Costco HP Pavilion DV6174CL a good deal?

Hi,

I was at our local Costco and came across the HP Pavilion DV6174CL XP Media Center.

- Nice set up with 15.4" Widescreen
- Intel Geo2 Duo T5500
- 2GB Ram with 120GB HD 5400rpm
- Lightscriber DVD....
- Quickplay
- nVidia GeForce 7400
- Buillt-in Camera and Mic

$1149.99

Pretty good deal?

Will be getting this for my wife to replace an old Toshiba laptop.

Thanks,
eagle07

 

Yes it is a pretty good deal for the money. You could also trying customizing it at costco.com, thats where i got my computer.

 

That's about $50 less than direct from HP with APP student discount, so it seems like a good deal, yea.

EDIT: I just used the CTO feature at costco.com and configured the exact computer I bought recently... it came out being $16 more at costco.com. So I would conclude that in-store preconfigured systems might be a better deal at costco, but if you're a student and looking for a custom configuration go direct through HP.

 

Yes but did you know costco has a 6 month return warranty, that beats anything, even if is a few bucks more.

 

I can return it in six months?

BTW the online config has the Intel 950 not the Go 7400
If i dont like it that is good..any re-stocking fee?

is is available online?

 

Yep, no restocking fee whats so ever. Oh and you can customize it online as well, not just the pre-configs. I know the return policy first hand, I had a laptop with a Centrino Processor, The Vaio FJ, and after 5 months of me having it, I took it back because Core 2 Duo came out. They didn't ask me any questions, and I took it back and got the laptop in my sig for less money. But be sure to keep the box and reciept and everything in it. Here is a link to the customizable computers: http://www.costco.com/CTO/HPLanding.aspx?Prodid=10029570&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=

 

Thanks guys.

We've actually bought a few computers and laptops from Costco because of their excellent return policy and zero penalty and of course value.

I guess I'll pick one for for my wife.

r,
eagle07

 

is the dv6174 available online?

 

Hi Dooler,

I just checked it out. It appears that the 6174cl is not available online. However, you can configure a 6000 series to be like a preconfigured 6174.

Price comes out to be the same.

Remember.... no shipping fee. Another plus with Costco.. at least for this laptop.

r,
eagle07

 

wots the config i cant see it anywhere
wots in the box (remote etc)

 

Several things:

1: Costco is the best place to buy, due to their return policies...
For those that don't know... Costco used to have NO time limit on computer returns...

Note that you can expect futher restrictions at some point if people abuse the system... as they take a huge loss on units after 21 days. (see below)

2: I do hope that you stated there was something "defective" with the computer when you returned it after 5 months of usage...

WHY?... Well if you return a unit and it's marked "resaleable"... Costco takes a HUGE loss on the unit.

I've asked several times about buying returns (As I used to buy and sell such, and was interested) and was told they have a contract with a company that agrees to buy all their resaleable /salvage items @ 30 cents on the dollar.

The way I understand it is if you buy a computer, don't like it and return it within 21 days (which is the "offical HP return window btw), they "Costco" gets a full credit back on it... either on a defective, or fully functioning unit.

After 21 days.... up to 180 days Costco takes the "hit"... "IF" the customer returns the unit and no problem is stated as the reason for the return.


That's the way I understood it... So:

A: Don't abuse the return policy... Buying a unit, using it for 5 months, 29 days and 11 hours and then returning it...

Getting 5 months, 29 days and 11 hours of "FREE" usage of the computer and returning it so you can buy a "newer" model is dishonest. (I'm sure if you were running a business that you would view it along the same lines)

The only exception to using it 5 months, 29 days, 11 hours would be if you had really tried to get the thing fixed, the mfg had jerked you around on a repair, or there was some kind of "issue" with the unit that was "unfixable"... (Like the dv8000 series keyboard issue problem)

B: When returning.... Do state that there is a PROBLEM with the item (a real problem) so it is NOT marked resaleable, so Costco can get the max credit back from the mfg.

 

That's great for consumers that they have that return policy (I was not previously aware) but it's a real head scratcher for them. With the rate that technology like a computer devalues, it's a no brainer that abusing the system can yield a huge gain for a buyer and really hurt costco. It sounds like you could buy a computer once from them and keep returning and upgrading to the latest and greatest every 6 months if you were the sort of person who could sleep at night with a conscience like that.

 

I can't see myself wasting hours of configuring the laptop with tons of software and hardware plus loading all the data and then turn around and remove them all plus backing data, etc. just to return the laptop for a newer model.

That would be most unproductive for me and plain just not worth it.

r,
eagle07

 

.


On returning units,

There are people here that have bragged on buying xyz model with the express intent of buying it, then returning it. People that have bragged about using a system for right at 6 months "rental free" in effect, then returning it for an updated model.

To the poster above, I agree that configuring software takes allot of time, but there are ways around this. (Making a install disc with all your apps, everything on it that does a auto install)

On the "data", restoring that... That's easy.


The point people should take away from my previous post was to return an item quickly if they don't like it, Not to abuse the system (like using the system for 5 months,29 days, 11 days and then return it)... To only return a unit if you've be jerked around by the mfg, or the mfg has no fix for a problem affecting that model series.

Addtionally.. if you do return make sure to state that there IS a problem so the unit is not marked "resaleable".


Costco takes a huge loss otherwise.


Next post I bet will be from someone that says Costco is a big company, that they can afford to lose big $$$$, or that they fiqure returns in.. Regardless it's not right to abuse the system, and Costco at some point will add further restrictions in place because of those abuses...


They used to have NO time limit on computer returns...


