Purchasing a G60... few questions

Hi, I'm seriously considering getting myself a HP G60-230CA at Staples. I have 2 quick questions:

1) Staples charge $90 for installing Windows and creating the Recovery Discs. Is it safe to do it myself, or should I pay for it ?

2) What do you think of the 16.0" Diagonal High Definition HP BrightView Display (1366 x 768). I mean, the screen size does not seem standard to me. Could I encounter problems with some applications that could require a 4:3 screen ?


Thanks!

 

my brother has one of those and they work pretty good

dont pay staples to do that its a pretty simple thing to do u should not have any problems with it

the screen is fine and right now im using a 15.6" that has the same res and im fine with it

 

Not worth the $90 IMHO.

The Windows OS is already installed on the notebook, unless you are upgrading to a different version. What they are probably trying to charge you for is to delete some of the bloatware that is installed by the manufacturer.

Creating the Recovery Discs is very easy and the instructions to do so will be shown when you first boot up your notebook. I would have at least three good quality DVD+R's (i.e. Sony, Verbatim, TDK, HP) on hand and perform the backup yourself at that time. There are many people on the forum to help you out if you should need it.

It is one of the standard WS sizes. I haven't run into any applications that require a 4:3 screen for years, (maybe older games?, I don't know) I can't name one. Where people have problems is running some applications on netbooks where the resolution is 1280x600. Some app's get cutoff at the bottom.

 

It's not just safe for you to do it- it's SAFER than letting them do it! The employees at retail stores often lack the proper training and knowledge to even operate a computer! Your best bet is to rely on the kindness of NBR users to assist if you run into any issues!

The 4:3 aspect ratio notebook has been extinct since Lenovo dropped the T60. For at least the last four years, 16:10 has been the prevailing aspect ratio, with 1280x800 (WXGA) being the standard/basic resolution. In the last six months, there has been a major shift from 16:10 to 16:9 displays on most consumer laptops.

There is a lot of controversy and criticism about the move to 16:9 aspect ratio. But the fact remains that it's where all non-business laptops are headed, accept it.

All programs designed for 16:10 displays should work fine on 16:10. The 1366x768 display only reduces vertical pixels by 4% and increases horizontal pixel count by almost 7% (compared to 1280x800).

 

Alright, thanks for your answers. I just pulled the trigger on the G60 laptop.

Last question: Should I purchase the 3-year warranty that Staples sell for $150 ? Is it worth it ?

 

Jeff, I'm with the guys at Consumer Reports and several other websites- extended warranties are rarely a good buy and less than 10% those who buy them ever get any benefit. If you insist on buying one anyway, never buy it from a third party (i.e. Staples). Only buy an extension of the original warranty from the manufacturer.

The 'warranty' coverage sold in retail stores often covers on certain specific items/issues, the store writes these policies in their best interest- for instance, if they offer laptop replacement in case of a failure, they might be able to replace your $600 laptop with the crappiest $400 unit they have on a dusty shelf in the stock room (I've heard far worse stories).

But you get a full 1-year warranty with the HP. The G60 is a solid, well-built laptop and it's fairly simple in terms of technology (less things to go wrong, like discrete video cards). If there's a true defect in any component, it should make itself known well before the year is up! So save your $150!

 

Alright, thanks for your input. I'll pass on the extended warranty. Anyway, my credit card doubles the HP warranty, so I'll live with that.

 

I should have mentioned that actually! Consumer Reports mentions to check with you credit card banks and see if they double the coverage, as most do!

 

Does anyone know where you can purchase hard drive caddy's + adapters for the G60? I got a cheap on off ebay that is missing the hard drive, caddy and adapter and I couldn't seem to find one on ebay.


Patrick

 

check the coming price for this machine at walmart.........