What Laptop Should I Buy?

[Grimhound]

I have been looking recently to invest in a laptop computer. My aim is to find one with both the general usage capabilities to just be used for everyday applications, and also one that has enough power under the hood to maybe allow for some gaming. So far I've been looking between HP and Dell with my budget limitations, but I'm unable to really decide due to comparison, and was hoping you folks could help me make a decision.

Note: Both notebooks are configured to near-identical layouts, barring base mechanical differences. Each has the maximum available video, audio, screen options, a mid-range Core 2 Duo processor at 2.0-2.2ghz, and full goodie packages

HP Pavilion dv6500t, priced at $1403.98 before tax.
Pros:
-Altec Lansing audio.
-Stylish case.
-Multiple headphone jacks.
-Clear, bright screen.
Cons:
-HP doesn't currently offer higher-end video to 15.4" laptops, so the best available GPU is the nVidia 8400M GS(Not suited for games like Bioshock).
-HP's tech support is seemingly fully out of Mexico, and is utter nightmarish hell to go through.
-HP doesn't allow any enhanced screen options on their mid-range laptops. No WSXGA.

Dell Vostro 1500, priced at $1358.(Dell somehow circumvents taxation apparently)
Pros:
-8600M GT(Bioshock at full settings)
-WSXGA+ screen w/ Dell's TrueLife.
-Dual-channel memory.
-Magnesium case.
-2.0 megapixel camera, double-inset mic.(HP has 1.3mp and a single capture mic)
-70 DellDollars that come with the 3-Year Warranty Discount Package.
-Dell has fast shipping.
-Dell has fast repair.(2-4 days from what I've heard)
-Dell is a carbon-neutral and generally green company.
-American/English-speaking tech support.
-I have friends who work for Dell.
Cons:
-I have absolutely no idea how the speakers are on Dell laptops. (To note, however, the configuration is set with Dell's HD Audio 2.0 technology as a default on the package. May improve things significantly)
-While sturdy, the magnesium case raises the weight significantly.
-Due to the heating vents being located on the underside, lap usage during gaming(not really an issue) would only be wise if you want to cook yourself with the power of the 8600M GT.

Now, those are the general comparisons between the two contestants I've generally narrowed it down to. I am siding towards the Dell, seriously, but I want your input into this. Should I go Dell, HP, or wait an entire year just for the Griffin/Penryn battle to heat up?

[Newbiezilla]

I take it getting a desktop is entirely out of the question. Laptops aren't reknowned for their gaming, but it seems gaming isn't chief among your concerns.

You should look beyond the two you are thinking of there. Take a look at this (http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/ntbkx55850.asp?v=d) for instance.

[Grimhound]

I take it getting a desktop is entirely out of the question. Laptops aren't reknowned for their gaming, but it seems gaming isn't chief among your concerns.

You should look beyond the two you are thinking of there. Take a look at this (http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/ntbkx55850.asp?v=d) for instance.

I've just never heard of the company before. I am really hesitant to buy anything.

[Newbiezilla]

You have friends who work in Dell. Do they actually think you getting a Dell is a good idea? I used to work in Dell, and I avoid people away from them. Perhaps for that very reason.

Oh, a thing I noticed about them, too, is on their website they'll seem to have great prices but when you go to finish order, and they actually add taxes to it, the price doesn't seem too good. Though, you could get a good price if your friends got you a discount.

[thesuperjman]

i got an hp laptop, slightly better than ur cause it would be able to handle bioshock if i put it on there. i only use it for internet and a few games at a time
and itunes
id say the hp. o do any of them come with vista ? my hp came with vista home premium, which kicks ass.

[Grimhound]

i got an hp laptop, slightly better than ur cause it would be able to handle bioshock if i put it on there. i only use it for internet and a few games at a time
and itunes
id say the hp. o do any of them come with vista ? my hp came with vista home premium, which kicks ass.

Both were configured with Vista Business.

[thesuperjman]

that must be good then, business, sounds hardcore lol. ya id go with the hp just cause from my expierience the sound is nice, the screen is like 14 inches i think, built in microphones and webcam, 140 gig hardrive plus a seperate harddrive for backup. i forget the ram but i remember its really good for a laptop.

[Grimhound]

Thing is that HP doesn't have the good video card.

[Grimhound]

Anyone know any good places to find discounts, etc?

[Newbiezilla]

Whats the exact amount of RAM that come with the games? Having a decent amount of RAM is very important too.

[Grimhound]

Whats the exact amount of RAM that come with the games? Having a decent amount of RAM is very important too.

Both were configured with 2gb DDR2 RAM at 667.

[Newbiezilla]

I'm impressed. Seeing such good RAM in a laptop is a very good thing. I'm unsure about how good the Dell Vostro is. For that, you should ask your friends who work in Dell.

If it were between the two PCs above though, i'd say get the Dell.

[bioshock_fan]

If you are going to use the laptop mostly for games, and don't want to spend the extra money on a new graphics card for the HP; get the Dell. But if you don't mind spending extra money on a new graphics card, get the HP.

[bioshock_fan]

Both are great laptops, so its hard to chose:p .

[Grimhound]

I'm impressed. Seeing such good RAM in a laptop is a very good thing. I'm unsure about how good the Dell Vostro is. For that, you should ask your friends who work in Dell.

If it were between the two PCs above though, i'd say get the Dell.

The Vostro 1500 is marketed as a small-business laptop, but it has a 8600M GT in it. The design makes no sense. However, it is the most popular over at NoteBook Reviews.

[Grimhound]

Heh. Random idea. If I did get the Dell I could always have a Big Daddy helmet/torso painted on the back around the logo button.