dv4000 CD/DVD, battery, and Bluetooth questions

hey, I've got a few questions about the dv4000.
I apologize if they have already been answered elsewhere.

1. Beyond LightScribe, is there any difference between the two DVD burner options? Is one faster or more reliable than the other? (I can't see myself ever using LightScribe.)

2. Is the 12-cell battery worth it? Specifically, does it stick out or protrude from the laptop in any way?

3. Is it possible to buy an internal Bluetooth adapter separately? I already have an Intel 2915abg wireless card.

4. Are there any docking station options besides the xb2000?

 

2. yes it does stick out. i believe there's a review on here with that 12cell that you can see.

3. not sure about the bluetooth adapter separately being internal. there's lots of external usb bluetooth adapters.

 

They are both 8x and I think LiteOn drives so my guess is that the quality is similar.
You can get a generic dock.

 

You can buy a blue tooth mouse and use that. The reciever on the Targus mouse will accomidate the mouse and a number (I think 5) other devices.

 

Is the 12 cell battery a nuisance or in any way make carrying/using the notebook inconvenient?

 

One guy told me he liked the way the bigger battery stuck out the case. He said he uses it like a hand grip when carrying the machine. I guess I can see how that would work...

 

2. It doubles your battery life from around 2.5 hours to about 5. It does impede travel, yes - I know several people with them. You may need to take it off in order for the notebook to fit into your bag.

3. No, you can't add the bluetooth internally, but you can buy USB adapters. They are inexpensive.

4. Well, if you mean dedicated adapters, then no - the xb2000 is specifically for certain HP notebooks. You can buy other, cheaper adapters that use a USB port.

 

Would I have much trouble getting a bag that fits with the battery?

I have one already. I want internal Bluetooth specifically so I can avoid the hassle of an external USB adapter. I would rather buy my own wifi card, though...

I want something with Ethernet, USB, VGA, and audio ports that I can connect the laptop to at my desk. Since the xb2000 is lacking a VGA port, includes more than I need, and is rather expensive, I'd prefer something simpler.
(I have a decent speaker set already along with a Bluetooth wireless keyboard and mouse.)

We have Compaq Presario 1500s with docking stations that have all of that.

 

I doubt you'll need another bag. A lot of the reviews say the DV4000 is really big, I don't think so at all. It's slightly larger than my Satellite 14" screen, but it weighs less. The battery adds about an inch to the bottom. Unless you're using one of those slimline cases that are only about an inch and a half thick, I don't think you'll have a problem. Any briefcase style laptop bag won't cause a problem at all.

Others have also said that the 12 cell battery provides better air circulation and makes for a nice typing angle.

 

The 12-cell battery add ~1/2 inch thickness in the back. It actually helps ventilation since the fans are on the bottom.