*HP dm4t (1XXX series) Owners Lounge!*

[abaddon4180]

They don't schedule it but it seems to happen every couple of months

[lovelaptops]

I wonder if it's actually pink-ish like the laptopmag gallery shows?

I have owned a new HP TM2t and, no matter what shade people (especially male people!) try to ascribe to it, in the right light the tint is PINK, but very subdued, and in most lights it appears silver with a very slight bronze-ish tint. Varies quite a bit by light source. Personal opinion: though the metallic finishes are nicer than the shiny plastics that preceded them, the pinkish tinge and the fussy engraving patterns are, well, fussy and inappropriately ornate for a computer. Still looks fine, though, especially if not viewing within 2 ft of machine.

[lovelaptops]

I considered the asus u30jc awhile back but it was on backorder. If battery life is that important to you, the asus would be the better choice , claims up to 7-8 hours. But if you can live with a high capacity 9 cell battery on a laptop, the dm4 can live up to 12 hours (or so hp claims), but standard, the dm4 is only about 5 hours. Not sure if the asus has a higher cell battery and what the life would be. There are several reviews on the u30jc out which you should check out to get a better idea of the laptop. The u30jc has nvidia graphics which is good for gaming if you're into that. The design and build isn't bad, aluminum lid and aluminum palm rest, the rest is plastic. For a thin and light, it's a bit thicker and heavier.

I decided the dm4 over the u30jc basically because of the metal finish, it's thinner and lighter, i liked the overall design, i don't play games so i didn't need the discrete nvidia graphics that comes with the base model (the dm4 has graphics option if you want it), good battery life (claims up to 6.5 hours on standard 6 cell battery, but 5 hours found in laptopmag.com review testing), and the cost was too appealing, lower base price plus hp bing discount, I saved alot of money. HP is bringing out something new with these new updates on their laptops and it excited me enough to buy it and see it for myself.

But definitely check out the reviews on the u30jc and the dm4 and get a better idea of what's more appealing to you. If it's just battery life, then the u30jc is the better choice. it is a very solid laptop, it got great reviews. You really can't go wrong with either of them.

FWIW, I have spent time with both machines and concur 100% with the conclusions in the above review.

However, just to confuse you () there are a few other factors to consider:

1) The Hp does have a nicer screen, though same resolution.

2) Asus has a two year wtty and 1 yr accidental damage coverage, no extra charge, HP is 1 yr and have to pay for accidental damage.

3) Hp gives you 21 days to return a machine, even if there's nothing wrong with it, for no restocking fee and they even pay return shipping. There may be an online retailer who will do the same for Asus, but hard to find one. Try Buydig or J&R Music

4) Both mfrs have reputation for uneven build quality and will likely not surprise you pleasantly in that regard. The new HP line appears to be a more solid design, but I was shipped one with very large gaps between screen and it's metal back plate, irreparable, as the aluminum was formed defectively.

5) You can buy HP direct, but Asus must be through reseller.

6) HP has eSata and Asus does not. (HP dropped ExpressCard slot - d--n you, HP! But Asus doesn't have either).

7) the dm4 has better sound, but only by a modest margin.

8) the HP has an accelerometer to protect HD (allegedly) in the event of a drop; Asus doesn't (but they wtty the machine if you drop it!)

(Wow, didn't realize there were so many differentiators until I listed them!)

9) You can CTO order the HP, not the Asus, but many Asus resellers do "aftermarket" customizations of everything from cpu (maybe not in this model due to graphics switching) to HDD/SSD, optical drive, etc.

10) You can get accessories (extra batteies, ac adaptors, etc, at 50% off when you order with a PC order at HP.com, not so with Asus, but aftermarket parts may be just as cheap.

11) If you are not in a hurry, HP frequently offers coupons for $200-$450 off. You have to watch their Bing Cash Back daily, even many times a day; it can vary from 8% to 25%. Note: the best deals are the large, stackable coupons, better even than 25% BCB, and they can't be combined. To my knowledge, the best you can do with Asus is use a retailer that gets BCB, probably in the 5-10% range.

Here's hoping the additional knowledge may have hit a "deal maker" or deal breaker for you to make your decision easier. Sorry if I did no more than complicate your decision! Remember, as jtttran so correctly summarized: both are excellent machines and you truly cannot go wrong with either choice. For me, I will not buy a laptop computer from any mfr without a trial period to return for no restocking fee even if there is nothing "broken," just because the combination of overall build quality and "feel" don't please me. I recommend you do the same. For the Asus, it will take some shopping around, but I believe J&R, BuyDig and CompUsa will all do that. Amazon and Newegg will NOT.

Good luck!

[abaddon4180]

You have seen the dm4t in person?

I don't want to get everyone's hopes up but I ordered the day of the release, and so did a lot of the rest of you, and I fully expect mine to ship within the 3-4 days.

[osucom2014]

If I am in no hurry, should I just wait like a month before getting this to see if there are better deals again?

Also, I do occassionally game, very occasionally, should I get the discrete graphics card? or just stick with the intel, is the intel able to play some games well?

[jonthebru]

If you can wait, do so. The deal disappear and then return without notice. You gotta watch.

[jttran241]

my espresso sleeve and warranty came in today.. i just wish i had a laptop to use them with =(

[gizmodian]

If I am in no hurry, should I just wait like a month before getting this to see if there are better deals again?

Also, I do occassionally game, very occasionally, should I get the discrete graphics card? or just stick with the intel, is the intel able to play some games well?

That really depends on what kind of games. Got any specific ones in mind?
I'd wait for a coupon and get the discrete. I've seen coupons of $200+ off pretty frequently, once every 3 weeks or so, each time a different amount.

[tybert7]

I have owned a new HP TM2t and, no matter what shade people (especially male people!) try to ascribe to it, in the right light the tint is PINK, but very subdued, and in most lights it appears silver with a very slight bronze-ish tint. Varies quite a bit by light source. Personal opinion: though the metallic finishes are nicer than the shiny plastics that preceded them, the pinkish tinge and the fussy engraving patterns are, well, fussy and inappropriately ornate for a computer. Still looks fine, though, especially if not viewing within 2 ft of machine.

so in the right light it looks like this?

http://www.infectious.com/product_im...aptop_hero.jpg

[roemer21]

so in the right light it looks like this?

http://www.infectious.com/product_im...aptop_hero.jpg

I don't think that the pink is as harsh in the dm4, but it's close. Less fluorescence I would say.