PC Performance - Replacement Computer

[Guest janensteve]

Hi,

 

we had a laptop computer. it spent more time with the tehcguys than we had the use of. anyway, to cut a long story short, they accepted defeat and offered vouchers in replacement. We originally bought the Laptop with the specifications listed below for business use.

 

We were offered £440 in vouchers to buy a Sony VGNNS10LS which doe snot include:-

 

a) INTEL CORE 2 DUO T5500 Processor 1.66GHz, 667MHz FSB - By combining breakthrough processing speeds with advanced power saving features, desktop PCs with Intel® Core™2 processor family let you get more done in less time than ever before reducing energy costs by an average of 50 percent.¹ Processors built with Intel's unique [/url]45nm technology offer excellent performance as well as unique energy-saving features that help PCs meet ENERGY STARrequirements. That means reduced power consumption for desktop PCs and lower energy costs for your company. Intel Core 2 Duo processors are next gen processors from Intel on 65 nm platform… developed from Ground up with new Architecture called Core… so they are whole new Processors just Jump like Pentium 2 to Pentium 3 or Pentium 4… Expect one Core 2 Duo Lowest End Processors like E4400/E4300 taking up and beating Intel Pentium D 3.8 GHz ones with ease

b) 2MB cache - In computer science, a cache is a collection of data duplicating original values stored elsewhere or computed earlier, where the original data is expensive to fetch (owing to longer access time) or to compute, compared to the cost of reading the cache. In other words, a cache is a temporary storage area where frequently accessed data can be stored for rapid access. Once the data is stored in the cache, it can be used in the future by accessing the cached copy rather than re-fetching or recomputing the original data. A cache has proven to be extremely effective in many areas of computing because access patterns in typical computer applications have locality of reference. There are several kinds of locality, but this article primarily deals with data that are accessed close together in time (temporal locality). The data might or might not be located physically close to each other (spatial locality).

c) 1024MB RAM - Random-access memory (usually known by its acronym, RAM) is a form of computer data storage. Today, it takes the form of integrated circuits that allow stored data to be accessed in any order (i.e., at random). The word random thus refers to the fact that any piece of data can be returned in a constant time, regardless of its physical location and whether or not it is related to the previous piece of data. By contrast, storage devices such as tapes, magnetic discs and optical discs rely on the physical movement of the recording medium or a reading head. In these devices, the movement takes longer than data transfer, and the retrieval time varies based on the physical location of the next item.

d) Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate - Windows Vista Ultimate is the most powerful edition of Microsoft Vista Software and is targeted at the PC enthusiasts, gamers and power users. This edition combines all the features of Home Premium and Enterprise, and includes a game performance tweaker (WinSAT), Bitlocker security software special customer support services and exclusive downloads dubbed Ultimate Extras. The 64-bit version also supports up to 128GB of physical memory.

e) 256MB NVidia GE FORCE GO7400 Graphics - GeForce Go 7400 is a 8 pixel pipeline GPU with 3 vertex engines, supporting TurboCache technology.

f) Bluetooth – Bluetooth is an open wireless protocol for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks (PANs). It was originally conceived as a wireless alternative to RS232 data cables. It can connect several devices, overcoming problems of synchronization.

g) S-video/tv out port - Separate Video more commonly known as S-Video, and sometimes incorrectly referred to as Super Video[1] and also known as Y/C, is an analog video signal that carries the video data as two separate signals, lumen (luminance) and chroma (color). This differs from composite video which carries picture information as a single lower-quality signal, and component video which carries picture information as three separate higher-quality signals. S-Video carries standard definition video (typically at 480i or 576i resolution), but does not carry audio on the same cable. The term TV-out is commonly used to label the connector of equipment providing an analog video signal acceptable for a television AV input. TV-out is different from AV-out in that it only provides video, no audio.

