Lurking a few days, just purchased first HP notebook...

Howdy all, I have been lurking here for a few weeks reading up and trying to figure out what Notebook I was going to buy.
Thanks to all the posts and searching through archives I have decided on the...


8710p
I went for the cheapest pre configured model and for kicks added a stick of ram.
This computer will be used for my job (I am a Product Specialist for a T-Mobile contracted company, I basically handle and maintain T-mo's content gateway), so I needed something that looked professional, however I am also a gamer, I tend to pick up FPS', but once I beat them am done with them, besides games like TFC (hl1 mod) and now TF2 which I will play quite frequently (as well as WoW but that game will play on any machine).
I have been using our offices nx9420 for a few weeks and it is what hooked me on choosing an HP business model.
Basically I just have a few questions (and feel free to critique my choice),

1. I am running XP Pro because Cisco has VPN problems with Vista, I also figured this was a better choice for what I am using the machine for, luckily I was able to get it preconfigured with XP, however, I am not an OS genius but assumed I should run 32bit. Is this correct?

2. I am definitely excited for the 320M because it seems like quite a good gfx card for a notebook. But regardless of the gfx card, does running games lower than the native resolution of the Notebooks LCD create the same "fuzzy" effect that it does if you change the res in the "display" settings?

3. Despite the website claims it does. I have been reading mixed reviews about which models have both input devices, the model I got (RM298UT) claims both a touchpad and a pointstick, has anyone picked up this specific model? Does it have both? Or just the touchpad?

4. Advice on backpacks to carry this around with? I tend to bike to work (and yes living in Seattle that means in the rain), it's about a 8 minute bike ride from my front door to my office. Messenger bags are fine as well because that's what I currently use on my bike.

5. Would a fresh XP install after receiving this particular machine be a good idea? Obviously there is much less bloatware than the HP Pavillion models, but is there enough to opt for a "fresh start"?

Thank you all so much, I am looking forward to my new laptop, it is replacing my desktop at home (about a 2.75 year old desktop build) and will become my work computer!


EDIT: I forgot to mention that it is currently backordered and the estimated delivery date is 11/6/2007

 

boblbee backpacks are nice, somewhat water proof flap. Check if it fits the 8710P though, i know a MBP fits.....

if you want complete waterproof bag then look at the Ortlieb messenger bags. they a lot cheaper than the boblbee too

 

If you can find a big ZipLock bag and then put them in a skin should make it waterproof enough

 

or catch a taxi.......

 

Funny guys

It's not really a matter of not being able to drive to work, it's the fact that my office is only .9 miles from my home.

But any advice/critiques on the computer itself?

 

fresh install is always nice. And get a backup software like the free one on seagate website and make a recovery image. Recovering using a recovery image if your HDD is a lot faster than reinstalling windows and all the drivers + software.

 

Simply amazing!
I just got off the phone with HP and they said that my laptop(s) (my company ordered two 8710p's) shipped out today! Originally they were backordered and had an estimated ship date of 11/04/2007!

So, this brings me to another question. The preconfigured machines we ordered only came with 1 gig of ram and we ordered two more. Is installing the new ram as simple as opening up the bottom and putting it in? I have plenty of experience with building desktops but have never once opened a laptop.

 

Yes it's simple to install the RAM, assuming only 1 slot is used for the 1GB and not both slot occupying two 512MB.

 

I have the 8510W, The business like looks but great gaming performance were key in my purchase as well.
I run Red Orchestra at a decreased but ratio correct resolution and it looks fine.
I also just added a samsung 22 inch wide screen lcd to my docking station and it is very nice how it remembers the correct res for each different monitor. I run the 22" at full 1680 and the lap top down graded to 1200*800.