A question for the computer geeks ( I mean 'whizzes')

[AnonymousKiwi1]

I need to upgrade my computer, this is the system my IT guy is recommending:-

HP Probook 6550b
i7-740QM 1.73GHz Processor; 15.6 Wide LED HD+ 1600x900 Antiglare; ATI Radeon HD 540v 512MB graphics; 4GB RAM; 500GB Hard drive; DVDRW; WiFi; Bluetooth; WebCam Windows 7 Professional; 6 Cell Battery
Price $1895 + GST
Full specifications
This currently comes with a free docking station.
On top of this, I'd suggest upgrading the memory (RAM) for 4Gb to 8Gb.
With a decent external monitor -
We recommend a 24" display, for the Philips range; either the business series:
Philips 240B1CB 24 Widescreen LCD Monitor - Black / 300 nits / 1000:1 / 1920x1200 / 5ms / Analog / DVI / USB / Speakers / HAS
$428 + GST
Or the professional series, which is fractionally better for the sort of work you'll be doing.
Philips 24 M2 Professional PowerSensor LCD Monitor (245P2EB/75)
Price: $532 + GST

I wonder if the computer whizzes could give these specs the once-over and give your opinions.

[dlambert]

That's not bad. Good move bumping up to 8gig of RAM, and the dedicated video card is nice -- definitely not a given on a laptop. One thing to watch out for is your hard drive -- with only one drive (very few laptops can mount two), you'll have to be really diligent about backing up. Any photos you've got on that drive that aren't backed could be lost if your hard drive decides to retire. If you're good about backing up, though, you can minimize this risk.

Also, I noticed that the specs indicate 32-bit Windows -- I'm a little surprised at this, as it should have automatically been bumped to 64-bit Windows with 4gig of RAM. In any event, you *absolutely* need 64-bit Windows if you're going to get 8gig of RAM; otherwise you can only access a bit over 3gig.

[milosh]

I think it's a decent machine but the price is too high. I think you can find a laptop with the same specs. (or almost the same) for much less. Most of the laptops in this spec. range come with somewhat lower resolution screens, but that shouldn't bother you since you're planing to use an external monitor.

One thing to look out for when it comes to upgrading RAM: before you buy, check whether there is a free RAM slot available on the motherboard. Some of them come with 4GB of RAM in 2 x 2GB configuration, so if you want to upgrade to 8 gig, you have to buy two 4GB modules instead of one.

[Rhythm Photo]

The computer seems expensive for those specs...

I have a i-5 at 2.53, 6gb ram, same video card but 1gb and a 640gb hard drive bought for $800 3 weeks ago.

[LoveDSLR]

I looked for USB 3 in my latest i7 laptop purchase.

[AnonymousKiwi1]

Originally Posted by dlambert

That's not bad. Good move bumping up to 8gig of RAM, and the dedicated video card is nice -- definitely not a given on a laptop. One thing to watch out for is your hard drive -- with only one drive (very few laptops can mount two), you'll have to be really diligent about backing up. Any photos you've got on that drive that aren't backed could be lost if your hard drive decides to retire. If you're good about backing up, though, you can minimize this risk.

Also, I noticed that the specs indicate 32-bit Windows -- I'm a little surprised at this, as it should have automatically been bumped to 64-bit Windows with 4gig of RAM. In any event, you *absolutely* need 64-bit Windows if you're going to get 8gig of RAM; otherwise you can only access a bit over 3gig.

I am super-vigilant at backing up - on to two external drives. So this isn't an issue.
Thanks for the point about 32 vs 64 bit Windows. I'll bring this up with my IT guy.

Originally Posted by milosh

I think it's a decent machine but the price is too high. I think you can find a laptop with the same specs. (or almost the same) for much less. Most of the laptops in this spec. range come with somewhat lower resolution screens, but that shouldn't bother you since you're planing to use an external monitor.

One thing to look out for when it comes to upgrading RAM: before you buy, check whether there is a free RAM slot available on the motherboard. Some of them come with 4GB of RAM in 2 x 2GB configuration, so if you want to upgrade to 8 gig, you have to buy two 4GB modules instead of one.

Eh, the price is what it is. It's what I have to pay, sadly. The cost of living in a tiny island at the bottom of the world.
I'll also check on the RAM slots - thanks.

EDIT - note, the price is quoted in NZ dollars. This will total approx $2,500 US all up with memory upgrade and external monitor. And it comes with a free docking station!

[AnonymousKiwi1]

Originally Posted by Rhythm Photo

The computer seems expensive for those specs...

I have a i-5 at 2.53, 6gb ram, same video card but 1gb and a 640gb hard drive bought for $800 3 weeks ago.

The advantages of living in the States...

[AnonymousKiwi1]

Originally Posted by LoveDSLR

I looked for USB 3 in my latest i7 laptop purchase.

I'm clueless when it comes to computer stuff. What's the advantage of USB3 over USB2?

[OsmosisStudios]

*pats MacbookPro*

[theosus]

Just curious.... Why a laptop instead of a PC? I can understand if you want to take it with you, but I know some people who use a laptop as their only computer, but never take it anywhere.
A PC is upgradable pretty easily, the screen is separate, and cheaper to replace, and customizable. I built my xm radio interface in to mine. You aren't hobbled by the limited space in a laptop. I have three hard drives in mine - with room for another. Plus it sounds like a jet engine when I first cut it on. I have a few fans.