Variations in DV5 model #s?

Trying to figure out the different variations in the HP DV5 models. I see the DV5t and the DV5z models reviewed/compared. Then I look at the Best Buy or Circuit City sites to actually go and see one in person, their model #s are different. (dv5-1017nr or dv5-1015nr at BB and dv5-1000us at CC)

Is there a logical naming convention to make comparisons easier? Are all the chassis going to be basically the same? If one has glossy keyboard keys, does that mean they all will, or do I have to look at each individual model?

I'm afraid if I see one at a retail store that I like, if I order it from the HP site, it'll come in looking/feeling different.

I'm almost ready to pull the trigger and buy a Studio 15, but so many people praise the DV5. I looked at it once, but didn't really care for the design. I want to take one more look before ruling it out.

Thanks.

 

As long as the model number begins with a dv5 then its the same as any dv5t or dv5z. The z and t refer to the AMD & Intel versions of the notebook. The retail versions which are sold in stores get the 1017nr, 1015nr suffix just to differentiate between various specifications. The custom ordered ones just get the dv5-1000 model number. But usually people just refer to it as the dv5t or dv5z.

 

If you list what you are planning to do with your notebook we can help you decide on which model (t/z) you should get.

The DV5 is a part of a new line of notebooks from HP and they are selling quickly.

It really looks like a nice piece of art, seriously. If you wanna see pictures of what the DV5 looks like you can check out my review. The review is about the DV7, but the exterior casing is pretty much the same.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=3758514#post3758514

OH! Just so you know, HP is way more warranty friendly and phone friendly. IF you have a problem they opt to fix it. If they can't then they refer you to a borderline corporate person who can pretty much replace the notebook, etc. Dell always has long hold times. I just don't like Dell and that's out of experience not by the opinions of other people.

 

Im with ^. I would recommend that if you are getting the dv5 that you get the dv5t with the intel processors, i have never had good luck with AMD processors since they always have some sort of heat issue and I personally feel as though they are slightly slower. The Intel ones have more L2 cache which might help you if you are doing some intensive computing. I would steer clear of the dells, because of what infamous said, but also because they have battery issues. Many of their batteries only last about a year, and dell quality has some other issues.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I went to Best Buy this morning to look at their models. While I still don't like the mirrored look on the touchpad (nor its feel), I was able to compare directly the look of the Studio 15 and the DV5. The speakers seemed pretty comparable as well.

I am currently working on a Dell Inspiron 8600 and have been very happy with it. I was pretty set on getting another Dell, which would be my third. (My first pc was an HP desktop ... many many years ago.) However, all the good reviews on these newer HPs caught my attention. Also, the specs you can get for the same cost are better.

Dell tech support used to be pretty good. I'd classify it as iffy now...really depending on who you get. One of my reasons for looking hard at the Studio 15 was the ability to get a LED display. I like to take the laptop outside sometimes, and I'm afraid all these glossy screens wouldn't show up too well. I'm resigned to getting glossy, though, b/c I don't like the look of the Vostros or Lenovos.

I'm going to check in with the DV5 owners now. (I wish that one had a subwoofer like the DV7 -- nice review Infamous)

 

I owned the Studio 15 for a week, before returning it for a refund. The
two computers aren't even in the same league. Regarding speakers, the
Studio was the worst sounding laptop I've ever listened to. Go to the Dell
forum and you will find all kinds of complaints about the harsh, tinny-sounding
speakers. My cell phone has better audio quality. The dv5t has very
good audio quality. As can be expected, there is very little bass, but
the midrange clarity is superb, and the highs are clean and clear.

The Studio also has a LOT of keyboard flex, while the dv5t has zero.
Overall, the dv5t has better build quality and feels much more solid.

Rob

 

YIKES! How much did your cell phone cost? lol j/k

Honestly, I would rather stare at the ceiling than get a Dell again.

AND! I agree with the quality and design of the new HP notebooks. They are solid pieces of art.

On a side note, they don't work well under water... hehehehe