Where can I find best priced dv1340us? Also, question about wireless.

Okay, so I have pretty much decided to go with the HP dv1000 series (Pentium M 2.0 GHz, 512 mb (1 dimm), 80 GB HD). I have mostly decided on this one because I want a lightweight notebook with a widescreen that is really fast and won't crash despite running the internet, word processing programs, and statistical number crunching programs with large datasets all at once. The Dell 700m also seems to fit this bill, but the battery life is awful, the screen size is a little too small, and it ends up being more expensive than the HP once I customize it with all my specifications. If there is something else out there that fits this bill (that doesn't cost more than $1500), let me know.

But, I haven't been able to find one for under $1600 and would really like to stay right around $1000. Does anyone know where I can find one that is inexpensive or are there any HP coupons out there?

Another question I have is regarding wireless. I have heard that there are problems connecting with the Intel Pro/Wireless 2200 (802.11 b/g) where I live/work. But, that seems to be the only option for the HP dv1000 series. Is it possible to upgrade? If so, can I do that through the HP ordering website?

Thank you for your help!!

 

HP doesn't do coupons like Dell. I would go for the Compaq v2000. It is basically the same notebook as the dv1000 except it is silver and you get it with a Broadcom wireless card instead of Intel. You do also loose the media buttons on the v2000. You can configure one on HPShopping.com. At HP you won't have to pay tax. For around $1k you can get it with
-1.6Ghz CPU(Older Dothan Pentium M, better battery life)
-256MB Memory(put in a 1GB stick later it is cheaper)
-80GB 5400RPM hard drive
-DVD burner
-Broadcom card with Bluetooth
-12 Cell Battery

You could drop the DVD burner for combo drive and upgrade to a faster CPU. The 5400RPM hard drive will be notably faster than the 4200RPM in the dv1340. Battery life with the 12 cell and Pentium M es muy bueno and much better than the six cell on the dv1340. The Intel 2200BG works great on my T42, but I have heard of others having problems with Intel cards. Good Luck.

 

The standard battery on the Dell 700M gets about 2.5 hours, the optional 12 cell gets twice that. The DV1340us retails for $1550, but you can get it from CompUSA for $1350 right now after rebates.

 

Thanks for all the great info!! I am a little leary about the Compaq for fear that they may be obsolete soon since the company had to be taken over by HP. Also, I have heard very mixed reviews about Compaq.

I will check out the deal at CompUSA -- thanks! Quick question, though -- if I purchase from a retail store, a) am I dealing w/ marked up prices and b) can I still get the extended manufacturer's warranties?

Truth be told, like I am sure everyone else....I want the fastest notebook I can find that can run fairly large datasets, powerpoint presentations, word processing and fast wireless internet connectivity wherever I am from a company with great customer service...oh, also, it has to be one that is under 5.5 pounds and has a 14 inch widescreen display....but, I don't want to spend too much since I am a struggling student. Ideally I would like to find all that for around $1000.

So....I probably should have posted my thread outside the HP domain because I am willing to look at any brand that fits my laundry list of specifications.

Thanks so much!!
From a Newbie who can't afford to have any problems and who doesn't want to have to upgrade for at least 4-5 years.

 

I think the Compaq v2000 is a good fit for you. It's a good deal, pretty well built.

 

HP and compaq merged, hp is simply using the compaq name for branding purposes. if you look at the fine print its an HP.

If you dont want to upgrade every 4-5 years then get the turion since its 64 bit so you will be able to run new OSes and it has the integrated ATI x200 which is like 5X faster than the intel extreme craphics.

 

If you're gonna keep it for that long, then maybe you should go for a 64bit processor for the future. Let me recommend the V2000Z.

 

The Compaq v2000 and the dv1000 are the same notebook except the Compaq uses the older Dothan Pentium M which some people consider a better CPU cause of the battery life.

 

Yeah, the V2000's you can customize on HPShopping use the Dothan chipset, but a V2335us I noticed at CompUSA uses the Sonoma chipset and the newer GMA 900 graphics just like the new DV1000's.

 

The V2000 has intel and AMD versions, make sure you get the one your looking for. saying V2000 is like saying you want a ford... which one?