Specially configured DV7 from QVC?

Hi, everyone. Please bear with me as I'm really new to this forum.

I have an opportunity to buy a DV7-4177NR (unique model # for QVC, I think) for approximately $950. The major specs are as follows:

Pavilion dv7-4177nr, VISION technology from AMD with 2.9GHz AMD Phenom II dual-core mobile processor N640, 17.3" diagonal high-def+ HP BrightView LED display, 1600x900resolution, 6GB DDR3 RAM, 640GB 7200RPM SATA hard drive with ProtectSmart hard drive protection, LightScribe Blu-ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-RW drive, 2-layer support, 802.11b/g/n wireless LAN, Bluetooth technology, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470 switchable graphics with 512MB DDR3 RAM, up to 3197MB total memory, Beats Audio and HP triple bass-reflex subwoofer, Webcam, digital mic, HP SimplePass, integrated fingerprint reader, HP Clickpad, 5-in-1 digital media reader: SD, MMC, MS, MS Pro, xD, Battery life up to 7.5 hours, 3 USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, eSATA/USB, VGA, RJ-45 ports, Headphone/mic jacks, Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64-bit, Measures approximately 16-3/8" x 10-3/4" x 1-1/2", weighs 8-1/4 lbs, UL listed adapter; 1-year LMW

So do all you HP afficionados think this is a good deal and/or a good configuration?

Thanks!

 

I have same configuration but with an Intel i5-460, no Blu-ray, and two 320GB drives instead of one 640GB. I bought from the HP site and paid $719 a month ago.

I love my new notebook.

I have read on here about AMD processors overheating in the dv7. I don't know if it's the particular processor you're talking about or not.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-pavilion-notebooks/530594-pavillion-dv7-overheating-issues.html

 

Looks like a different processor. All those posts refer to the AMD Turion, while this one is the AMD Phenom. Is the Intel i5-460 considered a better processor? And if so, how much better is it than an Intel i3-370?

 

Well, the i5 is a more expensive processor than the AMD. How much better it is, I don't know. I also don't know how much faster it is than the i3, I just know it is faster.

I do the the i5 & i3 can do Intel Wireless Display and AMD can't.

 

Seems too expensive. AMD, a cheap graphic card... And without usb3.0 Hp laptops are loosing for example to Asus.

 

So AMD isn't good? Am I better off with one of the Intel i-3 processors (at the very least)? Also, please elaborate on the graphics card. Why is it cheap, and which brands of graphics cards should I be looking at when deciding on a laptop?

Thanks!

 

I agree, that price for a dv7 with those specs (CPU & GPU) is
too expensive.

Not so sure about your claim that HP is losing to Asus.

Blame QVC for selling an HP with those specs, at an expensive price.

There are high quality HP models that have better specs, competitive prices
which are as good or better than Asus models.

 

Excellent decision to check the Notebook Review forums
before purchasing that dv7 from QVC.

$950 is a waste of money for that particular model.

At that price range, you should get your money's worth.
A laptop with a better CPU & GPU.

If you're interested in a dv7 series, order one directly from
HP with coupon codes for the best prices.

If you want a pre-configured dv7, there are websites with
competitive prices.

An example is Amazon. The dv7-4180us is available there for ($929.95).
Similar features as that QVC dv7 but has the i5-460M CPU and the ATI 5650 GPU.

I'm not going to do any debate about the better
CPU, AMD or Intel, or the better GPU, AMD or Nvidia. Hehe!

I'm also looking for the best price/performance.

I'm currently using/testing/comparing
an HP Envy 14 (Intel i5-460M CPU/ 5650 GPU) and
an HP Pavilion dv6-3160us (AMD N950 / 5650 GPU),
still deciding which one to keep.

At this point in time
(before the release of Sandy Bridge & ATI 6000 series GPUs & Nvidia GT500M series GPUs),
whatever features, screen size, etc. you're looking for,
the GPU (if you prefer the latest from AMD & Nvidia) should be at least an ATI 5650 or higher.
For Nvidia, GT420M or higher.

