Hi,

I am having a hard time deciding between ML-32 based laptop and ML-34 based laptop. Overall, I like the HP DV5000 ML-32 system (HP) but I am not sure about the cpu performance since it the ML-32 has only 512kb L2 cache. The ML-34 system is by Gateway (mx6425) has almost exactly the same feature but I am not sure about their build quality. Both systems are simillar in price (+/- $50) bucks.
My intended use is for general web surfing, office productivity, MP3 listening and occasional video and photo editing. Would the ML-32 perform significantly worse bacuse of the smaller L2 cache size? The other option is to get higher end DV5000I which comes with ML-37 (and additional features such as Windows MCE and Lightscribe DVD drives). Is the speed bump and additional features of the ML-37 system worth extra $200?


Your feedback is appreciated.


Matt

quote:

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Originally posted by: mati
Hi,

I am having a hard time deciding between ML-32 based laptop and ML-34 based laptop. Overall, I like the HP DV5000 ML-32 system (HP) but I am not sure about the cpu performance since it the ML-32 has only 512kb L2 cache. The ML-34 system is by Gateway (mx6425) has almost exactly the same feature but I am not sure about their build quality. Both systems are simillar in price (+/- $50) bucks.
My intended use is for general web surfing, office productivity, MP3 listening and occasional video and photo editing. Would the ML-32 perform significantly worse bacuse of the smaller L2 cache size? The other option is to get higher end DV5000I which comes with ML-37 (and additional features such as Windows MCE and Lightscribe DVD drives). Is the speed bump and additional features of the ML-37 system worth extra $200?
Your feedback is appreciated.
Matt

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As you illustrate, picking out a laptop is more than picking a CPU. Whether something is worth it or not monetarily is a moot question...it's really up to you and your value of money and how much of it you have.

The differences between the ML-32 and ML-34 are small at best, and shouldn't be your sole deciding factor. Does one give you more RAM, larger hard drive, bigger battery, etc.

Build quality can vary within a Manufacturer, but support tends to be more consistant. I can't speak for Gateway, or HP for laptops, but HP has been good for me for a Desktop that my wife has...

The bump to the ML-37, in my opinion would be worth it, but I'm building with an MT-40...so you can see where my opinion comes from.



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My Rigs:

Athlon 64 3400+ (CG) @ 2.4GHz, Asus K8N-E Deluxe, 2 GB OCZ DDR400, BFG nVidia 6800OC 128MB, Seagate 200GB PATA, Seagate 160GB PATA, Dual Boot XP and x64, Antec 350W Mid-Tower

Athlon 64 3400+ (E3) @ 2.4GHz, Asus K8N-E Deluxe, 2 GB OCZ DDR400, eVGA nVidia 6800 128MB, Seagate 320GB SATA, Vista x64, Antec 350W Mid-Tower