*HP HDX18 Owners Lounge*

I doubt you will be able to win the case. It does look like a bait and switch, but although on other sites the price difference is 600$, for HP, it was a 75$ difference, and they are offering that compensation. You can try though.

 

If not bait and switch, at least "diversionary" marketing tactics...let's generate alot of excitement by pretending to offer the QX9300 to temporarily divert attention away from the competition and then softly peddle the t9600 as a fall back when we've got 'em hooked....hmmm...OK, yes, bait and switch.

To add insult to injury, it's crystal clear now how they could offer a $1K processor upgrade for $225. Gotcha.

 

Lmao ok, well, if you can bring up a good case, go for it and tell us how it goes

 

Just read the letter you guys got about the Quad Core...

Where exactly is dkwhite getting his no "Quad Core" until next year information...?

 

After being lied to by two different sales people saying that my laptop was shipped, I got the same email. I called and complained and the best they could do is offer me a $125 discount. Told them to shove it up their *** and canceled my order. I now regret losing my cool but I was so livid at the whole situation.

Oh well, just saved myself from spending 2k on something I really don't even need.

GL to the rest of you.

 

It's just a guess. if they're having production issues then it'll probably be a couple months before the issue is worked out.

 

When someone gets their order, can you please tell me if the laptop is usable outside in sunlight...


PLEASE!!

 

Based on the fact that CCFL backlit displays are not viewable outdoors, but LED backlit are, and that the HDX18/HDX16 are CCFL, I would venture a guess that they will not view usable outdoors.

My HDX16t really isn't bright enough for me indoors! I've started to become accustomed to the LED backlit screens like in my Dell Studio 15.

 

I didnt have the qx 9300 available, not a heavy gamer mostly hd to my 60" Sony 1080p, music and video editing, burning, recording tv etc... what do you think about this price?

Your customized PC includes:

- HP Pavilion HDX18t Entertainment Noteboo
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T9400 (2.53 GHz)
- 18.4" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
- FREE Upgrade to 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
- 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
- 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
- HP Imprint Finish (Fluid) + Microphone + Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
- HP Color Matching Keyboard
- Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
- Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
- HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
- 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
- HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
HP Officejet J4680 All-in-One Printer
$1621.71 w/ epp and some code as well got about 350 off total

 

I'll be hooking this puppy up to my 60" Sony xbr2 1080P w/ serious surround sound of course, burning everything possible, video and music editing, and other general stuff of course. Just wondering what you think about the deal i got.
- HP Pavilion HDX18t Entertainment Notebook
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T9400 (2.53 GHz)
- 18.4" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
- FREE Upgrade to 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
- 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
- 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
- HP Imprint Finish (Fluid) + Microphone + Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
- HP Color Matching Keyboard
- Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
- Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
- HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
- 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
- HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
- HP Officejet J4680 All-in-One Printer

$1621.71 w/ epp and coupon code

 

I'll be hooking this puppy up to my 60" Sony xbr2 1080P w/ serious surround sound of course, burning everything possible, video and music editing, and other general stuff of course. Just wondering what you think about the deal i got.
- HP Pavilion HDX18t Entertainment Notebook
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T9400 (2.53 GHz)
- 18.4" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
- FREE Upgrade to 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
- 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
- 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
- HP Imprint Finish (Fluid) + Microphone + Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
- HP Color Matching Keyboard
- Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
- Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
- HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
- 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
- HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
- HP Officejet J4680 All-in-One Printer

$1621.71 w/ epp and coupon code

 

I'll be hooking this puppy up to my 60" Sony xbr2 1080P w/ serious surround sound of course, burning everything possible, video and music editing, and other general stuff of course. Just wondering what you think about the deal i got.
- HP Pavilion HDX18t Entertainment Notebook
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T9400 (2.53 GHz)
- 18.4" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
- FREE Upgrade to 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
- 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
- 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
- HP Imprint Finish (Fluid) + Microphone + Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
- HP Color Matching Keyboard
- Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
- Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
- HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
- 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
- HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
- HP Officejet J4680 All-in-One Printer

$1621.71 w/ epp and coupon code

 

Ferris. I am assuming it was an accident that you posted it 3 times?
Nice set up for what you will be doing with it. I was never actively seeking the quad core but it was there with that sweet price, so now it feels like they robbed me.


