Miscellaneous laptop discussions forum: HP Turion 64 Notebooks Vs. Hp Pentium M Notebooks

Well im kinda stunbled on this questinon too. I wasnt sure which one i should get. The Livestrong version HP Turion system or the Compaq Turion system. Im not to fond on promotion items like the Live strong but i do like the look of the Hp better then the Compaq, that is why i am willing to wait until Hp ends its promotional campaign on the Limited edition Lance armtrong edition. But if you dont mind the color between the HP Turion Livestrong or the Compaq V2000z series, I would go with the Compaq version. since its Cheaper and I know best buy and other National stores have them at a good price with rebates. The differents I've seen between the Compaq and the Hp Livestrong are close to 200 to 300 price gap that is why i say go with the compaq. To your main question is which one you should you get the Pentium M or the Turion. As far as i know the Pentium M does have great mobility. The speed step technology that the Pentium M has is exceptionally great. The Turion brand from AMD is meant for mobile and it does carry the Power Now technology which is almost as good as the Speed Step techonology Intel has, in my opinion. Its not on par with the Pentium M, but i would choose the AMD simply because it provides performance same or better then the Pentium M, it has 64 bit technology incorporated into there chips and the battery performance compared to Pentium M isnt that much of a different.Ive seen people say its almost 1/3 differnce, but its not true maybe 1/10 differnce. Some may see that $100 is not a big price different but judging by your concern of a $100 and stating you are attending Depual University i can tell your probably on a budget. I would say its best just to go with the Compaq system which are going for about $600 to $800, but keep looking at those ad you could possibly get them even cheaper then $600. As for Heat issues, I know the Turion runs hotter, but its not like its going to be hot enough for you to tell the differences. I find the heat issue so overrated, Overclockers(people that overclock) are a dying breed and i doubt not that many will overclock there notebooks. Like i say before I think the Compaq V2000Z series is a good choice cause its cheaper, 64 bit(dunno if Windows Vista will support 64 but at least you are prepared if it is), Performance is good much better then P4 and Just as good as the Pentium M or better, and games are great on the AMD systems.

You'll shop for the lowest speed Centrino you can find with integrated graphics and opt for a larger battery. I've seen such and it does run for about 6 hours. DVD playback is fine as well as just about anything but games.

I wouldn't buy it since it's a 64-bit world where I am.

Bob

The HP and Compaq models are identical internally. They are built on the same production line in China just as my sister Compaq X1000/HPZT3000 series was (predecessor to HPDV4000 and related Compaq model). The only differences are typically the internal paint schemes and the color of the touchpad (most notebooks now have a silver lid outside and only the label differs. HP often has more black inside and is more traditional wheras Compaq is a bit more modernistic in some of its design (mine has half black, half silver keyboard desk with black touchpad - HP model is all black deck with silver touchpad which was actually only a sticker glued over the black touchpad).

You will get much better battery life (expecially using wi-fi high speed DSL or Cable internet)with a Pentium M Centrino notebook at this point (but it is 32 bit so don't overspend as Windows Vista in late 2006 is 64 bit) As Bob said, if you get a 12 cell battery option it can double your battery time. My 6 cell battery lasts 3.5-4 hours using wi-fi and longer with it turned off. A 12 cell battery option effectively doubles that (7 hours).

The AMD Turion is a good new model with the 64 bit compatibilty but its weight and battery efficiency are still not on par with the Pentium M Centrino.

Again, however, I would not spend over $1500 and you can get a great Pentium M notebook with a DVD burner now (would have had CD Burner/DVD ROM like mine last year for this price) for $1300 or under.........

that allows you to enjoy the Pentium M now but upgrade to Windows Vista 64 bit on a new notebook in 2 years (new Intel 64 bit chips and improved AMD chips will be out then) without blowing too much money now........