DV6000T - can I still get it with XP?

I am finally in a position to order my computer and now at the HP site it shows only Vista. Is it possible, someway, somehow, to still get it with XP?

Please....don't try to talk me into Vista. I'm not interested. Thanks!

 

Not that I know of, no.

 

You could try contacting HP by phone. I'm sure they would still have hundreds of copies of XP sitting around. You should still be able to get it.

 

Vista performs no worse than XP, though it's standpoint on security is a little unknown right now.

If you aren't interested in Vista, try getting a OEM copy of XP through www.NewEgg.com.

 

If your heart is set on an HP factory-direct computer with XP, you're probably out of luck. Whether they have some old copies lying around or not, they're obligated to sell Vista exclusively now. Maybe -- just maybe -- if you call them up, you might be able to convince the right person that you're a small business who needs XP Pro to work with some legacy systems. But they're still going to try to sell you Vista, and the home/home office side is going to be all Vista from now on.

But there are still thousands of brand-new computers at retailers all over the internets with XP preinstalled, and you may be able to pick up a real bargain if you can find a preconfigured system that works for you. The aforementioned NewEgg.com still has plenty of preconfigured HPs with all 3 XP versions, and if none of those work for you, a little virtual legwork will surely turn up something that does.

 

i think Vista that comes with HP is bad because its gona have bloat ware and the only way to get rid of that is to install it with the real version of Vista CD. unless HP gives the Vista CD with it. will they do that or just have the D:/ partition with the Recovery and bloat ware with vista.

 

Call them and order it over the phone. I am sure they still have it available

 

Thanks everyone for the input. I'll give them a call and see if there is anything still available over the phone as well as check the other sites to see who still has stock sitting around.

One other thing popped up - something called DV6129us

It LOOKS just like the DV6000T, with XP, what am I missing?

Thanks.
Susan

 

You're not missing anything -- the dv6129us is one of many preconfigured versions of the 6000 series. They're only called "dv6000t" (or dv6000z) when you get them custom-to-order. But anything in the "6xxx" numerical series will be a version of the 6000t, with one important caveat:

The t and z in the custom models distinguishes the Intel Core from the AMD Athlon processor offerings. The preconfigured numbers don't reflect that so clearly, unless you just know what the "6129us" model is (and I don't). So if it matters to you whether you have an Intel or AMD processor, you'll have to pay special attention to the system specs when you're shopping for an HP preconfigured.

But any model in the 6xxx series will give you the same basic experience as a custom-to-order 6000. The only difference is in the internals. And I really do think that a preconfigured is your best bet for getting an XP system -- but if HP sells you one with XP over the phone, please be sure to let us know!

EDIT: I just saw the dv6129us with XP MCE on the HP website -- the only preconfigured laptop they have left with XP installed. It's a decent office rig, but for the price, I feel like you could get better specs from a 3rd party dealer (especially one desperate to offload their XP machines). But it's not a ripoff, and if you're more comfortable ordering from HP direct, then it could be a good way to go.

And I meant to ask: why the Vista hate? I can understand not wanting to upgrade, but if you're buying a brand-new laptop today, why not get Vista preloaded?

 

nice post, good info! i gave you your first rep point even though i already knew everything you just said.

 

Hi - how did you find the preconfigured with XP at NewEgg? I looked around and didn't have much luck.

I did call HP and you are right, it's a no go from them, no matter how hard I begged.

 

I don't have to buy from HP, that was just my starting point based on before. I am so frustrated that I didn't buy a month ago...sigh...but can't change that now. (Got a 30 day notice and had to move...sorta more important at the time.)

The Vista hate is based on a couple of things, and it's not really hate more that I don't do change well at all. Vista is so new that my husband hasn't updated yet and won't until there is better driver support for all his gaming stuff. I let him do the new O/S stuff first so that he can help me deal with any issues.

What I want is a 15.4 Intel with Core 2 Duo and a large HD and max of RAM. It's for writing and some photo stuff but I just need my old stuff to keep on working. I'm on book deadlines and I don't have time to deal with the headaches that come with a new O/S right now.

Anyone with any hints on how to locate a dealer that has an XP pro machine would be great.

The 6129 that HP sells actually has XP Media Center on it. Sigh. I don't know what the difference is between that and XP Pro. The rep on the phone suggested I might have to just buy one and have XP put on for me. That's what my husband is suggesting as well and may end up being the way I go. Thing is, I have no logic to apply to this (go ahead and laugh at me) but the machine will be "different" and missing something maybe I want if we wipe it clean and buy XP Pro and install it...right? Maybe something on there that I want that I don't even know I want?

Argh. Have money. Ready to buy and can't find it. How frustrating. Thanks for all the advice/info.

EDIT: I just saw the dv6129us with XP MCE on the HP website -- the only preconfigured laptop they have left with XP installed. It's a decent office rig, but for the price, I feel like you could get better specs from a 3rd party dealer (especially one desperate to offload their XP machines). But it's not a ripoff, and if you're more comfortable ordering from HP direct, then it could be a good way to go.

And I meant to ask: why the Vista hate? I can understand not wanting to upgrade, but if you're buying a brand-new laptop today, why not get Vista preloaded?[/QUOTE]

 

Susan:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16834147344

XP Pro; Core 2 Duo; 120GB hard drive; 1GB of RAM; 15.4 inch screen.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16834147343

XP Pro; Core 2 Duo; 100GB hard drive; 1GB of RAM; 15.4 inch screen.

While they're not dv6000s, they are very good business notebooks with what you need.

Hope this helps.

 

Ah - thanks Jon! I forgot to specify the DV and not the NX. Bummer. I was hoping you found some secret passageway.

Hmm...but now I'm getting confused about what the difference is between the DV and the NX. Back to reading up some more. Thanks again.

