Pavilions, Heat Issues, and Final Choice?

Help!

We bought the Costco version of the dv9000 - there was a lot of heat under both wrist rest areas and the touchpad. So we exchanged it, but are having the same issues with the new one. I've also decided it's too big... will probably return it, which is too bad as the deal seemed good ($899 for the AMD...TL-50, 1G RAM). (HP said this should not be happening - we are talking heat with the unit just turned on).

So I tried out the CompUSA versions of the dv6000 and dv2000 - only the 2000 seemed cool on the right, while the 6000 was warm in both places, though not as hot as the 9000. I noted that their 6000 had a rebate for $200, so $999 total for the AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile TL-52, with 2G RAM.

The Costco version of the 2000 has AMD Turion... TL-50, 1G RAM, for $840.

All else is basically equal between the machines.

We have now bought (but not opened) the Costco 2000 but I have not opened the box yet, wanting to get some opinions.

I like the small size/portability of the 2000, and the comfortable price, and since I am primarily using a laptop for writing and Internet and will use it as a portable dvd for holiday travel (no game time since having kids - sigh), know I don't need the extra RAM or even the TL-52 vs 50. Yet. But I know Vista is coming, and perhaps my usage needs will change, and maybe for the extra $160 it would be worth buying the 6000. I know that is a good price. My main concern is the heat of the 6000 - I'm a writer, so could spend a couple of hours at a time writing. Yes, I take breaks, but still, I can't type with roasted wrists.

So, the cooler, less expensive 2000 from Costco with less RAM and the TL-50, or the warmer, more expensive 6000 from CompUSA with more RAM and the TL-52?

And what am I not thinking about that might make a difference? I do know I will need to invest in a 12 cell, regardless of the box I end up with. I did read the Cooling Ideas thread - but the heat issues were occuring with new machines (no dust yet!) and don't want to have to carry some big pad with fans in it!

I'm going in circles on this, and driving my programmer hubby insane. HELP!

 

Yeah, I can see your dilemma. Choosing among the 2000, 6000, or the 9000 is more of a personal choice. For me, size DOES matter, as the smaller the better in this case! So I went with a 2000t. I personally don't think heat has been an issue but most times I am just running it off my 12 cell battery at home. (I usually charge it up in the office!) Your 6000v will definitely be warmer but if it gets to a point that it bothers you, I think you should just go with the 2000v.

Another thing you need to consider is the memory. Even though the price difference is $160, but if you ever want to have 2gb RAM (better for VISTA), you will wind up buying two 1gb RAM chips and they will normally set you back with $200 bucks. Your existing 1gb RAM (i.e. two 512mb RAM) will just be useless from that point on.

Just my $.02 for your decision making!

 

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On the ram, buying more 3rd party instead of thru the mfg.... if the price is anywhere "close" from say the base 1 gig, to a 2 gig "upgrade"... remember that whatever price quoted for the "upgrade" means you're:

A: Paying that price for the differance, meaning you're paying $160 for 1 gig worth of ram

and :

B: You can buy 2 gig of ram OUTRIGHT most of the time for about the same.... and be able to KEEP the base installed ram, or sell it to recoup some money/ help someone out that maybe needs 1 gig worth...

Another reason to buy with base ram is you get to keep that ram for "testing" purposes... which can come in mightly handy when testing a machine for suspected ram problems so the base ram isn't "totally" useless.


PS: If someone has an extra 512mb DDR-2 dimm of 667 for cheap. .. (after all it's "useless"...) I'd be interested as my unit was shipped with (1) 512 dimm... and I'd like to bump it up to 1 gig..


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Some heat will come from the palm, that's where the hard drive is (at least in the dv6000). Shouldn't horrible, though.

 

It's odd that they gave you an option to have one 512MB dimm, considering the fact that DDR2 is dual channel. As its name implies, it works best when you have 2 identicial RAM chips. You should definitely consider getting an IDENTICAL RAM ASAP. Have you checked the timing of your existing RAM? If not, do so before you buy it. Make some good friends here, perhaps they can give you their "useless" chips in exchange for some potato chips!?!?

I have two 256MB original RAM that I haven't figured out where to dump them!

Cheers!

 

The reason the unit shipped with (1) 512 DDR-2 dimm was it's a business class laptop.

HP /Compaq nx6325 RB526UT#ABA

http://www.notebookforums.com/thread176205.html

And yes I confirmed that it is (1) dimm via CPU-z

BTW: I think the above is the first time I've "asked" about someone having some "extra" useless ram.

If you hear of anyone that upgraded to 2gig from the base 1 gig... OR better yet has upgraded from 2 to 4 gig and doesn't need those extra dimms... let me know!!!


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I had a compaq v2000 laptop and it generates lots heat under my left palm. I even used some pad to protect my palm Finally I returned it.