So has anyone called and had success getting any $$$ taken off the order?
I am getting ready to call, and my main point is going to be that when I contacted HP 2 days ago to add the 2nd HD, I was told once the computer is in production no changes can be made..
HOWEVER, when they are at fault or in need of making changes, this does not apply and changes can be made.
not very nice customer service.
not to mention the sales department either flat out lied or withheld info yesterday morning when i contacted them asking about any delays with the processors.
I am going to be asking for the $500 coupon.

 

yea my first time on here, I dont know how i could of saved more, maybe that cashback acct but i dont know, what do you guys think?

 

a good question for anyone who wants to ask it (from a sales manager) is;

if your out of stock of the qx9300, then why was one of my co-workers only moments ago able to place an order for the 'HP Elitebook 8730w Mobile Workstation - Extreme' and was told that it would ship in 1-2 weeks ? (true actually)

*sighs* I dislike liars, but I -loathe- cheats. I -truly- do.

 

I called and the guy I spoke with said at first that it will return as an option but they're not sure.

Then I said surely you must have an estimate based on when this happened in the past.

Then he said give it about 3 weeks to a month.

So I dunno. I'm not naive enough to completely believe him but I am hoping.

Anyways back to square 1.

 

I'm a first time poster, and lurker since the HDX18t got announced.

What's really annoying is that my credit card was charged and is due next week. In some states charging that early and not delivering what was promised is illegal.

If it's a supply thing, I'm flexible and can wait, but if it's because they realize they were offering the Quad at ridiculously cheap upgrade prices, they need to honor what was promised.

I'm going to watch what happens, but someone who is less patient may want to get the consumerist.com or any other HW blogs involved. Bad PR will probably get you better answers than vague mails and unhelpful support personnel. IMHO.

 

by the sounds of it we'll need to rig some type of shading device for the top of our hdx when in bright conditions!

 

ok, if i need to choose a different processor (assuming i will not be getting a discount due to their mess up)..
is there a MAJOR difference between the 9400 and the 9600?
the price difference is 250.
thanks,

 

Question - should I get the hdx16t or the hdx18t? I'll be using this for webpage design and photo editing.... maybe some light gaming on the side. Here are the two configurations that I've been looking at. I am only listing the differences between the two. My initial budget was $1400... should I break it get more or is it overkill for what I need.

Hdx16t for $1374
- Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T9400 (2.53 GHz)
- 16.4" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1366×768)
- 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery


or do I go with the
hdx18t for $1549
- Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T9400 (2.4 GHz)
- 18.4" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
- 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

 

Also - are there any special coupons out there? If so, can I get the code?

 

I am getting confused.
I just called HP and the sales lady told me that there was nothing wrong with my order and to just regard the e-mail. When I pushed the issue telling her that I know of several people that also received that same e-mail that stated that the quad core processor was not available she put me on hold. When she finally got back with me, she said that she did not know of any problems but would need to get with production and for me to call back in 24 hours. If I have to get a slower processor, I am going to cancel my order and reorder because I did not use any coupons last time I ordered. I found one for 15% off which would save me around 300 dollars. The only down side would be that I had ordered 4g ram and the only one the have available now is 3.

 

am on the phone now with customer service and am basically being told to cancel and re-order.

 

Well, I got a reply to my reply to the initial email (confusing, I know, sorry which basically says;

I don't have the technical knowledge but I can tell you that there are quality issues with this processor which is why we are not building them with it at this time. Please let us know your decision.

so, it's gone from being a matter of stock to now a 'technical problem with the processor'.. now.. unfortunately for -them- .. I have a degree in microprocessor construction and design. I can't -wait- to hear the 'technical problem'

This should be an amusing correspondance. It's almost worth getting engadget/electronista and co involved.

 

transferred to "higher level" and being told the same thing "so sorry and nothing we can do but cancel your order or you can take 75 off"
BOOOOO!

 

Me (via email):

Hello,

What *exactly* is the issue? Is it an availability issue or something else?

Them:

Quality issues with this processor and this base.

 

I'm a first time poster, long time lurker since the HDX18t was announced.

What's really annoying is that they charged my credit card and the bill is due next week. In some states, doing that and not delivering what was promised is illegal.

If it's a supply problem, I can wait, but if it's because they realized they screwed up by offering the Quad at such a cheap price, they need to honor what was promised.

I can wait, but for those that are less patient, it might be better to get the folks at consumerist.com or other HW blogs involved. Bad PR will get you real answers faster than responding to vague mails or talking to support from HP. IMHO.

