Hey everyone,

I'm planning on buying a new laptop in the very new future. Unfortunately, my budget is very low, $650 to be exact. I have my choices narrowed down to the HP dv6000z, HP dv2000z, or the Compaq V3000Z. There are pros and cons to each, but I have a few questions regarding different parts that will be the deciding factors.

Firstly,
The dv6000 has an option to upgrade to a 256mb GeForce Go 7200 graphics card. Does anyone know anything about this card? I was reading reviews, and they were less than spectacular, but is it still worth it over the other option listed? (GeForce Go 6150)

Secondly,
I'm debating about the CD drive I should get. I think LightScribe is kinda useless, so I wont upgrade that far, but I am torn between the DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive and the Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support. Its an extra $40, but do you think its worth it?

That's all I have for now, although, Ill inevidibly have more questions for ya'll. Thanks a ton!

-Connor



EDIT: I have another question! (surprise)

I have each possible configuration picked out, although each sacrifices something.

For the 6000z, I have the upgraded graphics card. Unfortunately, that means that I sacrifice the Processor (Sempron 3400) and the memory (only 512)

For the 2000z, I upgraded the processor to a Sempron 3500, have 1gb ram, and a larger hard drive, but it doesnt have the nice graphics card (only the GeForce Go 6150)

Finally, for the 3000z, I have a dual core processor (Turion 64 TL50), but it only has 512 RAM and a small hard drive and the 6150 graphics card.

I would like to buy things upgraded that cant be upgraded in the future first, as I can always get more money to upgrade things like hard drives and memory. What do the experts think I should buy, cause I have no clue!

First I would like to ask you what all do plan on doing with ur laptop?

Well, I am on my debate team at school. So, I need it to be able to open PDF's, use spreadsheets etc. However, I also would like to do some gaming as well, nothing too intense, but some. I am also worried about Vista though ( I know I sound like a noob), I just dont want to get my laptop and then realize that I have to make big changes to make it run.

Thanks

Really for what u plan on doing any of those computers would be fine. However, I would go with the 2000 simply because it's ready for windows vistas premium. Just make sure the graphics card is 256MB and can run directx 9.0c.

Oh, sorry, I wasnt clear up there. The 2000 has all that was listed, but it doesnt have the nice graphics card, its only a GeForce Go 6150.

I'd still go with the gig of memory as long your graphics card is 256MB and can run directx 9.0 I would get it. There are a small group of 128MB graphics cards that can run windows vista.