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 HELP!... Choosing between these 3 laptops!, Dell XPS vs. HP DV6000 vs. Toshiba A100

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TSChrisp_USA_13
post May 13 2007, 09:50 AM, updated 19y ago

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Hey everyone,

I need advice regarding choosing a high-end laptop as a desktop replacement and also to carry around KL in a backpack. My budget is RM6k, and the most important aspects for me in a laptop is high quality, reliability, durability, long life-span, and also quick warranty claims, and good customer service.

I've narrowed it down to these three models, and I'd appreciate it if anyone who is an experienced laptop user can give me advice and recommendations on selecting the best laptop for me that will last me for the next 6 years (with upgrades throughout it's lifetime), as this is a long-term investment for me.

Currently, I've narrowed it down to these three models from three different manufacturers, but I'm open to new ideas, options, suggestions, and recommendations...

I'd appreciate it if users of these laptop series could give me feedback on their experience using these models and the problems / troubleshooting that I might experience during the laptop's lifetime!

Thanks in advance...

(1) Dell XPS M1210 Notebook

- Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T7200 (2GHz, 4MB Cache, 667 MHz FSB)
- 3-year XPS Premier Service with 1-year CompleteCover
- 1 ExpressCard Slot, (DOES NOT SUPPORT PCMCIA CARDS)
- Internal Dell™ 84 Keys Keyboard (English)
- Black and Silver with Chrome Accents
- Integrated 10/100 Fast Ethernet
- Intel® 945 Chipset Family
- Dell™ PC-Restore
- Internal 56K Modem
- 65W AC Adapter
- Dell™ Media Direct 3.0
- 12.1" Wide Screen XGA display with TrueLife™ (1280x800 res.)
- 1.3MP Web Cam
- 2GB (2 X 1024MB) 667MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM
- No Floppy Drive
- 160GB SATA Hard Drive
- Internal 8X DVD+/-RW Combination Drive with dual layer write capabilities
- Microsoft® Windows Vista Home Premium
- Microsoft® Works 8.5 (Does Not Include Microsoft® Office Software)
- Norton™ Internet Security™ 2007 (English) - 15 Months OEM
- Dell™ Wireless 355 Bluetooth Module
- Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945 Dual Band 802.11a/g 54Mbps Wireless Mini Card
- Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy ADVANCED HD Audio Software
- 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 7400 TurboCache
- 9-cell 85Whr Lithium Ion Primary Battery
- Dell Light Weight Nylon Case
- Weight Approx 2.0kg

(2) HP Pavillion DV6203TX

- Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T7200 (2GHz, 4MB Cache, 667 MHz FSB)
- Microsoft® Windows Vista Home Premium
- Mobile Intel 945 Express Chipset
- NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 with 256MB
- 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen Display
- 1GB DDR2 667Mhz RAM (512 x 2)
- 160GB Hard Disk Drive
- Super Multi Drive (DVD+-RW, CD-RW), with LightScribe
- Networking / Wireless High Speed 56K modem
- Integrated 10/100 LAN, Wireless LAN 802.11 a/b/g, Bluetooth, Remote Control.
- Express Card / 54 Slot
- Integrated 5-in-1 Memory Card Reader
- Altec Lansing Speakers
- 1.3MP Webcam
- 1 Year Limited International Warranty
- Weight Approx. 2.78kg

(3) Toshiba Satelitte A100-3112E (Sunlight Copper Chasis)

- Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T7200 (2GHz, 4MB Cache, 667 MHz FSB)
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
- 1024MB DDR2 SDRAM
- 160GB SATA HDD
- DVD SuperMulti Double Layer Drive
- 15.4" WXGA Clear SuperView TFT Display
- ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 512MB HyperMemory
- Harmon/Kardon speakers with SRS TruSurround Sound
- Integrated Bluetooth V2.0
- 5-in-1 card reader, ExpressCard slot
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- Toshiba Dual Mode Pad, Spill-resistant keyboard
- 1 year International Limited Warranty
- Weight Approx 2.90kg

(4) Any other laptops within RM6k that can match these 3 above specs or better?

- Open to all ideas, opinions, suggestions and recommendations!!!

