Buying New Laptop: Ivy Bridge Dv6 vs Dv7

Hey guys, I need some advice on purchasing a new laptop. I've decided on the new Ivy Bridge Dv laptops, but I can't decided between the 15 and 17 inch models. I am a student, but I have a netbook that I think I will use for taking to class since its small and light. Unfortunately, this netbook is absolutely pathetic and I am interested in gaming. So, I am stuck choosing between the dv6 and the dv7.

I am on a tight budget, so obviously the cheap dv6 stands out. But, if I use the new 33% coupon, I actually get more savings when buying the 17 inch. With the same specs on the dv6 and dv7 (other than the forced 2g on graphics card) the prices are $935 and $1035. This means if I had the option to get the 1gb 650m graphics card the specs would be identical and the dv7 would only be $50 more than the dv6. Very tempting. Will the 1gb 650m ever be available for the dv7? If so that would be awesome.

So, with only a small difference in prices, which is the better deal? I've heard that the 17 inch has better cooling, is this true and how much better is it? People have complained a lot about cooling on these laptops so if buying the 17 inch can help solve this issue, then it would be a good investment.

Also, the 17 inch has an extra hard drive slot, so eventually when I get the cash I can stick an ssd in there (I've customized these laptops to ship with the 750gb 7200 rpm Hybrid hdd). I might never get around to this though if I am satisfied with the hybrid speeds.

Unfortunately, I can't put into perspective how big the 17 inch actually is! I am much more familiar with 15 inch laptops. I am worried because I don't actually know how big the damn thing is, and might regret it later! Also, I might end up giving up on my netbook and exclusively using the hp which would make the extra portability and battery life ever so helpful.

Last of all, how often do these 33% coupons come around. If I postpone my purchase, will I get as good a deal (or better) after this? I don't want to miss this opportunity if it is rare! This is very important because I don't feel very comfortable financially losing such a large chunk of cash, but I want the best deal possible.

Thank you for any help you can give! I know this is a lot of questions but this is a big deal for me, and I have little experience with buying computers. Thanks .

 

I dont think you will see a better coupon than 33% .

On the cooling wise.. In my opinion.. they both are about the same. the DV7 runs just a bit cooler. Still hot to the left of the trackpad.. Its really a toss up in my opinion. (yes i had a dv6 and then returned it and now i have a dv7)

 

If you hold out just a little longer you might see different computers coming out with similar specs. DV7's are a bit bigger and heavier than DV6's but the DV6 is pretty light for a 15.6''. If you wanted to take it to school with you that might be a better choice because in my opinion it's one of the lightest 15.6" laptops I have held.

 

Hmmm sounds like the dv6 might be better for me. Do you guys think the 33% off coupon will come back and if so when? Also will the extra screen size make games run slower on the dv7?

 

Probably will be around again. But you shouldn't count on that. If you really want the dv6 you should buy it now. The size of the screen won't make games run slower.

 

Ok just to clarify, if I place the order before the date that the coupon expires, will it apply to my order no matter what? So if I place the order at 11:59, June 12th (coupon expires 13th) I will definitely get the effect of the coupon, correct?

 

If your total comes out with a 33% discount than you'll know it worked. You will know what your total is before it charges your card.

 

Ok cool. Thanks so much for all the help. Time to go spend a lot of money on something I don't really need. But don't we all do that every day?

 

Damn right we do

 

Hey I was wondering how exactly do the bill me later and preferred account offers work? Do I need a good credit report for these? Do I have to pay for the preferred account?

 

You need good credit.

 

Which I don't have. Awesome.