Question:
HP 6910p v. Dell M1330 v. any other?
I need a new laptop by August. I want one with a 3 year warranty. I don't care about dedicated graphics. I need a 2 ghz processor, santa rosa chipset, 2 GB ram, 80 GB 5400 or 7200 RPM HDD, wireless, optical drive, and I prefer a finger print reader. Also it must come with Vista Business.
I will be graduating from lawschool within the year and I like the professional, no frills look of the HP, but I also like the style and smaller form factor of the M1330.
My question is: Are there any reviews out there for the HP6910p? I know the M1330 is not out yet, but if I could find some feedback on the HP, it may help me make a decision.
Answer:
Re: HP 6910p v. Dell M1330 v. any other?
You may already know this, but the other obvious machines to consider would be the Dell D630 and the Thinkpad T61. With regard to reviews, I haven't seen one yet. The general expectation seems to be that it will be a fairly straightforward update to the nc6400. If it helps, CompUSA stores seem to often have a nc6400 on display.
Answer:
Re: HP 6910p v. Dell M1330 v. any other?
I have seen the T61. I really cannot get over the off center screen. I would probably go for the T61 if it were not for the screen's location. I also have looked at the D630. I like the look of the HP slightly better than the Dell. I am going to price them both and make a decision soon. I like the m1330, but it seems like it will be out of my price range based on how I want it configured. I also heard that it gets warm on the palmrest, which is one of the things I don't like about my W3V.
Answer:
Re: HP 6910p v. Dell M1330 v. any other?
The D630's optional media-bay and 9-cell batteries make it the smarter choice if you need something to last for over 4 hours. My boss uses a D620 with the 9-cell battery and he gets over 4 hours of battery life without all the goofy tweaks and dark screens.
I think the Dell and HP are both outstanding choices though...both are very well built and styled conservatively.
I'm not much of an IBM fan, but that's just me.
Answer:
Re: HP 6910p v. Dell M1330 v. any other?
I have to decide between the 6910p, D630, and T61. I had my heart set on the T61 but all the negative news on it has me leaning towards the 6910p. BTW, how hard is it to add RAM to the HP?
Answer:
Re: HP 6910p v. Dell M1330 v. any other?
BTW, how hard is it to add RAM to the HP?
Easy, the expansion memory slot is located at the bottom of the notebook. All you have to do is loosen one Phillips screw, remove the plastic cover and insert the memory module into the slot. The other memory slot (primary) sits under the keyboard and is a bit more complicated to access, but still manageable for someone reasonably handy.
Answer:
Re: HP 6910p v. Dell M1330 v. any other?
I was in the same dilemma for a week over the Dell vs. HP. Ultimately it came down to the fact that the Dell I wanted was $2200+ and the similarly configured HP was $1700 shipped. When in doubt, go with your cheaper option...you won't be kicking yourself for saving $500. However, if you can get a top-of-the-line XPS 1330 for $1800 shipped, I'd go that route.
All my conversations with Dell reps were frusterating to no end - it was impossible to get a straight answer or price out of them. HP was the exact opposite - professional, courteous, and straightforward with trying to sell me a laptop.
The Dell also got really good first impressions, but Dells have been notorious for some of their issues, especially their home/personal computers. The HP on the other hand, is designed for business use and is more rugged and durable than the Dell. All the reviews I've read on the recent HP business notebooks have been glowing.
Also, save some money and only get 1 SODIMM of DDR2 667 RAM. Pick up for ~$45 and you'll be happy with 2 GB dual channel.
Answer:
Re: HP 6910p v. Dell M1330 v. any other?
I have purchased the 6910p. I bought one of the Smart Buy options and added 1 stick of RAM (it was only $62, so i just got it from them).
I paid $1341 + tax and shipping.
Here is the config:
- Genuine Windows Vista™ Business 32/64 Office Ready
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7300 2.00 GHz 4 MB L2 cache 800 MHz front side bus
- 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
- 80 GB 7200 rpm SATA
- DVD+/-RW Multibay II SuperMulti with Double Layer
- ATI Mobility Radeon X2300 graphics
- 14.1 in WXGA anti-glare
- High Definition Audio support w/24-bit DAC; Integrated stereo speakers; integrated microphone; Touch-sensitive controls for volume up, volume down, and mute; Stereo headphone/line out; Stereo microphone in ports
- 3 USB 2.0, 1 IEEE 1394, 1 RJ-11, 1 RJ-45, 1 microphone in, 1 headphone/line-out, 1 docking connector, 1 infrared port, 1 battery connector
- Rear: 1 external VGA monitor, 1 S-video, 1 AC power
- Slots: 1 Type I/II PC card, 1 integrated Smart Card Reader, 1 secure digital
- Dual pointing devices (both pointstick and touchpad)
- 101/102-key compatible keyboard with HP DuraKeys
- 10/100/1000 NIC, 56K modem, Wireless 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth
- Security management - HP ProtectTools Security Manager; HP Fingerprint Sensor; Integrated Smart Card Reader; Configuration Control Hardware; Memory Change Alert; Ownership Tag; Setup Password; Power-On Password; TPM 1.2 Embedded Security Chip (disabled where use is restricted by law); TPM Enhanced DriveLock (disabled where use is restricted by law); HP Disk Sanitizer; HP 3D DriveGuard; Optional Privacy Filter; Kensington lock Slot
- Dimensions (w x d x h) 13.00 x 9.40 x 1.10 in (330.00 x 29.00 x 29.00 mm)
- Weight 4.7 lb (2.0 kg)
- Battery 6-Cell Lithium-Ion