 

Yup, I got the same as (I believe it was) pdxalpha moments ago;

There are quality issues with this processor and the notebook base you ordered.

I am trying to get a -precise- reason out of them, rather than some vague hand waving. This to one side, if the quad core doesn't work well with the motherboard, do you want to think it's either intels chip or hp's motherboard. Given that OCZ systems and Dell, etc can all use the qx9300 fine, Heck, even HP's own elitebook is 'fine' with it, I am getting kinda concerned for ANY buyers of this notebook. It has a 'sub-par' motherboard (apparently)

 

I called again and they told me it was a manufacture defect from intell. I asked if I could use a coupon code now. He told me that he could not because it was in production. I told him well you are changing the order when you downgraded the processor. He then asked me for the code and put me on hold. I forgot that I had one in a cart because I wanted to check if the coupon would work. He came back and asked me if I had one in a cart and I said yes. He said that I could cancel this order and get the one in the cart with the coupon. I said why can't I just use the coupon on this order. He put me on hold and them came back and said that there was no space to put the coupon. I told him to just cancel my order.

 

Well, got no where. Placed a new order with the following specs and coupon:
HP HDX18t Premium Series customizable Notebook PC

* Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
* Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T9400 (2.53 GHz)
* 18.4" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
* FREE Upgrade to 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
* 640GB 5400RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (320GB x 2) with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
* HP Imprint Finish (Fluid) + Microphone + Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
* HP Color Matching Keyboard
* Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
* Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
* HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner

Instant discounts you received:
$200.00 Notebook instant rebate
$307.35 Coupon SV3204

Total with tax = $1,884.62

I decided on the t9400 as I could not justify the +250.00 for the t9600.
I emailed them once again displaying my disgust as a customer since I am purchasing two notebooks (HDX18 and HDX16), and told them I was stunned at not even being offered a discount or a gift card.
i am not holding my breath, and if I receive the computers and have even the slightest of issues, they are both going back and HP can say bye bye to me.
I get soooooo much more help/assistance in this unbiased forum than at any time with HP customer service.

 

i got the follow up e-mial

We cannot build this notebook with this processor due to quality issues that have arisen. Please let us know if you would like to cancel and reorder another notebook base that has that processor available (without quality issues) and we can offer you a 10% credit, or accept the downgrade on this current order.

Warm Regards,
Ryan Presley
CTO Customer Advocate
Store Operations
HP Home & Home Office Store


I told him to cancel my order and send me the 10% off coupon.
this is the e-mail I got backe

I have put notes on your order # H104652194 stating that you will be cancelling this order and reordering with a 10% credit to be issued, post-shipment. Please send me your new order # and I can issue the credit or the call center can as well. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Warm Regards,
Ryan Presley
CTO Customer Advocate
Store Operations
HP Home & Home Office Store

 

I emailed him and hope he offers me the same since I already placed the new order.
So you were you also able to use any coupon on your order and STILL get the extra 10% off?

 

I am assuming that I get the 10% off of what ever I order no matter what coupons I use since it is put on after the order

 

ready for answer number 4 ?

So far I have had said to me about the missing quad core;
1) we are out of stock
2) there is a problem inside the chip
3) there is a problem between the chip and the hdx18t motherboard

and now.. drum roll please;
4) that chip was never meant to be put on the webpage for that specific laptop

kinda curious when it was touted as having a quad core from the press releases. Hrm. bait AND switch.

even -funnier- is now they [HP] are telling me that it will take 3-5 business days for a Credit Card void charge to go through. anyone who has worked in banking knows -that- is *ahem* not true. If they can take the money out of your account within 2 hours, then they can put it back within 2 hours.

This is the last time I will -EVER- buy HP, and I have been a staunch HP fan since the early days.

 

Well, just received the following email:
We will offer you a 10% credit should you decide to cancel and reorder, this is our policy. We do apologize for this and see it as a major inconvenience. We are trying to be pro-active by reaching out to you as our customer and offering you an alternative, besides mere cancellation, due to this known quality issue that has surfaced. We cannot legally sell you something we know will not work. We are sincerely sorry for the issue. Please let us know your decision right away.

Warm Regards,
Ryan Presley
CTO Customer Advocate
Store Operations
HP Home & Home Office Store

 

I reckon it's time to let other people know about the deceptive press releases (at best) and bait and switch (at worst).