For CPUs, you can check the Passmark CPU charts. Can't really judge a CPU's performance/capabilities entirely
from that, but it's good for a reference point.

A great reference point for CPUs and especially GPUs
is Notebookcheck.

There are rankings for GPUs at Notebookcheck.
The 5470 GPU in the dv7, being sold by QVC, is classified
there as a Class 3, "entry-level / lower middle class DirectX 11 graphics card for laptops".

The 5650 GPU is classified there as Class 2, "middle class DirectX 11 graphics card for laptops"
and has garnered numerous positive reviews there, here, and many other places.

Good luck!

 

Elycelynne, I would like to offer you my opinion. I seen this model on QVC myself and was curious about the price and so I did some comparing. And while I don't mean to step on anyone's toes here, because I am by no means a laptop gu-ru, I do have some experience building my own desktops for gaming purposes.
First off I did some comparing of the processor to intel processors, and what I found from comparing bench test is that this processor will go toe to toe and outperform the intel i-3 processor. The Intel i-5 is a little better, but you pay much more for this processor. And from most of my experiences with the phenom black edition processors, they are well worth the money.
Secondly, what caught my eye was the fact this included a blue ray, light scribe capable cd/dvd burner. That is a very nice option to have if you like having your laptops for those long trips so you can enjoy some entertainment. And combine that with the Dr.Dre Beats sound system with built in subwoofer, I've heard only good things about the sound from this system. Not to mention you would be viewing on a 17.3 monitor powered by a 9 cell battery. A laptop with 7.5 hours of run time is really nice.
And last but not least, your getting a laptop installed with 6 gigs of ddr3, which means it should run very proficiently. And if not, its expandable to 8 gigs, so you just drop it off at your local best buy and expand that baby if your not comfortable doing it yourself.
The only thing I dont like, I agree that I would rather see a better gpu on it. But I'm still researching whether the graphics could be updated or not. I would prefer a higher end graphics card in this model, but the graphics card installed should work very well for dvd blue ray, and most gaming. May not run the higher end games in ultra modes, but should still perform well in low or medium settings for that matter.
With that being said, I had no problems ordering this model myself yesterday. So when it arrives, I will let you know more about it has I discover it. But I think for the buck, you will definitely get your bangs worth!

 

USB3.0. Asus already have them in medium performance laptops like N73 while DV7 is lagging in that particular.

I found that in part the price difference is due to Bluray drive, still you can get it for around $900 and with an i3 from HP store.
AMD is good it is just i3 is a bit better, Graphic card brand is okay the problem is the model. For that price you should get a i5 and an HD5650.

Check HP store, then you can choose your components.

Over 16.9 Laptop, Tablet, & Netbook PCs | HP Official Store

 

So I went to the HP site and tried configuring something similar with an i5 processor and HD 5650 graphics card. If I want to keep the Blu-Ray and the 6G DDR 3 memory, it turns out to be MUCH more expensive than what QVC is charging. (Did I also mention that it comes with a free 4-year McAfee subscription and Adobe Photoshop Elements 9, which on HP's site add even more to the cost?)

I should probably disclose that I'm not a gamer. My version of "gaming" are things like Bejewled 2 and Text Twist. So with that being said, do the processor and graphics card matter as much as if I were a true gamer?

I do like the enhancements of the Beats Audio and the built-in Blu-Ray, so I'd rather not give those up in order to get a lower price.

 

Unless you listen to music with headphones, there is really nothing to "Beats Audio" and the "Subwoofer".

Music through headphones sounds great. Music through the built in speakers doesn't sound any better than most other laptops. The speakers don't sound bad, they just aren't anything special.

I don't even know if the "subwoofer" works. I can't hear it and I haven't lifted up the laptop and put my ear to it.

Also, the max volume of the laptop speakers is lacking. My 5 year old HP V4000 is louder.