h) Port replicator interface - A port replicator is an attachment for a notebook computer that allows a number of devices such as a printer, large monitor, and keyboard to be simultaneously connected. Each of the devices is attached to the port replicator and when the notebook user wants access to one or more of the devices, the user simply attaches the port replicator rather than having to connect one device at a time. The port replicator duplicates each of the notebook's port , including parallel and serial ports. In addition, it may provide some extra ports for devices such as joysticks or Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) devices. A port replicator is similar to a docking station,

i) External monitor/DVI Port - The Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is a video interface standard designed to provide very high visual quality on digital display devices such as flat panel LCD computer displays and digital projectors. It was developed by an industry consortium, the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG). It is designed for carrying uncompressed digital video data to a display. It is partially compatible with the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) standard in digital mode (DVI-D), and VGA in analog mode (DVI-A).

j) Array Microphone - Array microphones automatically locates and electronically steers toward the talker. For speech recognition applications, it is no longer necessary to sit rigidly in front of the microphone. The user is free to lean backwards, sideways, or even move around.

[labrat]

speak to the store and ask them to phone coverplan, they can make discressionarry upgrades to the vouchers, unfortunatly voucher value is worked out by computer sytem.

[Guest janensteve]

we phoned them whilst at the store and they refused, we wrote to them saying why we should have more and they again refused, we sent them a 14 day letter before action including a draft particulars of claim and now they have asked us to send the £440 vouchers back and then they will review the file and let us know the outcome.

 

 

errr..... why would i give up the only security i have ?

[Renzokuken]

These are the specs of the laptop they've given you vouchers for.

 

• Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor T3400
  
• (2 GHz, 667 MHz, 1 MB Cache)
  
• 3 GB Memory
  
• 250 GB Hard Drive
  
• 15.4" X Black Widescreen Display
  
• DVD ReWriter Drive
  
• Built-in Webcam
  
• Wireless Enabled
  

They've offered you a far superior laptop compared to your old one, and as this currently retails at £400 you've still got £40 to spend. So I fail to see what your issue is here?

 

The only difference I can see is the graphics card, and you've already stated that it's for business use. And the cache, which considering the increase in RAM and processor speed shouldn't be a problem anyway, especially for business use. And windows vista ultimate, which is useless unless you plan on putting over 12gb of ram into all two of the laptop's ram slots (impossible at the moment btw).

[Guest janensteve]

we used blootooth, we used video out port and we like the vista ultimate with downloads, you are missing these important day to day aspects

[Renzokuken]

we used blootooth, we used video out port and we like the vista ultimate with downloads, you are missing these important day to day aspects

 

No what I'm saying is you can't honestly expect them to match every tiny aspect of your computers hardware. The vouchers are based on buying a computer of equivalent spec. Meaning, ram, hard drive capacity, processor speed and type, brand and screensize. I mean imagine if they had to match every aspect of a customers old computer, it would be an impossible task, especially at the rate technology progresses nowadays.

 

They won't upgrade your vouchers just because a laptop lacks bluetooth and uses a slightly better albeit different video out port. Especially considering they've given you an additional £40 on top of the laptop cost, which is easily enough to buy a good quality bluetooth adapter. And the downloads for windows vista ultimate, are 2 games and a poor quality encryption program. The only reason for having it over vista home premium is it's ability to address over 12gb of system memory. Not to mention the fact you'll get a free upgrade to windows 7 with a new laptop anyway.

 

Trust me, if you fight them on this, they will stick to their guns. I believe you've recieved a fair offer and should take it.

[ForestChav]

I'd say a PDC is inferior to a Core2Duo ... it's basically a Pentium 4 core.

[Guest janensteve]

thank you forest chav.......

 

1 the relevant clause in the Agreement states: -

“If we can’t repair your product, or if it takes longer than six weeks to repair from the engineer’s first inspection, you may request a replacement product……… The replacement may occasionally be a fully refurbished product or we may offer vouchers to purchase a new product of at least the equivalent specification.”

[postggj]

i had a new sony vaio to replace my last one

six months on and its in silicon heaven

 

ill never have another sony

 

what a piece of crap

[Guest janensteve]

This i what PC World by their own admission for the world to see on their website, define as specifications.

