Considering nc8430 RB554UT#ABA

Folks,

I am one of those people who ordered a Lenovo Thinkpad and waiting for ever. Now, I am just about ready to cancel it and get the laptop nc8430 /RB554UT#ABA/

I would appreciate some help from people who know about these.. Having never seen a hp business laptop in person, I rely on the experienced hands here to get some ideas..

How does the build quality of the hp compare to the Thinkpad line?

I thought I read somewhere that the keyboard is backlit? Is it true.. Could not find any literature regarding this...

How is hp with returns?

Thanks

Vignesh

 

How does the build quality of the hp compare to the Thinkpad line?

I haven't had a ThinkPad, but the HP business lines of laptops are really well built. I have no doubt my laptop will last 3-4 years (I've got RB555UT#ABA).

I hope this link works...but if you want an idea of how the nc8430 is built, check out their service manual. It has a complete blow up of all the parts and how they fit together.

I thought I read somewhere that the keyboard is backlit? Is it true...

Sorry, it isn't...it would be cool though. If you need something like that I'd look into USB lights for laptops. Cheap, effective, and good for low light.

How is hp with returns?

As with just about any vendor: 21 or 30 day return period (I don't know which), they'll try to convince you to keep the laptop, and ask for you to attempt to fix it once. However, if you have a problem with the laptop and it is a defect they should return it with little trouble. If there is no defect I think there is a small restocking fee though.

 

That's only on Apple MacBook Pro...

 

Thanks for the replies folks. One more question, if I buy a hp Laptop from an authorised reseller (Euclid, Costcentral etc..), would I still be eligible for free Vista upgrade? Both the resellers and hp has been non comittal on the Vista upgrade.. Anybody have any ideas?

Once again, I appreciate your time and efforts!!

 

Yes. It comes from HP, not from the reseller.

 

The only problem is that the nc8430 comes with either Home or Pro.

Home updates to Vista Home Basic...no MCE features (I think)...yuck.
Pro updates to Vista Business...no MCE features...yuck.

 

I really do intend to use this for Business purposes.. So no MCE is not a big deal for me..

I have tried contacting HP about the Vista upgrade for purchases through resellers and they wont talk. The moment I mention the word "Reseller", they stop talking and only thing say is "You got to ask the reseller"..

They just wont say anything about it... Sigh. .I am about to place an order and just need some kind of confirmation..

 

Yes, you should probably contact the reseller first. If the order comes with an upgrade coupon or upgrade program...you're good to go.

Where are you planning on buying it from? If I can I'll look at it and see what I can find...

 

I am planning to buy it from costcentral.com and they are authorized hp resellers..