Need Help with Options for HP DV9000t, and vs. Toshiba Satellite P105-S6177

Hello -

I am reposting this in THIS section, because I posted it elsewhere and most seemed to think I was still wanting to know which laptop to buy.....

So I am finally ready to get my HP dv9000t, with Vista, thanks to some previous help from this board. But am very confused about all the options. I've pasted my original specs list below for your info, and my further questions after that...any help greatly appreciated!

1) What is your budget?

No more than approximately $1300.

2) What size notebook would you prefer?

Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen OR
Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen - undecided, this is primarily for home use and I would love a notebook with the built-in number pad, so I'm thinking probably a 17".

3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?

General internet, email, word docs, photos, music downloads.

4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?

Primarily desk. Very occasional travel.

5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?

Nada.

6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?

Noise level is very important to me, as is making sure I don't get a notebook that heats up too much for my lap. QUIET is good! Both fan and processor.

7) How many hours of battery life do you need?

Not a priority - mostly home use.

8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?

Yes, as long as I could find reliable reviews that the feel of the keyboard was good - not too condensed. Not as concerned about shiny vs. matte.

9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?

Alaska, USA (So most likely having it shipped in from the lower 48).

Screen Specifics

10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?

I'm confused about these widescreens - if it IS widescreen, can it be changed to standard, or is that just the way it is all the time? I really hate widescreens.

11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?

Undecided between the following:

SXGA - 1400x1050 - Compromise resolution between XGA and UXGA.

UXGA - 1600x1200 - Very small text and graphics icons, you can fit lots of stuff on the screen.

12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?

Undecided. I sit at a computer all day at work, too, so will glossy be more glaring? It's not extremely important to me otherwise.

13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?

Unfortunately, yes! I have a 6-old dinosaur, so these slim pretty notebooks look great to me - but I can compromise a little!

14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?

In the next few months. It is important that it last a long time. I can't spend this kind of money too often.

15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?

Middle of the road will likely be sufficient. I do tend to save a lot of crap tho.

16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?

DVD-CD/RW would be awesome!

Also, I'm so out of the loop when it comes to the latest pc's, but is it pretty standard now that you can plug a memory card directly into most of them or what?

Thank you for your help!!!

Erica

OPTIONS:

Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium vs Business vs Ultimate, etc.

I'm thinking the basic edition would be fine for my needs. I may need to connect to a university/business networks.

Processor

Intel(R) Core(TM) Duo T2250 (1.73 GHz/2MB L2Cache) vs...
Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo T5200(1.60GHz/2MB L2Cache)
+$50.00
Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo T5600(1.83GHz/2MB L2Cache)
+$100.00
Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo T7200 (2.0GHz/4MB L2Cache)
+$200.00

I have NO idea which processor I should get. I've read all the 'help me decides', but they really DON'T help.

Display
17.0" WXGA+ BrightView Widescreen (1440x900)
17.0" WSXGA+ BrightView Widescreen (1680x1050)

I think the basic for this is ok too.

Graphics Card

Standard OK, again.
256MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 7600
512MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 7600
+$149.00

Memory help me decide
512MB DDR2 System Memory (1 Dimm)
(HP recommends a minimum of 1GB memory for Windows Vista)

1024MB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Recommended for running multiple, memory-intensive applications at once.
+$100.00
2048MB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
HP recommended for an enhanced Windows Vista experience.
+$225.00

1GB = 1000MB, right?


Hard Drive

80GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
FREE Upgrade to 120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive!!
Store up to 44,000 photos, 25,000 songs, or 66 hours of video.
+$0.00

I tend to store alot of documents and photos, would the free upgrade be sufficient?

100GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
+$30.00
160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
+$50.00
1240GB 5400RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (120GB x 2)
+$200.00
200GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (100GB x 2)
+$300.00

Primary CD/DVD Drive
Optical drives can be used to store data, play music and movies, and burn your own CDs or DVDs

Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support
FREE Upgrade - LightScribe DVD+/-RW w/Double Layer
Label discs by burning silkscreen-quality graphics on them.
+$0.00
HD DVD ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
Includes FREE HD DVD Movie. High-Definition DVD provides superior visual clarity and audio quality.
+$450.00

Hmmm...confused about the above. Standard?


Premium CD/DVD Burner Software
Feature-filled upgrades from the basic software included with your system
Roxio Creator(TM) v9
+$39.00
Roxio Creator(TM) Premier v9
+$69.00

What's a Roxio Creator?

Networking help me decide
PC includes a network port for broadband Internet connectivity. Internet access sold separately

Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection

Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network w/Bluetooth
+$15.00

My understanding is that Bluetooth allows me to plug in my PDA (which at this time I rarely use).

TV & Entertainment Experience

HP Expresscard TV Tuner for Windows Vista Notebook
+$130.00

Undecided about whether I want my laptop to have TV capability.


Primary Battery
The right battery can keep you and your Notebook PC working longer

8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
High Capacity 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
+$39.00
Extra 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Get two 8-cell batteries so that you'll always have enough power!
+$129.00

Will mostly be plugged in so this is not a major concern.


Productivity Software
Get the tools you need to save time and improve your productivity

Microsoft(R) Works 8.0

I think I remember reading that the above does NOT include Word?

Microsoft(R) Works Suite 2006 includes Word
+$79.00
Microsoft(R) Office Basic 2007
+$149.00
Microsoft(R) Office Home and Student 2007
+$149.00
Microsoft(R) Office Small Business 2007
+$279.00


Security
An IT guy here at work does NOT recommend Norton. Any input?


OS and Recovery Media
System Recovery DVD w/Windows Vista Home Premium
+$19.00
System Recovery DVD w/Windows Vista Ultimate
+$19.00
System Recovery DVD w/Windows Vista Business
+$19.00

Any opinions on this?



Back-Up & Utilities Software

Can't I just copy my harddrive to CD?

Roxio Backup MyPC(TM)
+$49.00


HP extended service plans

1-year HP Accidental Damage Protection with Express Repair extended service plan more info
Covers any damage caused by spills, drops, falls, collisions, electrical surges, or any other accident.
+$99.99
2-year HP Express Repair extended service plan more info
Lock in up to two years of award-winning coverage with Express Repair
+$139.99
3-year HP Express Repair extended service plan more info
Lock in up to three years of award-winning coverage with Express Repair
+$199.99

Any opinions on service plans and paying for phone support? I've read some negative reviews about HP support.

In addition to all THAT, although I am set on the HP dv9000t (mostly because I HAVE to have a number pad and I won't be lugging it around much), I recently stumbled upon the Toshiba Satellite 17" Widescreen Notebook (P105-S6177). It also has a number pad. Anyone have any comments re: a comparison of the two? I am also concerned about heat issues and I HATE the sound of the fan running. The quieter the better!

THANKS TO ANY AND ALL FOR YOUR HELP! Sorry so long, I did cut some fluff!

Erica =)

 

hp laptops are quiet than you think
i own my laptop next to me and doesn;t even make a sound except when the fan or disk spinns but quiet too. well i am kind of confuse on that so ill just look again and post it^^

 

I own a dv9000t and my bro owns a 14 inch ASUS. If you really want a bigger screen, I suggest getting a smaller laptop, and hooking it up to a desktop monitor. The ASUS A8-- (something) at newegg, is only 1300 and comes w/ a 2 ghz processor, 1 gb ram, and a 1700.

 

Frankly for what you want you could easily go out and buy a $750 laptop and be happy with it. The only reason to buy the more expensive models is for the graphics capabilities that come with it, and since you won't be gaming or rendering CAD etc, there is little point. I've seen decent 17" models with 1 gb ram and dual core processors for under $750.

Good luck.