Sanity Check - dv2700t and Windows XP?

I've been lurking here for a while now, and let me say the forums here are great.

Before I bore you with my story, what I am asking here is if anyone knows for sure, and knows why, that I will not be able to install and run Windows XP on a specific dv2700 configuration. I've read the stickies and other threads carefully and it seems the answer is in flux (hopefully in a good way with the latest BIOS).

Here's my story - I have a dv2010 which I bought from Amazon back in January of 2007. It came with Vista which had been out for a few days at that point. I was going to give it a try, but my initial boot experience was so bad, I wiped it before ever getting logged in (It was still chugging away like it was encrypting the whole damn hard drive when I pulled the plug on it in exasperation and got out Partition Commander).

Prior to the HP, my only laptops were big workstation replacements like the Dell Precision M50, and it always seemed like I was lugging around 20 lbs of laptop stuff. The dv2010 is just small and light enough for me - I'm really happy carrying a laptop with me for once. I love the design, finish and form factor (feels smaller than it is), But after using it a while, I found myself still wanting a few things - most of which a CTO laptop will fix.

I've been watching prices, and the next time there is a good sale or discount coupon I am going to buy the following:

dv2700t cto with:
T9300 C2D CPU (2.5Ghz, 6MB)
Discrete Graphics - GF 8400GS
Webcam & Microphone (no fingerprint reader)
AGN Network + Bluetooth
Hi-cap 6-cell Battery

I'm planning on upgrading the memory (depending) and Hard Drive with a 7200 RPM unit. I program computer games for a living and do a lot of compiling and development work where the faster Hard Drive makes a noticeable difference.

And I plan on running Windows XP Pro. I really do not want Vista. Really, Really Don't Want.

I *DO* make use of a webcam and wireless mouse, and having the camera built-in and bluetooth will make my life that much easier.

I HAVE read the various threads about installing XP on the dv2xxx models. It seems that between the new F.2A bios and the Intel STAT AHCI BIOS utility that was reference here, and people sorting out the various driver issues, installing Windows XP should be possible.

I'm not worried about losing the QuickPlay paritition, but keeping it wouldn't bother me. I'll be doing the install to a clean hard drive and keeping the old drive around in case I need to put it back in and return the unit should I encounter complete failure.

So, can anyone say for sure if I am doomed for failure or destined for success, or going to wind up an XP driver short of 100%??



If I had a magic wand, I'd have HP add the options for a higher resolution screen in the 14" size (1440 at least) , and a better GPU (8600M GT), but checking out other brands, I think the HP 2xxx is still at the sweet spot for features and value.

 

Go with Dell if you want a better GPU,screen options and XP. They have discount promo's too

 

Which models are you thinking of? I'm not wanting to go above the 14" form factor or 5 pounds.

The XPS M1330 doesn't offer a larger screen or better GPU nor XP, and is more expensive comparably equipped.

The Inspiron 1420 does offer the 1440 screen, but is just a hair larger and heavier with the same GPU. And it doesn't offer the T9300 CPU, nor Windows XP.

Looking at Dell's website, they only offer XP with the Inspiron 1520 or the XPS M1730.

 

I would suggest Asus M50SV at gentechpc.com better than HP in quality and price and you can get XP.

 

have you checked the Vostro 1400/1500?

 

Heh. And I thought this was supposed to be an HP forum

I did a lot of looking around before concluding that HP offered as good a product and value as the others, and I have been VERY pleased with the build quality of my dv2010 so far, thus establishing a preference.

It's more important to me to keep weight under 5 ~ 5.2 pounds, have a high quality screen & view angle and for the overall form factor to be and feel small, than it is to have a beefier GPU or more pixels. Also, I want to keep my total cost to under $1200 after tax. All the manufacturers have to make trade offs in their laptops, and I accept that.

The Asus is 6.5 pounds or so and 15" and pricire, so no thanks, and the Vostro is costlier, uglier to me, and still no GPU improvement, so I'll pass on that too.

 

Perhaps I'm too excited to see straight, but I read an uncomfirmed post about the latest BIOS update to the 2700t supporting Windows XP. I'd really like it if someone would confirm this.

 

well there was one user that said it was false by experience.. personally i think its false too