Dell D810 vs HP Compaq nx8220..... any views please....
Dear All,
I need a desktop replacement for mainly work which is software development for me ie .NET/ databases etc. I will also run Virtual PC for multi OS. In the future I may also want to do some video editting and photo work. Usually I plug into an external CRT as I find the normal keyboard/monitor more comfortable, but from time to time I need to travel and demonstrate etc. So far the spec that I think I need is:
15" or 15.4" LCD - although most laptops of my spec are now only 15.4"
Non Reflective LCD, good outdoor and wide viewing angle for demos.
1620 * 1050 resolution
1GB, ideally both slots user accessible DDR2 533MHZ Ram
2GHZ Pentium M processor
60 - 80 GB HD, preferably removable via a screw etc. Also possible 7200rpm, but HP tells me that they use 5400s as they are quieter...
DVD RW +/-
Ports 3-4 USB, 32 bit PC Card slot, firewire preferably (no immediate use, but video??), Mic in, Mic jack in, sound out, SVGA out, parallel possibly, but optional.
TPM apparently is good for security
As light as possible, D810 ~ 3.1KG, nx8220 ~ 2.6KG
As good looking as possible. I think the nx8220 is better looking than the D810.
Excellent warranty. I am replacing an Inspiron 8000 which had a 3 year NBD onsite warranty - excellent. HP also do this. I would automatically go back to Dell, but I have reservations about the D810, missing firewire port, slightly junky.... but the reviews may be worse than the actual user views....
Good solid and quality build as this will be a business machine.
D810 was my initial find, but I am casting the net wider as I am not totally wowed by it. I was amused that CNET.COM gave it 6.8 while CNET.CO.UK gave it a 8.1. It certainly would be a functional solution. HP seem to have a good reputation and the nx8220 seems to be very cost effective (£1000 inc).
Does anyone have experience or views on these laptops, and/or have other strong recommendations that would fit my needs.
Thanks in advance.
Sam
p.s Some of you may recognise me from earlier laptop postings...... I know I am taking a while to get the right laptop....and spec etc. However I really appreciate your help.
I need a desktop replacement for mainly work which is software development for me ie .NET/ databases etc. I will also run Virtual PC for multi OS. In the future I may also want to do some video editting and photo work. Usually I plug into an external CRT as I find the normal keyboard/monitor more comfortable, but from time to time I need to travel and demonstrate etc. So far the spec that I think I need is:
15" or 15.4" LCD - although most laptops of my spec are now only 15.4"
Non Reflective LCD, good outdoor and wide viewing angle for demos.
1620 * 1050 resolution
1GB, ideally both slots user accessible DDR2 533MHZ Ram
2GHZ Pentium M processor
60 - 80 GB HD, preferably removable via a screw etc. Also possible 7200rpm, but HP tells me that they use 5400s as they are quieter...
DVD RW +/-
Ports 3-4 USB, 32 bit PC Card slot, firewire preferably (no immediate use, but video??), Mic in, Mic jack in, sound out, SVGA out, parallel possibly, but optional.
TPM apparently is good for security
As light as possible, D810 ~ 3.1KG, nx8220 ~ 2.6KG
As good looking as possible. I think the nx8220 is better looking than the D810.
Excellent warranty. I am replacing an Inspiron 8000 which had a 3 year NBD onsite warranty - excellent. HP also do this. I would automatically go back to Dell, but I have reservations about the D810, missing firewire port, slightly junky.... but the reviews may be worse than the actual user views....
Good solid and quality build as this will be a business machine.
D810 was my initial find, but I am casting the net wider as I am not totally wowed by it. I was amused that CNET.COM gave it 6.8 while CNET.CO.UK gave it a 8.1. It certainly would be a functional solution. HP seem to have a good reputation and the nx8220 seems to be very cost effective (£1000 inc).
Does anyone have experience or views on these laptops, and/or have other strong recommendations that would fit my needs.
Thanks in advance.
Sam
p.s Some of you may recognise me from earlier laptop postings...... I know I am taking a while to get the right laptop....and spec etc. However I really appreciate your help.
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I'm Using an older dell inspiron 4000 and an even older Dell cpi. They are OK, but of course for todays' standards aren't really current. My boss uses a dell inspiron 8200. Also this is not the newest, but it is one of the finest laptops I've used. It's got a big screen with a resolution of 1600x1200, 2 optical drives etc. I've tested some newer dell, I think inspiron 6000 with wide screen, and also this wasn't to bad (although the resolution was not as good as the8200.
ASKER
HP have just upgraded their spec for the top nx8220 to 2.13GHZ, 1*1024 MB RAM, ATI X600 128MB and now they offer a 4 year next business day onsite warranty. wow..... So the warranty and graphics is now equal to the D810 while the nx8220 is much lighter, contains more IOs(ie firewire), and I think more eloquent. While Dells are good I think I am ready for a change.... :)
Thanks all for your comments and patience.... now for that deal......
Sam
Thanks all for your comments and patience.... now for that deal......
Sam
Thanks too.
ASKER
What laptops do you use?, and spec.
You know I am still unsure about these wide screens....keep hearing about resolution problem and stretching etc, and the increased size.... Since I often connect to an external crt I am really wandering whether it is better to go for a 15" or 14.1 and get the lighter laptop like the D610. This still can support an external up to 1600*1200.
I was intrigued to find that IBM do not do a wide screen. Is this because they produce conservative business machines or they have decided that business user do not want wide screens??
Thanks for your help......and patience....
Sam