P-7805u

I guess I am afraid the accidental damage thing is getting out of hand. Realize that policies and practices change especially if things are abused and that 3 years is a long time for said practices to change. All of these warranties state intential damage or gross negligence is not covered. Because in some (or most at the present time) cases they have let it slide does not make it a given

I had a friend who dropped his Dell Inspiron 9200 with complete care near the end of its Dell warranty and Dell (to his chagrin) fixed it - (they replaced mobo, plastics and screen).

BB may find it more cost effective in the future to take a loss on some laptop repairs to stem abuse on this coverage.

 

They give you value spent in an exchange.

I paid 1250+tax for my original 6860 so they let me pick a notebook that cost 1250+tax (or would give me 1250+tax toward a new notebook if it cost more than that value)

I basically just picked up another 6860 cause they are teh best notebooks ever

there is always that... but unlike dell (which have GOBS of notebooks to swap parts from and rarely ever upgrade tech) best buy doesnt have all of those resources.

Saying that, most people are more ethical than that and wont intentionally damage their notebooks. Most people will laugh and joke about it, but in the end the vast majority of people take the high road and just buy a new notebook.

 

PCmag liked the HDX18t http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2330438,00.asp I like the blu-ray, the 16:9 widescreen and the quad-core. My son, the gamer, gets the p-7805.

 

How tall is the screen compared to the 16:10 17" one on the gateway? I am holding off buying a lappy for awhile (thanks to sound advice) but am hoping these screens are atleast as tall as the 17" on on the gateway.

I was surprised to see that the 24" widescreen 16:9" lcd's were only about as tall as my 22" 16:10 monitor. I like both height and resolution.

 

The picture on PCmag makes it look like the screen closed won't cover the entire bottom area. There are some HDX18 threads on the HP forum. Check them out.

 

I'm curious, has anyone noticed a hissing/ringing coming from the right fan. It only happens when the right one is on. Once it turns off, it goes away.
Note: you may not be able to hear it if you're in a room with a lot of noise. I tried to check both laptops when I was at BB and I couldn't hear it but once I came back home, it's definitely there. The other one probably had it also but I couldn't hear it due to all the noise at BB.

Well, today I went to BB to make an exchange since I've been noticing a bit of a hissing noise coming from the fan on the right side and also because it has dead pixel. The dead pixel is not such a big deal but the hissing is a bit annoying.
They had one in stock so I asked them if I could take a look at it before making the exchange.

The good news:
The new laptop did not have any dead pixels or the hissing noise (I probably couldn't hear it because of all the noise at BB).
The bad news:
The new 7805u had the AUO panel.

Right off the bat, I noticed the AUO panel had light leaking from the bottom. All panels seem to have some, but the AUO is definitely more prominent.
I decided to fireup my original laptop to do a side by side comparison. I made sure the all settings were the same before I started comparing and I noticed three things about the AUO vs LG.
1- It looks darker overall (yes, I checked power settings and color settings)
2- Colors were more saturated.
3- The background looked a bit rougher overall.


I guess, some of you were right when you said the LG panels are better. The differences may not be as noticeable when you see them both independently. But when I set them side-by-side, I definitely noticed a significant difference. I did not like the darker look, saturated colors and rougher look of the AUO panel, so I decided to keep the one I have for now, despite the two minor flaws in it.

Hopefully it's only a few AUO panels that are like that, instead of being the general rule.

The kid working at geeksquad told me the hissing is usually caused by dust that accumulates on the fan. I seriously doubt that's the cause. He said that I should use pressurized air to clear it up.
Update: I tried pressurized air but it didn't do anything, just like I figured.

 

Just a few more questions to clarify things:

1) Is it true that the P-7805U only has a CENTRINO chipset in it as compared to the CENTRINO 2 that's in the P-7811? Is this confirmed?

2) Is the RAM DDR3 in the P-7805U and not DDR2?

3) Is there an open PCMCIA slot in the P-7805U?

4) Have all units bought to date been the WUXGA 1920x1200 in the P-7805U?

 

It might be helpful to tell us were (what Best Buy) you found the auo panel one. For some it means an open box 10% off for others a warning since that open box one has the auo panel in it.

I have an auo in my 7811 and it definately has pronounced backlight bleeding at the bottom. I can relate to not really wanting that if at all possible. It does not seem to bother my friends who have seen it though so ymmv.

 

1. sticker on mine says centrino 2, and everest also says centrino 2 (PM45/5100/P8600 is a centrino 2 combo)

2. yes ddr3

3. its expresscard 34/54

4. all the ones we've had reported

 

When it comes to screen comparisons, you really need to have the samples you want to compare side by side in order to notice the differences.

If I had seen the AUO and LG screens in separate occasions, I probably would not have noticed much of a difference. But when you have them side-by-side, then it hits you, and your expression goes from 'that looks about the same', to something more like, 'oh, I see now'.

