Looking for a laptop

Discussion in 'Tech Talk' started by Kyu, Feb 4, 2009.

  1. Kyu
    Veteran

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2008
    Messages:
    210
    Likes Received:
    0
    Just something small that I can take to class and take notes and then do random stuff during breaks.

    Right now I can get an hp tablet notebook 12" 2517(model num) for 590+taxes. It's a good deal but just want some more opinions here are the specs:

    http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ca/en/ho/WF06a/321957-321957-3329744-64354-64354-3717590.html

    I have an xbox hddvd drive I wanna use with it to play hd-dvds with it, it should be plenty powerful enough to play one right?

    Main concern is the amd processor though....
     
  2. EF2
    Veteran

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2008
    Messages:
    1,307
    Likes Received:
    5
    Occupation:
    Media Photographer
    Location:
    Pittsburgh
    I have the same model but with a faster processor, which still sucks ass.
     
  3. Kyu
    Veteran

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2008
    Messages:
    210
    Likes Received:
    0
    But for my needs and the price is it a good deal? Why does it suck =p?
     
  4. EF2
    Veteran

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2008
    Messages:
    1,307
    Likes Received:
    5
    Occupation:
    Media Photographer
    Location:
    Pittsburgh
    Cons:
    Gets much hotter than my slower Core laptop
    Overall more sluggish in processing
    Tablet pens act funny in this and similar models. Your mouse pointer will randomly jump around the screen when you the laptop power supply plugged in
    Weird touchpad
    incoveniently placed media buttons


    Pros:
    Tablet is very nice
    Wireless has a good range
    Speakers are nice
    Built in mic and webcam, depending on model
    Light but a little bulky
    Media remote control

    Haven't tried HD movie playing, but you need a fairly fast processor for Hi-def
     
  5. Kyu
    Veteran

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2008
    Messages:
    210
    Likes Received:
    0
    Yeah the integrated video is radeon 3200hd which is good enough. My main concern is overheating....

    Maybe I'll hold off.
     
  6. Rubius
    Veteran Xenforcer

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2008
    Messages:
    5,043
    Likes Received:
    14
    Occupation:
    Software Engineer
    Location:
    YYZ, Ontario
    Don't get AMD. The predecessor to that laptop is the TX1000 series, HP's previous 12" laptop series (now discontinued, I believe). Almost every single one of them breaks down. There was a huge flaw with the system board PCB design.

    Those 12" models do get hot. The fan starts spinning immediately after you turn it on, and stays that way. I say go for a 14.1" model.

    The good thing about going HP is that they have good support, and you can get your laptop repaired by them even 4 or 5 years down the line, by scanning your receipt and editing the purchase date to within 1 year. I've gotten really old stuff repaired by them doing this, including a broken printer that I got for free (valued at about $500).

    If you need a tablet PC, go for Gateway's tablet PC models. The only Gateway products I recommend, because they're pretty good. They've got 512 levels of pressure sensitivity, and can even be used for digital art. HP's tablets aren't pressure sensitive at all....
     
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2009
  7. kviolet84
    Guest

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2008
    Messages:
    49
    Likes Received:
    0
    Yes I agree go with a 14.1" if you don't like big ones, and personally I like intel better, but AMD is cheaper in some way.
     
  8. Neptuno
    Banned

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2008
    Messages:
    2,224
    Likes Received:
    3
    Occupation:
    Watching over 150 nukes sitting in the ground
    Location:
    Montana
    laptops do run hot... which is why notebook is probably more accurate a name. just utilize the obvious for cooling: aluminum case with a thermally intelligent pad to sit it on. these range from grids with cooling conduits to channel the heat to stands that elevate the laptop a fraction of an inch to promote airflow, and most decent ones are $20-30.