Thanks!!!

john_jay2
post May 13 2007, 10:06 AM

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bro ... u r using for wht purpose ??
if lets say u r normal use only ..
i think dell should be ok 4 u ..
but more better u take the 3 yrs complete cover ..
if lets say u wanted to do the graphics job ..
i do think your 2nd or 3rd option should be ok 4 u ..
but i suggest u to upgrade the warranty to 3yrs lar. ..

n ... whn u want it ??

can buy from me also o ^ ^
EmperorMeng
post May 13 2007, 10:11 AM

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hey , xps is very small 12.1 inch
cannot play any game at all.
min 13.3 inch to play games.
as our seller johnjay says, it really brings down to how u use ur lappy.
mentioning carry around in backpack makes option 2 and 3 not liable
coz 15.4 inch is rather big to go in backpack, let alone slingbags.
john_jay2
post May 13 2007, 10:12 AM

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QUOTE(EmperorMeng @ May 13 2007, 10:11 AM)
hey , xps is very small 12.1 inch
cannot play any game at all.
min 13.3 inch to play games.
as our seller johnjay says, it really brings down to how u use ur lappy.
mentioning carry around in backpack makes option 2 and 3 not liable
coz 15.4 inch is rather big to go in backpack, let alone slingbags.
*
yeah .. thats why need to consider using for wht function ^ ^
calvin_gsc
post May 13 2007, 10:16 AM

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The the DV6203. It's a great laptop fro all purposes.
Raven_lee
post May 13 2007, 10:22 AM

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Great threads................. currently i've the same dilemma. But not Dell or Toshiba as Dell is too small for AutoCad and using Toshiba now.

Go ahead and test the laptop + function, see which suites u the best for all comin yrs.

But wouldn't able to try Dell as it needs to order online, pls correct me if wrong.

My choices finally goes to HP. Buying end of this month.
john_jay2
post May 13 2007, 11:07 AM

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QUOTE(Raven_lee @ May 13 2007, 10:22 AM)
Great threads................. currently i've the same dilemma. But not Dell or Toshiba as Dell is too small for AutoCad and using Toshiba now.

Go ahead and test the laptop + function, see which suites u the best for all comin yrs.

But wouldn't able to try Dell as it needs to order online, pls correct me if wrong.

My choices finally goes to HP. Buying end of this month.
*
waiting for u bro ^ ^
which model u planning to take ?
DV6203 ? or ???
Raven_lee
post May 13 2007, 11:27 AM

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Considering DV6203 if budget enough. If not, then its confirm buying DV 6227.
john_jay2
post May 13 2007, 11:34 AM

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QUOTE(Raven_lee @ May 13 2007, 11:27 AM)
Considering DV6203 if budget enough. If not, then its confirm buying DV 6227.
*
your budget how much ???
both model i also got lar ^ ^
ychwang
post May 13 2007, 12:04 PM

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if you want to have ultra portable laptop that easily bring around, xps is a good choice, but it's not light as you think, 1.8kg++
kaiserreich
post May 13 2007, 01:26 PM

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Dude, you are comparing the XPS against the DV6000 and the A100. The screen size of the XPS is different from this two and you have to make up your mind what kind of a laptop you want, a somewhat desktop replacement with a 15" screen or a ultraportable with a 12" screen. The size of the laptop would be the crucial thing to note and the weight can be somewhat neglected. I mean, are you going to fret about the extra 1 kg on your back? If you are, the ultraportable would be the way to go. Otherwise, you might benefit from a larger screen size.

Another thing to note is your expectation of 6 years life span. By the 4th or perhaps the 5th year, your laptop would be nothing but a digital wordprocessor. Think of what you can do with a laptop bought in 2001 that comes with a P3. I'm no fortune teller but in 6 years time, things would change a lot and most of these laptops would last you at most, 4 years. Unless of course you would like to bring around a digital wordprocessor, then, I have nothing to say.

Looking at your specs, I'm assuming you will be using them to for light gaming plus other multimedia purposes. And you can't go wrong with these specs.

Regarding the aftersales services, Dell is well known for that and you can just head for the 640m/6400/XPS forums and ask about that. I'm not sure about HP but they do provide on-site service if you live within 50km radius of their service center in HP towers, Damansara Heights. I have absolutely no idea how the warranty of the Toshiba works.

If you've reconsidered and the 12" screen might not suit you, Dell has the 6400 and configuring them with almost similar specs would almost cost the same. But if you are the type of person who care how his laptop looks, then you won't go wrong with the DV6000. Toshiba IMHO, comes with the nice speakers and the fingerprint reader which is a plus if you like these extra features.

