upgrading a laptop

[foxyp]

I have HP Pavilion zv5255EA - Athlon 64 3200+ 2 GHz - 15.4" TFT laptop thats 3 years old now, I want to pass this on to my son and replace it with a faster version. I paid �1000 for this one and the spec was good then. what suitable replacement is best because I don't want to buy a slower PC? Its difficult because prices have come down and there are many trade offs with processors and Mhz etc.I want it for Games, video recording/editing and webdesign and maybe a 17" screen. do I really need duel core processors?
I know upgrading my 512MB ram for 1GB would be an instant option but I really want to pass this on to my son.

[ACtheTROLL]

from what you say .... sounds to me more like you want a desktop

pound for pound a laptop still isn't anywhere near as powerful as a desktop..... nor is it as upgradeable.

your idea of an upgrade to 1Gb is virtually the ONLY upgrade option available (a new HDD is the other) for your laptop.

for less than your original �1000 http://www.meshcomputers.com/Default.aspx?PAGE =PRODCATEGORYVIEWPAGE&USG=APPLICATION&ENT=APPL ICATION&KEY=227079
(just an example)
you can get a quad core monster that will run crysis, bioshock .... or any of the latest games (which ARE incredible to look at) ..... on a 22" screen ... with surround sound .... blah blah
it will eat video editing (in real time) while at the same time still having enough left to run dreamweaver.

The second half of your question .... don't be worried about getting a slower processr ... now - anything over �500 will knock the spots off of your "old" machine.

[foxyp]

This is the item I have in mind as a suitable replacement.
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/3 17724#productInformationSection

Comments please.

[ACtheTROLL]

It's not a bad machine ....
we all have our favourites .... and generally with a question like this you'll be innundated with recommendations and suggestions .... all of them good.

Asus are currently getting good writeups - as are dell http://www.pcpro.co.uk/labs/
http://www.pcw.co.uk/hardware/notebooks-and-ta blet-pcs