HP dv9500t Configuration Questions

I am going to get a HP dv9500t before 12/8 (coupon expires for 30% off) with the following specs:

Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor T7500 (2.20 GHz, 4 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)??
17.0" WXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900)??
2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS ????
FREE Upgrade to HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam + Microphone!!
Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection ???
240GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (120GB x 2)????
FREE Upgrade to LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support!!
High Capacity 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

Logitech Revolution mouse off of Tigerdirect.com

I have a lot of questions about configuration and things to buy with the laptop. I am planning on using the laptop for a little gaming (Counter Strike, WOW and maybe Bioshock), school and music.
About processors I think the 2.2 Ghz would be sufficient but I do not know. Is 2.4 needed or can I settle with 2.0.
Which screen looks the best for the value. Is it worth it to upgrade to 1680 x 1050 for $50?
Do I need the 8600M GS or can I settle with the 8400? I think they both come with HDMI??
About networking, is draft-N a big improvement and should I but a draft-N router? Is so, which one? Also, is bluetooth an important feature and what do you use it with?
I heard that 7200 RPM is a great improvement from 5400 for $75? Is that true?

Should I look into buying the xb3000 base with the laptop?
Are there any just external keyboards? Since I have a mouse already?
Are there any bags that you recommend but do not cost too much money.
Should I get MS Home + Student for $149.99 or is it not worth it? Are there alternative ways to get MS Office, Powerpoint and Excel.
Is windows prone to breaking down and is a recovery disk needed? I hear you can burn one with vista anyways.
About warranty, do you have any recommendations? I do not want to spend too much money on it?
On the trackpad, did anyone notice it to be a little sticky? It seemed so in the store but I will be almost always using an external mouse so it is not a big problem.

Please tell me anything you might think is helpful about this laptop or accessories. It is a big purchase and I am a little nervous.

 

I think the higher grade video card would be needed, if I remember correctly. I'd suggest getting the cheapest hard drive option (unless they offer some deal) and getting an aftermarket one for the second slot if you needed to. I dunno on the prices though, that's just what I'm doing. Same thing with the memory. I think I've seen 2gb sticks for around 50$.
I don't want to rush you or anything, but those 30% coupons go fast. They only allow a limited number of people to use them. Just FYI.
And you could save money on the microsoft software. I forget what it's called, but theres a forum here somewhere giving the site of a company that made it's own freeware version of the MS Office stuff. I have it and it has worked fine for me.
I don't know enough about anything else to offer advice. But good luck with it.

 

Thanks for the help.

Ya, someone else told me about the 30% coupons maybe being expired and I am SO pissed. LOL. About the RAM it has the upgrade to 2GB for $50. Are suggesting that I just get 1 GB then add on a 2 GB stick after I buy it?

 

dude don't mess around... get the Ultra Bright screen...

The difference is night and day... honestly...

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=191248&page=3

go like 3 posts down and see the difference...

crispy... and well worth it...

 

Hi,

I am tired of waiting for the consumer lines to get outdoor viewable laptops available at affordable prices that offer more than just bare-bones features to boot.

I too decided to order the HP dv9500. Where can I find this coupon you are discussing, please?

Pro: Back lit display (Ultra/Bright/View)
Con: Bad Battery Life

Thanks much,

Outdoorwriter

 

you can find the coupon codes by doing a google search, or checking out the discount sticky

 

buying hp.......... just be carefull.......the dv series has got series hardware defects especially with the hard drive...........I have the same laptop and same specifications(except that i have 1650X1050 resolution) and it offers the best price performance ratio for any laptop in the market and it looks cool but the hardware is something to worry about. Many people have reported problems with the motherboard and hardrives(Including me) and their technical support makes you run in circles. I not scaring you but I felt it would be better if you knew.