Laptop Deal Any Good?

[AHF]

Looking to get a laptop for my wife for Christmas. Does this seem like a good deal?

HP G71-343US 17.3" Widescreen Notebook Computer With Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T6600

$450

Large LED screen for work and play

* High-performance Intel Core 2 Duo processor lets you handle the demands of today's software.

* Extra-large 4GB memory lets you run your most demanding programs.

* 250GB hard drive holds thousands of songs, photos and documents.

* Convenient Wireless-B/G capability for cable-free networking. Lets you access wireless networks to share files, surf the Web and exchange email. Wired networking is supported, too.

* Large 17.3" diagonal widescreen LED BrightView screen. The LED screen consumes less power than a comparable LCD, for longer battery life.

* Plays and burns CDs and DVDs. Plus, built-in LightScribe™ technology lets you create and burn your own labels right onto your discs. (LightScribe media is required, sold separately.)

* Memory card reader for fast, easy photo transfers. Transfer your digital photos, music and other files from 5 types of memory cards.

* Built-in webcam and microphone let you keep in touch with others via video and voice messaging.

* HDMI port lets you view videos and photos on your HDTV.

* Provides up to 4 hours of battery life on a single charge.

* Microsoft® Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit. The newest version of Windows makes everyday tasks simple.

Item # 583092

Manufacturer # VR757UA#ABA

processor brand Intel

processor model Core 2 Duo

diagonal screen size 17.3 inches

memory 4 GB

hard drive capacity 250 GB

screen resolution 1600 x 900

weight 6.72 lb

optical drive DVD±RW/DVD-RAM/DVD±R Double Layer

operating system Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

processor speed 2.2 GHz

frontside bus speed 800 MHz

memory type DDR2 SDRAM

maximum memory capacity 4 GB

wireless connectivity 802.11b/g

network connectivity 10/100 Ethernet

modem 56K V.92

webcam with microphone yes

numeric keypad yes

ports 3 USB 2.0; 1 HDMI; 1 Ethernet; 1 RJ-11; 1 VGA 15-pin D-sub

memory card reader yes

video graphics Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with up to 1759MB shared memory

integrated speakers yes

audio hardware Altec Lansing

Energy Star qualified yes

FM tuner no

peripherals included none

warranty length 1-year limited

model name G71-343US

brand name HP

manufacturer Hewlett-Packard

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/583092/HP-G71-343US-17-3-Widescreen/

[Buzzard]

Looking to get a laptop for my wife for Christmas. Does this seem like a good deal?

HP G71-343US 17.3" Widescreen Notebook Computer With Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T6600

$450

Large LED screen for work and play

* High-performance Intel Core 2 Duo processor lets you handle the demands of today's software.

* Extra-large 4GB memory lets you run your most demanding programs.

* 250GB hard drive holds thousands of songs, photos and documents.

* Convenient Wireless-B/G capability for cable-free networking. Lets you access wireless networks to share files, surf the Web and exchange email. Wired networking is supported, too.

* Large 17.3" diagonal widescreen LED BrightView screen. The LED screen consumes less power than a comparable LCD, for longer battery life.

* Plays and burns CDs and DVDs. Plus, built-in LightScribe™ technology lets you create and burn your own labels right onto your discs. (LightScribe media is required, sold separately.)

* Memory card reader for fast, easy photo transfers. Transfer your digital photos, music and other files from 5 types of memory cards.

* Built-in webcam and microphone let you keep in touch with others via video and voice messaging.

* HDMI port lets you view videos and photos on your HDTV.

* Provides up to 4 hours of battery life on a single charge.

* Microsoft® Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit. The newest version of Windows makes everyday tasks simple.

Item # 583092

Manufacturer # VR757UA#ABA

processor brand Intel

processor model Core 2 Duo

diagonal screen size 17.3 inches

memory 4 GB

hard drive capacity 250 GB

screen resolution 1600 x 900

weight 6.72 lb

optical drive DVD±RW/DVD-RAM/DVD±R Double Layer

operating system Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

processor speed 2.2 GHz

frontside bus speed 800 MHz

memory type DDR2 SDRAM

maximum memory capacity 4 GB

wireless connectivity 802.11b/g

network connectivity 10/100 Ethernet

modem 56K V.92

webcam with microphone yes

numeric keypad yes

ports 3 USB 2.0; 1 HDMI; 1 Ethernet; 1 RJ-11; 1 VGA 15-pin D-sub

memory card reader yes

video graphics Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with up to 1759MB shared memory

integrated speakers yes

audio hardware Altec Lansing

Energy Star qualified yes

FM tuner no

peripherals included none

warranty length 1-year limited

model name G71-343US

brand name HP

manufacturer Hewlett-Packard

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/583092/HP-G71-343US-17-3-Widescreen/

Thats a good deal IMO. I bought a Winbook two years ago with similar hardware. Biggest differences for that price back then was:

1.6 dual core processor and 2 gig of memory

Thing the manufacturers get you on with bargain PCs and laptops is the video card. As long as she does not use graphic intensive software you don't need a high end ATI or NVIDIA card. Mine handles presentations and movies just fine with a intel video card.

[AHF]

Thanks for the feedback on this on such short notice (on Thanksgiving, no less). I managed to get one so hopefully she will enjoy it.

[Buzzard]

Thanks for the feedback on this on such short notice (on Thanksgiving, no less). I managed to get one so hopefully she will enjoy it.

You are welcome AHF. I have no problems with my laptop; and what you described is more powerful than mine.