Wed Dec 24, 2003 2:34 pm
@WLB,
Those 17" HP Pavillions come with 4 USB 2.0 ports. I really have not heard much about HP laptops in years. Also have not heard much about their service reputation. If the staffing is from the Compaq side of the aisle, you may not enjoy your experience very well. BTW the video is a nVidia To Go with 128mb of RAM. Not bad for a laptop. You might want to consider 256mb of video RAM if it is an option but I don't know if with the GPU involved, it would be worth the money.
Maybe the ubertechies can help you here
I remember Chetnik saying once that it wasn't that significant but for HL2, it may make a difference. Don't know. 
With the newer laptops, because of the fact that the new proc's kick up a lot of heat, as do the video GPUs, the life expectancy of those components in cramped quarters like a laptop may be hampered somewhat.
If you are using a regular keyboard and employ external sound systems, you should consider getting an aftermaket laptop stand (not a floor stand but like a tray or holder) that provides for good ventilation underneath the unit (some are made with a non-conductive rigid mesh others use little rails that raise the back of the notebook. I don't like the rail setup because it stresses the bottom of the laptop.
Taw's suggestion of a docking station would be a good idea but it makes for a more cumbersome setup to move about (but as you've already got the keyboard and the speakers, I don't know if the docking station would be the straw that breaks the camel's back. You could off-load the wiring setup of the speakers AND the keyboard to the dock so that you essentially only have to move two "units" the laptop and the dock (with encumbrances). Same rules should apply about making sure you allow for bottom clearance to allow for air.
Edited by - Indy11 on 24-12-2003 14:39:46
Those 17" HP Pavillions come with 4 USB 2.0 ports. I really have not heard much about HP laptops in years. Also have not heard much about their service reputation. If the staffing is from the Compaq side of the aisle, you may not enjoy your experience very well. BTW the video is a nVidia To Go with 128mb of RAM. Not bad for a laptop. You might want to consider 256mb of video RAM if it is an option but I don't know if with the GPU involved, it would be worth the money.
Maybe the ubertechies can help you here
I remember Chetnik saying once that it wasn't that significant but for HL2, it may make a difference. Don't know.
With the newer laptops, because of the fact that the new proc's kick up a lot of heat, as do the video GPUs, the life expectancy of those components in cramped quarters like a laptop may be hampered somewhat.
If you are using a regular keyboard and employ external sound systems, you should consider getting an aftermaket laptop stand (not a floor stand but like a tray or holder) that provides for good ventilation underneath the unit (some are made with a non-conductive rigid mesh others use little rails that raise the back of the notebook. I don't like the rail setup because it stresses the bottom of the laptop.
Taw's suggestion of a docking station would be a good idea but it makes for a more cumbersome setup to move about (but as you've already got the keyboard and the speakers, I don't know if the docking station would be the straw that breaks the camel's back. You could off-load the wiring setup of the speakers AND the keyboard to the dock so that you essentially only have to move two "units" the laptop and the dock (with encumbrances). Same rules should apply about making sure you allow for bottom clearance to allow for air.
Edited by - Indy11 on 24-12-2003 14:39:46
Should it be necessary, would you all please tell him here what you think of dell laptops? 
