PM	#9 (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	Well, you have got quite a system! Though I don't like dual cores, they still aren't very stable. I take it you use your laptop as a desktop replacement, because with that spec, you won't get barely any battery life out of it! And I bet it is as thick as the length of a 'AA' battery! That other system, is well worth the money!

07-06-2006, 12:17 PM	#11 (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	Yes, and voted yes.

07-06-2006, 12:22 PM	#12 (permalink)
moroniccow Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 20 OS: Windows XP media center	its quite porable and i plan on taking it on a trip for a week to a technology forum. its 10 pounds which isnt bad at all. and it is a bit big, but i love the screen, and i have no problem with halling it around. Yes this is a desktop replacement. My desktop is crappy and i wanted a laptop so i can go anywhere in my house and use the computer and get internet. Mostly i let my brother play runescape on my desktop (he is 9) and then sit/lay on my bed watching tv and useing the comp. Again for the price its a nice laptop. My aunt used to work at HP so i have no complaints about HP systems. I looked at buying one for the longest time, but didnt like the video card, screen size, and ram. this computer is so much better than the hp one, and it was upfront cheaper... btw, i get around 3 hours batt life. and i plan on keeping it plugged in, if needed i might buy a replacement battery for it if i want more batt life.

07-06-2006, 05:56 PM	#13 (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	Is that a WXGA or a WSXGA screen? Just curious. Also, you might not get the best battery life on that since you have a desktop replacement CPU. But you could also probably get a longer life battery. __________________ - 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

07-06-2006, 06:01 PM	#14 (permalink)
moroniccow Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 20 OS: Windows XP media center	Standard: 17 inch Wide Screen XGA+ any reason why you needed to know this? the screen is pretty bright, but it dims when i unplug the power cord. I like the screen alot. lol and the battery life doesnt mind me but i would like to know how to optimize battery life if you know of anything i could do

07-07-2006, 10:32 AM	#15 (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	Just curious as to whether the larger screen would have a higher resolution. My 15.4 inch screen is also XGA+. __________________ - 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, 10:34 AM	#16 (permalink)
moroniccow Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 20 OS: Windows XP media center	lol ok then.

07-07-2006, 11:55 AM	#17 (permalink)
gamerman0203 Retired Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 2,144 OS: XP MCE, Ubuntu Gutsy My System	the graphics card will do you fine for a while, but it is nearly equivilent to what I have in my lappy and I can only play games like Oblivion on Low settings. Do you know if that vid card is upgradable? Also, I run a p4 2.8GHz on a 12cell battery and doing general tasks like internet I'll get 1.5 hours out of it. Games or movies I won't even get 1 hour. Just a heads up __________________ Follow These Steps First! CPU-Z \| SensorView \| WinXP Clean Boot \| Latest DirectX \| ATI Catalyst \| Nvidia ForceWare Posting System Specifications

07-07-2006, 01:03 PM	#19 (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	Time for a new battery! Well, as long as you take good care of it, the battery shouldn't be a problem. Again, you sure as hell can't beat it for the price. I'll check up on upgrades for that machine... __________________ 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