dv7t vs. 6830s

I'm looking for pros & cons directly between these two models, which are very similarly equipped and priced:

HP Pavilion dv7t- $1324.99

-Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Business with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
-Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8400 (2.26 GHz)
-17.0" diagonal WXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900)
-4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
-256MB NVIDIA GeForce 9200M GS
-250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
-Webcam Only
-Intel(R) WiFi Link 5100AGN and Bluetooth(TM)
-Integrated 56K Modem
-LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
-8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery



HP Compaq 6830s- $1277.00

-Genuine Windows Vista® Business with downgrade to Windows XP Professional custom installed
-Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor P8400 (2.26 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB, 3 MB L2 cache)
-17.0 inch diagonal WXGA+ BrightView (1440 x 900)
-4GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM 2 DIMM
-ATI Radeon HD3430 256MB Discrete Graphics
-250GB 5400rpm Hard Drive with HP 3D DriveGuard
-Integrated VGA Webcam
-Intel® WiFi Link 5100 (802.11a/b/g/draft-n) & HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth® Wireless Technology
-Integrated 56K Modem
-LightScribe DVD+/-RW SuperMulti DL Drive
-8-cell (63 WHr) Li-Ion battery
-HP USB Optical Travel Mouse



Both models have the standard 1-year limited warranty. There are reviews of the dv7t everywhere (including NBR), but I'm not finding anything on the 6830s. It appears that HP has not even posted a Maintenance Guide for this model yet either, so all I've found are general specs.

Can anyone speak to the build quality of the 6830s? Even though it is on the low end of the SMB line, I'd hope that it would be at least fractionally better than the Pavilion counterpart. Yes, no?

Thanks for any thoughts and/or input on the subject.


Mike

 

Apparently the 6830s's battery isn't the best...

http://h30379.www3.hp.com/8844-en_gb/3688712/reviews.htm

I did a google search and there isn't much about this notebook..

Sorry I couldn't be much help, im sure there is someone here at NBR who owns or who has used this notebook.

If not, maybe the dv7t will be your best bet.

 

Hmmm, run of bad batteries maybe.....

In any case, my laptops rarely leave my desk so battery life is not of paramount concern for my needs (although it would be an interesting comparison).

The above units are nothing more than a desire, as I've always wanted a 17" screen. I declined to fill out the FAQ as it would be based primarily on need, to which little more than a pocket calculator would fit the bill in my case.

As such, I'm looking for basically a physical comparo of the above units. After buying and dealing with generations of Pavilions, the SMB line has caught my eye. The 6830s looks pretty sharp, but I'd like to leave behind the overheating and/or misaligned panels that were prevalent in my previous consumer units. I don't expect it to be a bullet-proof tank like an 8710w, but anything should be better than my aging dv6400........

Thanks for the heads-up on the battery stuff, hopefully there will be some positives for the 6830s in this comparo.


Mike

 

Bah, it looks like the 6830s specs had a typo. The P8400 is now replaced by an Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T5870 (2.0 GHz, 800 MHz FSB, 2MB L2 cache).

I would guess that the ram would be running at DDR2-667 speed, the cpu has no VT, and the ram limit is capped at 4GB (instead of 8GB) due to the T5870.

Why would they offer an antiquated Merom-based cpu in a new Montevina model designed for a Penryn? Too bad this model is not offered as a CTO, as the present configurations are somewhat questionable..........

 

Unfortunately the 6830s isn't configurable with a better CPU/GPU combo and only have 1 HD. But it looks like they offer a better screen at the highest price point 17" WSXGA+ WVA (Wide Viewing Angle) than other HP notebooks...


http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF25a/321957-321957-64295-321838-89315-3688712.html

 

So, anybody with a 6830s that can comment on the WVA screen quality and battery life? I am also interested in level of palmrest heat. It seems all these large screen multimedia laptops (Sony 16.4", Dell 17") have really warm palmrests and heat up quite a bit.

I am about to return a new dv7t because the so-called "Brightview" 1680x1050 display is terribly dim. It's dimmer than a 2 year old Dell Inspiron 6000 laptop with old LCD display!

 

I think the most important factor when deciding between these notebooks is indeed the screen. I personally found the dv7 'too much glossy'. Even at night I found the reflections annoying with my weak room lights on. On the other hand colors and contrast are amazing. The DV7 is more suitable for watching movies and playing games in dark rooms.
Your GPU choices make me believe you are merely looking for an office notebook. Then I would certainly choose the 6830 with business screen. I think the build quality is comparable to the previous generation HP compaq. It looks the same as Elitebooks but misses the metal plates on the palmrest and screen.