Here are your recent submissions to Slashdot, and their status within the system:
* 2008-10-17 18:40:28 The new Quad Core HP Laptop ? Yeah, not so much (Hardware,HP) (pending)
Summary:
* pending (1)

I think someone should try posting to dailyhardware and/or engadget (I am not registered for either of those

 

Well I got mine in about an hour ago. It was ordered initially with the quad core and as I was told by my case manager that it would come with the Dual core. With the downgrade to the processor so came the downgrade to 3GB of ram. They are sending me the Kit to add the secondary HD and sending me a 2GB Stick of ram to replace the 1GB stick to make 4GB as ordered.

Sorry to be the one to break the news to you guys. Good luck.

 

HP is really looking sketchier and sketchier by the moment.

Why can't these idiots give us a STRAIGHT freaking answer?

And now with all the stuff you guys have posted I'm not even sure I would buy this notebook even IF they put back the 4G option and the Quad Core Processor. I mean "sub par" motherboard? ***?

All the customer wants is a laptop of great quality both inside and out. Don't build a crappy laptop and then expect it to work. That's just retarded....

HP should be ashamed of themselves.

The sad thing is that there are really no other great alternatives to this notebook in my opinion from another manufacture.

 

Can you link to the story? I have mod points, I believe that means I can help it get published, correct?

 

Hey, sadly not, it's still pending submission. I don't think that you can moderate something into being published (sadly). That said, if you want to spread the news, posting to engadget or electronista or dailytech maybe a good move ?

Merely a thought.

 

I received my e-mail as well.

Are any other notebook manufactures that use the QX9300 having these issues? I know Dell sells a notebook that uses this processor but their version uses DDR3 RAM.

To be frank I think HP screwed up and they know they screwed up. HP offered this processor for way below what we have observed other OEMs to sell this for. HP marketed it, hyped it, and offered it on their portal this processor for a long time. It wasn't like a couple hours or something along those lines.

I'm leaning towards not contacting them right off the bat. See how the others sort through this. Funny part is I used HP financing so I have 90 days to actually wait this out before any payments are due.

Time to go shopping for another notebook it seems. FRAK might by a MacBook Pro.

Time to write to PC magazine and tell them that their PC Magazine Editors choice for this month needs to be reevaluated. I encourage everyone to do so.

I'm livid but I think I'm more heart broken than anything.

 

Ok, after about 2 hours on the phone with HP, I've made progress in dealing with the other items I'd kept (QuickDock and 1-year ADP, both past 21 days) in anticipation of receiving this no-longer-available configuration.

The first rep I spoke to accidentally disconnected me. The second, I couldn't hear. The third talked to me for a while and kept offering increasing amounts of credit to my HDX order for *other* purchases, and I kept telling him that it wouldn't make a difference if I ended up canceling the order.

Finally, he transferred me to a supervisor in the "resolutions department" who agreed to RMA my ADP warranty (well past 21 days), and she tried to end the call without saying anything about the QuickDock I mentioned numerous times.

I politely asked, "what about the QuickDock?" and explained what the other reps had offered, which amounts to various forms of a refund. I told her I didn't care if I had to send it back even though the other rep offered to credit the $100 (to my HDX order) and let me keep it.

Get this... she said.. "I'll do that, but that's mean... my job... I'm not supposed to do that...". At this point I am feeling bad, so I tell her that the other reps offered it and if she doesn't feel comfortable with it then she doesn't have to. She did it anyway, telling me the whole time that they're not supposed to do stuff like that. At the end of the conversation, I told her that I am willing to express my appreciation to anyone else who'd listen so she doesn't get in trouble. I ended up just doing the survey and I left a nice voice message saying how well she helped me.

All of that, and no change on my HDX order. At least I am not stuck to it now with $200 worth of items I can't use. I'm half-tempted to let it sit, but as someone else has pointed out we have all paid for this non-existent item already.

As I was typing this I got a one-time coupon in my inbox from HP, presumably related to the HDX order. It doesn't even say what it's good for, but that's a step in the right direction. Unfortunately I'm still not sure if I'm willing to buy HP at this point.

Edit: The coupon is for $50. Lame.

