New notebook setup question

Hello forum: I just got a new notebook today

HP dv9743cl
T7250 2.0 Ghz
17" WXGA+High Definition BrightView Widescreen Display
160 GBx2 Total 320 GB 5400 RPM
3072MB DDR2SDRAM
nVidia GeForce 8600M GS with 512 DDR dedicated
Windows Vista Home Premium 32bit
Intel Pro Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection
LightScribe Super Multi 8x DVD+-RW with Double Layer Support
8cell Lithium Ion Batt

My plans are to eventually install Vista Ultimate so I am wondering if I should turn it on and have fun with it for now. Not sure if I want Ultimate 32 or 64.

After awhile of playing find out all the hardware manufacturers and download drivers for them before the clean install of Vista Ultimate in case the hardware is not detected.

I know that HP uses their own bios so will there be a problem finding a new one?

Last but not least. Did I do the right thing before opening and turning it on by not buying a Macbook. OneNote and Excel are the only two programs thats got me ga ga and do not do any programing but may get into it about 3 years from now. Also by not buying an Apple Comparable I saved $1200.00 of which I can afford but also would be nice to use on a vacation.

Thanks in advance, you guys and gals do good helping.

 

Id turn it on now and have fun. Youll have to set up your current OS anyway first i think and then put in Ultamite, so might as well do it now.

1-32 bit only takes 3GB of memory (RAM)
64bit will take 4GB, but some accesories like printers dont work with it, check the manufaccturers website for that.

2-I dont think the BIOS will be a problem.

3-I dont personally like Mac. Thier OS isnt compatable with many things. HP's quality is juat as good as Apple's. And Macs are very overpriced.

 

Thanks.

I forgot to ask advice on if anyone had a 17" notebook and downsized to a 15" Are they happy they did?

Someone told me that a 17" on an auto center arm rest is a pain. Go with the 15".

I did not open the box yet. Also the price I paid was $1200.00 in Costco with coupon. Ends this week on Sunday.
2 Years Warr. It would be hard to find a better bargain I'll bet.

Thanks again.

 

I don't know man i got a 17" hp dv9500t and when ever i go back and use a 15" laptop it just seems like cheap little crap. I don't think i can go back to a 15" after using this. It's not even big and its great for movies and what not.

Vista is great too, so far i like it a lot, i would install vista unlimited or whatever its called first so you don't have to set every thing up twice. I think you will like your laptop a lot.

 

Also i hate to burst your bubble but i think you might be able to save $200 by going to hp.com and building your own. There is a copoun out right now that will save you $500 off but its only good to the 2/8/08 so hurry if you want it. Im not sure if it will work outside of the U.S but you can give it a try. Also it takes 2 weeks for HP to build it and ship it out to you.

heres the code you enter in at the very very end, NB1391
also note you have to build a laptop that is $1399+, then it will take off the 500. You might want to get a better possessor too.

 

Thanks.
If I install Vista Ultimate upgrade now can I then do a clean install (reformat both hard drives) later to clean up all of HP's garbageware?
HP only gives one year Warranty. If you buy in Costco it comes with 2 years, 90 day money back satisfaction gaurantee, and a direct line to upper level HP support if needed through Costco Concierge.
Tough to beat that.

 

HP has a 21 day return policy, and I think Costco has a similar policy. If you open it or not, it does not matter, the clock starts ticking when you get it. So you should open it up and play with it as much as possible, testing out everything, to make sure it all works right. If you wait too long, you might find a problem and you'll have to use warranty service which takes longer than just returning it does.

To do a clean install, you already have all of the drivers on your system in the C:\swsetup folder. Please see my clean install guide for a complete walk-through (in my sig). As far as BIOS goes, it is irrelevant.

You also mentioned using it on "an auto center arm rest"? That seems like a strange requirement and depending on what you're doing, you may require a special system for it.

 

Costco return policy is 90 days. 2yrs concierge service included. If you use your American Express card, the warranty is for 3 yrs.

Hp doesn't have that kind of policy even if you save a few more dollars. I'm thinking about getting this laptop also. $1200. price good till the 2-10-08.

It think it doesn't have bluetooth wireless. Are those external bluetooth usb adapters any good? For this price, this computer should have bluetooth. Costco has a Dell 17" for $400. off for the same price of $1200. What do you think is a better buy?

Someone with a Dell told me that Dells have alot of junkware and are hard to upgrade. Is this true.

Thanks for any help.

 

USB bluetooth adapters works great, it's just a pain to have something sticking out of the usb port when can easily go inside.

Almost all OEMs put junkware on their systems. You can take a look at my clean install guide (see sig), for information on how to reinstall to get rid of it.

 

Villager,

The only components you can really upgrade easily in laptops nowadays are the following:

RAM
HDD
You can upgrade the CPU, but it is for the advanced only and you have to make sure it is compatible.

On the Dell laptop and HP laptop you are talking about you can't upgrade the video card because it is soldered onto the motherboard.

The only thing I'm not sure of is whether or not the bluetooth is actually included on the wireless card that is in the laptops, or whether it is another component inside. Anyone know this?

 

No bluetooth at least not in the HPdv9743cl
The video card looks to be pretty good and I should get by with it for the life of the notebook.

I used my AmEx card. Did not know about the extra year. Now I do.

Orev, I took a fast glance at the clean install notes. Nice work.

You guys and gals do good. I appreciate it.