Buying a new Laptop - DV7 3074/3180/4080

Hello,

I'm want to buy a laptop. Looking over the stores, I've found 3 models:
HP DV7 - 3074ca
HP DV7 - 3180
HP DV7 - 4080us

The specs are pretty much the same. I want to know what do you think of these, are they reliable?

I couldn't find nice reviews on the internet about them.

My main use is not for gamin, but for programming, watching some movies...

Thanks

 

They're all pretty straight forward laptops. I believe any heat issues associated with them are resolved and they would probably perform those tasks with ease.

 

I have the HP Pavilion DV6-3077CA which is very close to the 3074CA and I'd highly recommend it, it's one nice machine!\

 

Any laptop that is created during this age will suit you for programming and movie viewing.

Those three laptops seem very sufficient for what you've described. I would choose the least expensive.

 

Thanks all.
What about the durability? I wish it to last at least 3 years, is it plausible?

Nikeseven mentioned about heating issues, is that a big heating problem?

 

My DV7T, which is the 1000 series from 2008 has lasted me thus far and it's still going strong. Year three, here we come!

There is a heating issue with the notebook if used on your lap. These DV7s are larger notebooks and need more ventilation. When used on a surface that allows proper airflow, you shouldn't run into any problems.

 

long time noo see, infamous

im also starting the 3rd year with my dv7. i added an 80gb intel ssd drive back in april and this machine has been amazing since. from power on, i get to my win7 desktop in 24 seconds and the machine shuts down in about 7 seconds now XD

 

WOW! I was just thinking of you the other day when I got back to these forums.

It's definitely been a minute.

 

I've had my DV7 for around two months or so now and it's still running like a champ. I've mostly been using it for games and though it does get a bit hot, it's never frozen or crapped out on me due to overheating. If it can handle hours of gaming and half-hour video compiling sessions, I don't see any reason why it wouldn't be able to handle a couple minutes (hours?) worth of compiling programs.

edit: The 'lowly' 1600x900 resolution screen may bug you a bit if you're dealing with a lot of text/code. If you have a higher resolution monitor that you can connect it to though, it shouldn't be a problem.

 

That was my only negative problem with the newer DV7Ts...the 16:9 aspect ratio/resolution.

I'm an avid web designer/developer and video blogger...and I cherish the width/length (that's what she said).

- Infamous

 

The 4xxxx series is the more recent. But i think you'll loose the remote command and the case multimedia buttons - think they moved them to keyboard.
You'll get a much better aluminium surface that will be keep clean much longer and probably more recent components.

 

Thanks again.
I like the metallic surface.

Infamous, I cannot stop looking your signature picture. lol

 

Those are the people from "Community." You should watch it! They are a goofy bunch of people with original comedy sketches.

 

Why would the 16:9 be a disadvantage for programming? MS Visual Basic, Dreamweaver, and the like take advantage of multiple monitors, which means they'd span very well widely. If you need to test/debug what you've written- you can always use Windows Flip or something to split the windows vertically instead of ALT-Tabbing. Although, something nonstandard (like 1680x960) could deem a disadvantage.

~Miles

 

I don't have much of an issue with the 16:9 aspect ratio, it's just that I'd prefer more horizontal pixels. 1080p may not seem like much of a difference on a 17" display for most people, but they sure do make things a little easier for me.

edit: ack, I meant vertical pixels ^_^

 

I have put the taskbar at right side instead of bottom for that reason. Best decison i have made configuring this windows.

 

Go with the 4080us. It's more durable and has a MUCH better graphics card.

 

I have mine on the bottom but set it to auto-hide.

 

I misplaced mine...