For other recommendations, the ASUS a8jn would do you fine as well and I think john_jay can fill you on this, or you can give the ASUS thread a visit.
TSChrisp_USA_13
post May 13 2007, 01:32 PM

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QUOTE(john_jay2 @ May 13 2007, 10:06 AM)
» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «


bro ... u r using for wht purpose ??
if lets say u r normal use only ..
i think dell should be ok 4 u ..
but more better u take the 3 yrs complete cover ..
if lets say u wanted to do the graphics job ..
i do think your 2nd or 3rd option should be ok 4 u ..
but i suggest u to upgrade the warranty to 3yrs lar. ..

n ... whn u want it ??

can buy from me also o ^ ^
*
Like I said, I intend it to be a desktop replacement model. I need it for my office work, personal internet usage, gaming, entertainment and such...

The laptop needs to be capable of handling any task I need it to do, as it will be my main technological link to the world and such...

I'm not doing autocad or anything, but I need it to handle high end gaming, like a gaming rig, and the specs much be able to keep me running the latest programs for the next 3 years, at least...

Also, I want a very durable and high quality laptop, in case I accidentally bang it, drop it, or you know, the usual stuff that can make my HDD crash or my PC die on me, I need it to withstand a certain amount of normal abuse, basically not being too sensitive when it's accidentally rough handled.

I'm planning to buy it at the end of the month or beginning of next month.
Oh ya, if I order it from you, do I get any special offers or discounts?
kaiserreich
post May 13 2007, 01:34 PM

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QUOTE(Chrisp_USA_13 @ May 13 2007, 01:32 PM)
Like I said, I intend it to be a desktop replacement model. I need it for my office work, personal internet usage, gaming, entertainment and such...

The laptop needs to be capable of handling any task I need it to do, as it will be my main technological link to the world and such...

I'm not doing autocad or anything, but I need it to handle high end gaming, like a gaming rig, and the specs much be able to keep me running the latest programs for the next 3 years, at least...

Also, I want a very durable and high quality laptop, in case I accidentally bang it, drop it, or you know, the usual stuff that can make my HDD crash or my PC die on me, I need it to withstand a certain amount of normal abuse, basically not being too sensitive when it's accidentally rough handled.

I'm planning to buy it at the end of the month or beginning of next month.
Oh ya, if I order it from you, do I get any special offers or discounts?
*
With a 7400, I doubt you could last long. I bet by the 3rd year, you'll be running your games at all low settings. I don't know if you would like this, but if I'm in your shoes, I'd splash out some extra cash and head for the a8js with it's 7700 instead
TSChrisp_USA_13
post May 13 2007, 01:40 PM

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QUOTE(kaiserreich @ May 13 2007, 01:26 PM)
Dude, you are comparing the XPS against the DV6000 and the A100. The screen size of the XPS is different from this two and you have to make up your mind what kind of a laptop you want, a somewhat desktop replacement with a 15" screen or a ultraportable with a 12" screen. The size of the laptop would be the crucial thing to note and the weight can be somewhat neglected. I mean, are you going to fret about the extra 1 kg on your back? If you are, the ultraportable would be the way to go. Otherwise, you might benefit from a larger screen size.

Another thing to note is your expectation of 6 years life span. By the 4th or perhaps the 5th year, your laptop would be nothing but a digital wordprocessor. Think of what you can do with a laptop bought in 2001 that comes with a P3. I'm no fortune teller but in 6 years time, things would change a lot and most of these laptops would last you at most, 4 years. Unless of course you would like to bring around a digital wordprocessor, then, I  have nothing to say.

Looking at your specs, I'm assuming you will be using them to for light gaming plus other multimedia purposes. And you can't go wrong with these specs.

Regarding the aftersales services, Dell is well known for that and you can just head for the 640m/6400/XPS forums and ask about that. I'm not sure about HP but they do provide on-site service if you live within 50km radius of their service center in HP towers, Damansara Heights. I have absolutely no idea how the warranty of the Toshiba works.

If you've reconsidered and the 12" screen might not suit you, Dell has the 6400 and configuring them with almost similar specs would almost cost the same. But if you are the type of person who care how his laptop looks, then you won't go wrong with the DV6000. Toshiba IMHO, comes with the nice speakers and the fingerprint reader which is a plus if you like these extra features.

For other recommendations, the ASUS a8jn would do you fine as well and I think john_jay can fill you on this, or you can give the ASUS thread a visit.
*
The thing about the XPS that interests me it's that Dell promotes it to be tough built and durable. My harddisk will contain lots of personal and business documents, and it's important for me that the laptop does not crash on me on crucial moments.