 

Technical Specifications

 

 

Basic SpecificationsManufacturer's Part NumberNRP74UKWeight3.8kgRAM 4 GB (installed) / 8 GB (max) - DDR3 SDRAM - 1066 MHz - PC3-8500 ( 2 x 2 GB )Cache Memory 6 MB - L2 Cache Manufacturer Warranty3 years warrantyNetworkingNetwork adapter - Ethernet , Fast Ethernet , Gigabit Ethernet , IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11a , IEEE 802.11g , IEEE 802.11n (draft), Bluetooth 2.0Wireless NIC Intel WiFi Link 5300Built-in DevicesStereo speakers, wireless LAN aerial, ThinkLight, Bluetooth aerialBatteryLithium IonAudio OutputSound cardInput DeviceKeyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNavCard Reader7 in 1Hard Drive 200 GB Full Disk Encryption (FDE) - Serial ATA-150 - 7200 rpmRun Time (Up To)2.3 hour(s)Platform TechnologyIntel Centrino 2System TypeNotebookProduct DescriptionLenovo ThinkPad W700 2758 - Core 2 Extreme X9100 3.06 GHz - 17" TFTTelecomFax / modem - CDC - 56 KbpsDimensions (WxDxH)41 cm x 31 cm x 4.1 cmEmbedded SecurityTrusted Platform Module (TPM 1.2) Security Chip , fingerprint readerWeight3.8 kgLocalisationEnglish / United KingdomNotebook CameraIntegrated - 1.3 MegapixelOptical Storage DVD-Writer - removable plug-in modulePowerAC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )Manufacturer Selling ProgramTopSellerDisplay17" TFT 1920 x 1200 ( WUXGA ) - 24-bit (16.7 million colours)Graphics ControllerNVIDIA Quadro FX 2700M - 512 MBOperating SystemMicrosoft Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition / XP Professional downgradeProcessor Intel Core 2 Extreme X9100 / 3.06 GHz ( Dual-Core )Hard Drive (2nd)200 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 7200 rpmMicrosoft Office Ready Includes a preinstalled image of select 2007 Microsoft Office suites. Purchase a Medialess License Kit (MLK) to activate the software.OS PreinstalledWindows VistaGeneralPlatform TechnologyIntel Centrino 2System TypeNotebookBuilt-in DevicesStereo speakers, wireless LAN aerial, ThinkLight, Bluetooth aerialEmbedded SecurityTrusted Platform Module (TPM 1.2) Security Chip , fingerprint readerWidth41 cmDepth31 cmHeight4.1 cmWeight3.8 kgLocalisationEnglish / United KingdomRAM Installed Size4 GB / 8 GB (max)TechnologyDDR3 SDRAM - 1066 MHzMemory Specification CompliancePC3-8500Form FactorSO DIMM 204-pinConfiguration Features2 x 2 GBBatteryTechnology9-cell Lithium IonInstalled Qty1Run Time (Up To)2.3 hour(s)VideoGraphics Processor / VendorNVIDIA Quadro FX 2700M PCI Express x16Video Memory 512 MBNetworkingNetworkingNetwork adapterWireless LAN SupportedYesWireless NIC Intel WiFi Link 5300Data Link ProtocolEthernet , Fast Ethernet , Gigabit Ethernet , IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11a , IEEE 802.11g , IEEE 802.11n (draft), Bluetooth 2.0Compliant StandardsIEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11a , IEEE 802.11g , IEEE 802.11n (draft)Cache Memory TypeL2 Cache Installed Size6 MBOptical Storage TypeDVD-Writer - removable plug-in moduleExpansion / ConnectivityExpansion Bays1 x Ultrabay EnhancedExpansion Slots Total (Free)

• 2 ( 0 ) x memory - SO DIMM 204-pin
  
• 1 ( 1 ) x ExpressCard/34
  

Interfaces

• 5 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 PIN USB Type A
  
• 1 x display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)
  
