new notebook... messed up screen?

ok I just picked up a hp dv6225us from office depot for like 700 and have a few questions/worries. I have 14 days to return it with no restocking fee, so I'm not to worried right now, plus if better deals come out this or next sunday I'll be ok. BUT, I have a couple concerns

1 - Itunes is not vista compatible? When I go to Itunes download page it only has downloads for windows 2000 or XP. I'm sure it will only be a matter of time before they add Vista, but would downloading the XP version be ok?

2 - The right side of my screen, has a dark shadow coming from the edge and fades out to about halfway through the gadget bar. The weird thing is, it only started this today (I got it wednesday), and it only does it when the gadget bar is up! it won't do it to the backround (with the bar down), to ANY windows, to the startup screen or anything except the gadget bar. Anyone ever heard of this? I'll prob wait untill next sunday to return it, just in case any better deals come out, but has anyone ever heard/experienced this?

3 - I could have gotten the dv6225us OR the dv6226us for the same price at two diff stores. I was told that the Turion X2 processor on this one (dv6225us) was better. Was that correct?

Sorry if this is in the wrong section, but I wasn't qutie sure where to put it. Thanks in advance for your help! -Wiggly

 

1. The have a workaround for Itunes. They don't suggest using it right now though, and they are working on something, so I'd wait before using your Ipod.
2. Defective monitor, return it pronto.
3. Actually, they were slightly right, and slightly wrong. The core duo processor may be slightly faster, but the 6150 is a way better video card then the gma 950. Stick with the machine you got.

RETURN IT NOW. THEY MAY BE OUT OF STOCK IF YOU RETURN IT LATER.

 

/agree with Zellio.

 

Woa slow down. There's nothing wrong with the monitor.

This is a software issue, if at that---it only manifests with a certain software running, in this case Sidebar. Are you sure you're aware of the Vista Aero effects, as well as how the Sidebar works? The fading/translucency effects are normal. Perhaps you can do a screen capture (print screen)?

What processor is in your current laptop? In general, the Core Duo's are faster and more efficient than the X2's. If the X2 version comes with a better video card, and you plan to play some games or do 3D stuff in general, then get that.

 

I have vista, and I have sidebar. When I highlight sidebar a white background shows up around, not a black.

It sounds odd to say the least. The way he's describing, sounds like a monitor problem.

But yeah, a screenshot would do wonders.

 

Heres 3 screenshots... one with the gadget bar, one without, and one with a fullscreen window open... this is just plain WEIRD!

 

Hum, that still seems slightly odd. That doesn't do that to me? And I've used Vist Home Basic, Home premium, and Ultimate.

Am I missing something?

But it's definately not screen related, so don't worry about that.

Did you click on the sidebar to make it do that? What makes it do that?

Does it do that by itself?

 

Yea I didn't think it was a messed up screen either...

I have no idea what did it! I never did anything to it except change a few gadgets. I turned off my notebook last night before bed, and it was fine. Then today I get to the library this afternoon to get some studying done, turn on my notebook, and bam! Weird screen thing pops up. It HAS to do with vista, or at least the gadget tool... I was hoping that this might have happened to someone before... I guess not. Mannnnnn I don't wanna have to go get a new one and go through all the BS.

EDIT, I just turned on the guest account and checked it. It does the same thing.

 

That's completely normal. I give you my word. It's just a cool Aero effect integrated into Sidebar. You can change whether or not this happens, I believe it's in Sidebar's options. I can show you a screenshot from my Vista OS if you don't believe me.

P.S. Nice bike!

 

lol yea my dad just showed me his vista does teh same thing... I guess I must have turned it on accidentally or something. anyway, yea thats the new 07 kawi zx6r. rebuilt from the ground up, supposed to be king of the track this year!!!! (if you are into bikes lol)

 

1. iTunes runs fine under Vista.
2. It's perfectly normal as Gator said, no doubt about that.