dv5t vs dv7t

I'm looking for an affordable gaming laptop and was thinking on the dv9700t hp computer. However, now that I see the dv7t out, that would be better. But just few minutes ago I saw the dv5t and now I'm stuck...which do I get? The dv5t or the dv7t?

Here's how I'd probably have them configured:


dv5t

Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T9400 (2.53 GHz)
15.4" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) edit
512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
Intel(R) WiFi Link 5100AGN and Bluetooth(TM)
160GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive

price: $1,610


dv7t

Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T9400 (2.53 GHz)
17.0" diagonal WXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900)
3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
Intel(R) WiFi Link 5100AGN and Bluetooth(TM)
320GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (160GB x 2) with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection

price: $1,815


So basically, if I got the dv7t I'd be paying ~200 bucks more (give or take a few bucks depending on the battery I got for the dv5t) for twice the harddrive (and it'd be dual instead of a single hard drive...is dual superior?) and a bigger screen (17'' instead of 15.4'').

Are these the only differences or is there something I'm missing?

Why get a dv7t over the dv5t? I don't really need a bigger screen and a bigger harddrive right? On the plus side for the dv5t, it's cheaper and weighs less.

In the gaming category under "what's right for me" the dv5t receives only two stars and the dv7t receives 3 out of 3. But I don't see why...What's better about the dv7t that makes it that much better for gaming?

Any advice is welcome! I'm a computer noob. Thank you!

 

At the listed specs, one reason the dv5t is better is at gaming is because of a lower resolution. Other than that and the extra 160 GB of space in the dv7t is the only thing it has over the dv5t. ( not including ram difference )

 

Ahh that was a typo, sorry. I meant what's better about the dv7t. So which resolution do you mean is better for gaming? I've heard it both ways. Higher resolution (1400x900 instead of 1280x800) I guess looks nicer but puts more burden on the graphics card?

 

Lower resolutions will play at higher settings using the same cards, while the higher resolutions will yes, look nicer as you can also see more of the game. Considering the card, i would go with WXGA (1280*800) resolution.

 

i had that same question, what would you need that 1680 x 1050 res for anyway?

 

WSXGA allows you to see more.

 

also if battery matters, the bigger screen and extra hard drive will drain the battery a lot faster on the dv7.

 

Battery is not a big issue. I'm just trying to determine in what way the dv7t is superior for gaming and if it's worth the extra money. I don't understand why the dv5t would get rated as a two star and the dv7t as a three star for gaming...

 

Also when you say this "( not including ram difference )" what do you mean? Is the dv7t ram superior to the dv5t?

Anyhow, if the good graphics card is no longer an option on the dv5t, I won't be ordering it.

 

You know you can get a Sager NP2096 with better hardware for cheaper than the HP dv5t.

 

Looks like your going to have to go with the dv7t, as the HP no longer offers the 9600GT for the dv5t.

 

I just customized mine a few days ago, didn't order yet because I'm still deciding, but the 9600m GT is definitely still available for the dv5t.

But after reading this thread, I wonder why anybody would choose the dv7t over the dv5t. It costs more, and the only real benefit is a larger screen/HD/battery. And the latter is probably offset by the first two.

Good reasons to get the dv7t, do they exist?

 

It's the ultimate desktop replacement.

 

Yep, HP made the 9600GT available again. Right when the dv5t came out they had it available, then they took it away for a couple of days for whatever reason.

 

im getting the dv5t with the 9200m gs and 4gigs of ram
if youre getting vista 64 bit
id reccommend getting 4 gigs of ram or more.

 

You can play games at lower than your display's native resolution. So even if you get a WXGA+ screen you can play games at WXGA. Sure, it won't look as crisp as the native resolution due to the interpolation, but I doubt most people will notice/mind. I've come across many people who even run Windows at non-native resolutions (yea, I think they're crazy, but it happens).