HP DV9000t vs DV9231CA

Hi, I was looked at both of these models for university next year - they are bulky, but screen size is very important to me.

My question is: Are these similar / the same model? Since I am in located in Canada, the canadian model will be much easier to purchase but more expensive and non configurable. When I configure the 9000t on HP's website it comes to $1,697 without the HD drive (no tax) whereas the DV9231CA is C$2,000 not including taxes.

The DV9231CA is listed as 3.0kg ( 6.6 lbs) whereas the DV9000t is listed as 7.8lbs. Is it likely that the two models are so different in terms of weight? I have a feeling that 3.0kg does not include the battery - is this possible? If the DV9231CA really is 1lb lighter than the 9000t, that would be a deciding factor me in purchasing the Canadian model. Has anyone purchased the DV9231CA model who can comment on its weight?

The link for the DV9231CA is http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10084390&catid=20354

Thanks so much!

 

They are the same. HP laptops which are sold in retail stores and are sold pre-configured get a specific model number. The first 2 letters & the first number indicates the family the laptop belongs to. So any laptop which has a model number begining with dv9xxxca/us/eu etc is the same as the dv9000t or dv9000z depending if it is Intel or AMD based. The weight is often misrepresented on many websites. Dont trust them too much.

In any case according to the HP spec sheet for the dv9231ca weighs the same(7.8lbs) as the dv9000t...
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...3385&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

 

Yep, same model. Just preconfigured to the model (dv), screen size family, (the number "9" in the 9xxx model means its a 17". If it had a "6" it'd be 15.4".), the specs (the rest of the numbers that comes after the "9" depends on the configuration), and your country of origin (CA). When you customize one on the website, It's simply the dv9000t (for Intel prcessors) or dv9000z (For AMD processors). I have read that It's cheaper to customize one, since your buying directly from HP and not from a retailer (whom resales the preconfigured model to you). The advantage of buying on from the retailer is that you get your unit sooner (right then and there) wheras with the Customizable ones, you have to wait until they are built and shipped to you (Ususally 2 - 4 weeks, depending on hardware availability, but generally, 2 weeks or less.) Also, going to the retailer, you can play with the display units and you can easily return it for another one if you find a manufactoring flaw with the unit, or get a refund if you don't like it. This is all possible with buying directly from HP but it takes more time.

When I customized a dv9000t on HP's website according to the specs in the link you provided, I got $1858.98 (Did you account for the Roxio software, the recovery DVD, and the TV Tuner that comes in the box?)

So, if time is a luxury you DON'T have, you're happy with the specs, and are willing to pay the extra $140+ for the convenience, then get the preconfigured model. If not, I would go for the customizable model. Plus, you get a free upgrade to lightscribe for less money! Then, you can take away the stuff you don't need.

Hope that helps.

 

Thanks very much for the replies - very helpful.

When I reprice it on the HP website it comes to $1858.98 - you were right, I had forgotton the software, DVD, and some other things.

The only spec I don't like not having is bluetooth, but I think that can be added manually. Is this correct?

I have all the time in the world - I don't actually need the computer for another 4 months, but it would be nice to have it now. I am a little concerned about buying from HP, because I don't think they accept Canadian credit cards, and I don't think they ship to Canada. If HP (or Costco) offered in-store pickup, that would be perfect since I go down to Buffalo / New York quite often and stay long enough so that my duty free allowance is above $2000.

Lightscribe is quite important to me - as I make a lot of CDs - but I believe that both models come with it (optional on the 9000t,) is that correct?

Thanks again,

 

ummm...you might consider Costco Canada for your HP. If they also carry HP as Costco US does then you should also get the 6-month full refund return policy...

Something to consider with the dv9000 series if the keyboard layout. It's not, um, normal. The right shift key is tiny and when I was trying one of these systems out I could not really touch type as I kept missing the right shift. Just something to consider when thinking about a system.

I ended up with an HP but the NX9420 series that interestingly enough I bought from a place in Canookia...go figure...

OOPS...just read your last post. You might indeed be able to get a nicely configured system in-store at either Costco US or Canada. As for the LS be aware there is no re-writeable LS media made yet...

 

you can add bluetooth as an expresscard or usb. you should probably ask if they do ship to canada and take canadian cards.

 

ummmm...I would be willing to bet that HP CANADA just might accept Canadian credit cards...

http://welcome.hp.com/country/ca/en/welcome.html

ya think? hehehehe..

 

I tried HP Canada but it didn't list the 9000t model I am looking at, or any customizable ones

 

Unfortunately HP does not offer customization on any of their computers outside the United States.

 

well, darn that bytes!! HP can be very very weird about some things...

I would see if you can do the Costco pickup thing when you are in NY. If you pre-pay I would imagine they could will-call it to any of their stores. One thing to make sure of first is that it if HP will offer warranty service to you in Canada. That is yet another of HP's things I have read about. Mine is supposed to have and International warranty...supposed to...