Designing a HP DV6T laptop...

So, this is what I created:

• Espresso Black
• Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
• Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T6500 (2.1GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
• FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• FREE Upgrade to 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• 16.0" diagonal High Definition HP Brightview Display (1366x768)
• LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
• Webcam Only
• Wireless-G Card
• No TV Tuner w/remote control
• HP Color Matching Keyboard
• 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• Integrated 56K Modem
• Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
• HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

The total comes to $577 shipped, thanks to the student discount (and the stickied thread telling me about it)... I have a couple of questions about designing my own laptop though...

First, will this be eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 7?

Second, when it asked about the warranty I selected "none"... I assume "none" means the standard 1-year limited warranty? What warranty would you reccomend I get? I do take good care of my electronics...

Third, I opted to stick with the Wireless G Card... Do you think I should get the card which has the draft version of N on it, or just wait to buy a USB Wireless Network Card that has N capabilities once it has actually been put into use?

Fourth, I chose not to purchase a recovery disk... I will still be able to make my own though when I load the computer for the first time, right?

 

1) Yes it should be eligible for Windows 7

2) That means the standard 1-year warranty, which I think is sufficient.

3) I'd stick with the wireless-G card. The N-card they use is the Intel 5100 which, from what I've read, can be problematic

4) You should be able to make the recovery disk, however I've never had good luck with the program--it always seems to mess up on me

 

5100 sucks. Can't get a stable connection of wireless N.

 

If you’re shopping, and comparing a DV4t to DV6t, you should be aware that while the DV4t screen is 16:10 (1280 x 800 = HD size) the DV6t is 16:9 (1366 x768 =WS size). This may not matter to you, but I personally prefer the 16:10. It offers more screen space for everyday computing. But…. if you plan to watch a lot of movies you might prefer the wide-screen model.

Also, as I stated on your prior DV4t post, my advice would be if at all possible look for a unit with a "P" series processor. The “P” series offers a 1066MHz FSB, a 3MB L2 cache, uses 10 watts less power (25w TDP), and therefore offers a cooler running machine with significantly better battery life. The “T” series uses a 800MHz FSB, 2MB L2 cache, and a 35W TDP.

Just things to consider…..

 

I will be fine with the 1366x768, because right now I am using 1024x768 on my desktop... And thanks for the info with I "P" processor, but I really do not think that I will be able to squeeze it in as I can not go over $600...

 

Any idea why I can not use either of the $30 off coupon codes - SV2132 or savings30? Is it because I have applied the student discount? Or is this considered a HP Pavillion Special Edition laptop?

 

That's correct, you can't use any of the coupons with the student (APP) discounts. That's why it is often better to use 25%, 30% or 40% coupons instead of APP pricing. Also, generally Special Edition notebooks are those that are labeled Special or Artist Editions. Read the coupon limitations carefully, some have unit restrictions like "Special Edition".

Also, just as a thought, many states have Back-to-School Tax Free days. Some are here in some states and coming soon in others. I also think they may apply to HP custom orders if placed during the Tax Free period. That might be just enough to get you your "P" series processor if you wish or to hip pocket the extra cash. Either way it's worth a look and applies to local retail also. Check your local state here: http://www.taxadmin.org/fta/rate/sales_holiday.html

Then call HP customer service and check to see how they handle local state tax free days for CTO purchases.

 

I live in NH, so every day is a tax-free day when it comes to merchandise

 

One last question before I "bite the bullet"... How good is the build quality of the custom laptops? It seems I have seen stories around here of keyboards not being seated properly, touchpads not working, etc...

 

I don’t have any personal experience with the DV6t. There are reviews here at NBR, it’s included in the new Back to School article on the front page, and there’s a DV6t owners thread here. http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=336832

Best bet is to go play with one at a store and give a good read to the info posted above.

NH = No sales tax…. Very nice.
Best of luck

 

I did go play with one at Best Buy today, and I did like it, a lot... The feel of the keyboard is amazing and makes the Toshiba I was looking at feel like cheap crap (a L505 series laptop)...

 

Nevermind

 

Well, I will officially be a member of the DV6T club in a couple of weeks

 

I bought a dv6t and my webcam is really blurry.
Is there something i can do to make it clearer?

 

Ooo! It just arrived!

I gave it a look over and everything appears to be good... The keyboard looks like it was seated properly... I can not wait to turn it on after I eat lunch!

 

If you order on a tax holiday the website charges no tax. I just did this Saturday in Tennessee.

 

Congratulations! Hope you enjoy it!