Edited to add - in the fall I ordered but then sent back the NC8430. Any idea how the NX compares to that?

 

Sorry about that.

:\

Hmm...but now I'm getting confused about what the difference is between the DV and the NX. Back to reading up some more. Thanks again.

Simply one is consumer (dv) and one is business (nx).

Business lines are generally studier and have better service.

Edited to add - in the fall I ordered but then sent back the NC8430. Any idea how the NX compares to that?

No, I'm sorry I don't.

I only have experience with the HP consumer lines..

 

The nx/nc models are business class models. They are made with a bit higher standard, better outside casing, and tested for business environments = they cost a bit more than the standard consumer class notebook

 

Thanks, BurningSnow. Like I said, I had the NC for a week and it made me crazy with the extra buttons behind the spacebar. I can't tell if the NX has that or not. If not, it might be just what I want.

 

The nx models come with a standard 1 year warranty and not configurable (such as add office, etc). The nc models comes with 3 year warranty and normally is configurable.

 

Susan, You can do a NewEgg Power Search (love the power search!) and check HP, the three different XP versions, and 15.4" screen. That will return this list of 20-odd offerings, of which only maybe 8 or so are in stock. Your best bet seems to be one of these nx7400 or nx7300 series -- they're cheap, they've got your specs and they've got XP Pro installed, something you're not very likely to find in the media-oriented dv series at this stage.

If you're not familiar with the nx series, I believe there are some reviews of them on CNET. I don't know them very well, either -- just the dvs.

Otherwise, the dv6129us with XP MCE isn't a bad way to go, especially if you have a way to upgrade it to Pro.

But if you ask me -- and I noticed you didn't -- you be be kicking yourself about a year from now for not just buying a Vista Business machine. You'll end up migrating to Vista sooner or later anyway -- as will we all -- and buying it preloaded will be much more stable than upgrading ever will. And the system is guaranteed by the manufacturer to run it without any problems out of the box (meaning that driver issues and such will be HP's problem, and not yours). Think about it -- this search for an XP machine seems to be substituting one headache for another.

 

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Susan...

...

On the whole Vista vs XP thing, consider that XP is largely stable, proven, and has a HUGE installed base of users... with Vista it's going to take time for the bugs to be worked out...

Vista = Expect about 18 to 24 months until it is stable,... also expect if you buy a machine with it, your apps may not run with the hardware people saying it's the software peoples fault, and the software people saying it's something with the hardware.. (On anything you connect to the machine, any software apps NOT installed by the "factory).. Don't expect just because it's had Vista pre-installed for it to be problem free as well)

Then again you may get luckly.. and everything works just fine.

So far a HP "support".... last time I checked by default I think you only have 90 days of support from HP on issues (unless you pay extra - I think other vendors have pretty much the same)... and their support is, lets say "lacking", with in most cases if a problem can't be fixed quick, you being told to run a "restore".

On drivers from HP, if you were to upgrade later to Vista, you should be able to download drivers if needed.

Getting back to the machine itself.... Consider a business machine.

Go to this link, then follow the links that describe the differances in the consumer, and business class models.
http://www.notebookforums.com/thread176205.html

Also consider that the Business Class line is supposed to get business class SERVICE... Expect on consumers models to get consumer level service.

Here's a few key points:

Magnesium alloy frames and display enclosures
HP Spill-resistant keyboard
HP Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
TPM 1.2 Embedded Security Chip

In addtion: HP ProtectTools Security Manager; HP Biometric Fingerprint Sensor; Configuration Control Hardware; Memory Change Alert; Ownership Tag; Setup Password; Power-On Password; HP Drivelock; TPM Enhanced DriveLock; HP Disk Sanitizer; Enabled for PC Smart Card options; Kensington Lock Slot; TPM 1.2 Embedded Security Chip.
....

In addtion to the above, BUSINESS CLASS models offer a REAL DOCKING PORT....Here's one example:
http://www.partsurfer.hp.com/cgi-bin/spi/showphoto?partnumber=PA286A



And one last thing... the business class models have a LONGER product cycle... typically around a year+... use more "proven" components.. (stable, tested)
Consumer models have a very short production cycle, with all the latest gee-wiz stuff on them... untested components..

Oh, one more tip... Whoever you buy from.. (Dell, HP, etc) look into their business lines (for the reasons noted above)
With DELL, you can check their re-furb store and sometimes get a REALLY good deal...

Another idea is to hunt around on www.pricegrabber.com, a couple of sites like that to find some deals.

In the above link is a link to a vendor I bought my unit thru... you may want to check with them, view their website... Gave me good service... unit was factory sealed..


Little edit... if you do buy a consumer machine (insert mfg name here) be well advised to buy thru a vendor that offers a 6 month return window... as you may need it.

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PS: Check out the links to the various GPU's (video cards).. if you're planning on "gaming".... . http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=86901

BTW...I just noticed in the two newegg links that the GPU on both is the Intel GMA950.. which is the slowest GPU around...

For gaming the Intel GMA950 would be a joke.

 

Thanks. I appreciate all the input. It's all good. Gaming at least is not an issue. Biggest game I ever play is Freecell. ;-)

 

WeAreNotAlone - thanks for all the great info. I am totally with you on a business class of machines. Like I said in another post, I had the HPNC for about a week but I sent it back. There were two reasons, one, the keyboard was smaller than the DV and two, the most infuriating, were these buttons right behind the space bar but in front of the touch pad. I can't remember what they were for but I kept hitting them and it was making me crazy. I am looking into the other versions of the business line to see if they might work.

I tend to buy a new laptop about every 2-3 years and in the past have always had Sonys but the noisy fan on this last one has put me off. Plus trying to get a decent screen with the resolution I want. I really appreciate all the info. Thanks again.
Suasn