New Lappy(dv4000)

So I finally convinced my parents I needed a laptop (with a REAL video card). Specs:

HP Pavilion dv4000 customizable Notebook PC

– Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition with SP2
– Intel(R) Pentium(R) M Processor 725A (1.60 GHz)
– FREE Upgrade to 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen!
– 128MB ATI MOBILITY(TM) RADEON(R) X700
– FREE Upgrade to 512MB DDR2 SDRAM (2x256MB)!!
– 40 GB 4200 RPM Hard Drive
– DVD+/-RW/R & CD-RW Combo w/Double Layer Support
– Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG WLAN
– 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
– Microsoft(R) Works/Money
– hpshopping in-box envelope

Final cost: $1,159.02

The thing is that I ordered in December 26 and it says that it will be built and shipped by January 10th 2006. I have to leave my parent's house on the 15th, so do you guys think it will arrive by then?

Also, do you guys recommend any backpacks for school use? $50 is a lot of money so I want to get the right one.

Lastly, have any of you people checked out the Logitech v400 Wireless Laser Mouse? It's $50 but it seems perfect for normal gaming use. Thanks.

 

My dv4000 arrived on the projected ship date, so you've got a good shot.

Fifty bucks is not a lot of money for a good NOTEBOOK COMPUTER BAG, be it a backpack or a shoulder bag. Think about it: this thing will be protecting your twelve-hundred dollar computer!

Check out the Accessories forum for some discussions of bags.

If you don't mind wires, get the Logitech G5. The wireless version is the G7, but it costs more of course. Buy.com has had a few good sales on them lately, though.

Edit: My machine has somewhat higher specs than yours, but my review might help you figure out what to expect.

 

I wouldn't worry too much about it arriving on time. I ordered an HP zv6000 back in August and it actually arrived one day late but you have 5 days to spare so should not be a problem. Many people I have heard actually receive their's early.

 

Yes - HP is usually very reliable when it comes to arrivals. I think that backpacks usually make the best notebook cases for school use because along with your laptop, you can fit your notebook and textbooks for class. Your capacity depends upon your backpack, of course.

 

I also happened to get $115 to spend so I am wondering what to upgrade.

A 60GB 5400RPM laptop HDD costs about $91 shipped from newegg.com and a 2.5 inch external enclosure is $15 shipped so I could get that.

Or I could get 1GB of RAM and try to sell a 256MB stick (unlikely, as everyone around me has a zv6000 with DDR RAM).

Or a nice notebook mouse and durable backpack.

Or some quality PC games.

Oh the choices in life.

Also, I look up how long it would take if I ordered the laptop today and HP says that it would take 1 day longer. (January 11, 2006). Probably means that my laptop will arrive sooner than that since I ordered a week ago.

 

You should be home free on the shipping timing. For upgrades I'd put a 5400 rpm hdd at the top of the list... at least 60 and better 80 gig. You're getting 512 of ram on this, so you can life with that. get the hdd now and upgrade the ram later.

 

So i received my laptop after being in transit for 2 days (I got the free 5-7 day shipping, so I was impressed with FedEx).

I already ordered a new 80GB 5400RPM hdd to replace the one I have now. I am going to use Acronis True Image to make an image of my current HDD and copy it over, then reformat my Windows partition.

I was just wondering if there is anything a new laptop owner should do? Also with my 12-cell battery, I've seen NHC report that I have 6 hours of battery life at min-brightness, lowest clock, and PowerPlay on. Will I actually get that much?

Last thing, any idea how to do a review? I've seen the other dv4000 reviews but none of them are really configured like mine. Apparently everyone greatly dislikes the 12-cell?

 

My laptop is less than a week old and already is has a problem.

Whenever I shut the lid of my dv4000, the computer goes into standby, which is ok. The only problem is that it doesn't seem to come out of it. The LEDs light up however the screen does not turn on. I haven't installed many programs but the only thing that might affect this at all is Notebook Hardware Control. I usually have it set to it's minimum clock speed (600Mhz). What do you think could be causing the problem? I would hate to uninstall such a useful app!

 

Ok, go into your power management tool, and you'll see something thats says, when I close the lid....then you can choose do nothin, and then problem solved! (I said the same thing about mine, and had to change it lol)

 

dagamer:
did you receive the xp os cd with your system? I thought they were provided but when I contacted hp they said it was impossible to get them.

 

For laptop mice, I would recommend Logitech V200, its not that expensive if you buy it refurbished(~$20).

 

Ooh. Nice mouse. Linky And not too pricey compared to HP's own optical notebook mouse.

 

I got the OS reinstall disc but I am waiting for my new 80GB 5400RPM Fujitsu HDD before I do anything. I won't get it until the 16th, so there's no real reason to do it now.

As for the mouse, I think I have settled on the Logitech LX7. It's a decent wireless mouse with back and forward buttons(I really need those), and it says that bettery life should last for 8 months. Only $30 too.

 

Hey dagamer34!

Congratulations man! I just ordered a Compaq V4000t! I'm sorry to here about the problems you are experiencing right now. Unfortunately I really can't help you myself. But I did want to respond to what you had asked yesterday...

You should condition your battery. And this is how you do it.

There are four modes when it comes to utilizing and dealing with power and your laptop.

1.) Normal charging - The laptop is off with battery installed and AC connected.
2.) Running on battery - The laptop is on with battery installed and AC disconnected.
3.) Running on AC - The laptop is on with no battery installed and AC connected.
4.) Running and charging - The laptop is on with battery installed and AC connected.

All of the above are conducive or permitted while conditioning the battery except for number 4. But don't worry. You can just start the conditioning now.

Conditioning the battery is just a combination of modes 1 and 2. At night just before you go to bed, you should turn off the laptop, install the battery, and plug in the AC. In the morning when it is fully charged, you should remove the AC and turn it on. Leave it on until it dies. Then if you still have work to do on it, remove the battery and plug in the AC. (i.e. mode 3) You can use it like this until you get another chance to do a full recharge again. You should follow these steps charging it fully at least 3-4 times.

And that's it!