NC8430 in the UK

Hey, I've been umming and arring about which laptop to get for ages and I think I've finally decided. Can you guess what it is? I've got several questions to ask first though.

I want a Core 2 Duo T7200 and a 100gb hard drive so I'll probably be using HP's customiser thing. If I don't get this spec where's the best place to buy it in the UK? I've checked out www.laptopsdirect.co.uk and they seem okay but only do one specification and it's a bit lower than what I want.

If I order it without Windows XP and it comes with FreeDOS or something like it says on the customiser page can I install Windows with my existing CD and license (I'm retiring my old PC). Does it come with Windows drivers even if you opt for a Windows-less computer?

To upgrade from 1gb to 2gb ram it's about another £95. Is it possible to get it cheaper than this and do it myself after I've bought it?

Roughly how big is it compared to an Apple Macbook, a Sony SZ and an IBM/Lenovo T43?

I think that's about it for now!

 

About the FreeDOS thing, could I reformat the laptop and install Windows XP Pro using a normal disc then after it's finished install all the drivers from here?

http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/files/hpcpqnk/us/locate/64_6264.html

 

Can I install Windows with my existing CD and license (I'm retiring my old PC).

A: Legally ? I believe if it's an OEM copy it's married to the machine. Will it install? Depends if it is an OEM, or retail. Existing CD from what?

Does it come with Windows drivers even if you opt for a Windows-less computer?

A: Don't think so but all the drivers (SP's) can be downloaded direct from HP.com

On the ram.... Easy to do, 5 year old could do it on most machines. You can download a PDF of the MAINTANCE and SERVICE GUIDE (manual) from www.hp.com, type in your model #

 

It's not an OEM copy, I just bought XP Pro from a shop.

 

Well then... download the drivers, and it should install. Note that you may need to slipstream the SATA hard drive drivers in though. (see the stickies)

 

Cool cool Does anyone know about the sizing? Those laptops above are the only three I've seen really.

 

Sizing????

What I'd do is find the measurements, jot them down and go to a local store to compare against their stock.


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Sounds like a plan!

 

Another idea if you're thinking of going to a differant size machine and you're going to be carrying it around allot is to find (gasp!) a "book" of the same size and carry it around for a while..

PS: If you look in the review section, you may be able to find a review on the unit. showing it with other notebooks.

 

http://notebookreview-cnet.com.com/...bj=fdba&part=notebookreview-cnet&tag=_Laptops

HP Compaq nc8430 Notebook PC

Measuring just 1.1 inches at the front and 1.4 inches at the back, the HP Compaq nc8430 will leave room in your briefcase for notepads and file folders, and its 6.2-pound weight (7.2 pounds with the AC adapter) is manageable for semifrequent travel. The nc8430's 14x10-inch footprint will take up a large chunk of desk space but is about average for a 15.4-inch wide-screen machine; for instance, it's nearly identical in size to the Lenovo 3000 N100.

 

^ Cool, thanks for the info.

Do you any of owners find it too big?

 

Firstly, there is a surprising difference between 14.1"* vs 15.4" laptops

*Being honest, in a perfect world, my NC8430 would come in this size

Saying that compared to other 15.4" laptops my fellow uni flatmates have, and ones I browse in stores, the NC8430 is probably the thinnest and lightest of it's class that I know of. Weight i s not an issue

As for the dimensions... I can only say to do what others have suggested and pop into Comet or "Currys.Digital"

Edit: sorry. The NC8430 is online only in the UK. Apologies for my mistake. What I meant was merely to look at laptops in a store for reference. By and large you can get an idea of differences in size between each screen size

 

^ Do they sell NC8430s there?

 

One way to find out!

Call them, check their website... comes to mind.....

BTW the previous poster was talking about the dimensions of the unit, going to the website of the units you're interested in... then going to your local vendors to match those dimensions against models they may have in stock...

PS: Doubt many places (aka: box stores?) "carry" Business Models"... So I doubt that the two places suggested are going to stock the NC8430.