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    Which of these two DV9500s is a better deal?

    Discussion in 'HP' started by okayplayer, Aug 1, 2007.

  1. okayplayer

    okayplayer Notebook Enthusiast

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    These 2 laptops are identical (2ghz core duo, 2gb ram, dvd burner, etc) except for the following:

    Costco DV9543CL - $1372 after tax on coupon
    Geforce 8600M GS, 320gb hd (5400 RPM), no bluetooth

    HP DV9500T from HP - $1170 w/ free shipping and no tax (APP discount)
    GeForce 8400M GS, 160GB HD (5400RPM), w/ bluetooth


    Here's a link to the Costco specs: http://www.costco.com/images/content/misc/PDF/11203300_dv9543cl.pdf

    I'm moving to AZ when the Costco is on coupon, so I will have to pay sales tax on it. If I didn't have to, I would probably say that the $120 or so more would be worth it for the better graphics card and the bigger HD. As I'm a student..now I am wondering if I would even notice a difference for that extra $200 I'm spending.

    I don't play games at all on the computer. Light web surfing and watching divx videos basically. Will there be any difference that I would notice between the 8400M GS and the 8600M GS? If not, I'm not sure I can justify the extra $200 for the bigger HD.

    Thanks for the help!
     
    okayplayer, Aug 1, 2007
    #1
  2. odin243

    odin243 Notebook Prophet

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    The Costco one will have much better performance/price ratio. However, if you never plan on gaming or working with any hi defenition video content, than the video card upgrade is almost useless. I'd still say that $200 is not bad for an additional 160GB 5400RPM space, though.
     
    odin243, Aug 1, 2007
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  3. j-dogg

    j-dogg Notebook Evangelist

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    well with the first one your getting twice the hard drive space and a beter video card i think i read somewhere that the 8600 is twice as good as the 8400 not sure im im right but it depends if you need that bluetooth? but the 1st one for 200 dollars more that seems pretty good 2x the hd space 2x the graphics but its all up to you will you be gaming that you need that card? do you need that much hard drive space? even if one is a better deal it really all depends on your needs
     
    j-dogg, Aug 1, 2007
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  4. SideSwipe

    SideSwipe Notebook Virtuoso

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    the better deal? the costco laptop is much better value and you didnt have to ask, it's quite obvious by the specs.
     
    SideSwipe, Aug 1, 2007
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  5. Fraser13

    Fraser13 Notebook Enthusiast

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    The warranty from Costco would also be 2 years :). A factor if you see it.
     
    Fraser13, Aug 1, 2007
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  6. SideSwipe

    SideSwipe Notebook Virtuoso

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    why are you even considering a notebook with dedicated graphics then? try to find a dv9500t with the X3100, they SHOULD be cheaper but who knows for sure til you look.
     
    SideSwipe, Aug 1, 2007
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  7. okayplayer

    okayplayer Notebook Enthusiast

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    I think I might like the HDMI output to play downloaded movies, etc on my LCD tv. Also I need enough horsepower to at least power watching divx movies or HD rips etc.
     
    okayplayer, Aug 1, 2007
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