Buying a Laptop
May 15, 2007 – 1:40 pm | by gaulardcom
|
|
I got home from work yesterday and thought to myself, “Maybe I need a laptop.” I know it was a strange thought right out of the blue…maybe I had a dream about it or something.
The reason I thought about it is because I know how much I think about work and I really liked the notebook my sister, Stephanie, purchased. I like the wireless internet connection. If it didn’t have that, I probably wouldn’t be thinking about it at all.
Well, today Paul and I ran up to Circuit city and picked up a nice HP Pavilion 15.4″ Widescreen Notebook PC. Here is a pic:
Here are the specs:
Mid-size notebook: The HP Pavilion dv6365us is a mid-size notebook, perfect for light traveling or staying at home. This model features a powerful dual-core processor as well as premium features such as a built-in webcam, remote control and LightScribe disc labeling.
64-bit/dual core processing: The 1.8GHz Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5600 has two processing engines that work together, giving this processor much more power than standard 1.8GHz processors. This processor can also handle 64 bits of information at once, twice as much as older 32-bit processors. Intel Centrino technology further enhances mobile performance and battery life.
- This notebook features 2GB of advanced DDR2 system memory—enough for all but the most demanding users, gamers and multimedia professionals.
- Data travels along the frontside bus. The faster data travels, the faster everything works. This notebook has a 667MHz frontside bus.
- L2 caches keep data neat, organized, and nearby so processors can retrieve it more quickly. This 2MB L2 cache is large, providing a potentially significant boost in performance.
Hard drive: The 160GB drive capacity offers plenty of space for the average multimedia collection. This drive’s data disks spin at 5400rpm. The faster they spin, the faster the data is read and written.
Microsoft® Windows® Vista™ Home Premium: This is perfect for homes with advanced computer needs. And Vista Premium features the elegant new Aero interface. You’ll be able to use your notebook more effectively and enjoy new entertainment experiences—all with the benefit of added security and reliability.
Widescreen display: This 15.4” high-definition widescreen features 1280 x 800 pixel (WXGA) resolution, providing sharp detail and plenty of room for whatever you want to view.
Versatile wireless: Built-in 802.11abg wireless LAN lets you connect in almost any airport lounge, café or public hotspot.
DVD SuperMulti drive: Use this drive to burn DVDs and CDs to share your files, music mixes or home movies. You can even burn DVD-RAM discs—specially-formatted discs that let you drag and drop, or write and rewrite your files up to 100,000 times.
LightScribe disc-labeling: Burn custom, silkscreen-quality labels and images onto your discs with the same drive that burns the data.
Built-in webcam: Turn your next instant message into a live video chat with the integrated 1.3 megapixel webcam, omni-directional microphone and VoIP solution of your choice. Or take still photos and short video clips that you can edit and email.
Graphics and audio: Built-in Intel graphics and shared video memory—drawn from the main system memory—are perfect for casual gaming and watching movies. Built-in Altec Lansing stereo speakers, an S/PDIF digital audio port and stereo earbud headphones kick out great sound.
Easy access to music and movies: Dedicated external media and menu controls let you navigate your film and music files easily and quickly. You can even control playback with the included remote.
Media card reader: Seamlessly transfer images from your digital camera, MP3 player or camcorder. This 5-in-1 reader is compatible with Secure Digital, xD, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro and MultiMedia Card.
ExpressCard/54 slot: ExpressCard is an emerging standard in smaller, faster PC card solutions. This slot is compatible with ExpressCard /54 as well as ExpressCard /34. Use it to add memory, graphics upgrades or security devices.
Elegant design: Inspired by a Zen rock garden, a wave pattern adds subtle sophistication to the long-lasting, high-gloss HP Imprint finish. The piano black exterior and silver interior complement the elegant curved design.
Get connected: One FireWire, one S-video and three USB ports let you connect to TVs, cameras, peripherals and more. Use the expansion port to connect the HP Expansion Base (sold separately).
Software bundle:
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, Works, Office 2007 Student and Teacher Edition (60-day trial) and Internet Explorer
Norton® Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of live update)
HP PhotoSmart Essentials and QuickPlay
Muvee autoProducer Basic Edition
Adobe® Acrobat Reader®
Roxio Creator 9 Basic
Real Rhapsody
Vongo
Here is what mattered to me:
- Screen size: Nothing too big, nothing too small.
- RAM: Need at least 2GB for Vista and the things I do.
- Processor: Nice dual core
- Wireless Internet Connection: A must.
- Reviews: I have read a lot of good things about the HP laptops.
Related links:
- Notebook and Laptop Reviews
- Ditch the Laptop for A USB Key
- Geek to Live: Laptop tips
1 Trackback(s)