Should I buy the DV8000T now?

I've been waiting for prices to go down for several months now. Although the price hasn't gone down by much, I think I should buy it before my school starts! (Move-in is on 9-15) So anyways, here's my setup:

HP Pavilion dv8000t customizable Notebook PC

* -- FREE Upgrade to Genuine Windows XP Media Center
* -- Intel(R) Core(TM) Duo processor T2500 (2.0 GHz)
* -- 17.0" WSXGA+ BrightView Widescreen (1680x1050)
* -- 256MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 7600
* -- 512MB DDR2 SDRAM (2x256MB) (Will be buying 2x1gb OCZ rams)
* -- 100 GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
* -- FREE Upgrade - LightScribe DVD+/-RW w/Double Layer
* -- Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network w/Bluetooth
* -- No TV Tuner w/remote control
* -- 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* -- Microsoft(R) Works/Money
* -- Genuine Windows XP Media Center Edition Backup CD
* -- HP Mobile Remote Control

+ 3-Year HP Express Repair Extended Service...

If there's something I missed, please point it out since this will be my first laptop and a huge upgrade from my current computer. (800mgz, 256mb ram, 30gb hd, 4x cd-rw )

Now here's my research on pricing:
1) HP.com - $1644.98 (Laptop) + $184.99 (3-Year ERES) - $50 (Notebook rebate) - $250 (Coupon code: NB5252 Expires 9/2/06) = $1529.97

2) HP.com - This time with APP account, the total is about $10-20 more expensive since the Coupon does not combine with APP discount. Hence, better deal here would be the former.

3) Costco.com - $1,583.99 (Latop + 3-Year ERES) - $50 (Manufacture's Rebate) = $1533.99

I live in CA, LA County so tax is going to be HUGE. 8.25%

Here's the thing to note though, Costco gives you 180 days return period while HP only offers 21 days. HP is offering a free Deskjet F380 All-in-One AR ($79.99-$80)

Keyboard problem still exists. I'm assuming the computers are shipped from the same place whether you buy it from HP.com or Costco.com

That is my research.

I'm not sure if I should buy the computer now though. Labor Day is coming soon and I'm sure HP will drop the prices of their dv8000t AGAIN. I don't know... What do you guys think? Should I pull the trigger now? Or pull a sniper and wait for the perfect bait.

Thanks in advance.

 

Computer Prices continually drop (week to week) as technology changes. In general, when buying a notebook (or any other computer commodity item), the longer you can hold off to "pull the trigger", the better you will fair. It's either you will be able to buy "more technology" with the same amount of money in the future, or... spend less money for "the same technology" in the future.

 

u need permission?

 

You call that huge? I pay 19% tax.


Anyway. Waiting will get you a cheaper notebook but buying now means you will have one now. The question only you can answer is whether or not you need (or can make very good use of) that notebook now or if can wait a little longer.

 

Go for it man, but it. I bought a DV6000z. Hell, I could have waited for prices to drop, but laptop technologies is always changing and improving. So just go for it dude.

 

I would seriously recommend ultra brightview. I have seen brightview and ultra brightview side to side and the difference is huge.

 

I would take a look at the 9000z if you are able to sacrifice Intel for AMD.

 

Definitely check out the dv9000z instead of the dv8000t. Especially because of the keyboard issues that the dv8000s are having. I bought the dv8000t in July, thinking the keyboard issues wouldn't happen to me, but they did. My dv9000 should be here tomorrow...