I don't mind the smaller screen size, or an extra 1kg of weight to lug around, that's no problem for me... Main importance for me is quality, durability, and excellent customer support.

Yes, I know I said 6 years, but of course, during the course of the six years, I'll be upgrading my ram and such if it's possible. Of course, one can't expect it to be able to handle the latest games and such, but I want a long lasting specification, wear and tear of course is understood, and new software, but at least, I want the laptop to be able to handle the next OS, even if it's considerably slower.

For example, I don't want to buy a PC which can only handle XP, and cannot be upgraded to Vista, as the OS is now moving to the next level.

Like my previous Desktop PC, I bought it a few years back, but due to the high specs I chose before, it still is capable of handling Windows Vista without major glitches...

Anyway, I''m only getting my lappy end of this month or the beginning of next month, so I'm open to all ideas... Thanks for your input, really appreciate it!

smile.gif

Added on May 13, 2007, 1:52 pm
QUOTE(kaiserreich @ May 13 2007, 01:34 PM)
With a 7400, I doubt you could last long. I bet by the 3rd year, you'll be running your games at all low settings. I don't know if you would like this, but if I'm in your shoes, I'd splash out some extra cash and head for the a8js with it's 7700 instead
*
Then I guess I'll opt for a resonably good graphics card instead of dumping too much money for a high end gaming card for my lappy...

I don't really play too many games, but when I play games, I'd like to know that my laptop can handle medium to medium-high settings.

Of course, the 3rd and 4th year, I don't expect high-end settings to work, but by that time, I'll have enough allocated budget to get a high end desktop or another laptop, but for now, I want the laptop I'm about to buy to be long-lasting.

Anyway, I'll be checking the ASUS you mentioned, see whether it appeals to me.

This post has been edited by Chrisp_USA_13: May 13 2007, 01:52 PM
Miyabi
post May 13 2007, 01:54 PM

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during the 6 years, you will use Asus XGStation to enhance the gpu power for your notebook smile.gif
kaiserreich
post May 13 2007, 01:59 PM

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quality, durability, and excellent customer support? Business line notebooks are well known for their quality and durability IMHO, and some companies offer different customer service for their business lines like Dell having their Latitude support but the pricing of the Dell Latitude might exceed you budget.

I don't know what of a screen do you like, it's always either Matte or Glossy, but most if not, all business line notebooks come with Matte screen. I'd recommend you the HP Compaq nx8420 which is the business line of HP and if you google around for HP business lines, they are quite good. I don't know how these things handle.

But anyhow, here's the Link
and here's the specs

HP Compaq nx8420 Business Notebook PC
Specifications

* Operating system - Genuine Windows XP Professional
* Processor Type - Intel(R) Core(tm)2 Duo Processor T5600 (1.83 GHz, 2 MB L2 cache)
* Memory - 512B (1 x 512MB) DDR2 SDRAM (667MHz)
* Internal Hard Disk Drive - 80 GB
* Hard Disk Drive Speed - 5400 rpm
* Graphic Subsystem Name - ATI Mobility Radeon X1600
* Graphic Subsystem Video Card Memory - Up to 256 MB dedicated video memory
* PCMCIA - 1 Type I/II PCMCIA Card slot supports both 32-bit CardBus and 16-bit cards, integrated Smart Card Reader, Secure Digital slot
* Input device - Touchpad with two pick buttons and scroll zone
* Network connectivity - Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit (10/100/1000 NIC) PCI Express Ethernet Controller
* Resolution - 1680 x 1050 WSXGA+ (16 million colours)
* Viewable Image Size - 15.4 inches diagonal
* Wireless LAN - Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG 802.11 a/b/g WLAN, integrated Bluetooth 2.0+
* Modem - MDC 56K v.92 modem
* Security features - HP ProtectTools Security Manager, HP DriveLock, Integrated Smart Card Reader, integrated HP Biometric Fingerprint Sensor, HP TPM Embedded Security Chip 1.2, Kensington lock slot
* Software included - Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Media Player 10, Microsoft(R) .NET Framework 1.1, HP Wireless Assistant (selected models), HP Mobile Printing Driver for Windows, HP Backup and Recovery Manager, Norton Internet Security, HP ProtectTools Security Manager, Sonic Digital Media Plus (selected models), Intervideo WinDVD 5 (selected models)
* Battery - 68Whr 8-cell Lithium-Ion battery
* Display - 1680 x 1050 WSXGA+ (16 million colours)
* Optical drive - DVD+/-RW super multi Dual Layer Fixed
* I/O interfaces - 3 USB 2.0 ports, VGA, audio in/out, power connector, RJ-11, RJ-45, S-video TV out, IEEE 1394a, docking connector, Accessory Battery connector
* Multibay - Optional External Multibay II devices
* Optional docking - HP Advanced Docking Station, HP Docking Station, HP External MultiBay II, HP Monitor Stands (all sold separately)
* Ports/connectors - 3 USB 2.0 ports, VGA, audio in/out, power connector, RJ-11, RJ-45, S-video TV out, IEEE 1394a, docking connector, Accessory Battery connector
* AC adapter - External 90W AC adapter
* Audio - PremierSound High Definition Audio w/24-bit DAC, Digital EQ, Advanced audio power management, line out/headphone jack, microphone jack, integrated microphone
* Keyboard - Full-sized keyboard
* Dimensions - 35.8 cm(W) x 25.9 cm(D) x 2.8 cm (at front) (H)
* Weight (min.) - Starting at 2.7 kg

