HP dv6500 Special Edition vs. dv2500t *Is there a white version?

Hi I was wondering if anyone had experience with either of these laptops. What recommendations considering battery life, heat, and just in general do you have? Has anyone had problems with the non-latch style of the dv6500? Wouldn't that hinge wear out over time? Do these newer HPs hold up to abuse? I actually really liked the dv2500 14inch, but thought the keyboard had quite a bit of flex. I want this laptop purchase to last 3-4 years.

I really like the white special edition of the 6500 and was wondering if there was a white version of the 2500 that anyone knew about. I went to HP's site and have configured them to be basically the same and came out with the same price. So I guess it just comes down to size and if I want the white edition. Is there any other differences?

* Oh also do the "high capacity" 6 cell batteries last that much longer then the regular 6 cell? How long does the 12 cell last for low brightness and note taking conditions? Do 8 cell batteries stick out of the case as much as 12 cell. Because I really think that would bother me.

FAQ
1) What is your budget?
up to $2,500

2) What size notebook would you prefer?
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen


3) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in.

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
I dont like dell anymore. I'm hesitant with brands i haven't heard of because everyone i know that has gone to private computer shops and bought IBuyPower for example. Nothing but problems. I wasted time fixing these for my friends.

5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Media Center, Multitasking, Music, Homework, Internet

6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
I will take to class often, but want enough performance because I don't have a desktop or any other computer at home.

7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
I dont currently, but I might occasionally.

8) How many hours of battery life do you need?
at least 2, 3 or 4 would be amazing

9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
No

10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
Vista

Screen Specifics

11) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Wide

12) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Widescreen
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
f. WUXGA - 1920x1200; Wider viewing version of UXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.

13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Dont care

Build Quality and Design

14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
yes i want a notebook that is durable

15) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
within 2 weeks, 3-4 years

Notebook Components

16) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 200GB?
160

17) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
dvd/cd-r

Thanks!!!!

 

I own the special edition dv6500t. It's a real beauty - so much more so than the mainstream black one, although I'm sure there are plenty who are willing to disagree with me on that.

As for extended 6 cell, it's a reported 17% more than the original 6 cell. If you don't move your laptop too much, grab the 12 cell. It elevates your laptop 1" off the table (well, 3/4 of 1") and is elegant for typing and better for heat dispensing.

Only reason I'd opt for the dv2500 is because of its portability. Stick with the dv6500t special if you want the "woo, I'm hotter than a Mac <3" factor.

And AND, I love the clamshell design over the latch. Hands down. Once again, preference speaking here. I can't vouch for it long term, though.

 

Yeah the special edition is pretty sweet. Is there anyone else that has a dv2500? I was wondering as far as heat from the bottom. Some reviews mention the 6500 running quite hot and that the fans whirl up way too often. Do you notice this Antalus?

 

I feel that the dv6500t does run slightly hot, but that's only due to the hard drive they use. It's a GREAT drive, but your results may vary.

Keep in mind that it's summer, and you'll appreciate the warmth, not HEAT, in winter. <3

Worst case scenario, you panic about the heat possibility. In that case, buy the cheapest hard drive, and replace it with a 7200 rpm aftermark Seagate when it arrives. Hope this helps.

 

i have a dv2500 and it is gorgeous when it sits next to my dads inspiron it looks like a porsche next to a honda its a real beauty i have seen the white 6500 one in person its nice too i bought mine maxed out intel core 2 duo t7300 2 ghz 4 mbl2 cache 2 gigs of ram nvidia gforce 8400m 160 gig hd ad all the web cam mic and fingerprint reader and light scribe drive i paid like $1,400 and this thing never gets hot i use it hours at work and the most it gets is warm the keyboard takes some getting used to when i first got it i would constantly miss keys by not pressing hard enough but once you get used to it its nice i keep my battery on high performance so i only get an hour and a half out of my battery but i cant sand a dim screen currently there are no white dv 2500's but there is a special edition verve edition available at best buy http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...ategoryId=pcmcat103700050028&id=1180743304435
only down side is its not as good lol the 2500 only has 2 usb ports but its a tiny laptop all in all this laptop is great its super fast and nice and light but if yu need that biger screen id got with the 6500 the 2500 only has a screen size on 1280x800 but i use it at work fr 8 hrs in autocad and its great is big enough for me but the decision is up to you hop this helps
jay

 

I'm afraid there's only the white "special edition" versions of the 6000/6500 series.

Wish they'd offer it on their other lines as well.