PCWorld Forums: Flashorn Needs Help Deciding Which One! - PCWorld Forums

Hey Everyone !!

I have a problem which just recently popped-up.

My (the notebook's) HDD has started a clicking sound . Like the Heads are parking after reading .

It is not a consistent click but, rather a random clicking.

Now , from what I could gather from reading McBarker's answer on another thread , this would

possibly indicate that the HDD is failing.

I have run three tests so far and all came back positive

Check Disk ............No Bad Sectors . Good Health Status

HDTune .................No Bad Sectors . Good health Status HDD Temp. 42*C HD Tune

NHC ..................... S.M.A.R.T. results ALL show OK for Health Status . 42*C NCH

So, I decided to take my own advice and Just finished Backing-up the HDD.

Now, I went shopping for a new notebook.( not that I am pleased with it )

My choices fell on these two:

HP Pavilion ( DV9854CA ) .

http://www.futuresho...ogon=&langid=EN

and

Toshiba Satellite (X200-AX1) .

http://www.futuresho...ogon=&langid=EN

The reason I'm bothering all of you is that one (HP Pavilion) has the 64bit version

of Vista Home Premium and I am not familiar with it.

The other has Vista Ultimate but, I guess I can get around with this version.

My question is, will the 64bit version be compatible with current programs or

will I have problems finding programs to run on this notebook.

The HP has quite a few good attributes namely $500.00 less than the Toshiba.

But if it's going to be a hassle with the 64 bit OS. I will buy the Toshiba.

All of your suggestions are always welcomed.

FLASHORN.

Hi Flashorn,

64 bit is almost ready for prime time; it is quite common to see 64 bit drivers for just about everything. I think the HP will be more future-proof than the Toshiba, though I might buy it just for the Blu-Ray.

Tunz

Hi Flashorn. Here is my opinion. Even though 64bit is coming on strong, I still do not believe it is ready for full mainstream use. Yes, the major hardware vendors are waking up to the fact that 64bit is the future but what about those obscure downloads from the smaller vendors? They either have not developed the software for 64bit or they will not develop it at all.

Here is what I did which was echoed by RGreen some time back, use a version of Vista that offers both the 32bit and the 64bit versions. This way, you can install the applications you need on the 32bit and then when 64bit does really hit it big, you can switch. In your case, the since the HP comes installed with the 64bit, there is no way to tell whether or not it has the option to reinstall as the 32bit.

Worst case scenario, contact HP and verify that this computer either A) has the ability to switch to the 32bit version or B) can come with the 32bit version of Vista. Other than that, yes, I think you would be spinning your wheels trying to find appropriate drivers for a 64bit system...at least for right now.

Hey Tunz!!



Thank You for your reply.



I think I will forgo the 64 bit. I have been looking closer at it and

from what I can tell and read . It will be another couple of years before

all of the software that we all enjoy , will be 64 bit compatible.



I like to much trying out new programs. This 64 bit OS will put

allot of spokes in my wheels, so, as far as future proofing,

This will have to take a back seat to my enjoyment.



Again thankx Tunz!





FLASHORN.

hi flash
I will also say stick to 32 bit for now. The retail versions of 32-bit vista can be later upgraded to 64-bit on payment of a very nominal fee that is only for disc shipment etc but that wont be true for laptops. This may also depend on the laptop manufacturer.

As far as 64-bit and 32-bit vista is concerned, 64-bit vista has been rated better and fast as fast as performance is concerned and that totally makes sense but the time is still not ripe for 64-bit OSes. Many of the developers have started making applications that support the 64-bit platform but not all. The driver issues are less now but applicaction compatibility is still a problem. Most os you older applications are 32-bit. they will either fail to run or will run under the 32-bit emulation layer. Some applications have separate installers for 32 and 64 bit, those applications will take benefit of 64-bit computing , but such applications are very less at this time. Most applications will today run under the emulation layer which will install the program in a separate folder than 64 bit ones. Although the emulation layer is very efficient there will definitely be a performance dip as far running those applications on a non-emulated manner is concerned. Moreover they wont be able to take any advantage of 64-bit processor. And the number of such applications is very high at this time.

Also 64-bit is meant for very powerful processing and heavy tasks and a 64-bit system will excel in such heavy tasks whereas smaller tasks will run on a 32-bit system faster. So a powerful processor with enough ram and a desktop environment will suit 64-bit vista. A laptop will be better with 32-bit vista.

Hey Piyush & MPH!!



I have read and considered both of your replies.

I came away with " Stay away from the 64 bit for now "



Well, I did take your advice and bought this one a few hours ago

HP Pavilion dv9834ca



It has almost the same build as the dv9854 minus the 64 bit OS. This one has Vista Home Premium.



I guess I will take the plunge whether or not I would like to.



The most disappointing factor is that it's not a AMD. Haven;t owned a Intel in since '98.

Only three more years of having a regular job. Then I will have the time to build another real PC

with AMD.



Thank You so much ,both of you, for helping me decide.



FLASHORN.

With Pleasure Flashorn. :D

So, you are coming out of the AMD closet, eh. Only three more years to work? Giving away the fact that your no longer a spring chicken - I will only work about 9 more weeks (end of July).
Back on topic, I thing you will love the machine. I love my dv9500t which has similar specs, my was ordered directly from HP. A couple of points you may or may not be aware of.
1. With your video card, you will have both the VGA and HDMI ports.
2. This laptop has a second laptop bay, but apparently your machine only comes with one. I don't know if the empty bay has the HD tray and screws or not (mine was ordered with two).
3. You might want to go onto the HP website and download the manuals. There are about 19 of them. Most are small PDF files that explain a particular feature in detail. HP does this so they can match the manual with the feature, rather than design a separate full manual for each separate machine. For example you will only need the Bluetooth manual if your machine has Bluetooth.
4. You will also enjoy the remote control. This comes in handy when playing a DVD. It stores on the right hand side in the Express Card bay.

BTW - does this mean a change in Avatar is in the offing? Nah - that would be asking too much.

Flashorn said:

Which is great because I was wondering how to answer this for you but I can't recommend 64-bit since I have NEVER used it. Don't have too much fun ;)

Hey rg!!



Look who's talking about the spring in the chicken! and NO i won't be changing my avatar.

I'd just have to change it back in a few years LOL!



I sure hope you are right about Vista. I really had no plans on changing my notebook

any time soon.

But, if worst comes to worst , I do have an extra OEM copy of XP SP2.

Just wipe clean and "Voila" a new XP machine.



But seriously, I am looking forward to experience Vista and all of it's quirks.

I might be looking for answers allot more than I have been though.



As far as the new notebook goes, I am going to set it up on the week-end.

If I do need some advice I will post a new thread but, will come back here to let you know how things are going.



I did know about the HDMI port , this is one of the options that made me look at it in the first place.

The specs on the dv9834 says 320 GIGs of HDD.

But, I think I saw that it was two 160 GIGs , that might explain the lack of the second HDD bay.



If you could post where I can find those manuals, I would be very grateful.

Only if you have the link close at hand. Other wise I will look for them myself.



Thank You rg, for taking the time to post here. I appreciate all the help I can get.





FLASHORN.

Hey Techie!!



I'm glad I made things easy for you. LOL!



IT wasn't fun trying to decide which one to buy, but ,

now I will.

I still have to work today ( Friday ) and then I just hope no one

will come in and ask for MY human resources. They might not be happy

with the answer they get.



It' s been three years since I bought one for me. I did enjoy looking at

all of the spec sheets. But there are so many and change comes very

fast these days. Trying to future proof your purchase is almost impossible.



But , hey, it's done and what ever comes next I have no control over

so, might as well enjoy it now while I can.



OH! one more thing , Don't be to far from your PC this Week-End.

I might just need your expertise, since this thread is now answered.





FLASHORN,

Here is the link to the manuals. I printed them out over time. If you have the opportunity do download them where you have a duplex printer, it saves a lot of space. Then I put mine in a 3 ring binder with tabs. I haven't labeled the tabs yet, a future project.

I highly recommend David Pogue's Windows Vista: The Missing Manual. It's thorough and detailed, yet understandable. Yet, at the same time he doesn't talk down to you as if you were a dummy either. It runs about 800 pages, my XP SP2 version runs around 600 pages and the one for Windows 2000 runs around 500.

Hey rg!!



Well, it's done.

I hooked up everything and to tell you the truth it wasn't hard at all.

In fact it went allot smoother than I had thought.

I still have a few things to customize but other than that it's all up and running.

I even skinned Vista. AlienWare just came out with a Vista capable skin from

their collection, for free.

My printer, Officejet 5610, just plugged it in and Vista installed the right driver

all on it's own just like a grown up.

The internet, plugged in the cat wire and didn;t have to do anything else.

All plug and play.



I tested the battery 's life this morning .

Played a movie and 2 hours and forty five ( 2.45" ) latter it had 6% battery life left

This was on a full charge with a 8 cell battery pack.



I do have a 320 GIG HDD and not two 160 GIGs like I thought.

The underneath does show the extra cover you were talking about.

I didn't open it yet but, will and let you know what it should contain.



Thank You for the links to the files I asked for .

As soon as I have a few moments , I will download and read them carefully.



There are still a few programs I can't find . XP was easier , maybe I just need

to get accustomed to Vista.



Actually , Vista is pretty fast. Boot-up is about one (1) minute to load

and shut down well, if your not looking, you missed it.



I have to say that it came with SP1 installed , maybe that made a difference.



I'll keep you up-dated as I go along.



Again Thank You for the link to those tutorials





FLASHORN.

Flashorn said:

I'm still here although I'm 2 days behind. Did you get your problem resolved? ;) :D

Hey Techie!!



Nice of you to still be thinking of me!



There's only one . Actually I still can't find the Add/Remove program in Vista/

Have an idea where I can find it?

Other than that I'm doing fine considering it's Vista.

Still have to tell it where to put things but, that's going good too.

XP was so much easier in finding your files and programs.I have to admit

though, this thing is Much faster than my old notebook.



Colors are very different so, I skinned it. AlienWare is more familiar to me.

I also found that it heats up more . Proc runs hotter than my Athlon.

on average Athlon is about 42C . this one is 47 to 52C.



In any case if you could direct me to the add/remove tab

I would appreciate it.



FLASHORN

Uh, it should be in your control panel. Open control panel and you will have the option of either having "Classic" or "Control Panel Home" for your view. This will be a (left-clicky) on the top left part of the open folder's screen. Click on Control Panel home and your view will have a new layout. Find "uninstall a program" and this is probably what you want.

Hey Techie!!



Thankx . Just getting used to this.XP was so much easier. I guess I'm repeating myself.

Not used to this proc running so hot. Is this normal 52*C . Does it need a burning in time,

or this is it. HDD is constant at 32C which is a lower value than the other at 42C.

Had to uninstall SRS Labs' Sandbox. It is a sound enhancement for your entertainment

center. It was conflicting with the Realtek sound card.



Got everything under control now.



Thankx again Techie!





FLASHORN.

In the default Vista Control Panel, there are two columns of Icons. Toward the bottom of the left hand colum is the major heading of Programs and just under that the option of Uninstall a Program. Click on that and it will take you to the Remove/Change Program Window. Two clicks and your there!
Be careful of the left rear vent on the bottom. It's one of the main intakes. HP laptops suck air in the bottom and exhaust it out the rear and left hand sides. Don't bother with a cooler pad, but if you want to use it on your lap, go the the lumberyard and get a small piece of masonite and cut it to the right size. It's light, gives a firmer foundation and won't cover the bottom intakes. Cooler pads are based on the concept that the laptop sucks air in on the side and exhausts out the bottom, just the opposite of HP's pattern. Besides, the masonite is cheaper. I use an 18" x 24" cutting board, but it's fairly heavy. Have a friend who uses the masonite, and I think I am going to follow his lead.
And yes, the Core2Duo's do get hot. Of course my old P4 3.2Ghz also go very warm. If your leg block that air intake, it will let you know very quickly as your skin starts to melt away. Not really, it just feel that way. But you will move the laptop in reflex.
What are you using to check your temps? I have never found a program that would work on my machines.

Hey rg!!


Yes, I got the add/remove program. Thank You.I don't really use it since I learned how to use the Hunter Mode with


Revo Uninstaller . This is an awsome program. You do have to be careful with the Hunter Mode.


You just have to read on how to use it.





OK, as far as the temp checking programs go , I use two. But this one


Notebook Hardware Control is the one that I use the most.


It is a free program but, if you want to use all of it's advantages you will have to buy the


full program.


If my link to the direct download doesn't work , just click on the link and in the middle of the


page you will see the download AND a warning that you HAVE to have the .NET 2.0 or higher



installed. NHC *Download
{size:10px}(2,2 MB).{size}*


I'll post a few shots so you can see what it looks like.


One more thing , this program will tell you all of the pertinent info. about your notebook.


and you can adjust certain settings directly from this program.





OH! before you install I have to tell you that if you chose to install and run ,


the first thing you will notice is that , IT WILL DIM YOUR SCREEN AUTOMATICALLY.


No need to worry as all you have to do is, up the brightness of the screen to what it was .





There are certain settings that are not available in the free option, like,


the reporting of the HDD TEMPS . it will give you a reading if you choose the F* setting


but, this is usually a false reading.





The one I use for the HDD TEMPS is HDTune .


With this program you can :Benchmark your HDD and do a check disk


right from the program.





All of these are Vista ready. I now have to verify all of the programs that I try before


I install them . What a pain . In XP all I had to do is download and install.





Anyways here are a few shots of the programs in question.





Notebook Hardware Control:





There are a whole bunch of tabs at the top. Make sure to check all of them.


To get this screen with all of the tabs you have to click on this link in the next


shot. it will say " Show All NHC Options and Settings.



















OK , the next program is HDTune, Here are a few shots:


This is the Benchmark tab. and the next will be the CheckDisk tab:








I don't know how accurate the HDD temps are but, in XP they were very accurate


This one reports 55*C for the HDD and i am inclined to believe it because this


notebook is running allot hotter than my HP Compac which was between 42*C


on a regular day and about 51*C with a work out. Now the CheckDisk tab:











Ok , rg I think I have taken enough of your time.


Also , Thankx again for the HP manuals . I have started to download a few last night .





FLASHORN.

Thanks for the great info. Would you consider making that last post a document? That could be helpful for a lot of people.