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    Advice needed - should I return costco dv7?

    Discussion in 'HP' started by little_blaine, Aug 15, 2011.

  1. little_blaine

    little_blaine Newbie

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    About a month ago I bought a dv7 from costco - specific model: dv7-6143cl. A week ago, the webcam stopped working. The light is always on, and nothing recognizes there's a webcam there, not even device manager. HP and costco tech support both say it's a hardware problem and will repair under warranty.

    I do not want to be without the laptop during the replacement/repair period.

    However, I have another option, which is to return the computer to costco and get another one (from costco or somewhere else). Costco does have a generous return policy of 90 days.

    I do keep backups, take a complete image through windows backup every now and then, plus continuous backups using seagate replica software. If I get another laptop, I would need the ability to restore all my software and data to the new machine.

    The problem is that costco does not sell this specific model anymore, in stores or online. It looks like they offer the dv6t now for the same price, and the dv7t for about $200 more.

    In order, these are the features that I need/like on the laptop:

    Must have:
    1) i7 processor
    2) 8GB RAM
    3) 17" screen

    Really like:
    4) 9-cell battery
    5) Switchable graphics
    6) 750GB disk (good amount of space, even though it's only 5400RPM)

    Things that I don't have but would like, but not a deal-breaker:
    * High-def screen (1080P)
    * Blu-ray drive

    Besides the non-functioning webcam, I love the laptop. Please advice on return vs repair or any other options.
     
    little_blaine, Aug 15, 2011
    #1
  2. dwalk1989

    dwalk1989 Notebook Evangelist

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    Does the dv7 thats 200$ more have the 1080p screen? If so, exchange it for that and pay the difference imo.
     
    dwalk1989, Aug 15, 2011
    #2
  3. little_blaine

    little_blaine Newbie

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    It doesn't. It's the same 1600x900 that I currently have. Actually, I think the graphics card is a lower model on the new costco machine, a radeon 6490 vs the 6770 that my current laptop has.

    As far as I can see, the other differences are:
    * (better) blu-ray *writer*
    * (better) 1TB drive
    * (worse) 6-cell battery
     
    little_blaine, Aug 15, 2011
    #3
  4. dwalk1989

    dwalk1989 Notebook Evangelist

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    Well repairs aren't nearly as long as the ordering/building process so that might be the best option if you really like the laptop.
     
    dwalk1989, Aug 15, 2011
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