It's comes in under RM5000 and it has as you may see, a x1600, which is a lot better than the 7400 or x1400

You could extend the warranty and upgrade the Ram to 2GB and the total cost should still be coming in under RM6000 IMHO
cheers

This post has been edited by kaiserreich: May 13 2007, 02:00 PM
TSChrisp_USA_13
post May 13 2007, 02:02 PM

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QUOTE(Miyabi @ May 13 2007, 01:54 PM)
during the 6 years, you will use Asus XGStation to enhance the gpu power for your notebook smile.gif
*
Not really attracted to ASUS... Seems like I'm paying a lot for the brand instead of the specifications...

But thanks for the new idea!

Added on May 13, 2007, 2:18 pmJust checked out the Compaq, but seems like I'm sacrificing all the other specs just for a slightly better graphics card...

I prefer a more powerful processor, bigger hard disk and more memory. I've got no preference for screen size, and based on the type of screen offered by RM5k to RM6k laptops, seems like their screens are the high-end type ones, so I'm happy with the screens being offered.

More concerned about quality, durability and customer service.
I know business type laptops are better built than home user laptops like the first three I'm considering, but their price range is slightly too expensive, and I'll be spending considerable money later on to upgrade their specifications.

Whereas the first three I chose, the only thing that comes to my mind on upgrading is the RAM, HDD (should I need a bigger internal HDD), and the warranty period.

Hmmm, to make things clearer, I want to know which of these three brands will offer the best customer support and warranty when things go wrong!

I don't want my laptop to crash when there is important stuff to be done, and I don't want my laptop sleeping in the service center for 2 month waiting for new parts, or the manufacturer suddenly claiming that certain parts are not covered under the warranty agreement.


This post has been edited by Chrisp_USA_13: May 13 2007, 02:18 PM
kaiserreich
post May 13 2007, 02:27 PM

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In terms of customer service, it's Dell all the way. Next-business day onsite warranty. You call them today, they will come on the next business day, to you home, fix you laptop, and after that, you got your laptop back. Easy as pie.

For the HP Compaq, The Ram at 512Mb is somewhat low, but RAM prices now are so low, you could upgrade it easy. As to the screen, I'm not referring to the screen size but rather, the type of screen which is matte for business lines. As to the processor, I'm sure how much is the drop in performance from t7200 to t5600 but I reckon it's in the vicinity of 10 - 15%. There's is a similar laptop with a T7200 called the nx8430 but it is nowhere to be seen in the HP website, if you would reconsider, try to give HP a call and see whether they can help. But if you dislike the option due to whatever reason, I'll rest my case on the HP Compaq business lines.
TSChrisp_USA_13
post May 13 2007, 04:41 PM

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Dell all the way? Not even Toshiba or HP can beat them when it comes to warranty and customer service?

Hmmm.... Okay... Thanks for your advice... I'll consider the business line laptops as well, haven't really done research on those models, will look further into it...
john_jay2
post May 13 2007, 05:15 PM

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QUOTE(Chrisp_USA_13 @ May 13 2007, 04:41 PM)
Dell all the way? Not even Toshiba or HP can beat them when it comes to warranty and customer service?

Hmmm.... Okay... Thanks for your advice... I'll consider the business line laptops as well, haven't really done research on those models, will look further into it...
*
u r not in a rush .. right ?
why dont jz spend some times to do research ^ ^ ?
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