Advice on customised laptop

Fanny Cradock

Hello there,
I'd like a bit of advice about a laptop someone has asked me for some help with. They will only be using it for the basics: word, internet, the odd dvd and maybe some childrens "educational games", i.e. nothing too gpu intensive. As they specifically requested a HP computer (though i think there is nothing wrong with Dell for something like this), I've gone directly to their american website and customised it. Someone in america will pay ofr it and will bring it over here.

Below is a list of the specs i've ve selected:

AMD Turion(TM) 64 ML-34 (1.8GHz/1MB L2 Cache)
32MB ATI RADEON(R) XPRESS 200M
512MB DDR SDRAM (1x512MB)
40 GB 4200 RPM Hard Drive
CD-Rw/DVD
Integrated 56K Modem + 10/100 Ethernet LAN
this works out about $700

any comments/suggestions on this would be helpful.

here's the link. just click "customise" near the top of the screen to see all the options.
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_series.do?series_name=V5000Z_series&catLevel=3&category=notebooks/compaq_presario/V5000_series&storeName=computer_store

one last thing, as this is an american machine, will there be any problems with the difference in voltage, i.e. when recharging??

thanks for your help!

Sengoku79

for what they need it should do the job, might be a little concerned with the hdd size, squeeze a 60 or 80g if possible.

Re: voltages etc, power bricks tend to be multi voltage so all they will need is an american two pin to english 3 pin adaptor, avail in all good hardware/luggage shops (travel adaptor)

8T8

I think I came into contact with the same model laptop a few weeks ago it was a HP unit with near identical specs just had to set it up for a friend nothing wrong with it.

Seems a reasonable machine for what you want to do, had no complaints with the machine myself other than the bundle-ware HP put on it which is something you may want to remove and also ditch the supplied Norton or McAFee anti virus for a better and less resource hogging (& free) solution like Avast or AVG.

Fanny Cradock

ok, so here is the computer I've been told they want:

Compaq Presario V5000Z customizable Notebook PC
ES188AV

* – Genuine Windows XP Home Edition
* – AMD Turion(TM) 64 ML-34 (1.8GHz/1MB L2 Cache)
* – 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x800)
* – 32MB ATI RADEON(R) XPRESS 200M
* – 1.0GB DDR SDRAM (2x512MB)
* – 60 GB 4200 RPM Hard Drive
* – DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive
* – Integrated 56K Modem + 10/100 Ethernet LAN
* – 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* – Microsoft(R) Works/Money
* – HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
HP Silver Messenger Bag
HP 65W AC Adapter


$978 (about €770)
Any thoughts on the price v preformance?

Capt'n Midnight

Do HP allow you to take out international warranty ?

Fanny Cradock

No, I dont believe so.

Tom Dunne

Capt'n Midnight wrote:

Do HP allow you to take out international warranty ?

They didn't two years ago when I purchased my laptop in the US. Hell, they wouldn't even take my Irish issued credit card with my US address.

Back to your original question on price vs. performance. For the intended purposes, you are getting a decent enough system for the price.

As long as the owner understands that it won't run the latest games, though it should be a fairly nippy machine.

Fanny Cradock

Brilliant!

Well as the main dilemma for the soon-to-be owner was regarding the carry case - spend $130 on a fake pink crocodile skin bag which would look fashionable, or go for the cheaper and, therefore, less fashionable option - I think gaming wont be an issue here

Thanks for the replies

Tom Dunne

I think baby seal skin is the new look for carry cases.