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HP Elitebook considerations

Wig
Wig Posts: 14,139 Forumite
edited 3 January 2015 at 12:59PM in Techie Stuff
I am thinking of getting an HP Elitebook and I have a few questions and would like some advice. To be used for internet and watching films on DVD or USB
Some Specs:
http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docId=emr_na-c02030608

On the Specs link it mentions 4 different screen resolutions do they mean that all 4 are available on all models including "dream colour" or do you only get 1 of these resolutions per machine, so I would have to be sure of what I was buying before buying?

What is better?
Intel Core i7-820QM Quad Core Processor (1.73-GHz, 8MB L3 cache)* Up to 3.06 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology
or
Intel Core i7-620M Dual Core Processor (2.66 GHz, 4MB L3 cache) Up to 3.33 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology

Is the Quad Core better even though the speed is slower? is the "Turbo Boost Technology" included on all machines? If not, how do you get hold of it?
"Processor technology - Intel Centrino 2 w/ vPro" <<<What does this mean? has it got the Turbo Boost Technology?

They are coming with DVD RW, 250GB SMART SATA II HDD.
It says the HDD is customer removeable.

The specs say there is an upgrade bay
Fixed Optical drive
Second hard drive Weight saver
Does this mean the DVDRW that is supplied is not removeable? (not that I would want to remove it) I'm just wondering why it says "Upgrade Bay" and then mentions an optical drive that is fixed?
The supplied 250GB HDD is not very big so I am wondering if it would be possible to remove the HDD and put in a 1TB drive? And how much would a +500GB - 1TB HDD cost me?

It apparently is coming with 8GB RAM the maximum allowed, but if it comes with 4GB how much would an extra 4GB cost me?
Is 8GB going to be enough?

I can get this machine for £300 incVAT good price? (with the i7 Quad Core 820QM) It also has an nVidia FX1800 1GB Graphics......... is this better than a nVidia FX880 1GB ?


Did these things really cost £2,500 in 2010 ?

Comments

  • Lorian
    Lorian Posts: 6,036 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    > or do you only get 1 of these resolutions per machine, so I would have to be sure of what I was buying before buying?

    Yes, native resolution depends on the model purchased.

    > What is better (cpu)?

    Depends on budget, and what you want to do with. The decision also will affect heat output and battery length.

    >It says the HDD is customer removable.

    With a screwdriver typically takes 2 mins in an elitebook. Do yourself a favour and fit an SSD not a regular Disc.

    >The specs say there is an upgrade bay
    >Fixed Optical drive
    Not sure on this particular model, but typically the optical drives are in the upgrade bay. but do check (See below)

    > The supplied 250GB HDD is not very big so I am wondering if it would be possible to remove the HDD and put in a 1TB drive? And how much would a +500GB - 1TB HDD cost me?
    As mentioned, easily swappable, go for an SSD you wont regret it.

    >Is 8GB going to be enough?
    Depends what you want to do with it. It will probably have two slots with 4Gb in each so if you want to upgrade later you are throwing the existing memory way.

    > I can get this machine for £300 incVAT good price? (with the i7 Quad Core 820QM) It also has an nVidia FX1800 1GB Graphics......... is this better than a nVidia FX880 1GB ?
    Including VAT I think it's very good, depending on the screen resolution, if its 1920x1080 its very nice.


    Google the model you are looking at and "quickspecs" to find the HP document that will telly everything about the model.
  • System
    System Posts: 178,224 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 3 January 2015 at 1:45PM
    Just be aware that these are not laptops but quite hefty (weightwise) mobile workstations with a weight starting around the 6lb mark
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • Wig
    Wig Posts: 14,139 Forumite
    edited 5 January 2015 at 8:12PM
    Thank you,

    Can anyone answer the unanswered qu's?

    Which processor is better?
    Is it possible to add on "Intel Turbo Boost Tech" or is this a motherboard feature that is not upgradeable if you don't have it?


    Am I restricted on the make of HDD?
    Can the new HDD be put into the "Second Hard Drive weight saver slot?" is this easy to do?

    Does the second HDD weight saver have a different sized slot/bay to the primary HDD? or are they the same?

    And in response to the replies so far:

    What is the difference between an HDD and SSD?
    I have found that 4GB RAM cost £30
    500GB SSD cost £180
    1TB SSD cost £380

    Thank you for your assistance, I don't know much about computers.
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