• 1 x display / video - DVI-Analog/Digital (dual link) - 24 pin digital DVI
  
• 1 x display / video - DisplayPort - 20 pin DisplayPort
  
• 1 x modem - phone line - RJ-11
  
• 1 x network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45
  
• 1 x IEEE 1394 ( FireWire ) - 4 PIN FireWire
  
• 1 x headphones - output - mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
  
• 1 x microphone - input - mini-phone 3.5mm
  
• 1 x dock ing / port replicator
  

MiscellaneousFeaturesSecurity lock slot (cable lock sold separately), administrator password, hard drive password, power-on password, Intel Active Management Technology (iAMT)Compliant StandardsRoHSManufacturer Selling ProgramTopSellerTelecomModem Fax / modem - CDCMax Transfer Rate56 KbpsProtocols & SpecificationsITU V.90FeaturesV.92 upgradableStorage ControllerTypeSerial ATASerial ATA InterfaceSerial ATA-300AudioAudio OutputSound cardAudio CodecAD1984HDCompliant StandardsHigh Definition AudioAudio InputMicrophoneProcessor Processor Intel Core 2 Extreme X9100 / 3.06 GHzMulti-Core TechnologyDual-Core64-bit ComputingYesData Bus Speed1066 MHzFeaturesIntel Virtualization Technology, Intel 64 Technology, Intel Dynamic Acceleration, Intel Trusted Execution TechnologyChipset TypeMobile Intel PM45 ExpressOperating System / SoftwareOS ProvidedMicrosoft Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition / XP Professional downgradeOS PreinstalledWindows VistaMicrosoft Office Ready Includes a preinstalled image of select 2007 Microsoft Office suites. Purchase a Medialess License Kit (MLK) to activate the software.SoftwareWindows XP Professional recovery DVDInput Device(s)TypeKeyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNavFeaturesBuilt-in numeric keyboardDisplayDisplay Type17" TFTMax Resolution1920 x 1200 ( WUXGA )Widescreen DisplayYesColour support24-bit (16.7 million colours)FeaturesAnti-glareNotebook CameraCamera TypeIntegratedSensor Resolution1.3 MegapixelManufacturer WarrantyService & Support3 years warrantyService & Support DetailsLimited warranty - parts and labour - 3 yearsPowerPower DeviceExternalVoltage RequiredAC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )StorageHard Drive 200 GB Full Disk Encryption (FDE) - Serial ATA-150 - 7200 rpmHard Drive (2nd)200 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 7200 rpmCard ReaderType7 in 1 card readerSupported Flash Memory CardsSD Memory Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, MultiMediaCard, xD-Picture Card, SDHC Memory Card, xD-Picture Card Type H

[ForestChav]

That really didn't paste well... anyways.

Pentium Dual-Core - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

"Pentium Dual-Core processors are positioned above Celeron but below Core and Core 2 microprocessors in Intel's product range."

 

"In 2006, Intel announced a plan[1] to return the Pentium brand from retirement to the market, as a moniker of low-cost Core architecture processors based on single-core Conroe-L,"

 

The T3400 has 1024 KB L2 cache and is clocked at 2166 MHz... Your T5500 has twice the L2 cache (although it is clocked at 1667 MHz).

 

Guess it depends, but the L2 cache is a performance bottleneck if it's too low. The new machine may have more RAM but in practice that is a cheap upgrade, way less than to get a CPU upgraded. And AMD have shown over a long period that it isn't just about clock speed - indeed, comparing clock speeds over different cores doesn't strictly work well anyway. Certainly the CPU is something I don't skimp on when looking at specs... HDDs, RAM etc are far easier and cheaper to upgrade if short.

[spikeachu]

Short of asking a stupid question, but what is the model of the original product? It's difficult to compare specifications when only one model is quoted.

[Guest janensteve]

Phillips X57

[Guest janensteve]

Legal advice says i should accept £400 cuh !!!!!!