Technology hp vs. sony laptop?

[musiclink213]

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I am going to very soon purchase a laptop, sometime within a week soon. I've got it narrowed down to 2 options, an hjp dv2500t or a sony CR series notebook. They're both 14.1 inches, both in the "thin and light" category. I think teh Sony has slightly better battery life, but that's not so important, since I'd mostly be using the laptop when I'm by a power source (my apartment, library, every desk in the classes have an outlet for the laptops too). Both have intel core 2 duo processors at the same speed (1.8 Ghz). I should also mention they're comparable in price, the hp is something like $20 more

But I'm leaning towards the hp unless someone can convince me otherwise. Simply because I can get Microsoft Office included in that price, whereas the Sony only comes with a 60 day free trial. Also, I don't think the Sony computer has been released yet so there are no reviews. I've heard good things about the hp laptop.

But, on the other hand, my sister has had her Sony laptop for about 3 years now, and hasn't had any major problems with it. Actually, her power died once and she had to get some new power thing replaced. Sony said they couldn't replace it, but the local computer guy did and it's worked fine since. And her media keys at the top of the keyboard don't work anymore, but that's not a major issue, she can control the volume on the computer anyhow.

So ideas? Thoughts? I'm open to any and all suggestions.

And no, a mac is not an option for me, I just can't afford them so please don't try to convince me I should get one.

 

[stbxTechie]

I am going to very soon purchase a laptop, sometime within a week soon. I've got it narrowed down to 2 options, an hjp dv2500t or a sony CR series notebook. They're both 14.1 inches, both in the "thin and light" category. I think teh Sony has slightly better battery life, but that's not so important, since I'd mostly be using the laptop when I'm by a power source (my apartment, library, every desk in the classes have an outlet for the laptops too). Both have intel core 2 duo processors at the same speed (1.8 Ghz). I should also mention they're comparable in price, the hp is something like $20 more

But I'm leaning towards the hp unless someone can convince me otherwise. Simply because I can get Microsoft Office included in that price, whereas the Sony only comes with a 60 day free trial. Also, I don't think the Sony computer has been released yet so there are no reviews. I've heard good things about the hp laptop.

But, on the other hand, my sister has had her Sony laptop for about 3 years now, and hasn't had any major problems with it. Actually, her power died once and she had to get some new power thing replaced. Sony said they couldn't replace it, but the local computer guy did and it's worked fine since. And her media keys at the top of the keyboard don't work anymore, but that's not a major issue, she can control the volume on the computer anyhow.

So ideas? Thoughts? I'm open to any and all suggestions.

And no, a mac is not an option for me, I just can't afford them so please don't try to convince me I should get one.

Overall, I don't think either one would be a bad choice, although I don't have enough experience with very recent Sony models to comment more than very generally. Sony's machines have been very variable in durability - some real workhorses and some relatively fragile ones.

Looking at the HP model, it looks pretty good. Their home machines (Presario, like that one) are fairly durable, but not super - have you checked prices against comparable models on HP's business lines (nx or nc series - http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF02d/321957-321957-64295.html ) or against the Dell Latitude D630? Probably enough more expensive for either of those that it's not worth moving up, but worth checking in case the prices are close.

A full install of Office can be a big differentiator between the two machines... although as for how big a one, have you checked academic discount pricing on Office? Or, dare I say it, do you know anyone who you could get a copy from? (That last is a point to think on, not to answer here.)

 

[musiclink213]

Overall, I don't think either one would be a bad choice, although I don't have enough experience with very recent Sony models to comment more than very generally. Sony's machines have been very variable in durability - some real workhorses and some relatively fragile ones.

Looking at the HP model, it looks pretty good. Their home machines (Presario, like that one) are fairly durable, but not super - have you checked prices against comparable models on HP's business lines (nx or nc series - http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF02d/321957-321957-64295.html ) or against the Dell Latitude D630? Probably enough more expensive for either of those that it's not worth moving up, but worth checking in case the prices are close.

A full install of Office can be a big differentiator between the two machines... although as for how big a one, have you checked academic discount pricing on Office? Or, dare I say it, do you know anyone who you could get a copy from? (That last is a point to think on, not to answer here.)

I haven't really thought about the business lines because they're usually too expensive, and I don't htink I would need a business laptop. As for Office, I found a copy of Office 2007 (don't remember if it's hte full version or Student and Home version) for $80. Also don't remember if it's using the student discount or the educators discount. Since I'm still registered with the Dept. of Ed, I could get it. So it's a pretty big difference from the $150 that it costs to have it preinstalled on hte computer. Also, don't think anyone has a copy, I have Office 2003, but I somehow doubt it would work on the newer computers, and I've already installed it a couple times so it won't install anymore.

I'm thinking I might go with the hp. I am just wary to buy something that hasn't come out yet. As for the Dell's you mentioned, I just have bad experience with Dell laptops. We used to have one, it broke. My friend has one, it broke 2 days after she got it and I was on the phone for her talking to some idiotic customer service rep who just kept telling me to turn off the computer than turn it on, turn it off, turn it on.... I am staying far away from a Dell laptop.

 

[shantster]

I own one of the hp dv2000t models and love it. I bought the larger battery (12-cell) and that has great battery life if that's something that you would want to consider. The other good thing about the larger battery is that it raises the computer up so the keyboard is more ergonomically placed and your fans are exposed to the air.

My major electronics, including my previous computer, have all been HP, and I love their customer service. In my experience it's rather easy to contact them about questions (not really long lines on the phone).

If you are still deciding, one thing you could do is go to Best Buy or wherever and look at the models in the store to compare them. I had purchased my computer online because I wanted certain things customized that Best Buy did not have but I first stopped there and talked to one of their representatives about what I was using my computer for and what I wanted. It really helped me to pick up features that I normally would not have thought of (getting a better graphics card because of anatomy and histology images, for example). I also liked to be able to feel the computers before making a decision on the flat model.

Hope that helps.

 

[stbxTechie]

If you are still deciding, one thing you could do is go to Best Buy or wherever and look at the models in the store to compare them. I had purchased my computer online because I wanted certain things customized that Best Buy did not have but I first stopped there and talked to one of their representatives about what I was using my computer for and what I wanted. It really helped me to pick up features that I normally would not have thought of (getting a better graphics card because of anatomy and histology images, for example).

Why would you need a better graphics card for anatomy or histology images? Are the progams actually doing 3D modeling - if so, you might be right, but in general, graphics cards (or chips, in the case of laptops) are all equally good these days (since about 2000) at displaying regular 2D programs and images.

The difference is pretty much ONLY in their ability to quickly render 3D, which is only really useful for (A) games, (B) eye-candy interfaces like Vista's, or (C) a few very specialized programs like CAD/CAM or computer animation.

 

[shantster]

Why would you need a better graphics card for anatomy or histology images? Are the progams actually doing 3D modeling - if so, you might be right, but in general, graphics cards (or chips, in the case of laptops) are all equally good these days (since about 2000) at displaying regular 2D programs and images.

The difference is pretty much ONLY in their ability to quickly render 3D, which is only really useful for (A) games, (B) eye-candy interfaces like Vista's, or (C) a few very specialized programs like CAD/CAM or computer animation.

The better ones also save on battery life if doing regular 2D programs and images. I never would have thought about that if the guy didn't mention it at best buy.

 

[stbxTechie]

The better ones also save on battery life if doing regular 2D programs and images. I never would have thought about that if the guy didn't mention it at best buy.

It could be right, but I'd confirm that with someone who doesn't have something to sell. My understanding is exactly the opposite - that a discreet video chip will use *more* battery power than integrated video in almost all circumstances.