HP 2730p vs. HP TM2T

[Zalgroth]

Hi, I've been looking for a tablet PC mostly for purposes of working with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, etc. Between these two tablets (both of which I can get for around $300), which would be better suited to my needs? The TM2T seems better in almost every way (other than the screen), but I can't seem to find any revealing comparative reviews.
Also, is there an extended battery for the TM2T? I couldn't seem to find one. If the battery life is around four hours, I would preferably like an extended battery, rather than having to swap batteries and wait for the computer to reboot.
Thanks!

[Shogmaster]

2730p is an older unit, but much more useful unit IMO. And you can pick one up for ~$300. Add SSD to that and it's one of the best used unit out there and probably much more satisfying ownership experience.

Disclaimer: I own 2730p, and used TM2 with 1.2GHz UM Core i5 + nVidia GPU extensively.

[Zalgroth]

Are there any requirements on the SSD that I would use with the 2730p if I want to upgrade later?
Also, what kind of SSD would be best? How limited am I by the hardware built into the computer itself?
Furthermore, I'm looking to purchase a cheap gutted version of the computer off of ebay (for around $70), what kind of RAM is required for this computer? Or am I better off just buying a ready-to-go laptop and then upgrading it?

[mariol90]

the tm2t only supports a 6-cell battery but it lasts around 5-6 hours (core 2 duo) or 4-5 hours (core i3/i5) when new. i have a core 2 duo tm2 and that's the battery life i get. the 4-5 hours for the other one is an estimate from what i've heard on here.
the 2730p uses DDR2, the tm2t uses DDR3

Shogmaster: how did you use a TM2 with an nVidia GPU? they only came with intel or ati, and there's no expresscard slot.

[jdancer]

Are there any requirements on the SSD that I would use with the 2730p if I want to upgrade later?
Also, what kind of SSD would be best? How limited am I by the hardware built into the computer itself?
Furthermore, I'm looking to purchase a cheap gutted version of the computer off of ebay (for around $70), what kind of RAM is required for this computer? Or am I better off just buying a ready-to-go laptop and then upgrading it?

2730p uses DDR2-800 (PC2-6400) SODIMMs.

2730p only supports 1.8" storage media. I am using an Intel X18-M 160GB SSD myself with latest Intel SSD firmware installed.

This thing flies with 4GB of RAM and a SSD under Windows 7 64-bit. Be sure to get a slice battery to double your run-time.

[AndreR]

The screen on the tm2 is terrible! The x201t has similar screen as the 2730p, which means you can use my video below as an comparison.

Screen comparison: TN-panel vs PVA-panel. (The HP tx2500 tablet and the Lenovo x201t tablet ) - YouTube

[NamelessPlayer]

I've known someone with a tm2 and own a 2730p.

While the dedicated GPU option in the tm2 is nice, along with the guaranteed finger touch capability (which no 2730p has; that would have to wait until the succeeding 2740p), it doesn't make up for everything else, like its tendency to tilt back in your lap, the annoying trackpad and lack of TrackPoint, lack of slice battery options, and most of all, that cheap TN excuse for a screen.

As for battery life, I don't have enough experience with the tm2 to comment, but my 2730p gets about 4 hours on the main battery and another 4 to 5 hours with a slice battery. It's rather impressive to see that sort of battery life on a notebook.

[zapblam]

My TM2 i3 gets on average 10hrs battery life on HP recommended settings. Even more on max battery life settings. I do allot of photoshop and spreadsheet work.

Max battery settings played DVD rips for kids in car for 6 hours straight less pottie breaks.

Got used to the screen knowing there were going to be compromises at this price.