Question:
HP NC8430 or Leveno Z61M (similar cost - almost same configuration)
HP NC8430 or Leveno Z61M??
Very similar cost & configuration, with only 1 substantial difference:
HP - available with WXGA (1280x800) or WSXGA+ (1680x1050)
Leveno - only available with WSXGA+ (1680x1050) if I want the ATI x1400 video card instead of the integrated one (which I do).
Part of me thinks the 1680x1050 is ridiculously tiny on a 15.4" screen. I've seen this resolution on a coworker's laptop and it looked like it would cause eye strain. How much does increasing the DPI improve things? Or should I just get the 1280x800 in the HP instead? Are there any other options I should be considering? Is Dell's business line any better than their consumer line of laptops? Any other brands/models I should be considering for $1500 or less (well equipped)?
Please help, I've spent HOURS reading this forum and I'm not really any closer to making a decision than when I started!!
Thanks.
Answer:
Re: HP NC8430 or Leveno Z61M (similar cost - almost same configuration)
Tough choice - I would say both notebooks are pretty evenly matched. It is difficult to pick one. Both are excellent notebooks, with the IBM having a slight edge in build quality, and the HP having a much better graphics card.
If you are going to use the notebook for gaming, get the HP. Otherwise, either will do.
FYI, Dell's business line is better built than their consumer line.
Answer:
Re: HP NC8430 or Leveno Z61M (similar cost - almost same configuration)
Thanks. So are my concerns about 1680x1050 legitimate? Does changing the DPI make this resolution tolerable during general use? I don't want to be straining my eyes all the time, but I don't want to lower the resolution and have everything looking grainy either, which is why I was considering 1280x800 instead (which would rule out the Leveno).
Is the Dell D820 a worthy contender to the HP or Leveno when configured comparably? They're all about the same price.
Or should I just save $400 and get a consumer HP or Dell laptop? The Dell E1505 and HP DV6000t are both around $400 cheaper.
I hate this...why can't this be easier?!?!?
Answer:
Re: HP NC8430 or Leveno Z61M (similar cost - almost same configuration)
Can you tell us what you plan on using the notebook for? Also it is highly recommended that you fill out a FAQ.
Answer:
Re: HP NC8430 or Leveno Z61M (similar cost - almost same configuration)
I use my laptop daily - sitting on my couch with it on my lap. I use it MOSTLY for surfing the web, and I use it 4+ hours/day. I realize I don't need the most powerful machine out there, but I don't want it to be obsolete in 2 years either, which is why I want a dedicated video card. Plus, I want it to run Vista Aero. Ideally, I'd want a fairly well built machine, as I'm not a fan of cheap, poorly built things in general. The complaints about the build quality of the consumer Dell & HP models scare me a bit.
I like the idea of the Lenovo Z61M, but it's only available in WSXGA+ (1680x1050) and for web surfing and general use, I'm worried that this is too small of a resolution on a 15.4" screen. The HP nc8430 is available with a 1280x800 (as are the consumer Dell & HP machines), but I've been reading a lot of complaints about the noisy fans on the nc8430 that seem to run continuously when on AC power. The consumer models of the Dell & HP laptops seem to get a lot of bad comments from users. So what to do????????????????
Here's my answers to the FAQ:
1) What is your budget? - $1500 max - preferably cheaper, but willing to pay up to $1500 for quality.
2) What size notebook would you prefer? -15.4"
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook? - mostly web surfing, but don't want to rule out the possibility of some light gaming. I also want a dedicated graphics card for Vista Aero compatibility.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? - Mostly I sit with it on my lap at home, but I occassionally take it out of the house.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? - Not now, but want to keep my options open.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? - Nope - but I would prefer something with reasonable build quality.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need? - I'd like 3 hours minimum - enough to watch a movie.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person? - I buy EVERYTHING online!
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen? - Widescreen
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer? - As stated before, I am concerned about the readability of WSXGA+ (1680x1050) but I would like more opinions on this. WXGA or WXGA+ might be better, but I'm open to suggestions.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen? - Not sure
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? - As long as it's not UGLY. I don't mind a plain, understated style.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last? - ASAP, as my current laptop is shutting itself off randomly now. I'd like it to last 2-3 years with daily use.
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB? - 80-100GB
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive? - DVD burner needed
Thanks again!!
Answer:
Re: HP NC8430 or Leveno Z61M (similar cost - almost same configuration)
Check out the Compal HEL80, it would probably do whatever you want for a very long time. The HEL80 is very well built, with aluminum and copper being the main materials used. It is also one of the few laptops with good graphic cards that remains cool when running. another option is the Asus F3jm. otherwise check out the business lines from Dell and HP. Fujitsu is supposed to be a very reliable brand, the LifeBook E8210 is a good option in your budget.
My family has been using the consumer lines from Dell for the last 8 years(about 8 laptops between us and they are all still working)there has been perhaps 3 problems out of all 8 laptops. They are not so bad, it's a few of the people with bad experiences making such a big fuss that gives Dell a bad name. just take decent care of your laptops and they will last a very long time.
Answer:
Re: HP NC8430 or Leveno Z61M (similar cost - almost same configuration)
If you're not going to play games, the GMA 950 is plenty; it'll run aero and play hd video without a problem. That said, if you can get the nc8430 at a comparable cost (right now it's more b/c lenovo has a bunch of free upgrades) I'd go with it. The screen won't be as bright (going by nit ratings), but it'll be a little thinner and lighter and have a really good graphics card should you ever want to play a game.