dv2500t/dv6500t/dv9500t Current/ Prospective Owners Lounge

So now apple even has its 15" notebooks with the 8600gt but we still cannot get the hp with the nvidai graphics.

 

Yeah! Hoping for a launch any day now! I must admit, that wait has given me time to start considering other options (though none of those are shipping either).

 

Thanks!

 

no problem...it seems the new gpu's will show up tomorrow...too bad we won't get our student discount codes for a while until hp checks with the schools ...oh well i guess its worth the wait for the discounts

 

I'm glad I didn't wait for the NVidia on the DV2500T. I think the Intel one is fine for most stuff (I'm not a gamer, and if I was, I don't think it would make a difference).

I had the separate NVidia on the DV2000 and was not impressed compared to an Intel GMA on the same DV2000.

Also, I'm back to the light and tiny 65W power supply, not the 90W that the NVidia requires.

But hey, I'm all for choices.

I'm also for Super Pi at 59 seconds! (2M places).


I still can't believe much you get for your

 

Which SD card is best for using ReadyBoost with the DV2500T in the media reader slot?

I'm sure someone has tested this already.

 

Any SD card should work. Are you looking to do something specific with it?

 

Actually, most SD cards I have used will not work - too slow.

Nothing specfic, other than use for ReadyBoost.

Maybe 133x or 150x speed will help.

 

Yes Readyboost requires the SD card be ReadyBoost certified (which I believe just certifies it runs at a certain speed or higher). But as a generic storage device, any should work. I was a little disappointed their reader didnt include compactflash.

 

That's what I was asking. You hadn't specifically asked about readyboost or anything specific, just if it would "work". I think Fant answered your question though.

 

Doh! I have corrected my original post -was thinking ReadyBoost but had not typed it.

 

I'm still not sure how I feel about the "Edit" function. Now my post looks out of context! At least I quoted you

 

I see that there is now a dv9598xx Notebook PC and a dv9599xx Notebook PC at hp.com

 

Sent an email to HP earlier today about the option of having a 8x00 GPU, here is how they responded...

Thanks for your help HP!

 

The new GPUs are coming out tomorrow with other undisclosed changes. Check the "Latest on nVidia 8x00 series" thread.

 

Be careful about being so definite. That's all still rumor, even though the rumor seems to have a lot of evidence behind it.

 

It's not really rumor at this point... HP has confirmed that the new video cards will be available tomorrow, not like an 'inside source' or something.

 

Revisionist history, baby! ;-)

 

the hp website now allows you to choose an OS and Recovery media for $19 on the dv 2500t, 6500t and 9500t. is that the cd required to do a clean install ?

 

i was ready to ask the same thing...do we need the OS data dvd or not? It should come with it, but i guess now its just more money they want!

 

from the "help me decide" link:

The computer's hard drive comes preconfigured with a special recovery partition that allows you to quickly recover your system. This innovative solution is designed to provide maximum flexibility to resolve problems as simply and easily as possible. It is STRONGLY recommended that you create your own restore media recovery discs to insure that the system can be restored to its original, purchased state. In addition to creating your own restore media recovery discs, you can also feel at ease knowing that another backup solution is right next to you if you need it with the System Recovery DVD which includes Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium. The System Recovery DVD helps restore your system back to the original, purchased state in case of a technical issue. Please note that all data on the notebook PC will be erased when the System Recovery DVD is used to restore the system back to the original, purchased state.

 

The laptops do come with the ability to make the recovery DVDs. It's the first thing I do when I boot up a new mahcine.

You just have to make them yourself. 3 DVD+R cost what, about 25 cents each on sale? I'd rather the laptop be $18.25 cheaper than include the discs.

I used to get laptops and wipe them and do clean installs, but that takes more time that I just don't have. It's faster just to buy with the OS I want, uninstall the bloatware, do a registry clean, and install a real disk defragger.

Presto, the laptop runs like a champ, and I don't have to go through driver re-installs. I've compared side-by-side with cleans builds of the same machine, and they perform the same.

To each their own; I just don't have the extra time to muck around.

 

Are there any coupons I can apply for a dv6500t?

 

The new graphic cards are out... i wanna order a 6500 now ... lol. they have also released a ceramic special edition for the 6500.. i love it!

 

How do you make recovery DVDS when you boot up the machine? Also, how do you do a registry clean and whats a good disk defragger? I'm getting my dv6500t in a week or so and want to do all these things so I can avoid having to reformat.

 

By the way, CNET has reviewed the dv6500t

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/hp-pavilion-dv6500t/4505-3121_7-32451977.html

Looks like HP might be adding a T7500 processor (2.2 GHz) to the dv6500t sometime soon.

 

I just ordered my laptop, dv9500t, yesterday. After some trouble with my bank (I had to call them twice to confirm the order because of some funky limit increasing on my card) I received the following email.

"Hello James,

Thank you for placing your order with the HP Home & Home Office Store.

We will be processing your order number xxxxxxxxx in two parts. This portion includes your customized PC.Your customized HP Pavilion dv9500t CTO NB is estimated to be built by June 20, 2007. The delivery date is determined by the shipping method you chose during checkout.

