Minimizing costs for HP notebooks

What are some general tips in saving some money when customizing a notebook? For example, should I buy the cheapest RAM possible and then buy better RAM from other sellers? I want to save more money for the actual computer now and upgrade things like RAM later if it's cheaper.

 

Here's a followup: I can get 256 MB RAM instead of 1 GB but then I could upgrade the hard drive to fit my budget. Then I could always buy RAM on NewEgg or something. What do you recommend, buying RAM from the manufacturer or separately?

 

Well, you have covered one of the most important things RAM, it will be cheaper to get RAM aftermarket rather than directly from HP unless they have a sale or something of that sort making RAM cheaper. Another thing you could do is also get the smallest/cheapest HDD, but this I would suggest if you are comfortable with upgrading the HDD and are willing to keep the OEM HDD just in case for any warranty service. Aftermarket retail HDD usually have 3 - 5yr warranties compared to the 1yr from HP. It is a good idea but in some cases can be a pain to move data and drivers from one HDD to another.

Also watch out for price variations between the HP and Compaq brands, it always fluctuates and you might be able to get a cheaper deal this way.

 

Buy the ram off new egg. I think I saved close to $150 US. HP is just trying to ripe off there customers who don't know any better.
Tim

 

Great, you answered my question on RAM. I don't plan on upgrading the HDD.

 

The RAM type is PC 2700, DDR 333. I guess Kingston?

Does Toshiba hike up RAM cost too?

 

Which laptop are you looking at? Some use DDR where as some use DDR2 memory.

Yeah, most manufacturers tend to make money off RAM. Most tend to price them a little higher than what is available in the retail market. So, Toshiba is no different.

 

You can save a pile of dough by taking the 1 year basic warranty. Pay for the machine with gold mastercard and the 1 year warranty usually gets doubled by the card company (check with your card company to be sure). Then, for accedental damage coverage add a rider to your homeowners for about $15.00 per year. My rider even covers accidental loss... like if it fell off my boat and could not be recovered (and it pays replacement cost, not a depreciated amount). Bingo, you save $300.00.

 

Togus good idea on the insurance covering your laptop. That would definately save a lot of money.
Tim

 

That is a great idea regarding the homeowner's insurance rider! I will definitely have to take a look at that instead of the insanely overpriced "Accident" insurance that all the laptop manufacturers offer.

Someone should sticky that idea!

 

Well, for one, I don't own a house, and two, I wasn't planning on buying an HP warranty. All of the computers I've ever owned I take care of myself. I'll also be away at college.

Miner, I'm looking at the HP Pavilion dv5000. The specifications page says it's DDR type.

Thanks to everyone's input! I'm going to get the minimum amount of RAM when ordering and just get RAM aftermarket from Newegg.

 

Well, for one, I don't own a house,

As I remember, Renters Insurance policies usually can have the same types of riders added as homeowners insurance. Your landlord will be insured for his/her property only (usually) -- tenants are generally on their own.

-- Lew

 

Actually, what I meant was, I'm 17. I'm going off to college later this year. But good idea for homeowners!

 

Well, if you regularly live with your parents, they could put the machine on their policy.