New laptop

[Chris H]

Hi,

I was wondering about getting a HP nx6325 for general use eg internet browsing, office, music, email, and counter strike:source.

It's a Sempron 3500+ @ 2.0ghz, 512mb ram, 60gb hdd, and 64mb graphics (counter strike requires 512mb ram and 64mb graphics) so i was just wondering if it would be good enough for it but i will probs be updgrading to 1gb later.
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en...3-1849082.html

Thanks, Chris.

[Sage]

My husband works for a computer repair shop, and has had an HP laptop before. General consensus- get a Dell. HP's are rather prone to break, and they've had some major design flaws that they simply didn't care about.

It looks like you're wanting to get something older that you can just play around with- You could probably get what you want cheaper if you shop around a bit (check places like overstock.com, newegg.com, etc).

Also, the minimum requirements of a game generally mean what the computer has to have so that the game won't instantly lock up the second it loads. It doesn't mean it's going to look good or get more than 5fps.

[Chris H]

I'm not too keen on dells becasue of price and upgradability, but my dekstop pc is worse than the HP nx6325 apart from the graphics (128mb fx5200) so not too sure really. Any more recomendations?

Chris

[shakran]

generally compaqs are cheaper than HPs, and have similar stuff in them. Look at the V6000T series. You can get a pretty loaded one (Core solo, 512 ram, 128mb vidcard) for around $850. As far as upgradeability goes, forget it on a laptop. With the exception of the HD and the ram, it's not going to be easy to upgrade anything on them.

On the compaq, I would recommend upgrading to the imprint finish - it's embedded in the case instead of painted on - -won't wear or scratch off. Doing that upgrade also lets you get the 5/1 card reader. If you buy now they've got a good deal on hard drive upgrades (up to 80 from 40 for $25). I would also recommend upgrading to the 12 cell battery - it's got GREAT battery life.

[Chris H]

HP compaq? they are the same company now aren't they? My budget is about $760 (£400). The only thing i was thinking about upgrading was the ram.

Chris.

[Glory's Sun]

Here in the office, we see alot of things come in for repair. Most of them are Dell or HP's. The Dell is generally easier to work with for restoration etc, but there are also more Dell's for the tech's to work on than HP's. I for one can't stand either one but if I had to choose I'd go with the HP I think.

Just go ahead and upgrade to the 1gb RAM and be done with it.

[Crack]

get an acer. Can't go wrong with an acer imo. this one is a bit more than you wanted to pay, but it's not much more: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834115255

[Chris H]

Not too keen on acer's batteries although they are quite cheap. If i was to add another 512mb DDR2 SODIMM would i invalidate my warranty?

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/110570

Chris.

[NotAnAlias]

acer = evil *cat hissing noise*

I quite like the hp nx series, never owned one, but feature packed and aesthetically pleasing.

(NXs were compaqs, but compaq is owned by hp now, so their official names are Hewlett Packard Compaq NX#### )

[Deltona Couple]

I have owned a Dell, and 2 HPs, and we are in the process of buying a Campaq(an HP subsidiary). Personally I didn't care too much for the dell, upgrades tended to be more difficult to setup. HP for the most part is pretty easy to set up, and upgrades are MUCH easier to find, atleast here in my neck of the woods. I would suggest looking ath the video specifications. MOST all laptops use what is called SHARED memory for the video, this means that if you have 512 meg of ram, and the video uses 64 meg of SHARED ram, then your system really has only 448 meg of memory available. Laptops work best if you set up and use your virtual memory (uses hard drive space for temporary memory, not as fast, but allows bigger programs to be used on laptop). Aftermarket memory is cheaper to buy, than trying to get a laptop with the extra memory, but you should DEFINATELY check with the manufacturer to be sure you don't void the warranty. I know that HP will allow you to add more memory later on, as long as it is the same brand as what was in the system, and you have an HP authorized repair facility to install it. Even then sometimes it is chaper to do than to get the momory upgrade when you buy it, but I would check. Sometimes you get a lucky package deal closer to Christmas, because they are trying to sell out the prior years inventory for getting ready for the new years stock.

[j0hnb]

From personal experience I would say stick to a safe company. Dell, Sony, Alienware (if you got the $$$ for it) and IBM are the ones I would suggest.

[Dilbert1234567]

ibm is now owned by lenovo, i am very happy with my t43. but i dont use it to game.

[shakran]

Originally Posted by j0hnb

From personal experience I would say stick to a safe company. Dell, Sony, Alienware (if you got the $$$ for it) and IBM are the ones I would suggest.

Alienware has one of the worst customer service reputations out there, and an appallingly low "would buy again" rating. They make computers that are nice, but that would cost much less if someone else built the same computer for you.

Dell's service reputation used to be stellar, but not so much anymore.

Sony is now famous mainly for making things that break.

IBM is vastly overpriced for what you get - - you're paying for the brand name.

