anybody buy the pavilion dv8408?

i was wondering if you've encountered any of the problems that are associated with the dv8000 series.

 

The dv8000 series is known to have issues with the keyboard, so I would tend not to recommend it. Otherwise it is decently speced laptop...
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=57325

 

i am aware of the issues with the keyboard. i have also come across "random" issues that basically behave like the keyboard. i wanted to know if the problems exist in the 8408.

 

The 8408 is just a retail version of the dv8000 series. So it will have exactly the same components as any dv8000(retail or custom ordered).

 

ok, i think i should spill some details. afaik, the 8408 is a new model in the 8000 series. i know that it have the same foundation for key parts across the line. i am curious if anybody has bought this "new" model and can help narrow down what could possibly be causing "issues". cables and keyboards and ports and a few other various parts can be swapped with a little skill and know how. the 8408 is a pretty good deal at $1049 and i might bite even though it has a MIR. the 8408 has a geforce go 7600 that is making me contemplate hard on this one. my escape/backdoor should this laptop fail me, is just nail HP hard to the wall and get a 9000 replacement. HP seems to be a pulling a sony if you ask me. a company i used to work for "upgraded" our broken sony's after 3 and 4 attempts at repairs. i could be wrong about the 8408 being the newest model or whatever, but it's also feasible HP has isolated the problem and swapped manufacturers and/or vendors on the "foundation" parts and is being tight lipped on it to keep down litigation and "losses" from bs repairs.

 

Well, if you are willing to take that risk, then sure go ahead and try it.

 

Pukemon, did you buy the notebook afterall? How is the keyboard working? I'm considering buying a pavilion dv8408 myself, but these keyboard issues are frightening me, specially because I won't keep it in the US, which means I would have a lot of problems to find decent tech suport...

 

no, i haven't. i've had to hold on to the cash i have because of xmas. the laptop on display has no problems as far as i can tell. i made a notepad document and typed every key several times and no problems. i figure the display model would be indicative of normal use, because it's on all day being a display model, and i'm sure it still gets it fair share of random use. it's a pretty good deal for the price, being the geforce go 7600 is in this model. the 17" display feels slightly flimsy, but that could be due to it's larger size. but in my personal opinion, i think it's more flimsy than acceptable. as far as having problems, if you decide to bite and have problems, i would still call hp and let them know how many internet sites and persons have had this problem. i would also threaten a class action lawsuit, and print up some of these threads, and mail them with your laptop. knowing that hp is sending these laptops back to consumer without the problem fixed i would demand a replacement dv9000t in return for your troubles. that's my recommendation and what i would do personally. hope this helps.

 

It helped a lot, Pukemon, thanx. I'll let you guys know what happens if I decide to buy the dv8408.

Merry xmas.

 

we picked up 2 from compusa durring their 2 day sale. after manufacturer rebates, they were only $800.00 each.

1 has exibited the keyboard issue, the other purrs like a kitten. my opinion about the keyboard issue is posted in another thread:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=57325&page=72


so far, absolutely no probs with the dv8404 i wiped.

 

ok, the keyboard issue has happened to my fully wiped 8408 too. symtoms, computer acts as though the "alt" button is stuck or being held down. im starting to think it is a heat issue. when i use my laptop ina well ventalated a/c room, its fine. but when i lay in on my bed/comforter, it gets hot and the keyboard gets buggy.

i still love my 8408 though. another complaint i have is the amount of time it takes to burn a DVD. it is painfully slow.

hp dv8408/1.73GHz/RAM 512Mb * nero7 + 8x sony DVD-R = 45 minutes.

hp zd8000/P4 3.0GHz/RAM 1Gb * nero7 + 8x sony DVD-r = 25 minutes.

my wifes laptop is clearly faster in the burn department but i get 3x the battery life.

 

Greetings,

I've had no problems with my 8408 up to this point. Bought on 12/29/06. Use everyday; email, internet, banking, gaming, online courses.

And HOLY COW! on the bed?? I keep the air flow clear underneath with one of those targus laptop stands. Never block the airhole on the bottom.