Pre-built or Self-configured?

I have the following questions:

1. Is it advisable to buy a laptop from HP.com or from Circuitcity (or Bestbuy)?

2. If the answer to question #1 is HP.com, should I purchase a pre-built model or self-configure one from HP.com?

3. From what I read in this forum, it seems that a self-configured model tends to have more problem. Any truth to this?

4. Is the Fingerprint Reader something useful? Can it be totally deactivated?

5. Is the 3GB memory in a HP model 1.5GB + 1.5GB or 2GB + 1GB? Does the 2GB + 1GB slow down the overall performance?

I would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

 

I assume that quality is the same, components are the same quality whether its preconfigured or custom built, just you choose what you rather want in the custom built.
I got my DV9774 2.0 Centrino dual core from Future Shop and have no problems.
It came with 3GB memory, it is a 2GB + 1GB and it is very fast, absolutely no indication of slow. I had used a similar 2GB Pavilion first and it was a bit slower, but it was a AMD 2.2 dual core Turion.

You can disable the fingerprint reader in device Manager, but even if you don`t you can avoid usng it if you just don`t assign any fingerprints to it. It won`t bother you then. Once its been assigned a fingerprint then it will bring up the login window you can either swipe your finger or type your password.

 

2) its up to you, depending on which specs you need

3) No they are equal. Its just alot of configured models were sold

4) Yes its quite handy, and yes it can be totally deactivated.

5) No such thing as 1.5gb RAM. Their configuration is 2+1gb. Dual channel only adds about 4% more which isnt noticeable, not to worry about.

I suggest getting the least amount of RAM from HP, they charge WAYYY to much. You can buy better RAM for super cheap from www.newegg.com

 

I checked out HP.com today. It is only $25 more for the upgrade from 2GB to 3GB. I'm not sure if this is a bargain.

 

oh really $25 only for an extra gig? Go for it then! thats a fair price