[j0hnb]

Alienware is meant for hardcore gamers or powerhouse computers. Which they do a good job at. The computers are good, but I guess the rep doesn't match up.

Dell has always been a good company for me. I use them for the office I run. Great service, and good systems. Though with a business account the office gets a few perks that the normal person may not get.

Sony is famous about the batteries. Those aside, I have a Sony Vaio, and love it. Everyone I know who has one loves it.

IBM is overpriced, but they have some nice built in features, that fit some people. Personally I like the durability, and the biometrics.

The real best answer in my mind is custom build. Unless it is for work, I will only buy laptops. Everything else I would build. You can build a system greater quality then you can buy it and do it for much cheaper. But you have no service plan, which is fine for me, since I do all my own repairs and work. So unless you know someone who can build one for you, and tech support it I would suggest one of those companies.

I have a thing against HP, Compact, and Gateway. Personal preference, along with being asked to work on those systems have given me nothing but hell. HP and Compact are cheaply made and have huge overheating problems in my mind. Their old systems have ruined the company for me, so I am unsure how they stand up now a days.

[luder]

Originally Posted by Chris H

It's a Sempron 3500+ @ 2.0ghz, 512mb ram, 60gb hdd, and 64mb graphics (counter strike requires 512mb ram and 64mb graphics) so i was just wondering if it would be good enough for it but i will probs be updgrading to 1gb later.

Thanks, Chris.

in my opinion you need mor than 512mb ram and 64 mb graphics. I play counterstrike source on my laptop too, and my old one hab 512 mb ram and 64 mb graphics and tha game lagged soooo much. now my new laptop has 1,5 gb ram and 256 mb graphics and the game runs without any lags, so I would advise you to get min. 1 gb ram and 128 mb graphics to play counterstrike source

[Chris H]

Thanks for the advice luder. Yes alienware used to be good but now they have been taken over by dell so that a very big no no

Chris.

[shakran]

Originally Posted by j0hnb

The real best answer in my mind is custom build.

I agree, but we're talking about laptops here.

I have a thing against HP, Compact, and Gateway. Personal preference, along with being asked to work on those systems have given me nothing but hell. HP and Compact are cheaply made and have huge overheating problems in my mind.

Well if he were buying a desktop I'd never advise a HP or compaq. They suck. But HP/Compaq doesn't actually MAKE their laptops -they just rebadge them. Inventec and Compal make the laptops that HP/Compaq sells. FYI Compal also makes Dell laptops.

Clevo/Kapok makes Alienware laptops - Alienware just specs a unique case. They also make Sager laptops, which are identical to Alienware except for that unique case, and also much cheaper.

[cyrnel]

Dell support has tanked over the last 1-2 yrs. I understand their corporate support is handled in-house or uses another supplier, and remains acceptable. But most of my customers are small business or home, and the collective opinion and loyalty doesn't tell a positive story. Those who still wave the Dell flag either have corporate accounts or they haven't had problems recently.

An exception is one customer who called today wanting a "Dell laptop for reliability." Surprise. They've been buying low-end eMachines boxes for the last two years and remember their 6yr-old Dell tanks.

Remember, the stuff is now all manufactured by and from the Pac Rim. The systems are variations on the same theme from ODMs who shop their product around to the box hawkers who slap on "unique" plastics. They then add the usual co-marketing software and cables and sell with a couple screen and storage options. No magic*. If a company like Dell or HP doesn't have the combination of product and support offering that works for you then any brand loyalty is irrational. They've all shipped good and horrible systems, often at the same time. Learn a bit about the pieces and take your stab.

Especially for laptop purchases I like to point people to local dealers because it's so much simpler to exchange or upgrade. In my opinion it's more cost effective to pay another $100 for the box than to ship systems back and forth in the mail while you decide, or to stick with something you aren't happy with.

* I'll make some allowance for Macs since Apple's a bit more discriminating about component choice and integration, especially hw/sw integration. Sony is somewhere in between. They pick top-notch screens and some interesting options for a premium price. They've both had their lemons.

Edit: If you're shopping this close to thanksgiving you really should consider the sales. Google "Black Friday" for early leaks.

[USMC6531]

I just recently bought a new Dell Inspiron 6400 with a few upgrade like graphics card and processor speed, and it works like a champ. I also have an XPS400 desktop from Dell. I guess my point being that Dell has always been a very reliable product for me and well worth it's money....only thing I dont like it their service plans, they suck!

[fatbob]

what about a mac?

[luder]

Originally Posted by fatbob

what about a mac?

I don't know if he is able to play Counter-Strike Source an a mac, buit maybe it's possible

[Chris H]

I do quite like the mac laptops but they are too expensive and im not to sure about gaming, wheres mouse button 2 and having to leanr a new UI.

Chris.

[fatbob]

you can get a mouse with a button 2...and you can use the 'apple' button if not!
don't know about games though...never really use my laptop for games.