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Then why in the world did HP even bother using the 9600 in the nc6000 BEFORE using it in one of their consumer notebooks like the X1000 or zt3000? This just doesn't make any sense to put a gaming card in a business notebook before putting it in consumer level notebooks. Oh well, I may consider the nc8000 but I thought the nc6000 was pricey so I'll probably just wait until someone releases a notebook I like with the 9600.
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Oh the Compaq Presario R3000T (now called dedicated version) was made prior to the nc6000. It was released after, however. Probably used the benchtesting results from the R3000T in terms of probs with drivers/gpu interface etc, in order to help them resolve problems for the nc6000 and the nc8000 systems. Just becaues something was made available to purchase doesn't mean demo models were completed first
Second thing, graphics cards like the 9600 aren't strictly "gaming cards". Sure that's where they are boasted about most, but look at all the nice DVD quality features, power saving (powerplay) features, refresh-rate reduction features, etc. All done to boost battery life.
Thus for the nc6000, it seems logical for it to be clocked so slow. Not a lot of space, limited cooling, and great battery life with lower power consumption.
Finally, yes, the nc6000 and nc8000 are overpriced in my book, as are the ibm notebooks.
But in reality, you do get what you pay for.
With ibm, as with these two hp/compaq systems, you gain 3 year warranty (minimum), and of course, speedy call center access (for business clients, thus you get shorter hold times etc).
The systems are as such, geared toward businesses. Not only that, the "leasing options" definately point to businesses out there.
If you're looking for a widescreen notebook, I'd check out gateway (Although you say the screws used seem to be an issue to deal with), otherwise, dell's inspiron 8600 is a nice catch.
System specs for a dell 8600:
1.5ghz P-M
15.4" WXGA Screen
Winxp Home
512mb (2 dimms) of 333mhz DDR
128mb Ati Mobility Radeon 9600 Pro Turbo
DVD+RW/+R combo drive
60Gb 7200rpm drive
72 WHr battery
10/100 nic +56k modem
6 months free aol,
Dell Security Software (Anti-virus + firewall)
Musicmatch Jukebox edition.
Swappable floppy drive.
65w AC Adapter.
1 year mail-in service + 1 year phone support.
Cost: 2006.00 - $150.00 mail-in = 1856.00
That's not a bad deal at all