Safe to buy 9600 series notebook now?

I was going to buy a dv9628nr at Best Buy after Xmas, but while reading reviews and info, I found this article:

http://blogs.zdnet.com/Berlind/?p=853

So apparently all the 6000 and 9000 notebooks have defective mobos and/or wifi cards?

But that report was a little while ago. Hopefully HP has fixed these issues(?) So I wonder is it safe now to buy that model? Or will I just end up with a defective computer?

Are there any good 17" alternatives to recommend to me? I was really liking the HP because it had everything I wanted at a good price, and the TV tuner would've been a nice extra for me.

Thanks!

 

Why don't you just custom order one from HP.com. You might be able to find a 30% coupon. Also with Hp.com you can pick every option you want and what you don't want.

 

I have experienced no problems with my 9500 since July in regards to this issue or any other issue. My lappy runs perfect.

 

They probably already fixed that, and even if they didn't it will be covered under the warranty. By default you get a 1 year warranty from HP. Also, I don't recommend buying BestBuy's warranty, because when your laptop breaks it will take twice as long to get your laptop repaired and back to you than if you bought HP's warranty. The reason for this is because Geak Squad will take a week to look at it first and for hardware problems they end up sending it back to HP anyways, so why not eliminate the middle man and just buy the warranty straight from HP.

 

Hmm, maybe I will buy buy direct from HP. I think I read the Broadcomm wifi cards are the culprit, so I can configure it with another (better) brand and model wifi I suppose.

I just like buying local cause it's so easy to do a return. And it's more fun just paying and taking the new item home with you!

 

Here's the thing ChocolateCake, if you order directly from HP you can return the laptop within 2 weeks of receiving it (even if you've used it) with no penalties or questions asked. If you bought it from BestBuy, then opened it they will charge a restocking fee for it. So in all honesty, see if the 30% coupon is still available and go and custom order one directly through HP.

 

As far as they taking the product home with you, thats great and all. One thing also I would put into equation is how many hands actually touch the laptop when it comes through bestbuy. I'm sure its more than the hp direct way. I can tell you this, when I used to work at bestbuy we really didn't care how we handled the product. I.E.- dropping it from high up or droping larger heavier items on it. The only thing that matters with bestbuys inventory is how fast you can get it from truck to shelf. Also the wait is around a two weeks, it may be less if you don't live in Central Fla w/ regular shipping. Yes thats a long time but it's only once.

 

Wow, good info there guys.

I'll be patient and buy direct. It just sucks cuz I have to drive to my family's house (not too far at least) to go online right now! LOL! I seriously need a freaking computer, and I'm determined to wait for after-Xmas price drops before submitting an order.

 

If I were you I would start looking to see if any of the HP coupons are active. At the time that I purchased my laptop I was unaware of these coupons. I could've save around $500. Yes, it still hurts to this day. If you can't find it just register for that student discount program that they have that will save you a something on it.

 

here is a link to the models that are affected and what type of issues they were having. The newer notebooks don't have this issue anymore

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...7277&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

 

Where do I find those HP coupons?

And do you think Hp will start cutting prices the day after Xmas? (I hope so!)

 

Look around this forum or search coupons within this forum. Trust me, even if you spend one day finding that coupon its well worth it. I wouldn't trust the prices to drop due to the fact that a new model came out, but I don't know. If you don't find the coupons as a last resort you can sign up for the student discount its something at least. I dont know how your supposed to sign up for this program but I was chatting with a rep online and I asked her if I could get signed up and she went ahead and did it for me.

 

Fatwallet also has a deal going with HP until the end of the month for 5% cash back (just be sure you login to Fatwallet and then go to the HP site from their site to get credit). I just got my DV9500T today and I will have to wait until March to get my 5% cash back but it's 60-something bucks I'll be getting back and it paired nicely with the 30% off coupon from HP I used Dec. 10.