Comparing HP Desktop Replacements

Simian · 13 Dec 2008 at 15:38

I've narrowed my options to two laptops now!..

I'm looking to replace my Desktop with something a little more portable (but not much more when you see their sizes!!).. I'm gonna be running AutoCAD 2009, Photoshop CS3, Corel X4 and a few other graphic and processor/Memory hungry programs!... and Blu-Ray movies (on screen and HDMI out to my TV).

The two 'Laptops' that have cought my eye are:

HP - HDX18-1005EA (or 1010EA):

Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26GHz 2MB Cache (1066MHz FSB)
Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT 512MB
4GB DDR2 RAM
2x 250GB (500Gb) SATA (5400RPM)
Blu-Ray/DVD-R/RW
18.4" WUXGA CineBrite LCD Widescreen (1920x1080)
DVB-T Tuner and Remote.

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HP - HDX 9310

Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 2.1GHz 2MB Cache (800MHz FSB)
Nvidia GeForce 8800M GTS 512MB
4GB DDR2 RAM
320GB SATA (5400RPM)
Blu-Ray/DVD-R/RW
20.1" WUXGA CineBrite LCD Widescreen (1920x1200)
DVB-T Tuner and Remote.

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Both are running Vista Home Premium 64bit.. so they take advantage of the Full 4Gb RAM rather than 3.2 Gb of it!...

and I can each for about £1000 (my budget is £1200 including Accessories etc..)

What I'm after is you guys opinions?!?!... Which would you choose and why?!?!...

Cheers
Sim

Simian · 14 Dec 2008 at 08:17

No body have any opinions!!... or Advice!!..

beermonster · 14 Dec 2008 at 09:19

if you don't need the large screen as you're going to be outputting to a tv i would go with the smaller screen and better spec.

The Running Man · 14 Dec 2008 at 13:23

be careful, thr HP Laptops, DV5 and DV7 series skimp on the 9600m GT graphics card, providing it with DDR2 memory NOT DDR3 making it 1000-2000 points slower in 3dmark06.

The Acer Gemstone Blue 69xx series @ 18.4" with 9600GT ddr3 are the way forward imo.

also the fujitsu Amilo 18.4" can be had fairly cheaply too and these have ddr3.

drakioned · 15 Dec 2008 at 09:16

9430ea

What about the HDX 9430ea? That can be had for about £750...

Simian · 17 Dec 2008 at 13:20

Rite... I'm poised over the 'Order' button on this one!...

HP - HDX16-1005EA:

Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26GHz 2MB Cache (1066MHz FSB)
Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT 512MB
4GB DDR2 RAM
320Gb SATA (5400RPM)
Blu-Ray/DVD-R/RW
16" WUXGA CineBrite LCD Widescreen (1920x1080)
DVB-T Tuner and Remote
Vista Home Premium 64bit

All for £880
(Plus £100 for Office2007 and AnyDVD-HD)

I know the screen is smaller and so is the Hard Drive.. but it'll run all my programs nicely and if I want a bigger screen I'll just plug it into a Larger monitor or even My TV!...

I looked at the Acers.. but I've read about problems with them (Build Quality and overheating etc...).. I'm drawn toward the HP's... and I can't find the HDX 9430ea for anything less than £1150!...

Thing I'm debating now is I can get it upgraded to Vista Ultimate 64bit for another £50!.. is it worth it???... what do you get in Ultimate that you don't in Home Premium and will I use those features?!?!?...