Considering getting the dv6000t

Hi,

Originally I was looking at a similarly configured dell but seeing as the hp notebook is the top on on this forum in terms of clicks (on the left pane) I decided to see what hp is offering.

So I configured this: http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/cart_detail.do?pageLink=true&bvLoadCart=1&disp_msg=0

That is pretty much in range of the budget, under 1000usd. I want to primarily use it for some multimedia work (like 3d modeling, and some cad type design), which is why I choose the better non-integrated card, I don't expect to be doing much if any gaming on it though, so it's ok if it's not the high-end type.

I have a few questions though...

1] Would I be able to slightly over clock that core 2 duo chip? I'm not talking taking it very far, something like 200-300mhz even would be nice.

2] Is the nvidia card the type that shares system ram? I can't tell if it's dedicated or not. The dells I checked out w/ ati said the memory was shared.

3] Will that card be able to run the aero glass theme in vista premium? I hope I can get vista running good on that machine, I'm a pretty big customizer of windows I never tend to run anything 'stock installed' so hopefully I will get her running pretty smooth.

4] I saw someone saying the brightview screen displays a lot of glare and that it was bad enough to get a refund. Do a lot of people feel this way about this screen type or is it a smaller number of personal preference?

5] Does this notebook come with any restoration (or at least a driver cd) it says something about getting a cd for 20usd, I dunno if you still get a driver cd or not.

6] What are future upgrade options? Can I throw in another stick of ram from any online retailer or do most upgrades have to go through hp?

Hmmm, I think I wanted to ask something else but I can't remember what atm.

Thanks for any help or opinions, etc.

edit: In case that link dosen't work any more, here are the basic specs I looked at:

HP Pavilion dv6000t customizable Notebook PC
EZ829AV

* – FREE Upgrade to Genuine Windows XP Media Center!!
* – Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor T5200 (1.60 GHz)
* – FREE Upgrade to 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen!!
* – 256MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 7400
* – HP Imprint Finish + Microphone
* – 1024MB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* – FREE Upgrade from 40GB 5400RPM to 80GB 5400RPM
* – FREE Upgrade: 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support
* – Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
* – No TV Tuner w/remote control
* – 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* – Microsoft(R) Works/Money
* – HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

 

As far as the video card goes, it is 128 dedicated and the other half is shared. It can run the Aero interface on Vista- although I wouldn't be excited about any MS product, expecially VISTA.

 

haha good point

 

There are no options in the HP bios that will allow you to overclock. Maybe some third party software is avilable. You get into heat problems very quickly when overclocking a laptop. You can easily upgrade the Ram and HDD. There is a restoration partition on the HDD from which you can make a recovery disk and save the $19 HP wants for one. Then you can delete the restore partition and save 10-11 Gbs. Glare is a problem with all of the glossy screens. I have a dv9000t with the WSXGA screen and I have to adjust the LCD angle to reduce glare. I think the HP mosheen is better than the smelley delly.

Ron

 

Hey thanks. So say, if you had an option to go back to the non-brightview screen, would you do it? I keep thinking it won't be that big of a deal when indoors etc. but really not seeing the screen beforehand I can't be 100% sure.