8710w vs new laptops, consumer vs business

Been looking for a 17 inch powerful notebook that isnt as thick as the AW m17x or the Dell 1730. Been recommended the HP 8710w. So far it is looking great (albiet with no light up keyboard, 2nd hard drive, or fancy case).

But Im just seeing the new HP laptops coming out.

Is the upcoming 17" 6830 a replacement of the 8710w?
If not, does anyone think its worth waiting for a replacement
or getting an 8710 now.

(and what is with all these crazy numbers?)

And what is the opinion of a business laptop like the upcoming 6830 or 8710w as opposed to the 17" consumer line dv9700t or the new dv7t?



thank you much in advance!

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The 8710w is LEVELS higher in quality than the dv7t or the dv9700t...I can't even begin to start talking about it.

As for the 6830...I don't know much about it. I'd say you are better off with the 8710w as it is a known good model. Never get the next thing right away just in case there is a problem (anyone read about the m15x troubles in the AW forum?). Probably not to worry, but just in case...

 

None of the announced products so far are replacements for the 8710w. The 6830 is the replacement for the 6820. Orders for 2510p/2710p/8510p/8510w/8710p/8710w are still being carried through, parts are being supplied for production, and no near indication of a replacement as far as I'm aware. The closest timeline for a replacement is most likely October/November and that's a while away.

It has just been refreshed with Penryn processors, so it's a perfectly fine time to get it.

The 8710w is HP's top end business notebook. They are just more durable and reliable than the average consumer range (the chassis is solid and the build assembly is close to perfection), and have more extensive global warranty cover and support options. However, they lack certain media capabilities, i.e. no QuickPlay, fancy LEDs, fancy artwork or Harmon Kardon speakers. They're just pure workhorses.

 

Well I dont care about speakers so much but I do want a webcam, extra hard drive and light up keyboard cause I work in dark spaces often (why arent more laptops using these?!?!)

Thanks for the info (welcome more from others too).

Hey Chrixx, it was Chaz that turned me on to the 8710w. I noticed you both did a review. Why both reviews of the same model?

And I know all about Alienware. I had bought a 9750 last August and went through no less than 3 different 9750s all with the same problem. That took me to January and I said I was done and took my refund. They DID finally figure out the problem but not before 3 units, and me buying extra ram, and a HD, and a backpack that I have no use for till I get another laptop. I then decided to wait for the m17x at that point but 3 things happened, the m15x had all SORTS of problems which made me nervous about the m17x despite its beauty, the m17x took FOREVER to come out, and 3rdly, it is WAY thicker than the 9750. So I want a slimmer powerful 17".

Which has brought me here talking to you nice people.


So now, what I want is a HP 8710w with a webcam, extra hard drive, and light up keyboard, and perhaps a video tuner card - and that new black finish of the 6830.


any recommendations or suggestions???

 

We usually allow up to 2 or 3 reviews on the same model. The more perspectives the better.

You might also want to read up on the 8710p, which I reviewed some time ago. The 8710p is almost identical to the 8710w.

 

My review was for the configuration with a 3600M Quadro card and Penryn refresh. Chaz's was the previous revision with the 1600M, but everything we state are pretty much consistent.

The next revision of the 8710w will have some of the features you mentioned. It will also spot the aluminium finishing first seen in the 6930p. However, I cannot confirm anything else. It won't launch so soon though, so you need to consider your purchase timeline.

 

agreed on the reviews, the more the better, I guess I was curious cause of the different in time. I see though that the CPUs are different and perhaps the GPUs also (something Im even less "up on")

My limited understanding is the 8710W is better then the P as far as performance right? The P is cheaper?

 

Hey Chrixx,
When you say "next revision", do you mean a new model or that there will be more features like I mentioned in THIS computer.

And what is the 6930p?

(Ill look myself too for info. I havent seen this finish).

 

The W and P yields similar performance with the 1600M card. The 3600M, which is an additional $600 option as I mentioned in the review, is about twice as powerful.

It ultimately depends on the amount of GPU power you need. The 8710p may not be available with WUXGA screen configurations in certain markets (I'm not sure if you can CTO these in the US).

 

Next revision meaning a product/platform refresh. The next refresh is a major refresh as the platform is being updated (Montevina), i.e. the tock in the tick-tock Intel update cycle.

 

I gotta run but Ill be on here later with more questions Im sure. thanks a lot for info!!!

 

8710w is the BEST laptop I have owned. And I owned a lot. Best built, most silent. But I am missing a web-cam on it...

 

Hey Chrixx. I sent you a PM but it doesnt show in my Sent folder so Im wondering if it even got to you. If so, answer when you have time (not trying to rush you). I just want to make sure it actually sent.


To everyone else,

Any insight on what to me is the very complex warranty options on the 8710w. Im not very familiar with HP so not familiar with all their warrantys, all I know is theres like 7 different options on their site, and in each of those options, there are different lengths of time to choose from. I cant even tell how much warranty it COMES WITH. I see something that says it comes with 3/3/3 but I have no idea what that means or how it compares to their other options. And some options say 4 or 5 years - ok so that means an extention of whatever it comes with? but some say 3 or 4 or 5. So does that imply the laptop comes 2 of what thats describing - like the "computrace"??

Also, what OS do you people recommend. I dont know how Business differes from regular Vista but it looks like I have to get Business, but whats "Vista Business with XP professional custom preinstalled". You get both?!

and finally, what is "Intel Centrino 2 with V pro technology". Its a 20 dollar add but I dont understand the description.


you people are wonderful - thank you for any help you can give.

 

I didn't get your PM.

The 8710w comes with a standard 3 years parts, labour and onsite warranty as a base. Any extensions or upgrades (like ADP) are purchased as part of a CarePack. If the CarePack is 4 Years, it means just an extra year out of your 3 Years standard warranty.

The only way you could get Windows XP after June 26th is to get it with a Vista licence too, so HP loads XP on the system and provides you with the Vista licence and DVDs in the box.

vPro is an Intel technology that allows remote desktop management in enterprises.