HP 8510w

Last weekend my MacBook Pro was stolen and I needed a new laptop. So I was browsing eBay and came across the 8510w. Apparently it is a business class machine and suitable for many tasks. Now, in my time, I've had three Compaqs (715US, 900 series, and R3000z). I haven't had one in three years or so. When I did have them, their quality always seemed lacking and I wasn't impressed with them - particularly the R3000z; it was bulky (at just around 10 lbs.) and had a very plastic feel to it.

How much does the quality between the "business class" HP machines differ from their consumer equivalents?

Also, did I get a good deal? I paid about $775 shipped and here are the main specs:

- Core 2 Duo T7500 (2.2 GHz)
- 4 GB RAM
- 15.4" WUXGA + NVidia Quadro FX 570M
- Bluetooth & WiFi (with draft-n)
- 160 GB HD (which will be upgraded to a 500 GB)
- Blu-Ray Disc DVD+/-RW SuperMulti DL

Also, I did some reading and saw that the WUXGA screens have some problems... I couldn't really find any specifics on the issue. Is there anyone that could give me some more information?

Thanks!

 

That's an amazing deal. HP's business line ranks in the top 3. Some consider it better than Lenovo's, but I would place it slightly below it. There are more things I like about Lenovo's Thinkpad line then HP's business line. Strangely, I enjoy typing on my 8510p more than the Thinkpad R500. Against the MBP, I prefer the 8510 series. I didn't like the heat of the MBP nor the feel of the keyboard. Again, great deal. In fact, it's so good that I would be worried about getting scammed. Then again, I haven't looked into the typical resale value the of the 8510 series.

I don't remember too many complaints about the WUXGA screen. You could always ask the seller to send you pictures.

HP's business line is head and shoulders better than their consumer line. Furthermore, I believe the warranty travels with the laptop.

 

+1 for jin´s opinion.

i have the 8510p for a year now, and i am enjoying it everyday. i am working a lot with it, and i confront the notebook with quite some demanding tasks.

had an lenovo before, and i´d dare to say that the build quality is the same + 8510 series is one of the lightest notebooks with this kind of performance.

... and for that price i´d pull the trigger !!

 

Well I received the laptop last week and it is as described. It is perfect. Now just a couple of questions.

1. I installed the new 500 GB hard drive, partitioned, formatted, and installed XP 64, but I can't find the right software to get the fingerprint reader to work. It didn't come with the original CDs so it seems as though I'm out of luck on that?

2. The upper-right hand corner of the keyboard is starting to come up and I was wondering exactly who do I contact for the on sight service?