compaq v toshiba comparison

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

I am looking at a compaq r3306us and a toshiba satellite A75-S209
Both with 512 megs memory (toshiba only uses 1 slot, compaq uses both),
both with 60 gig hd

I'd appreciate some comments on these differences:

processor:
compaq -- amd xp-m 3000+ (1.6 GHz, 256 L2 cache)
toshiba -- mobile intel P4 532 HT (3.06 GHz, 1 meg L2)

video:
compaq -- NVIDIA GeForce 4 420 Go
32MB DDR (dedicated)
toshiba -- ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9000 IGP (integrated video);
64MB shared memory, user adjustable to 128MB

It will be primarily a work-machine, but I would like
to pop in some of the newer games and get decent performance.

toshiba is about $350 more than the compaq

what sways you either way? what else should I compare
between them?

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

"dougedmunds" <being_doug@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:8eee630.0410182335.4d3d7db6@posting.google.com...
>I am looking at a Compaq r3306us and a Toshiba satellite A75-S209
> Both with 512 megs memory (Toshiba only uses 1 slot, Compaq uses both),
> both with 60 gig hd
>
> I'd appreciate some comments on these differences:
>
> processor:
> Compaq -- amd xp-m 3000+ (1.6 GHz, 256 L2 cache)
> Toshiba -- mobile intel P4 532 HT (3.06 GHz, 1 meg L2)
>
> video:
> Compaq -- NVIDIA GeForce 4 420 Go
> 32MB DDR (dedicated)
> Toshiba -- ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9000 IGP (integrated video);
> 64MB shared memory, user adjustable to 128MB
>
> It will be primarily a work-machine, but I would like
> to pop in some of the newer games and get decent performance.
>
> Toshiba is about $350 more than the Compaq
>
> what sways you either way? what else should I compare
> between them?

With hindsight, I would have taken more notice of the display.

That is, see them in action.

My Gericom cost £1000/$1600 and looks good on the data sheet.
Great for general computer work but lacks the contrast ratio to render DVD
images well.

I suggest you go to the shop, then ask to see them play a DVD.
Observe contrast, move head around to check viewing angle,
look for uniform intensity on black fields.

I've since learnt that some systems have CCFL backlights on two or four
edges of the screen for better brightness and uniformity, but of course this
makes them more expensive and harder to service.

Some laptops have matt-finish to reduce reflection, others are glossy.
I found glossy panel reflections unacceptable.

I have much respect for ATI graphics chips.

Note that sharing RAM with graphics chips reduces cost and also the RAM left
for non-graphics use.

CPU speed is not the ultimate factor: I found my old 800MHz WIn98 desktop
plenty for most stuff I do. I only found my self going for coffee breaks
when compiling FPGA designs (6 mins). My 1.7 GHz XP laptop cut it down to 2
mins. If you don't need the extra CPU speed, then you may resent the shorter
battery life and the louder fan to cool it. Games performance probably
depends more on better graphics chips than CPU speed.