HP dv8000t options

I've narrowed my selection down to the HP dv8000t from the Costco web site. This seems like the best value for the features I am looking for. I've decided on the following options:

- 2.0 GB DDR2 SDRAM (2x1024MB)
- 160 GB 5400 RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (80 GB x 2)
- LightScribe DVD+/-RW w/ Double Layer
- 256MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 7600
- Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network w/Bluetooth
- Windows XP Media Center with Backup CD
- 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

I'd like some advice on the following options:

- Processor - Intel Core Duo processor T2050 (1.60GHz) through T2600 (2.16GHz). Where is the sweet spot of price vs. performance? I am considering the T2500, but don't want to overbuy.

- Display - 17.0" WSXGA+ BrightView WideScreen (1680x1050) vs. 17.0" WXGA+ UltraBrightView Widescreen (1440x900). I will mostly be using the laptop for business applications indoors. I will have some modest video viewing and game playing. I am concerned that the UltraBright might not perform well in direct light and has lower resolution, but I am intrigued by the sharp display.

- TV Tuner. I can't decide whether I will use this or not. It would be convenient for me to plug into the cable in my home office, but I watch TV in the living room, where I already have a DVR. Is this something I can easily buy in the aftermarket? Do people who have this use and like the functionality?

- HP Extended Service Plan. I have seen mixed advice on whether this is worth it. Consumer Reports basically said that it is better to self-insure, but it would suck to have my laptop break in 18 months and be out of luck. The options at Costco are 1-year Accidental Damage Protection & Express Repair ($68), 2-year Extended Service Plan with HP Express Repair ($68) and 3-year Extended Service Plan with HP Express Repair ($122). I never purchase extended warranties, but these seem fairly reasonably priced.

I appreciate any thoughts (and any other unsolicited advice)!

 

I ordered the dv8000t with the ultrabrightview screen and it looked fantastic especially for viewing movies. I used it outside and it was very easy to see. After having it for a week though, I sent it back because I decided having a higher resolution (WSXGA+ BrightView WideScreen 1680x1050) and more desktop space was more important to me.

I never get extended warranties either but after I saw my neighbors ($1,800) HP notebook get completely smashed and replaced within 2 weeks with the 1 year accidental damage warranty I am a fan. Accidents do happen and a 17" notebook is a bit awkward to carry around.

Good luck making your decision... it's a nice notebook!

 

Depending on what you are going to do with the laptop, I would suggest the T2400 since it has 667MHz FSB and offers the best balance between the price/performance.

Also try to buy the RAM aftermarket. They simply overcharges for memory. Get the lowest you can from HP and switch them with RAM form newegg or ZZF. Installing the RAM is pretty easy and should easily save you over $100.

 

Please look at this before making your purchase: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=57325

I had the dv8000t and returned it after I noticed keyboard problems on its second day of use. It was an awesome machine in every aspect other than the keyboard.

I definitely recommend the UltraBrightView screen; that's what I had, and it was absolutely beautiful! It was the best screen I've ever seen on a laptop, and I didn't notice any glare issues.

I also had the Core Duo 2500, and I thought it was great, but it was the only Core Duo I had, so I can't say anything about the others.

I, personally, chose not to get the TV tuner, because I figured I had never watched TV on any of my other computers, and I'd always gotten along fine by just watching the actual TV when I wanted to watch TV.

I got the 3 year accidental damage plan, but I didn't have to use it because I only had the machine for a week. Better safe than sorry.

I chose the 160GB hard drive, because I tend to store a lot of photos, but I think it might have been overkill, especially because I have a 100GB external hard drive. I just bought the dv9000z with 160GB hard drive, but I don't know that I'll actually need that much, but for some reason I just couldn't get less. Just don't overbuy on the hard drive, especially because you can always get an external one. Check to see what the size of your hard drive on your computer now is, and see how much of it you're really using. That might give you a good idea of how much you'll need on your dv8000... if the dv8000 is what you choose to buy...

Anyway, I hope this helps. Please, please, please read the link I showed you before you make your purchase!

 

With the keyboard problems, you'd be an idiot to buy one of these.

 

I would have to repeat the keyboard issues. Sometimes my ctrl or shift key sticks and it is a pain. Don't bother with the dv8000. Move on to something else.

 

If you check the "dv8000t keyboard issue" thread thats always on the front page of this forum, the keyboard issue is pretty much resolved due to member troubleshooting and can be at the very least minimized with the fixes people have posted. I personally love my dv8000t and have had absolutely no problems with it...and I game and type on it extensively for many hours each week.