So torn - need advice before buying DV5T

Ok guys, I tried searching the many threads here for info, and although some of my questions were answered, even more were created and before I can click buy, can you please answer the following? Thanks!

1) Can you identify any performance/technical considerations other than screen resolution and slightly wider screen that I would want to consider the newer HDX16T over the DV5T? They have the same max vid cards, processor, etc. etc. Just wanted to make sure I'm not missing anything as seems more new buyers are after that than the DV5T.

2) How does one order through their business channel if ordering through the web? I read in a thread that someone had about how they were sueing HP over bad support, etc. etc. that people recommended newer users buy through the 'business' channel vs. the consumer one. If you have to call to do it, what exactly am I asking for?
(Note: I don't see either laptop listed here: http://www.hp.com/sbso/busproducts_notebooks.html)

3) Does it make more sense to use the P8600 or T9400 for the Montevino platform that both the DV5T or HDX16T uses? I know the T9400 performs a bit better based on specs alone but I rememeber being told that the "P" processors can only be used on the Montevino platform? Is that correct, and if so, is there any inherent benefit?

Lastly...

4) I was going to get the Infinity glass screen but I keep reading posts about the dust that eventually gets 'stuck' in there with no way to clean it? I know that would bother me and would hate to send it in just to deal with that only to have it happen again. Also, I know some people say it is way to glare-oriented. Where can one go to check out the non-infinity models as the Best Buy doesn't seem to carry them. Are they that much worse looking?

Thanks, looking forward to making a purchase soon!

 

I can answer your last question. I got non infinity based on complaints about dust and glare as well. Now I glad that I made the right choice. after a few weeks, Infinity look does not matter to you anymore. but dust and glare will bother you every time you use your laptop. you can check out dv5 in Samsclub, Office Max, and Staples.

 

Thank you! If anyone can provide any insight as to #1 through #3, particularly #1, that would help a lot!

 

Regarding #3: Both the P and T series are part of the Montevino platform - the main difference is that the T9400 has a slightly higher clock speed and double the cache (6MB v. 3MB in the P8600), but a higher power consumption (max 35W v. 25W in P series). This won't make much of a difference in most cases, so save some money to spend elsewhere (in gaming, if that is what you need the better graphics card for, CPU clock does not matter as much as GPU - the P8600 won't be the bottleneck).

 

Thank you midnight - Although I will be using the laptop for some development (compilation) and gaming, it is hard to tell if the 3mb to 6mb cache would help more over the 10w less power usage.

If $$$ were not an issue, is there any reason you wouldn't go with the T9400?

 

Don't bother with the infinity. I have the regular WSXGA+ screen on my DV5T and its perfect. The infinity I saw in the store reflected so much more

 

T9400 generates more heat than the P8600, although I do not know of any direct comparisons with empirical data. I would prefer the P8600, as I prefer a more cool and quiet laptop.

 

Thanks guys, it seems I'm close enough to buying now other than trying to understand #1 still, and if I'm missing anything.

Also, slightly still up in the air on the processors but I guess it won't matter much either way I go and I'm leaning towards the T9400 because I'll be plugged in more than not, and heard the 10w savings maybe adds up to 10 minutes more battery time.

Edit: Just saw your post MidnightSun, and I never thought about the heat issue. Hmmm, I'll try and do some quick research :/

 

Don't go with Infinity, you will get a ton more glare. Also, make sure you do plenty of research on the GPU you get as there may still be lingering problems with nVidia mobile chipsets.

 

If you're refering to the overheating issues present in some Nvidia 8000 series mobile chipsets, I'm pretty sure those issues have been resolved in the 9000 series.

And to answer your question #1: Some differences between the HDX16t and dv5t include speakers (HDX has a 4.1 sound system, versus dv5t's 2.0 sound system), a different exterior style, and the HDX is considerably heavier than the dv5t due to the 16" screen (~1.5+ pounds heavier, depending on configuration), which you should definitely take into consideration if you plan to carry the laptop around at all.

 

Thanks again Midnight. Data, I did do as much research as I could and it does seem the problem was confined to the 8xxx series. I've not seen any real heat-related issues with the 9xxx series so far.

And thanks for more heads up on skipping the infinity as I think that is what I'm going to do.

And yeah, as much as the HDX is somewhat nice, it's just too large for me to plop down on a starbucks table, etc. and I don't need the rez as I never watch movies, just play games or do productivity stuff.

 

if you worry about T9400, i can tell you that it works cool all the times, it got only 29-35 C on my laptop