 

You can get in store almost your config, instead of AMD an i3 so if the QVC is okay for you try it in HP store, i think you can get cheaper.

 

That price seems to high to me, i can get better config from HP website for like $750. The laptop base price is $749 you can get quad core N950 processor, add blu-ray, ram ,hard drive or whatever. get the price up to $1099+ before the discount. add $200 off coupon code which stacks with $150 instant discount. and your at $750 but have a quad core cpu.

I am a big AMD fan, but the core I3/I5/I7 are fantastic processors. I especially like the ones with turbo boost technology. In most scenarios the core i3/i5/i7 will be faster, but based on your description of usage i doubt you would ever notice.

Also people have reported the intel processors to run much hotter then the AMD's. reasons are two fold. intels are using more watts and have graphics built into cpu -- two heat sources in a small package = harder to cool. AMD has the cpu and graphics seperated plus use less watts.

amd quad core p940 = 25watts ? intel core i5 460 = 35watts

 

@Bullit

I agree. That's true. USB 3.0, is missing on HP models. At least eSAta is available.
Surely HP will implement USB 3.0 in their future models when USB 3.0 becomes more common in usage.

If HP doesn't by then, I'll surely join you in criticizing HP. Hehe!

In other apsects, price, performance, and build quality (I'm quite impressed with the design/style & aluminum
materials on the Envy 14 and dv6/dv7 series) surely HP doesn't lag behind Asus.


@elycelynne

Here's the Amazon link to the dv7-4180us

Amazon.com: HP Pavilion dv7-4180us 17.3-Inch Laptop PC - Up to 7.75 Hours of Battery Life (Argento): Computer & Accessories

After more comparisons, I noticed these differences.

CPU - AMD N640 -> Intel i5-460M
GPU - ATI 5470 -> ATI 5650
HDD - 640GB 7200RPM -> 640GB 5400RPM
RAM - 6GB -> 4GB

The HDD difference isn't really that bad in Windows 7 and general usage.
You can easily replace it in the future for a faster one, if desired.

The RAM is also the same situation in Windows 7, based on what you're planning to do,
will not make a significant difference.
That's easily upgradeable in the future if desired.

But the difference in the CPU and GPU is significant.

The Blu-ray drive and Beats Audio features are the same.

As for the gaming aspects, what if there's a chance you might need the
added graphical processing power in the future, be it for games or other applications.
At least the ATI 5650 will be there if needed.

As others have mentioned also, if you prefer ordering directly from HP,
using coupon codes, you'll be getting something with better specs at around the same price range or lower.

As for the McAfee subscription, I'm sure anyone would gladly sacrifice that for a better CPU/GPU.
Microsoft Security Essentials is freely available, as well as many other dependable antivirus programs.

 

I don't think USB 3 is really that great, at least not yet. The only use i would have for it is to plug in a portable external drive which is probably a 4200rpm 50-60mb a second at best drive which usb 2.0 is good enough for. it would be nice to have, but its not going to bother me that much for the time being.

 

All mine external HDD's are 7200rpm and were cheap. I can get 95mb with E-sata in my DV7 but e-sata sometimes dies and i have to wake it up, usb2.0 do not do it.
With USB3.0 any external HDD you have including many SSD have no bottlenecks. Do not forget any person that buy a laptop now will last at least 2 years so where we will be in 2013?

Note: the above is only valid for persons that use external HDD's and need to use or move data from that external HDD. One example is HD video.
Despite that i also speculate that USB3.0 will have more uses due to increased speed.

 

OK, since the OP is willing to spend $950, here's what looks like a killer deal to me:

lenovo has the Lenovo IdeaPad Y560 Intel Core i7-740QM Quad-Core 15.6" Notebook Computer for $899.00 Free Shipping after Coupon Code: USPY5C1213 (Exp 12/20). Tax in most.

IMPORTANT: When copying coupon codes for lenovo, please make sure NOT TO ADD SPACES. Otherwise the coupon will not apply.

