DV6700t custom configuration...

Hi everyone,
I have been using a compaq V2000 for awhile and have decided that it is time for a new laptop. I have decided on getting either the dv6700 or dv9700, but I am leaning towards the 6700 because it seems like it would be a bit easier to travel with, which I do quite a bit of. I have come up with a custom configuration, could you look this over and tell me what you think? I do plan on using it for some graphics intensive tasks; I do alot of photo/video editing and it will need to be fast enough to do some HD video editing too. I will also probably want it to be usable as a decent gaming laptop as well, but nothing too serious. Here is the configuration that I have come up with:
HP Pavilion dv6700t customizable Notebook PC
– Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
– Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T8100 (2.10 GHz, 3 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
– 15.4" WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
– 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
– 50% OFF 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS - For Core 2 Duo Processors
– HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Webcam + Microphone
– Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and Bluetooth(TM)
– 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
– LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
– HP ExpressCard Digital/Analog TV Tuner
– High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery


The GeForce 8400M GS is 256 mb of DEDICATED video memory, correct? Is this a good enough card for my needs or would you reccomend going to the dv9700t where I can get the card with 512mb dedicated memory?
Anything you guys would change before placing the order?
Thanks
Dan

 

Up the processor to the T8300, lower the RAM to 1 GB and buy/install yourself. RAM Deals.

That should save you about $150.

 

How much/what kind of gaming are you doing? If you play fps at all go straight to the dv9700t (if it has to be an hp). If you play mmorpgs then the 8400m GS should be enough. Also, i would upgrade to the T9300 as it is only another $50, but i also agree with Lithus about the ram.

 

I actually do hardly any at all, mostly because my current computer can't run anything but I would like my new laptop to be able to run the occasional game for when I am bored, and when I do do any gaming it would be fps. So like I said, nothing serious as far as gaming goes; I am more concerned with the video editing. If I do decide to go with the dv9700, is getting the "ultra" brightview, as opposed to the regular brightview, really worth it? Will it be better in, say, bright viewing conditions?

 

If you are using the coupon, don't you need to add a T9300 anyway to get the price high enough?

 

If you are referring to the $500 off coupon, no. I configured both a dv9700 and a dv6700 above $1399 (both without the T9300), went through the order process until I got to the coupon part, entered the code and $500 was instantly taken off the price. However, this gets rid of any instant rebates so its more like $350-$400 off what you would normally pay. I am actually hoping to make a decision and get an order processed tonight since I am a little worried about how much longer this deal will last.

 

Well I placed my order today because I was worried about missing out on the $500 off coupon...I decided on the 9700 with the 512mb dedicated graphics card just because I want be sure I get something that is going to last and I also decided on Ultra brightview after reading a bit about the differences. Here is the configuration I ultimately ordered:
HP Pavilion dv9700t customizable Notebook PC
KL086AV
– Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
– Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.40 GHz, 3 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
– 17.0" WXGA+ High-Definition Ultra HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900)
– 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
– 50% OFF 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS!!
– FREE Upgrade to HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Webcam + Microphone
– Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and Bluetooth(TM)
– 240GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (120GB x 2)
– LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
– HP ExpressCard Digital/Analog TV Tuner
– High Capacity 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
– Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
– HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

With the coupon and all taxes the order came out to $1200, I feel that I got a quite good deal. Thanks for your input everyone!