dv5t ~ $800 good deal?

Looking for a simple laptop for general gaming, 3-D programming, and watching movies. I understand that I don't have the recommended 4gb to run vist 64bit, but i was playing to pick up an extra 2 gb somewhere else b/c it's an additional $150 on the hp website.

To get the total that I used 5% off hp.com, -$60 student discount, and -10% live.com


– Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
– Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P7350 (2.0GHz)
– 15.4" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
– FREE Upgrade to 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 1GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
– 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 9200M GS
– FREE Upgrade to 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
– HP Imprint Finish (Mesh) + Microphone + Webcam
– HP Color Matching Keyboard
– FREE Upgrade to Intel(R) WiFi Link 5100AGN from 802.11b/g WLAN
– No High speed 56K modem port
– SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
– No TV Tuner w/remote control
– High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
– Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
– HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope




Products subtotal
+$967.25 (student discount already included)
*
Rebates
-$100.00

Coupons (remove)
-$43.36 (5% off)


Order subtotal
+$823.89 - $82 (10% cashback live.com

Shipping & Handling
+$0.00

Estimated tax
+$67.97

Recycling
+$8.00


Order total
$899.86 - $82 = $818

OR Should I go for this laptop at circuit city. How easy is it to upgrade video cards on laptops b/c that's what I would want to do If I get this one at CC. The advantages of the laptop at CC is more ram (4gb vs 2 gb), but It comes with integrated graphics cards. NOTE: It's tax free

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=215030&om_keycode=85

Reply asap.. thanks

 

Both of those laptops are similar. They have the same graphics card.

It's really hard to change the graphics card in a laptop. I'm not saying it's impossible, but the motherboard is made to conform to the graphics card.

I think the one from HP will do just fine.

 

What do you mean they have the same graphics card? The one on hp.com is 9200gs and circuitcity has accelerator x4500. If 9200gs sucks that much I can just take it off and save $100. The only reason i chose to upgrade graphics card is so movies/tv-shows look better.

thanks

 

Sorry, I didn't read it clearly.

The 9200m GS is definitely better than the X4500.

However, if you plan on playing a game or two in the future I suggest the 9600m GT. Even if you don't, it'll just future proof your machine.

ALSO, You should get a warranty extension later. Problems can occur whenever and HP stands by their product.

 

So just wonderin if I should maybe change a little things around...

Should I opt for the P8400 processor (2.26 ghz) instead of the p7350 (2.0 ghz) and take away the high lithium 6-cell battery since I don't really need it.
--The total price will be about ~$840.

 

FYI... You have to replace all the memory (you need 2x2GB DIMMS) to get 4GB not just add 2GB. The system above has (2) 1GB DIMMS installed.

 

Is this your first laptop?

The P8400 is just a notch better than the P7350.

I just noticed you do enjoy a little gaming and 3-d programming. You should actually get the 9600m GT instead of the processor boost. Otherwise you'll get a lot of lag in games with the 9200 if they'll even play.

 

deeastman, thanks for bringing that up. I totally overlooked that part.

 

hmm alright I'll put the 9600gm as an option. The thing is that I have a desktop that I would want to use for the games like COD4 and other stuff... and use the laptop for Counter-strike, maybe even starcraft 2 if it can handle it and POSSIBLY solidworks/CAD. Thanks for the input fellas.

 

OH...dude this laptop will handle COD4 without a flaw. The DV7T's predecessor DV9700T with an 8600m GS performed wonderfully on COD4.

 

Alright this is what imma go with since I don't plan INTENSE gaming... thanks Infamous and deeastman

– Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
– Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8400 (2.26 GHz)
– 15.4" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
– FREE Upgrade to 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 1GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
– 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 9200M GS
– FREE Upgrade to 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
– HP Imprint Finish (Mesh) + Microphone + Webcam
– HP Color Matching Keyboard
– FREE Upgrade to Intel(R) WiFi Link 5100AGN from 802.11b/g WLAN
– No High speed 56K modem port
– SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
– No TV Tuner w/remote control
– 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
– Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
– HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

Products subtotal
+$986.99
*
Rebates
-$100.00

Coupons (remove)
-$44.35


Order subtotal
+$842.64

Shipping & Handling
+$0.00

Estimated tax
+$69.52

Recycling
+$8.00


Order total
$920.16 - $84 (10% live.com) = $836

 

You'll be very excited.

 

Hey im planning on getting almost the exact same thing and was wondering, what is the live.com coupon? If you dont mind PMing me that would be great!

 

I wasn't aware of it, but I will see if it's there.