 

Here's an interesting tidbit:

HDX18: Quad-Core, 2GB RAM, BrightView Infinity, 9600M GT, Blu-ray

Base Price: $1,856.49 (APP)
After Instant Rebate: $1,656.49
After Coupon & Instant Rebate: $1,573.67

DV7T: T9600, 2GB RAM, 1680x1050 non-Infinity, 9600M GT, Blu-ray

Base Price: $1,916.65 (APP)
After Instant Rebate: $1,766.65

HDX18: T9600, 2GB RAM, 1920x1080, 9600MGT, Blu-ray (only option)

Base Price: $1,999.99 (APP)
After Instant Rebate: $1,679.99

This looks weird to me. And the HDX even has a free upgrade to 3GB RAM. I'm not sure what to do still.

I can't find any comparably-priced quad-core systems either. I'd even go for a good 17" T9600 system if the price was right, or the dv7 if they had Ultra Brightview. This shouldn't be so difficult! I started my quest for a new laptop THREE MONTHS AGO! *grr*

 

Hi guys i have the same problem with the HDX18t, I called at least 8 times today and the last person told me it was an availability problem and the estimated ship date was 24NOVEMBER!!!! and all they could offer me was $275 rebate...

 

Would it be in the form of a coupon or a discount on your current order?

 

the 275 rebate would be better than the 10% i got off my order.
but now they are saying 24th of november???
wonder what the cost will be for it at that time... my guess is a LOT more than we got the first time around which was the real "problem" for HP.

 

If that's the case then I'll be disappointed but I might still buy it.

 

Well I just read about all 55 pages of this thread, I just recently ordered my HDX18 last Sunday, Built date is Oct 23rd.

I really wish I could have could this with a Quad core, however the 2.53 Dual core will suffice.

Most of you guys are bit*hing about the quad core, I understand you might have ordered it, however just cancel and re-order it. Its NOT a big deal. I dont see why people are bit*hing so much.

As for the 3 gig's of ram, Please I already ordered 4 gig of G.Skill ram for it before the laptop even shipped out. OEM HP memory is garbage. Get rid of it.

Eh, First time post, throwing out my .2 cents

 

I've already pointed out that G.SKILL's 4GB RAM is better and cheaper, and I think many people here already know/knew about it.

And just because YOU don't understand why we're annoyed doesn't mean we're "b*tching". Many of us ordered these systems almost 3 WEEKS ago, largely because of the killer price. And now HP is trying to convince us to spend the same, or for some of us MORE, for less of a system.

As far as I can tell, we're all doing two things: (1) Trying to figure out what the hell happened, and (2) figuring out if it's ever going to be possible to get the same configuration for the same price when it's available, or a *reasonable* compensation. (BTW $225 is sounding better, maybe more of us will get that).

You didn't order a quad-core, so it's not your problem. I doubt anyone cares how you feel about the situation, and you could've easily kept your negative and information-less opinion to yourself.

I hereby vote to refund your $0.02.

 

Well, let me enlighten you so you can see. Although I can't speak for everyone, here's where I come from--I ordered two HDX18t's the day they were announced (OCT 1). QX9300's for only $225 over base price! Given that any other vendor selling a QX9300 mobile PC was charging more like $900 more, it seemed like a great deal! I paid full price because there were no more HDX-capable coupons and there was no rebates. Fine. About a week later, I learn about live.com and the 20% cash back deal. That saves me $365 per HDX18t. Definitely worth doing, so I cancelled my previous orders and reorded, which put me at the end of the line again. For the savings, I'll wait. Now, the day my units are SUPPOSED to ship, HP decides that, according to them, the QX9300 doesn't work.

To compound matters, they've adjusted their pricing now so that the same configuration two weeks ago costs more today. They've upped the price of the CPU's so that even with coupons, you're no better off.

To add insult to injury, they're so sorry for the inconvenience that they're willing to refund us $75 if we step DOWN to a lesser chip (a chip, mind you, that on the open market is about $450 less than the QX9300). Wow, thanks HP! If we don't like that gift, we can cancel and reorder with a 10% discount (which makes it about the same price it was 2 weeks ago when we ordered in the first place!)

I think many are disappointed that we are not getting that nifty QUAD CORE mobile PC we've been dreaming about, plus we are disappointed that it took HP so long to come forward with this. We're all at the date where our new PC's are supposed to be shipped, and instead we're being told "too bad".

I'm not willing to spend close to $2000 on something that, as you put it so eloquently, "will suffice".