Your customized PC includes:

-
- Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo T7100 (1.8GHz/2MB L2Cache)
- 17.0" WSXGA+ BrightView Widescreen (1680x1050)
- $50 off upgrade from 1GB (2 Dimm) to 2GB (2 Dimm)!
- 511MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS
- HP Imprint (Radiance) + Mic + Fingerprint Reader
- Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection
- 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
- FREE Upgrade - LightScribe DVD+/-RW w/Double Layer
- No TV Tuner w/remote control
- High Capacity 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- Microsoft(R) Works 8.0"

I'll try to do a thorough review of it, including benchmarks on the gpu etc, when I finally get it which should be around the end of June with the free shipping. I'm pretty excited, I'm really glad that I waited for the new processor and video cards to come out and I really hope they run well with Vista (like they claim to!) but we will see.

 

1.) Programs...Recovery Manager...Recovery Disc Creation

2.) I have used RFA Platinum (Registry First Aid Platinum), which also has a registry defragger. I have had good luck with it on XP a couple year, and it's works on Vista too.

3.) Diskeeper 2007 Pro Premier for defragging. Helps expand the MFT and does boot-time defrag, as well as the whole "set and forget" mode.

Obviously these cost something, but you can get discounts on them.

 

the white dv6500t is calling for me...

 

Why are you getting the white DV6500T? You pay an extra $100 for a white exterior and a few extra useless accessories?

 

I've seen the white dv6000 in Best Buy and it actually looks quite nice. The keys have a different finish. But I dont like that the base of the laptop is still black. If they made it all white that would be stylish.

 

its actually 50 bux difference.. i wanted the webcam and stuff anyways..

 

The dv6500 has a option for the 8400M GS now, Cool!!

 

What upgrades/accessories have people been getting with the new HPs? In particular, I'm curious about the fingerprint reader- does it work? I'm wondering if it's worth the extra money to select it. Same goes with the upgrade to Bluetooth. Thoughts/reviews from those who've opted for either of those two upgrades?

 

I had bluetooth on my dv9000t, and it worked great. With Vista, you can even pair your cellphone's bluetooth headset and use it with skype, etc... IMO, bluetooth should be a standard, not an option, like USB.

I ordered the fingerprint reader on my dv9500, so hopefully it will be useful.

 

Just got my dv2500t from Shanghai.

Now one question for ya'll. I did not get the Norton. I dont personally like it coz itz on my inspiron 9100. However, what are you guys getting for anti-virus.
Howz BitDefender?
http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com

 

I use Kaspersky Anti Virus. Its fast and great detection.

 

I use KAV also. It is also important to have a firewall (I use Zonealarm Pro) and a set of anti-malware programs.

 

I have heard abt the problem in the previous c2d procesory and they did some diabling through bios setup, but i think HP should have learned from its mistake and resolved it in the new series.
if not then, i have to thik twice before buying it.

 

does anyone know when this model will be available in germany? ( or at least europe). i'm interested in dv2500t. i want to get it this july. is it possible?
i just wondering why some people bought notebooks from other countries like china,etc. is it bcos it's faster? i thought US has all the latest notebooks.

 

Hello.... new guy here.

I'm very thankful that I found this forum! Just what I was looking for, as I've been perplexed about the dv6500t initially having only one choice for video card. I found the answer and now the issue is a non-issue and I'm about ready to buy with the NVIDIA.

In regard to the above question as to the effectiveness of the fingerprint reader, I too had questions. In fact, my question about biometrics -- used in combination with Computrace LoJack -- made Yahoo! Tech and took the dude a few days to research and come up with an answer. Here is what I posted, with the link below to the answer (I'd paste the answer here too, but this is already running long:

Will a Fingerprint Scanner Make a Stolen Laptop Harder to Recover?

Fri Jun 8, 2007 4:41PM EDT

See Comments (2)

Reader Joe writes (in part and edited): I am obsessed with security and am considering two notebooks, the HP dv6500t, which has a fingerprint scanner, and the HP dv6000t, which does not. Whichever one I choose, I want to protect it with Computrace LoJack for Laptops so it can be recovered if stolen.

If I were to purchase LoJack for the dv6500t, would it be less likely that my stolen laptop could be traced/found because the thief would not be able to boot into Windows (without my fingerprint), thus not connecting to the Internet and sending out a trace to Computrace's command center?

If I got the dv6000t, this would not be an issue. I really want to protect myself with LoJack, and I also love the idea of added security with fingerprint reading, but it seems as though the combination of the two might make it less likely that the notebook is recovered, especially if the thief swapped out the hard drive out of frustration in not being able to get into Windows. Your thoughts?

Complete post and answer:
http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/29279;_ylt=AtwTIk6sVPGTUb8t.PnaRjsE1vAI

I'm a huge HP fan, having grown up about five miles down the road from headquarters in Palo Alto and still live not far here in the S.F. Bay Area in Silicon Valley, hence the name "BayAreaTech" (BAT?). Couldn't come up with another suitable name. Currently using an old zv5000 on crutches, but have a powerful HP desktop Media Center TV PC.

