Buying new notebook...thinkin of dv9700t

Hi. I am planning on buying a notebook that would suit my needs. Unfortunately I have been looking at the dv9700t along with other notebooks. I wish to know how good it is. I have read the review and somehow I just want to know what actually comes with the notebook. Is there a CLEAN (Not WAU Disc) Vista Install Disc on that comes with it, etc. Things like that I would like to know. Anyone have any links/unpacking vidz (checked youtube but doesnt seem to satisfy me since 9700t is not there) i can go to to see pics of what comes with this system and how simple it is to do a clean install on this notebook...I read the clean install thread in this forum too but it can confuse me and looks complicated.

 

Also, I have heard of horrible HP support for notebooks and I was wondering if anyone had any problems (I have a printer and desktop from them and I have had horrible support from them on both). Is it worth a 3 yr accidental damage/pick up and return? I can be a very clumsy when it comes to carrying stuff. I will be traveling to and from college with it and I need the extra graphics oomph for gaming on the go when I do get on flights for family vacations. (hey its a laptop, I dont need nvidia GT graphics that bad).

 

If I were you, I wouldn't go with a 17 inch DV9700, it's just too big to be carrying around (I own one). If you want a laptop with a decent graphics card, better tech support, and some more portability, get a dell XPS m1530.

Yes, HP tech support is crappy.

 

LMAO ty man and to think that the 1530 was in my list. rep for u

 

lol thanks.

I'm just saying, the DV9000 is a good laptop, but it's soooooooo big, really it's huge, heavy, and battery life is crap. The 8600M GS is good for gaming, settings on medium, medium resolution, only when overclocked tho.

The M1530 could offer you the 8600M GT, and a smaller laptop overall, for the same base price I believe.

go with the M1530, you'll be happier!! =D

 

you look at the 8710-p/w ? w has 3year onsite warranty decent graphics and support is better than consumer line

 

The 8710 is a bit expensive. While darthsnipe didn't give us a price range, when he said a DV9700, I assumed a base price of $1k or less. And the 8710 is a 17 inch, kinda bulky to be carrying around college with you. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice laptop though.

 

Lol i forgot about the price range...as long as its below $2000, I am fine

 

You're correct. HP repair really sucks. But if you're looking for a great warranty, check out www.squaretrade.com. It's an eBay company and offers a great three year warranty at about 1/4 the cost of other places (you can buy it for up to 60 days after your laptop purchase.) You can also add accidental damage coverage pretty cheap. I would definitely recommend that if you are taking it to college. They promise to fix it and return it to you within 5 days. Unfortunately, the squaretrade warranty only kicks in after the manufacturer warranty, so you would still have to deal with HP. Good Luck.

 

HP repair sucks, so if you want good customer service, go for a Thinkpad.