Here is my possible dv5000z configuration

I am very close in going with the dv5000z.

I wonder what kind of case I should get...

Anyway, let me know what you think...

Windows(R) XP Media Center Edition
Processor AMD Turion(TM) 64 ML-40
(2.2GHz/1MB L2 Cache)
Display 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x800)
Graphics Card 128MB ATI RADEON(R) XPRESS 200M
w/Hypermemory(TM)
Memory 2.0GB DDR SDRAM (2x1024MB)
Hard Drive 80 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
Primary CD/DVD Drive DVD+/-RW/R & CD-RW Combo w/Double
Layer Support
Networking 54g(TM) 802.11a/b/g WLAN & Bluetooth
TV & Entertainment Experience HP ExpressCard Analog TV
Tuner w/remote control
Primary Battery 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

Productivity Software Microsoft(R) Office 2003 SBE
HP extended service plans 1-year HP Accidental Damage
Protection with Express Repair extended service plan

 

Just out of curiousity, how much is that configuration going to cost?

 

Nice. Looks like you found all the good stuff.

 

Before the $50 rebate it is $1,946.98... I was planning to pay more so the price is good...

I am still deciding on if I really wanna pay for the accidental care and repair service...

Also Microsoft Office SBE. I could get it at school for cheaper but then again I just want to have it all ready...

Also, still deciding on getting a glossy or matte screen. I think I will get a glossy but I just hope I can get used to the reflections...

I wish I could get a 100GB 5400 RPM HD

 

Buy the RAM from NewEgg.com and it will be way cheaper. Way way way cheaper. Also, you can get a 100GB 5400RPM drive from Newegg also. And then you can just get the 40GB 4200 drive with the notebook, and throw it into an enclosure case and use it as a portable drive.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822145092

 

Would opening up void the warranty? I know that is not the case with PCs but I am not sure about laptops...

 

You can upgrade memory as well as HDD without voiding the warranty. Buying memory after it arrives will save you money but may cause you some headaches. Seach the recent threads on dv5000z memory upgrade to see if you are up to it.

 

Upgrading RAM is OK, but HDs... maybe, maybe not, and it's quite a bit more work reloading the OS and QuickPlay features. I'd stick with the 80GB 5400RPM drive you configured and pick up a second drive and USB enclosure if you need additional portable storage.

I advise sticking with Crucial PC2700 or PC3200 SODIMMs for AMD-based notebooks like the dv5000z. HP ships PC2700 but for the newer Turion machines PC3200 ought to work. Buying your memory from HP will save you some potential headaches if you have to send your notebook in for warranty service. Sometimes you don't get your upgraded components back. I tend to do my own tech support so I don't worry too much about such things.

 

vassil, When I bought my v5000 2 weeks ago, I was told by the HP salesperson they don't consider the hd a user upgradeable component, but the RAM is.

 

That is why Brain said it may be or it may be not warranty voidable. The main question is whether HP will know if you have a different HD on your laptop. They cannot possibly know this unless you tell them or return the notebook with the upgraded HDD. HDDs just like CD/DVD drives are easy to upgrade and many people do so.
It is up to you to decide if you really want 100gb 5400rpm internal HDD. It's always best to stick with what HP sent you because it's tested for stability and conflicts but sometimes it might not be good enough for you.

 

I just said that because your post insinuated hp allowed one to replace their hd w/o voiding the warranty, and brian said it may/may not. This is not the case, based on a direct question to their sales people. I only wanted to clarify to protect someone who might not know exactly what they're doing.

 

Well I think it is one of those convience fees I am willing to pay. I just feel more comfrontable upgrading a PC more so then a laptop.

 

Ok so (since I would not feel like upgrading) having 2GB of RAM...is that overkill?

Is this the same build as the Compaq version? If so, I am happy with the build (well I checked out the Compaq one). The screen is nice too...

IF the HP is just like the compaq then I will definetly buy this today!

Question...does the dv5000z have USB 2.0? The Compaq version does not!!!!

 

Both v5000z and dv5000z have at least two usb 2.0 ports. If you have the productivity ports, then they are three

 

yeah, I think my lexar was saying it was not a 2.0. Or maybe one is not 2.0 because there are three. Now what do you mean by productivity ports

So the HP is the same build (sorry to ask again...just a little anxious)??

I hope DVDs will run fine since the laptop is slanted with the 12-cell....

 

Actually, the HP version is supposed to have better build quality. It should feel sturdier and probably a bit heavier (I haven't seen one in person). Don't worry about DVD playback, it will be great. The HP version even has Quick play buttons so that you can play DVD without booting Windows.