Looking forward to interacting with this forum. This appears to be one of the best I've seen, with great information and smart discussion.

Joe

 

If the 6500 had a WSXGA and 8600 anything option, I would be all over it. As it stands though, their business models are more appealing to me in the 15.4in size.

 

I just bough the dv6500tse. Originally f3sv was my choice but the dv6500tse just looks so much better and people say its more "well built". I don't know how much the 8400m gs will lack compared to 8600m gs, but I hope it can still play some games (hl2 games / war3/ sc2 maybe)in okay settings.

 

HL2 will run just fine on your computer, no worries.

Hell...I played HL2 about 4 times through with the laptop in my sig. Yea, check out that amazing GPU...

 

I don't think so mate, black is sexier , even if you want to buy a camera, would you go for the white camera?

 

I meant that if both the top AND bottom were white it would look more stylish (kind of like the ibook). I think it looks a little weird that the top is white and the bottom is black. I purchased the regular dv6500t which is black on top and bottom.

 

I have had my dv6500t for a few weeks now and wanted to post on my findings so far on the various options. Hopefully this advice will help those looking at purchasing one of these machines.

CPU: These core2duo chips are fast. You dont need the fastest one. Save some money and get the 1.8ghz which will run cooler and therefore possibly give you more battery life. I dont know anything that I can do with the 2ghz that is noticably faster than the 1.8ghz

Memory: This one is simple. If you are going to be running XP with light work, I would consider 1gb the minimum. If you will be doing Vista, go for 2gb. But you can save some money here by choosing the cheapest memory option with HP and buying 2 1gb ddr667 chips from elsewhere for less than $100 total. Hell you can probably even get a 2gb and 1gb chip (3gb total) for less than HP's cost of 2gb. But if they have a sale on 2gb it will prob be only slightly more just going with HP.

Video: If you will be playing modern 3d games, you will NEED the nvidia option. If you need the HDMI output for outputting to a larger display that doesnt take VGA, you will NEED the nvidia option. For everyone else, the Intel option is fine. The dv6500t really needs a 8600 series graphics to be competitive with others. The new macbook pro with 15" LED, 8600gt and 1" thickness beat HP on all counts.

Hard Drive: I went with the 120gb because I thought the 80gb would be too small if you plan on leeping the recovery partition. If you want to save some cash, you can go with the cheaper 80gb option and upgrade to a 250gb in 6 months when prices of those notebook drives drop.

Optical: I chose the Lightscribe DVDRW but I never use it. The lightscribe discs are too expensive and take too long. Save some cash and get the regular dvdrw.

Webcam: The webcam is suprisingly good quality on low light. However it's really a nice to have item. I never video conference. However if you use skype it can be useful. For everyone else, you dont need it. However it doesnt add much and you cant add it back in later so this is really a personal choice.

Fingerprint scanner: I have to usually scan 3-4 times before it correctly identifies me. For a home machine this is overkill and unnecarrry. If you will be using the machine where lots of other people are around and you want them to stay away, it may be nicer. It also works well if you are using the machine for multiple people. However you will be using it mainly for yourself with auto-login, its a waste and just gets in the way when you put your palm over it.

Recovery DVD: Save the $20 and burn em yourself. If you ever need em, you can buy em later from HP support for the same cost. Or you can use the anytime dvd included with the laptop to do a clean install anyway.

dv6000 vs dv6500: I chose the dv6500t mainly because I was hoping Santa Rosa would give be improved battery life. I get about 3 hours. However after seeing many dv6000t at circuit city for $799 well equiped, I dont know if I made the right choice. If you are a gamer, the dv6500t is a much better option due to the new GPU. But the new cpus and improved battery life arent enough to command a premium.

Wireless: all you really need is 802.11g. I havent really had a chance to test the 802.11n speeds so I cant comment on if its worth it. I chose bluetooth as the integrated option costs the same as an external bluetooth usb receiver. I would get bluetooth just because just about every new cell phone has bluetooth capability.

Thats all I can think of so far. Go ahead start ripping my comments to helll.

 

Fant: thanks for a good mini-review. You covered some of the smaller things I was wondering about, like the fingerprint scanner.

 

Fant,

Your postings have been great and I appreciate the above recommendations. You may be saving me some major dollars if I take your advice and go for the 1.8GHz Core 2 Duo instead of my original choice of the 2GHz chip.

People in I.T. are always talking about how important L2 cache is in a CPU. Obviously, the Intel T7300 is the only option that offers 4 MB of L2 cache....and it's only an extra $62. Does the faster chip really run much hotter? Do you think having the 2 GHz chip (T7300) will make much of a difference in performance, especially given Vista's reputation as a resource hog? I'm really looking to future-proof as best as possible but, like you, don't want to waste money on unnecessary hardware. You've already got me thinking twice about the fingerprint reader.

Take care.

 

awesome mini-review fant. now u've got me thinking about the ram and the cpu ...but its too late coz i ordered mine on wed. i didn't even know that it included the anytime recovery dvd for clean install, that makes me feel good coz i was so close to choosing the recovery disk option for $19.