HP dv4217c1 at costco

Hi,

Costco sells this locally at $1199. Can't find any reviews or any other shop selling this.

Here's the link at HP for the specs but interesting nothing about sales.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericDocument?cc=us&docname=c00491571&lc=en

Google shows a few hits but they are australia, uk, or canadian sites. Does this mean this unit is really meant for international sale? Or perhaps now just being introduced to the US?

Any opinions based on the specs if this is a good one?

Thanks,
eagle07

 

This is just a set configuration of the HP dv4000 notebook. It looks like you're paying too much for what you're getting, but it is a good line. The dv4000 I just reviewed cost me about a hundred bucks more and beats the pants off those specs in every area except the amount of RAM. Most importantly for me, it has the discrete x700 graphics card.

Costco does let you configure your own HP the same way you would on the HP website, and the prices are about the same (I'm told). You might want to go that route.

 

Actually, configuring from Costco costs a bit more than if you do it from HP itself, but you can take advantage of Costco's amazing 6 month return policy, yep, you can even return customized computers there!

 

Thanks guys.

I've gone ahead and picked one up.

As rahulnirmal said, Costco's 6 month return policy and their topnotch customer service are a big big plus for me right behind performance. It's more a comfort factor than anything else. Should anything go wrong or if I decide I want to buy any of the other laptops they sell, I know i can do so without any problems. Plus they are local ... no shipping fees or delays.

Another issue is return penalty fees. Almost all stores these days have a minimum 15% return fee. For a 1k item, that's at least $150! Yikes!

I just started configuring the laptop. I've removed a lot of the bloat/junkware programs like MS works, Norton, etc.

Will be installing McAfee AV/Firewall, MS Office, and a number of graphics programs I use.

I'll be using it primarily for admin stuff like mail & web browsing and for work such as generating still and pano images, websites, etc. I'll probably make use of the muvee program as well but nothing heavy.

No games for me since I'm not a gamer. I don't even play xbox.

I'll let u guys know how it fares.

Thanks,
eagle07

 

In late August, my dad bought me a DV4155cl from Costco and its worked like a charm for me, no problems at all, very satisfied with my purchase.

My only complaint is that now all the keys on the keyboard have been worn down and look glossy and shiny, thats not good, but the keyboard works 100% fine, its just a cosmetic issue that irritates me.

Otherwise, the notebook is perfect! The only difference between my machine and yours is that mine has a 1.6 ghz Pentium M processor and yours has a 1.73.


Are you sure there's no penalty to returning at item to Costco? Granted, I'm not the type to just buy a computer from them and then return it after 6 months after a better product comes out but will they penalize you in anyway? Do they accept returns with no questions asked? Because actually, I am thinking about returning my DV4000 and getting a DV1000 instead.

 

Hi,

Are the letter/numbers/symbols worn off also such that keys are almost blank?

As far as returns go at costco, that's what I was told by the guy who helped me. I think I also saw something about the 6 month return policy posted on the wall behind the customer service desk.

Here's what's listed at costco.com:

-----------
Returns or Exchanges
Costco.com has a 100% guarantee on all of our merchandise. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer two convenient return methods. Costco.com refunds include shipping and handling fees.

1. You can return the item to the nearest Costco Wholesale location. To find a location,
please click here.

2. If you are unable to return your order to one of our warehouses, please e-mail us at
customer service. Please include your name, order confirmation number, phone number, and
reason for return. You will be contacted regarding your return within 5 to 7 business days.

Please note, as of November 4th, 2002 , the return policy for all desktop and notebook computers are six months from the date of purchase. Six months after purchase, all computer services and technical support will be subject to the applicable remaining manufacturer’s warranty.
---------------

No mention of penalty there.

Regardless, I like their customer service over almost all vendors I've dealt with.

Why are you considering replacing the 4000 w/ the 1000?

r,
eagle07

 

The keys and symbols aren't worn off of the keys, but the keys themselves are shiny and glossy and they feel oily.

I want to get the DV1000 over the DV4000 because of its smaller size. I find 15.4" notebooks to be a little too big for my tastes, 13-14" screens to me are the perfect compromise.

 

Gotcha.

Not sure if costco offers the dv1000.

I was actually considering a 17" and even the 19" (8000 series). But after seeing them in person and learning that they weigh a hefty 8-9lbs, I settled for the 15. Having a smaller system also makes it easier to find a laptop case.

Thanks,
eagle07

 

They do offer dv1000 and dv4000 CTO on Costco.com. I found it a little bit cheaper than hpshopping, however, sales tax make it more expensive. You still get the satisfaction guarantee with costco.com CTO order.

 

I remember a couple of months back my Costco store was selling a DV1000 model but not anymore. Same goes for Sams Club, oh well.

I've noticed that all DV1000s and DV4000s sold in other retail stores end with "us" in their model number, like DV1340us for example, whereas the DV1000s and DV4000s sold in Sams Club and Costco end with "cl", like DV1315cl.

 

Hi rahulnirmal,

That's why I wanted to grab the dv4217cl at costco right away. Why? There were only 2 left on the shelf. I figured I'd get it and if I find later that day that it is not what I want, I can return it for refund still sealed and unopened.

Thanks,
eagle07

 

Hi Eagle07,
Take your time and open the box to test drive it. You got 6 months satisfaction guarantee at Costco.

 

Thanks bill.

I've been working on it for the past 2 days. I've been offloading all my programs and data from my desktop. Time consuming.

This laptop is not categorized as a desktop replacement but it is powerful enough for my needs to be one.

Thank goodness for usb drives. Transporting data from one pc to another is so much easier now compared to years ago.

r,
eagle07

 

Costco is fine, but you should be aware that HP has a weird warranty system which I just found out about. They keep track of warranties based on when they ship the product to the retailer (Costco). If the unit sits around Costco for a while, then HP will show the unit out of warranty even if you have owned it less than a year. At that point the onus is on you to prove to them that the unit is in fact in warranty before they will provide assistance.

If you are on the road, can't fax in the reciept or can't use your email (because your unit is broken), you are out of luck if you need help or support. Supervisors are tougher than the regular techs on this issue.

If you question why no one told you about this little hiccup, HP will blame it on Costco for not telling you in advance.

Beware.

 

I thought that's the policy most companies have?
If you don't have a receipt or other dated proof of purchase you can obtain, they would go by the manufacture date on the product to provide warranty.