 

After my poor Inspiron 9400 died today, this is the laptop I've been eyeing to be the replacement. Being a gamer first and foremost, I can't say no to a good CPU, 4GB RAM and a 1GB 9800M GTS. I just hope there's some left before they sell out...

Don't suppose there are any benchmarks available for this machine? I want to see how it fares against today's games.

 

So I picked up my p-7805u at Best Buy last night. It's got the LG 1920x1200 screen and no dead pixels. Everything looks good aside for the fact that there's no Vista disk. I dunno how I'm going to RAID the unit since you can't do a clone with Vista to a RAID setup.

I paid $1049.99 for the unit plus sales tax and the california LCD recycle fee. So it came out to about $1160.00

 

I'm thinking of buying the laptop by driving to the US and driving back to Canada. Can anyone tell me info about how much tax I have to pay and what about the warrenty? Will the warrenty still work if I'm in Canada? Also to all you best buy employees can you answer this; Will I be able to open the laptop box and test it in store for dead pixels etc... before I buy? I don't wanna buy a laptop with dead pixels and find out after a 3 hour car ride and then drive back again....

and whats the tax is NY state around Buffalo?

 

Dell them your situation and you'll be able to open it. The worst possible scenario would be you have to buy it but then can open it right there and if there are any defects you can return it for a full refund. Either way you leave with a fully functional laptop or with all your money (less what you pay for gas).

 

do you know anything about taxes if I bring the computer back to Canada? I know customs might charge money lol...

 

you have to pay taxes according to the state you bought the computer from... it will be charged by the store (BB)

 

You can't use the restore disks that it makes to reinstall it?

 

people say to bring a laptop backpack and ditch the box, or you could render under ceasar what is ceasar's (and also have to pay Uncle Sam to boot).

similar thread about an apple macbook

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=190460

 

I believe customs charges PST+GST, about 15%, there are exmeptions but it starts at like 50 bucks for a day trip, and goes to 750 for a week.

 

It is my understanding that you can't use those disks to restore if you put in another hard drive and RAID the machine. Vista crashes when you try to boot. You have to do a CLEAN install from a Vista cd after you set up the RAID array.

 

I think you can still order the microsoft vista anytime upgrade disk (contains all versions of Vista) from Microsoft. With those you just needed to put in the key and it would install the appropriate version of windows.

 

I'm originally from Upstate NY near Buffalo/Rochester. Last I knew, Erie County/Niagara County were running at 9.75% sales tax (one of the reasons people are moving away from that area!). You have to pay tax on anything you purchase.

Customs will ask if you have anything to declare... simply don't declare that you purchased a new computer!! I have made dozens of trips back and forth across the border and bought items on both sides. I've NEVER paid a single penny in customs tax. Just keep the laptop out of the box and in a backpack/bag. If customs stops you and searches your vehicle (which they very, very, very seldom do) they will not even ask about the computer if it's out of the new box. customs will ask what your reason for going to the U.S. was - just tell them vacation/tourism to hit the casino or something like that. It's very simple and easy to come and go... just remember your passport or drivers license and birth certificate!!! Also, make sure to check Best Buy's inventory BEFORE going over to verify if they have the computer!!!

 

It's been stated before, but that only works for retail version of Vista, not OEM. If you put in an OEM key, it won't work.

 

I plan to order one of these from Best Buy and cheat a little bit. Not enough to make a HUGE difference, but still cheating.

I live in Thunder Bay, Ontario. It's about 30 mins from here to the border. Just beyond the border, in US territory, lies a convenience store/gas bar called Ryden's, which also offer the service to Canadians that they'll allow any packages to be sent from the US to them, where we can then pick them up, all for a small fee.

I'll order it, send it to Ryden's, then when they call to let me know they got it, I'll drive down there, grab it and come back, paying whatever I need to for the border.

One of the boons to living out in the middle of nowhere aka Northwestern Ontario.

 

I've got a OEM Vista Ultimate 64-bit CD from another computer. Can I use this disk with the Vista Key from my p-7805u? If so does the install program check the key and just install Home Premium?

 

I have done it before using this guide:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=120228

 

Lord Devlin, Yes that will work.

mugimba, that guide works too.

 

Where did you hear this? I have my 2nd hard drive coming in tomorrow, and unfortunately I don't have a vista disk...

Anyways I am going to try to setup raid and use the recovery disks tomorrow, and I'll report back my results (unless I know for sure its not possible)...

 

I heard it right here a couple months ago, but I don't remember what the thread was. Other people have tried to run their current Vista installation on their new RAID array but Vista doesn't like it. So they had to do a fresh install.

 

Is the DDR3 RAM (2x2slots = 4GB) on the P-7805U expandable to 8GB or more? Gateway & Best Buy sites both state "maximum 4GB RAM". Following that up, anyone seen any good deals on DDR3 4GB RAM??? I'd like to get the RAM up near 8GB asap if I purchase this machine!

