Hello, this is my first post, and I'm sure you guys get a lot of posts like this, but I would appreciate anyone who can take the time to give me their opinion.
I'm looking to replace a Dell D620 with a budget laptop that will only be used for iTunes, internet, and Microsoft works/Office.
The two contenders are:
HP/Compaq Presario CQ60-420US
http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0312881
Toshiba Satellite L505-S5966
http://www.officedepot.com/a/product...05-S5966-15-6/
With the respective links/rebates/sales I've found, both come in at $430. From what I can tell, the HP has been around the block, while I think the Toshiba L505 was just announced a month or two ago, and subsequently I can't find any reviews on it. The HP seems to get good reviews from people using it within its limitations and for its intended purposes.
From what I can tell, they share the same processor, same amount of RAM (although the Toshiba has room for 8GB vs 4GB for the HP), the same video card, same screen sizes/resolution, both come with Vista Home Premium, etc.
What I see as advantages to the HP: it's proven, it supposedly has the better speakers (not a huge deal to me). From what I've read, HPs customer service may be better than Toshiba's. I've also read that some Toshibas of days past, especially lower-end ones, had quality problems.
What I see as advantages to the Toshiba: it's got a 320 GB harddrive vs 250 GB for the HP, more room for RAM expansion, it has extras like a webcam though I'll probably never use it, it's lighter, and I BELIEVE that Toshiba will allow you to upgrade to Windows 7 for free when it comes out.
So what would you pick? My main concerns are the reputations for quality of the two companies and whether the apparent advantages of the Toshiba's specs outweigh the fact that it is a newer model without a track record. Also, is Windows 7 worth getting excited about?
Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.
I'm looking to replace a Dell D620 with a budget laptop that will only be used for iTunes, internet, and Microsoft works/Office.
The two contenders are:
HP/Compaq Presario CQ60-420US
http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0312881
Toshiba Satellite L505-S5966
http://www.officedepot.com/a/product...05-S5966-15-6/
With the respective links/rebates/sales I've found, both come in at $430. From what I can tell, the HP has been around the block, while I think the Toshiba L505 was just announced a month or two ago, and subsequently I can't find any reviews on it. The HP seems to get good reviews from people using it within its limitations and for its intended purposes.
From what I can tell, they share the same processor, same amount of RAM (although the Toshiba has room for 8GB vs 4GB for the HP), the same video card, same screen sizes/resolution, both come with Vista Home Premium, etc.
What I see as advantages to the HP: it's proven, it supposedly has the better speakers (not a huge deal to me). From what I've read, HPs customer service may be better than Toshiba's. I've also read that some Toshibas of days past, especially lower-end ones, had quality problems.
What I see as advantages to the Toshiba: it's got a 320 GB harddrive vs 250 GB for the HP, more room for RAM expansion, it has extras like a webcam though I'll probably never use it, it's lighter, and I BELIEVE that Toshiba will allow you to upgrade to Windows 7 for free when it comes out.
So what would you pick? My main concerns are the reputations for quality of the two companies and whether the apparent advantages of the Toshiba's specs outweigh the fact that it is a newer model without a track record. Also, is Windows 7 worth getting excited about?
Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.