15.6" 1366x768 LED; Intel Core i7-740QM Quad-Core @ 1.73GHz; 8GB/500GB; DVD burner; 802.11n + bluetooth; Win7; ATI Radeon HD5730 1GB; webcam; 6-cell; 1yr warranty

$1599.00 - $150 off instant - $550 off code: USPY5C1213 = $899.00 Free Shipping

Lenovo - Enhance your IdeaPad Y560 Laptop - 06465CU - Black (with 1.3MP Camera)

 

The OP choose a 17" why would change for 15" and much less resolution?

 

I wasn't telling him what to buy. I was showing him a lot of computer for a good price.

 

OK, here's another one for the OP.

Use this coupon code: NB3548 to get $200 off a dv7tse at HP.com.

You can configure a system exactly like your QVC ( with Blu-ray and Beats Audio), but with Intel i5-460M and HD 5650 for $864.99.

 

I'd buy that second one in a heartbeat if I didn't already have a dv6.

The dv7 you looked at seems specced well.

I want to point out though, that the core i series of processors have amazing integrated graphics, I'd bet they would play anything a casual gamer will ever need. Bluray is also a waste if you aren't ever going to take advantage of it, just something to think about. I also wouldn't expect 7.5 hours of use when watching bluray, which is what I interpreted a post on the first page to mean.

 

MastaCow53 is definitely correct. That's an awesome deal with the HP coupon code.
The HP coupons slipped my mind. Sorry about that. Hehe!

The notebook instant rebate plus the coupon code makes
for an awesome bargain.

The custom configured specs at HP's website is better than the Amazon one,
and way better than the one from QVC.

Even with tax, the money is better spent at HP's website for the customized dv7tSE.

Don't even consider wasting $950 for the QVC one.

 

That's an excelent one MastaCow53. Hope the OP came here in time.

 

Yes, hopefully the OP, checks back here.

I did say in my 2nd post for this thread
on 12/17.....

"If you're interested in a dv7 series, order one directly from
HP with coupon codes for the best prices."

I just forgot to mention then the NB3548 code that expires 12/19
or type in the link for the websites that have codes listed.

My apologies.

Sigh, hopefully it's not too late.


EDIT:

Here's a new coupon code:

Up to $100 off $999 on customized HP Pavilion Laptop after HP Coupon Code NBB37951 [Exp. 01/02/11 or 2250 uses]
That's $250 off ($100 off code & $150 instant rebate)

The other code, NB3548, was so awesome! $350 off ($200 off code & $150 instant rebate).
Unfortunately, it's expired now. Oh well, here's the next best thing.

Here's one of the many websites to check for HP coupons.

http://www.dealigg.com/cat-best-price-ComputersLaptop

Good luck!

 

I know it is June, but I picked my 1st DV7 with the QVC setup for Christmas, now I am buying my second for the same price. The value is still there. I looked at ASUS, Sony, and Dell. There is not a laptop in this class that can give you the bang for the buck. I don't work for QVC.SAMS does carry it's own version of this model with 8G of RAM and a 1.5T Hard 7200 ATA HD.

The 1st one I purchased has been a work horse and HP has done a great job updating the BIOS and drivers.

I am generaly a desktop guy and always viewed laptops as a portable option. This DV7 is a desktop replacement and has all the bang for the buck I need.

The GPU could better, but I have yet to run into an issue with it. The faster SATA drive is nice. The sound system makes watching movies enjoyable.

AMD vs Intel? OK This is not an i7 I am OK with that. Outside iof the i7 Intel is just keeping up with the AMD's.

I rember back in the day as DVD was emerging as a standard and jsut getting started in the PC world. Now I can't imagine a CD drive that won't play a DVD. So the Blue ray drive makes all the sense in the world. I have no Idea why SOny would make a laptop with out a blueray.

This model is a great deal and a great buy for $999.

The only other system that even turned my head was the Dell XPS17 3D