Compare that to ordering direct thru HP, Dell, etc who have only a 21 day return window and once past that "window" of return you're screwed if you get a model /unit that "has a problem".



.

 

Hi wearenotalone,

I'm not savvy enough to know how to effect a simple application and data backup and installation. I still do things manually. Would love to learn how the easy method is done though. Any tips or links on this so I can learn about it would be appreciated.

I don't doubt there are certain individuals that use and abuse the generosity of Costco's liberal return policy. And it doesn't apply just to the laptops/computers. I've heard of folks buying and using all sorts of merchandise and returning them just because they can without difficulty or penalty. I've even seen folks returning 65" widescreen CRT sets after a few weeks just because they didn't like it or probably due to buyer's remorse.

I do love buying from Costco for electronics since I'm a hands-on type person who wants to examine things first before buying. And if anything is wrong with it, I can easily get an exchange or a replacement without flack you'd likely get from Circuit City or Best Buy.

r,
eagle07

 

I'm with you on the abused return policy...

I am torn on the choice of a HP model that is sold in Costco....it is a great offer at $1149 an aforementioned DV6471t. The only thing it is missing is the optional bluetooth. A Core2duo, a GO7400, 120gb HD, 2GB Memory for under $1200. I can order a custom and wait weeks or give costco a shot.... I'm too dang picky. Gotta have a built-in bluetooth.

 

Just curious RDTigger.... what would you use the bluetooth feature for?

I don't have any bluetooth devices. My wife however uses a bt headset with her blackberry. So, we probably don't need it.

Anyway, just wondering what that feature would be used for.

Thanks,
eagle07

 

You should be able to order the module , or get the part number so you can maybe source one elsewhere thru:

HP Partsurfer:

http://www.partsurfer.hp.com/cgi-bin/spi/main


I'd advise you to download the MAINTANCE and SERVICE GUIDE for your unit @ www.HP.com (under documents, after you type in your model number) ... Review it and Partsurfer to confirm the needed antenna wiring is "there" before ordering the part. If the wiring is there and the module is offered on CTO models (dv6000t), it should just plug in like a ram module.

PS: You might want to search under models that have that "option"...

CTO=Custom to Order.

 

Bluetooth has not caught on in PC Land, but a bluetooth mouse and keyboard for a notebook mean no USB dongle or wireless port if BT is built-in. It also works at greater distance. And that bluetooth phone of mine can easily swap digital pics w/o having to be connected.

The technology is still getting adapted, but the uses are saving USB drives, increasing effective workspace and using less attachments...

 

Thanks RDTigger.

r,
eagle07

 

So after all that, I bought the HP 6174 from Costco....


I tried putting the configuration together at hp.com but it's impossible to get a decent price. A Core 2 duo with 120gb HD, maxed out 2 gb memory are 200-300 more semoleans. All that with a 6 month return policy from Costco cannot be beat. I guess I'll make do with no Bluetooth.

BTW- This thing is friggin sweet!!!!

 

Congrats RD,

Is it marked “Windows Vista Capable" anywhere?

Just wondering if this qualifies for the free Vista upgrade from HP.

Thanks,
eagle07

 

RE: I guess I'll make do with no Bluetooth.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=1642673&postcount=18

 

The laptop IS Windows Vista Capable.

Another good thing is that Costco will refund you the difference if the laptop goes on sale within 30 days of purchase. So, I'll pick one up later today or tomorrow. You never know when they will run out and not stock them again.

r,
eagle07

 

Who here has experience changing out wiress networking cards? It's pretty expensive for the parts, but the actual install is what I'm worried most about. I don't want to damage the unit.

 

is this available online..i dunt have a costco card

 

Hi dooler,

No, it's only available at local warehouses.

For the money you'll save with it and other future purchases, it's well worth the cost of membership.

r,
eagle07

 

If the antenna is there it's just about like installing ram... except there is one or two addtional screws that retain the module.

To install ram, you remove access panel, then plug ram into slot... then you replace the access panel. Same concept. The wireless module is just that, a module... the only real differance is the module may have a retaining screw that you unscrew, before removing it compared to ram which just plugs directly in, being held in by clips.

It's about a 2 minute job...

BTW: What is the part number, and what was the price your talking about for the DV6471t module?

.

 

On the hp site it priced b/n $80-100. It is incuded with the wireless networking card so it's a package deal. I didn't write down the part number.

 

HP Pavilion dv6000t CTO Notebook PC (EZ829AV)
http://www.partsurfer.hp.com/cgi-bi...r_id=&callingsite=&strsrch=&keysel=?&catsel=?

407159-001 $86.00
Mini PCI 802.11b/g HS embedded wireless LAN (WLAN) card with Bluetooth (Broadcom, Most-of-world)


407674-001 $95.00
Mini PCI 802.11a/b/g GL embedded wireless LAN (WLAN) card with Bluetooth (Broadcom, Most-of-world 1)


407674-002 $102.00
Mini PCI 802.11a/b/g GL embedded wireless LAN (WLAN) card with Bluetooth (Broadcom, Most-of-world 2)

407674-004 $110.00
Mini PCI 802.11a/b/g GL embedded wireless LAN (WLAN) card with Bluetooth (Broadcom)

412766-001 $65.00
Bluetooth module - Includes cable

 

Yes there was a problem. It would randomly give me the bluescreen, even when just typing on word. It started at around the 5 month mark. And lo and behold I remebered I could take it back. So I hurried and took it back, and I got this computer. Problem Free so far.

 

Congrats, good computer. Have fun.

 

Picked one up for my wife yesterday.

Good thing I did. Stock person says this model is very very popular.

r,
eagle07