Advise please -> Seriously considering a ZD8000

Hi guys. I'm new here and wanted to ask for your opinion.

I've been looking around and I'm almost settled on the ZD8000. I've built a system on hpshopping.com and it comes out to 1,722 bucks.

Here's what it has:

Operating System: Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Media Center Edition

Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 630 w/HT Technology, 3.0GHz
Display: FREE Upgrade to 17.0" WXGA+ BrightView 1440x900!!

Memory: 1.0GB DDR2 SDRAM, 533MHz (2x512MB)

Hard Drive: 60 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive (planning to get an external too)

Primary CD/DVD Drive: FREE Upgrade DVD+/-RW/R CD-RW Combo w/Double Layer

Graphics Card: 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) X600

Networking: FREE Upgrade to 54g(TM) 802.11b/g WLAN w/ 125HSM!!

Primary Battery: 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

Productivity Software: Microsoft(R) Works/Money


I do have a couple of problems though:

1) Once I buy a notebook, I'm stuck with it for quite a while. No upgrades, changes, etc. So it's imperative that I buy wisely, and that's why I need advice from you...

2) I don't live in the US. I'm planning a trip to Miami at the end of the month for a week. I do have a shipping address in MIA, and I can try the notebook out to make sure that it works correctly. This said, I need to get something that will last.

I've been reading a lot about the ZD8000 and there are two primary concerns with it: battery life (not a huge issue for me) and the heat issue. Some reviews say it's VERY loud. The last thing I need is for my equipment to be louder than four 747 engines, so I'd be embarrassed to turn it on in the plane and end up not using it.

The main uses of this notebook would be entertainment, websurfing, gaming, Email, Music, etc. That's why I need something with a TV-Tuner and a good graphics card. I need it to be fast too. 1,700 bucks is a high price for a sluggish machine.

Now, the bottom line is:

a) How good will this purchase be? Is it worth the money?

b) What are my other options or similar notebooks that include all this.

c) Is the Pentium 630 a 64bit processor? What's the huge advantage of this?

Thanks!

Hi guys and thanks for the replies.

So, other than battery life and a little noise I shuoldn't have any problems?

I think the 9300 with these exact same specs has a much higher price tag, but I'll do it again to double check.

Yeah, a 9300 with a smaller processor does go over 2,000 bucks.

Is there any difference between M processor speeds and desktop processor speeds? In general, I don't see any notebooks with M processors higher than 2GHZ.

Someone mentioned on another board that a 2.0GHZ M, is equivalent to a P4 3.0-3.2 GHZ desktop processor. Is this true?

I was suspecting that there should be a difference with the clockspeeds, like the Mac and PC thing.

Thanks for the help guys. I think I'll end up getting a ZD8000 after all...

Although I'm obviously no expert, I will be doing one right from when I open the box.

Alright, I'll check it out.

Edit: Asus' website is VERY slow.

I'll look it over and post again.