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HP Laptop Experts -- Can I have your advice

post #1 of 7
4/20/07 at 9:50am
Thread Starter 
Hello -- Thank you all for the advice on this board. I am about to order the dv9000t and I wanted to run the config by you all.

I will be using the computer for law school -- and hope it lasts 3 years without feeling slow or obsolete, etc.

Here are the specs, and my explanation of my decision-making process:

*Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo T7200 (2.0GHz/4MB L2Cache)
  • 512MB DDR2 System Memory (1 Dimm)
  • 200GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (100GB x 2)
  • FREE Upgrade - LightScribe DVD+/-RW w/Double Layer
  • 256MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 7600
  • Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network w/Bluetooth
  • 17.0" WXGA+ Ultra BrightView Widescreen (1440x900)
  • Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
  • Microsoft(R) Works 8.0
  • Two High Capacity 8 Cell Lithium Ion Batteries
  • FREE Upgrade: HP Imprint Finish/Microphone/Webcam
  • No TV Tuner w/remote control
1. Processor is the fastest -- with the 4mb L2

2. 512 because I will order 667 2GB from Newegg, instead of using the slower memory from HP

3. 7200 instead of the slower 5400.

4. HD-DVD is 350 more dollars and I have DVR w/HD Movies from Dish

5. 256MB because consensus seems to be that card can not use 512MB anyway.. Correct?

6. Will I be able to get "N" expansion card for the laptop if I want it later?

7. UltraBrightView -- This one was tough, but those who have this screen rave about it. However, will I miss the extra screen space with the higher resolution? or is the text, etc. too small at those higher settings anyway?

8. Chose Home Premium because of concerns about 64-bit Ultimate compatibility with programs and requirement for Windows Logo Testing.

10. Extra Battery - is this a waste because Lithiums go bad even when not used?

Will order through Costco for return policy and discounts.

Thank you very much for any advice you can give me!!!

Sincerely, Brian C.
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post #2 of 7
4/20/07 at 6:04pm
Your specs are similar to what I have. I LOVE my dv9000t! It replaced my zd8000. I would say to go for it.
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post #3 of 7
4/20/07 at 6:16pm
1. CPU choice is good
2. Buying RAM from Newegg is good, saves money, make sure it doesn't void warranty
3. Depending on $ issues a slower HD wouldn't kill performance, 7200 really shines when loading large file (large maps in games)
4. I doubt HD-DVD will be worth it on a 17" screen, especially at 1440x900, I would really rethink this one and spend the money on the upgraded warranty.
5. Good choice on the GPU.
6. You can add later but it may void the warranty (you may have to pay Hp to do it for you to keep warranty in tact)
7. This is subjective, most brick and mortar stores only have the lower resolution screens so try to find a 17" screen with wuxga. Depends on your eye sight. If you get the HD-Drive get the wuxga screen.
8. Depending on your law school you may want to install a fresh copy of XP Pro.
9. You skipped nine
10. A second battery is always a good idea, though make sure you are going to use it, possibly wait a month and if you think you need another battery then buy it.

Didn't Costco change its return policy a while ago?

This notebook will be fine in 3 years just take care of it, and do a fresh install of the OS when it seems to get too slow for your taste.
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post #4 of 7
4/21/07 at 2:41am
I agree with mitcity22 on your specs, but how much will everything cost? Unless cost isn't a major issue, I'd say you are good to go.
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post #5 of 7
4/21/07 at 5:22am
Thread Starter 
Thank you for your thoughts.

Note to clarify -- I am NOT getting the HD-DVD, because I already have HD movies through Dish on my TV

Yes, I believe Costco changed from 6 month to 3 month return policy, but it is still a good peace of mind.

Thank you for validating my choice on the graphic card - I guess I will have to try to find both screens side by side to compare, but as long as the lower resolution is big enough so as not to be annoying, I guess I will choose the UltraBright, because of the recommendations from some of the postings I have found on the Web (although there are others who appreciate the greater resolution, and say their screens are perfectly bright)

8. Curious about your comment re: XP Pro and Law School -- Can you clarify why it might be better? Thanks!

Also, I forgot to mention, because Costco does not offer it, I will be adding the 3-Year Accidental Damage Warranty through HP directly for about $350 -- Does anyone have experience with this, specifically, do they give you a lot of grief when you try to get a repair or replacement? I had a camera through them, and once you convinced the phone tech that you had tried everything, and that it was indeed a warranty issue, they sent me a new camera, so I hope this warranty is as good.

To answer the money question, it will be about 1750 + $350 warranty + $100 memory + $50 backpack = $2250.

Thank you for any further insights! -- Brian
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post #6 of 7
4/21/07 at 2:34pm
If you ever plan on carrying around your laptop in your backpack, get a different laptop. I returned my dv9000t after 2 weeks when I realized that it was way to big to be carrying around to and fro. The battery life is also not up to par to be reliable on the road (at most 2 hours).

With your budget, I'd definitely stick to something much lighter, since you'll probably be carrying around a ton of books in law school. The difference in weight of an extra 2 pounds is HUGE if you have to carry it all day (doing a lift test to feel the weight is pointless).

Anyway, I ended up getting a MacBook Pro. I just wanted to let you know that buying a laptop for "off label" use isn't the greatest idea. HP didn't design this laptop to be carried around, so you shouldn't get this one if that's what you might be doing. If it's stuck on a desk at home all day, then even still, you should actually just get a desktop instead! No reason to get a laptop if you will never move it around!
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post #7 of 7
4/24/07 at 4:37pm
if you want validation and reassurance about purchasing this laptop then so be it: You have it.

seriously tho. I've been using a dv9035nr since november of last year. Of course my c2d is the t5500 but all is well. I use mine for everything including bf2142 at awesome settings and am very pleased.

It can run all the apps you will encounter in law school, im sure.

It's not very mobile.

But who cares b/c it's a badass laptop.

enjoy.
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