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14.1" 32mbraedon7500 vs 15.1" SXGA 512mb+64 shared

Last response: in Mobile Computing
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hey guys~

i'm a first time notebook buyer and after extensive (pseudo)research, I've decided on two models. both compaqs...

1) The first is:
A newer model Presario 2800 series... here are the specs:

14.1" (1024x768)
P4M-1.8
256DDR
32mb Raedon 7500
USB 2.0 x 2
DVD/CD-RW combo... etc etc

2) the second one:
an older model presario 2100 series

15.1" SXGA (1400x1050)
P4M 1.8
512DDR
64mb (shared) ATI mobility
USB 1.1 x 2
DVD/CD-RW combo

so... my question. which would u guys prefer or suggest I get? The first one has a superior graphics set up to the second one, but the second one offers more DDR ram (which may balance out the shared 64mb video ram) and a bigger screen with SXGA capabilities.

I'm looking to use my notebook as a desktop replacement; i.e. 3D games, internet, assignments... and general stuff.

i'm not a hardcore gamer, but I do enjoy a good game of system hungry 3d shooters....

it's my dilemma... other specs on the machines are pretty much identical.. it's just the graphics chip sets and screen.... what do you guys think? I would really REALLY appreciate some good suggestions.

thanks guys~!

More about : 32mbraedon7500 sxga 512mb shared

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Personaly I recommend the first. Having the shared graphics will take a pretty massive performance hit as the DDR ram used for CPU`s is a lot slower than the DDR used for graphics cards. Also with No.1 you have USB 2.0 which is a pretty big plus in my opinion The RAM isnt going to make much of a difference in speed. Though if you are worried about it it wouldnt cost too much to upgrade it. The only thing I can see is the smaller screen. At least thats my opinion.
AREA_51

'It's only when you look at an ant through a magnifying glass on a sunny day that you realise how often they burst into flames'

The memory on the 32 Megabyte 7500 is on a faster bus than the shared 64 memory with the 512 megs of system RAM. Also the 7500 has a better architecture than the integrated memory chip. I guess you should find a store that has both models and ask if you play a few games on them. It depends on if you use any applications that will require more than 1024 x 768 resolution. I have found that on games with the 7500 mobility you usually won't go beyond a 1024 x 768 resolution and get good performance with the features turned mostly all the way up. Hope that helps.

Hey~ thanks for the replies.

So you guys would take the raedon 7500, even though the screen is smaller...

well, considering i have no prior experiences with notebooks, how do 14.1" screens compare with 15" ones? is there that much of a difference? also, how does 1024x768 look on a 14.1 screen... does it strain the eyes?

Here are the specs for the two notebooks i'm talking about... for better comparisons... i welcome more opinions~!

- Computer 1: Compaq Presario 2830TC-COM (2800 Series)

P4(M) 1.8
256 DDR
14.1" (1024x768)
32mb ATI Raedon 7500
30GB
DVD/CD-RW
56k/ LAN
USB 2.0 x2 / S-Video Out / Infrared
JBL Dolby Digital


- Computer 2: Compaq Presario 2116AP (2100 Series)
P4(M) 1.8
512 DDR
15" SXGA+ (1400x1050)
64mb (shared) ATI Mobility
30GB
DVD/CD-RW
IrDA 1.1 (4Mbps)
56k/Lan/Wireless Combo
USB 1.1 x2 / IEEE-1394 / SVIDEO /
n-board soundblaster emulator
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Well it all boils down to what you want. Go to a shopw and look at 2 laptops. Any 2 laptops should do but one must be 14.1 inch screen and the other 15 inch and the same resolutions and have a look and decide which onne you think you would need more. But also take into considersion
1024x768 14.1"
1400x1050 15"
Now keep in mind the 15" is going to look pretty small too at those sort of resolutions. As I said I would still get No.1 even though the screen is smaller. Hell it is much bigger tan the 12" screen of my current laptop. :-)
AREA_51

'It's only when you look at an ant through a magnifying glass on a sunny day that you realise how often they burst into flames'

hey guys~ well actually, i was able to find a notebook with both the 15" screen and raedon 7500 for a reasonable price... here's the spec of the machine i'm hoping to get before the end of the week;

Compaq Presario 2800 Series
15" (1024x768)
P4(M) 2.0
256 DDR RAM
64Mb Ati Raedon 7500
JBL Dolby Digital
40GB / DVD-CDRW combo / 3.5" FDD
USB 2.0 / 56k Modem / LAN / S-video out

whatdya guys think?

It look altight. Just double check to make sure the vide memory is not shared and you should be fine.
AREA_51

'It's only when you look at an ant through a magnifying glass on a sunny day that you realise how often they burst into flames'

You learn something every day. :-)
AREA_51

'It's only when you look at an ant through a magnifying glass on a sunny day that you realise how often they burst into flames'
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