Ordering a New Laptop

I just went through the process of ordering a new laptop. This was the first time I didn't have to look at the lowest priced budget computer. My budget was $1,500, and I could go a little more if necessary.

I considered purchasing a "business class" PC. The primary difference (I found) is in the build quality. Most business class notebooks are built with better quality materials, and, as a result, are more durable. For this added protection, you add more weight and, in many cases, several hundred dollars to the purchase price. After doing quite a bit of research, I opted to go with a consumer-level notebook and add a good warranty, which will cover the notebook in case of any accidental damage. (I should note that I basically carry my notebook back and forth between home and work. I am kind to my computers and don't put them through a lot of trauma. As a result, I am comfortable with a consumer-level notebook.)

I narrowed my search to three manufacturers: Dell, HP, and Leveno. All three receive excellent reviews. All things being equal, my preference was for HP simply because I have purchased two of HP's quick docks (home and office) for quickly attaching my notebook to my desktop setup with monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, network, speakers, etc. This setup works great for me, and I didn't want to lose that functionality. Plus, ordering a docking station for the Dell or Leveno would add $200 per station.

With that as background, I focused on HP Laptops. The outside shell of HP's Laptops hasn't changed in the last couple of years. HP receives high marks for the design of their notebooks. I started by focusing on the processor. I knew I wanted an Intel dual core processor, not an AMD. In doing my research, I read that in side-by-side comparisons, Intel processors run 10 percent faster than similar AMD processors, and, more importantly, AMD's processors put off more heat, which is an issue with laptops.

Next, I wanted a dedicated graphics card. Most budget PCs come run their graphics off the mother board. This is not the best solution for graphics intensive applications. I do quite a bit of video editing, and I wanted to use this PC for video editing, so a dedicated graphics card was essential.

Finally, I wanted to get as much memory as possible. I opted for 4GB of RAM. To access this much RAM, I needed to add Windows Vista 64-bit as the OS. I've read mixed reviews on Windows 64-bit vs. 32-bit OS. If, after some trial time, I find I am having issues with a 64-bit OS, I will get rid of it and install Windows XP Pro. This will mean losing access to the complete 4GB of Ram (32-bit operating systems can only access 3GB of memory), but I probably won't notice a substantial difference.

So, without any further delay, here are the final specs of the notebook I configured with HP:

HP Pavilion dv5t Entertainment Notebook

• Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
• Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8400 (2.26 GHz)
• 15.4" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Infinity Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
• 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 9200M GS
• HP Imprint Finish (Mesh) + Microphone + Webcam for HP BrightView Infinity Display
• Intel(R) WiFi Link 5100AGN and Bluetooth(TM)
• No High speed 56K modem port
• 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
• No TV Tuner w/remote control
• High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
• HP Color Matching Keyboard
• HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope