Expert: Karl Zick - 7/25/2009

Question
QUESTION: Which of these two notebooks is better for general use on Windows XP? (internet, watching movie, adobe photoshop)
MSI VX600X 15,4/T3400/3GB/320GB/HG3410/FreeDOS
http://www.global.msi.eu/index.php?func=prodtmpspec&maincat_no=135&cat2_no=418&c
or
Fujitsu-Siemens ESPRIMO V6545 15.4/T4200/4GB/320GB/HD3450
http://sp.ts.fujitsu.com/dmsp/docs/ds-esprimo-mobile-v6545.pdf

I wanted model with matte display, both these models have WXGA Matte.
Those two are very similar. Fujitsu-Siemens have shrinked down size keypad, which isn't very good. The MSI VX600X has a better Video Card, 512Mb versus 256Mb on the Fujitsu. Fujitsu has a better NIC (1Gigabit) and 4Gb RAM. Fujitsu has better price: $706 versus $783 MSI

ANSWER: Hi Alex,

Before I answer your question, do me a favor and check out the Lenovo (IBM) selection and the Toshiba Satellites.  I have seen both of these as low as $370 at Newegg.com (free shipping and no sales tax) - and their specs are very impressive.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Karl,

you probably meant Toshiba Satellites A300. The free shipping is for shipping to US only(I think), not to my country. And shipping cost will be very high. I can only choose from these two models I mentioned.

Answer
Hi again Alex,

Sorry, I missed the fact that you live in Latvia.  Guess you ARE limited to your selection.  Are the girls there as pretty as in your neighboring country Sweden ?

Once you get past the brand, the most important features on ANY computer are the CPU and the RAM.  RAM can be upgraded but you are stuck with the processor for the life of the computer.  Since Compaq, HP, and eMachines (all dogs) are not on your list and you live in Latvia, your question becomes simple.

I have looked at the specs on both notebooks and I vote for the MSI VX600X.  The Intel Core Duo CPU is more tried and proven' that the Centrino - and the RAM, if you buy it in Latvia, is also 4GB.  Plus, MSI is rated lately in the top of the laptop manufacturers.  

The speed of a network interface card is only relevant to the speed of the network it is connected to - or the Internet service provider download bandwidth spec.  Basically, NIC speed doesn't mean anything.

If you have any more questions, please come back.