 

I think there's no 10% or 15% restocking fee anymore. I just reconfirmed with 2 staffs in BestBuy yesterday.

I just bought the laptop without the accidental coverage insurance. Would you guys suggest us to buy it ? How badly damaged will BestBuy give you the credit to get a new laptop?

Thanks in advance for whoever answer me = )

 

No, there is STILL a 15% restocking fee at Best Buy on any computer returns. There is NO restocking fee on damaged/malfunctioning product that has been returned. The fee is assessed on items returned because "I didn't like it" or if it's 100% operational as verified by Geek Squad.

The BBY Black Tie Protection (aka - extended warranty) will allow you to return the computer for a full refund or for a comparable swap within the timeframe of the contract - 1, 2, or 3 years. You can ONLY use the ADH (Accidental Damage & Handling) one time... I repeat, ONE TIME within the contract!! Make sure you know that if you are thinking of "accidently dropping" and returning a system.

 

PM45 should support 8 GB per the specs, however 8GB of DDR3 SODIMM currently costs about the same as this notebook...lol

 

It's kinda hard to understand reading this, but this applies to OPENED items only.

 

??? I'm getting it from NY state. So I have to tell BB that I'm taking it to canada or do I do that at the border? Because at the border they always ask u for what u bought and stuff.

 

Yes, the restocking fee ONLY applies to OPENED items. Sorry... thought that was obvious! )

 

You don't have to tell Best Buy a thing... we honestly don't care where the items are going that we sell, just that we get your money!!

Read my suggestions aforementioned regarding customs crossing!!

 

...Mine came with a plastic "sample" card shaped as a MMC card already in the Expresscard slot. Nobody elses came with this..?

 

Same, same. Mine came with the plastic card in the Express Card slot and one in the SD/MMC/MS/XD.

 

Mine came with cards plugging both as well, though I'd say a real expresscard would be sturdier than the dummy card as its pretty flimsy.

 

I think they all do.

Well I checked my wifi card and yes there are only two wires (antennas) hooked up to the Intel wifi 5100, so I guess the Intel wifi 5300 would be a wast considering it is a three antenna card, unless I can hookup two to it, or find a third wire hidden under something.

 

i guess one of your other FX's just got an upgrade then. if i actually cared about wireless (or used it for that matter) i would consider purchasing the 5300 from you

 

I did change my router settings to connect at 150.0 mbps, but now my wireless G devices like my PSP, and Wii, will not beable to connect untill I get a second g router, Gateway did such a great job on this laptop, why skimp on the wifi,

 

why not just get a simultaneous broadcast dual band N router? d-link DIR855 and linksys WRT 610N come to mind.

 

Just got mine LGD display... Batch# I001920

Anyone have any luck installing new video drivers? I can't seem to install any and apparently the gateway site dosen't recognize the new serials?

Edit: Downloaded P-7800_VIDEO_NVIDIA_176.15_64BIT from the Gateway support site under P-7800 model and it updated fine. I'm not 100% this is the absolute best or correct driver to use, but it is the only one that takes out of all the P-78 series laptops on the Gateway site.

P.S. Anyone in Tucson the Best Buy on Broadway just got a shipment of about 5 in. I bought one tonight, and they are bringing the rest out and onto the floor by the morning. (I know someone at best buy, which his how I got mine early)

 

I was thinking about that, just getting a cheap G router, would the two conflect, I know I could run them on two diffrent channels, networking is not my strongest suite

 

Download the video drivers from Nvidia:

http://www.nvidia.com/object/geforce_notebook_winvista64_179.28_beta.html

They are for notebooks, and they even include the HDMI audio driver. They work beautifully for me.

 

the 2 bands shouldn't conflict...much. (i dont have either one of those routers so i can't say from experience)

true wireless N is broadcast over a 5ghz band, whereas wireless B/G is 2.4ghz. if i used wireless at all (i rarely EVER move my laptop, as i use it as a desktop replacement and its much more practical to have a laptop over a desktop given my current job) i would probably have one of those routers i mentioned, as i am sort of a speed freak if its not too costly.

really the best i can say is that running both bands simultaneously shouldn't interfere with the other provided you run them on different channels and keep them separated at a safe distance (10 ft. at least) to not cause interference with each other.

 

I'm looking at buying one of these. Has anyone found a way to tell what screen you are getting without opening? Is it still a crap shoot? Or are the odds pretty good of getting the WUXGA screen?

 

There is no way to tell from the box since they all say wxga+, but no one has reported recieving anything other then wuxga+ so far. If you want it, I would go soon.

I heard a geeksquad tell someone who was looking at the display that the next shipment would not have such small text and icons when I was there this evening. I have no idea whether he had info or was just going by the specs on the card.