 

Ok I think I am going to bye it now!

(I admit I am a little scared)

 

After spending more time with the Compaq version...I am not sure if I will get the dv5000z...

I am not liking the wobbly screen. Iy is just like some of the Toshiba's I checked at Best Buy. Especially when checking my sisters M140 (screen does not wobble)...I don't think I can live with it...

What I did like was the screen quality. I know for sure now that I will need a notebook with the glossy screen... Also the physical size is nice. Still not sure about the 12 cell that slants it... The guy at work said a lot of people asked..."What is up with your laptop?!"

 

about the screen, some people say it wobbles when you type some don't. There was a guy here some time ago who said he would not buy l2000 because of the wobbling screen, but I have l2000 and it wobbles only if I walk with the laptop in one of my hands.
My point is, check two or three dv5000z/v5000z machines to see if this is a characteristic of the model as a whole.

 

I have the laptop with me.

Ok...typing it does not wobble..

Just picked it up and yes it wobbles if you walk it.

If I have to move it I would just close the lid...

So it sounds like it is the norm...

Why does it wobble...screws to tight?

 

I decided to go for it!

These two nusances are not enough for me to not buy it.

I am keeping the RAM at 2GB
Not going to get Office SBE (since I can get it much cheaper @ school)
Just going to keep the 1 year warranty. Nothing else. Unless you think I should?

Price before rebate but includes tax = $1,698.99

Not bad... Since I saved money on not getting office @ HP...I decided to put that towards RAM.

HP Pavilion dv5000z customizable Notebook PC

– FREE Upgrade to Windows(R) XP Media Center Edition
– AMD Turion(TM) 64 ML-40 (2.2GHz/1MB L2 Cache)
– 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x800)
– 128MB ATI RADEON(R) XPRESS 200M w/Hypermemory(TM)
– 2.0GB DDR SDRAM (2x1024MB)
– 80 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
– DVD+/-RW/R & CD-RW Combo w/Double Layer Support
– 54g(TM) 802.11a/b/g WLAN & Bluetooth
– HP ExpressCard Analog TV Tuner w/remote control
– 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
– Microsoft(R) Works/Money
– hpshopping in-box envelope

 

I believe the plastic is simply not strong enough
As for your configuration, well isn't it awesome! Maybe 2gb of memory is a bit of an overkill but you know best what you are going to do with the notebook. I don't think if you can find more features and power for this price.

 

Keep with the one year warrenty, Most of the value with the notebook is in its first year of use, same with the potential problems. IF things go wrong after the first year you would want to evaluate repairing vs buying the then current generation of hardware.

 

Yeah I know 2GB might be overkill... I figure since I will make the video card have 256MB RAM I might as well go bigger... It wasn't that much so it does not hurt me. I want this laptop to last without making any upgrades.

Well I bought it with the configuration. It is nice! I will definetly let everyone know when I get it... It says it will build/ship on the 17th. I hope I get it sooner!

 

Hi segadc you could have got this laptop from HP for about $200 or more cheaper if you got the dv5040us model the only difference is the HD is a 100GB 4200 rpm and the battery is a 6cell and I think the price is $1349.99 I was going to call HP and see if I can get the 80gb 5400 HD and see if they will drop the price $20 because the 80HD is a little cheaper than the 100HD.

 

OOps I didn't see that you also had a Hp express card, sorry

 

No problem. I failed to mention I found a $10 instant
discount.

Just courious. Will I get two remote controllers? One Media Center controller and the standard one that fits in the PC slot?

I am soo scared. I hope I like my laptop. Everyone I told was wondering why I got a HP laptop. I said that I learn they improved over the years.

If I do not like it I can always return it. I just hope that is not the case!

 

yes I'm in the same boat I have been looking at this notebook for a week now going back and forward on AMD and Intel but the price keeps me going back to this setup with hp I have a question, did you call hp and worked out a deal with them or did you do it online?

P.S I don't know if this is certain American Express credit cards but if you use their card to buy electronics they will extend the warrenty so if I bought this computer with it's 1 year war. Am Ex will extend the war. another year when the original runs out.

 

I bought it online.

It's crazy on how much outside the box I went. I didn't get a Dell. Didn't get Intel CPU. Didn't get a Nvidia GPU.

I have to tell myself to stop checking the HP site...

I hope everything works out. It will be a nice relief to finally own a laptop. I actually have been doing a little research since December. It's a lot of work choosing a laptop... lol