Before I buy it....?

[Tube]

I am thinking of buying a Hewlett-Packard OmniBook XE2 Notebook and wondered whether it
is a fair buy?

I dont need anything too fancy and it seems to have the basic specs I need.....

Any thoughts? specs:
(cost £697.50 GBP, $1104.51 USD)

Processor: Intel Celeron
Processor speed: 433MHz
RAM type: SDRAM
Max RAM: 256MB
Hard drive: 4.8GB
Floppy drive: Integrated 3.5 inch 1.44MB
CD-ROM: 24 speed
Display size: 12.1 inch
Display type: HPA
Keyboard: 87/88 full size keyboard
Ports: Serial, parallel, PS/2 keyboard/mouse, VGA, headphone, mic, port replicator, RJ-11
Power supply: Autosensing 100-240V AC Adaptor
Battery: NiMH
Modem type: Integrated
Modem speed: 56Kbps V.90
Warranty:12 months worldwide parts and labour

[Wiz]

It is just below the average price for a laptop in that range. Nice setup.

[daveleau]

Well with only 32MB, and only a NiMH battery, I would say it's about $100 too high (USd) or 50 quid. I don't know about your VAT though. What is that anyway? I have a friend visiting here that had a computer mag that had VAT in it and it was about 10-15% of the price of the system. Anyway, ever heard of the band Straw (only really made it in Europe, no cd release here but good tunes)? One of the members is staying in my house for 2 weeks. Pretty cool.
Dave

[Wiz]

256 megs max? so what does it have now? If it has 256, it is an awesome buy.

[Tube]

ooops.....not so lucky wiz....only 32mb...still seems ok though doesnt it?

[Tube]

hehe.....sorry dave.....must be listening to the wrong radio station, i'm sure they're very good though.(VAT is 17.5% here).

[C5John]

Tube

If you have not used a laptop with HPA type of screen, you might be disappointed. I had one of them at work for a while, and ended up getting the same (IBM 600) laptop with the TFT screen. I did not like the lack of brightness to the screen.

Goodluck
C5John

[Tube]

Thanks for that tip John. I have to say I havnt used a laptop with an HPA display. Is there quite a difference in quality? I understand that HPA is cheaper than TFT but would perhaps go for TFT if the quality has a marked difference.....

[C5John]

Tube

For sure compare them side to side before you buy. I would not buy an HPA, but my 50 year old eyes may be more limited than yours.

Try to view it in approximately the same environment that you would be using it the most. I found the HPA was almost OK at work under flourescent lights, but did not do as well at home with natural daylight or incandescent. I especially had problems trying to see the screen in my car during the daylight.


Good Luck
C5John