dv9000t configuration questions

I'm planning on ordering a custom dv9000t from Costco and this is the configuration I have decided to go with as of now. This will be my everyday notebook for standard multitasking stuff i.e. music, watching DVDs, word processing, etc. but also for video editing & encoding, DVD authoring, etc.

Pretty much the only thing I'm not sure about is whether to go with Premium or Ultimate. My instinct is to spend the extra $ for the 64-bit capabilities, but I'm worried that Ultimate will end up giving me more problems than benefits... I've heard mixed things concerning this. Also, since the 9000t has a 2GB RAM limit - would this severely limit its abiltiy to take advantage of the 64-bit Ultimate?

Other than that, how does everything else look? Any comments or suggestions? Thanks for any help in advance

Operating System: 35% OFF! Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit)
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo T7200 (2.0GHz/4MB L2Cache)
Display: 17.0" WXGA+ Ultra BrightView Widescreen (1440x900)
Graphics Card: 256MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 7600
Personalization: FREE Upgrade: HP Imprint Finish/Microphone/Webcam
Memory: 40% off upgrade from 1GB (2 Dimm) to 2GB (2 Dimm)
Hard Drive: 200GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (100GB x 2)
Primary CD/DVD Drive: FREE Upgrade - LightScribe DVD+/-RW w/Double Layer
Networking: Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network w/Bluetooth
TV & Entertainment Experience: No TV Tuner w/remote control
Primary Battery: High Capacity 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Productivity Software: Microsoft(R) Works 8.0
OS and Recovery Media: System Recovery DVD w/Windows Vista Ultimate
HP extended service plans: 1-year HP Accidental Damage Protection with Express Repair extended service plan

 

64bit ultimate will be the same as 32bit ultimate, the 2gb makes no difference either way. only benefit of 64bit is for certain programs but the main issue with 64bit is compatibility isnt very good and vista itself is still in the developing stages in regards to compatibility issues so 64bit and vista is not the best route to take right now. still 35% sounds good (as long as its alot less than what it costs to buy the OEM version straight out)

other than this, the system config is fine

 

Thanks for the response. So, would you suggest the 32-bit Home Premium in that case? Basically, I just want the OS that will be the most hassle-free. Aside from any benefits it might have, does Ultimate have more problems than Premium doing day-to-day stuff with the current software that's readily available?

 

as long as HP are offering Ultimate then it shouldnt really be an issue of less hassle but the hassle is more in the 64bit rather than the choice between premium and ultimate. if u can get the 32bit version of ultimate then that should be fine, 64bit has more compatibility issues. its just a question of whether u want some issues (32bit premium or ultimate all the same) or more issues (64bit ultimate). some programs you may download may not work with vista and this could be temporary but some programs you download may not work with 64bit vista and that still could be temporary but less likely to be sorted.

still a good offer, just more hassle in 64bit at the moment

 

Ahh...Ok, thanks for clearing that up. I know Ultimate comes with the 32-bit or 64-bit option (I think it comes with two different installation discs when you buy it straight up?) but, will it come pre-installed on my HP as 64-bit because they advertise it as such? Or will the notebook be sent to me with no OS installed?

 

no they do install it so it comes pre-installed with the OS and a recovery partition and you only get the discs if you order them otherwise if you want recovery discs you have to burn them yourself

 

Can I contact Costco after I place the order and tell them that I want the 32-bit version installed

 

well if the special discount only applies to the 64bit then u will have to pay extra but dunno if they can change the config, you will have to ask them i guess

 

Few updates and follow-up questions

1) I talked with HP customer support and confirmed that it is not possible to get a customized dv9000t with 32-bit Vista Ultimate preinstalled instead of 64-bit Ultimate. That said, the tech I was talking to thought that I most likely would not have any additional compatability issues with 64-bit Ultimate that I wouldn't have with 32-bit Premium...so he basically suggested going for the Ultimate if I don't mind spending the extra $85. I guess this is what I'm leaning towards...

2) I've seen all this talk about Santa Rosa. Does this have anything to do with me getting a customized 9000t? As in, will the 9000t be available to order with different/additional custom options once Santa Rosa comes out May 9th? If that's the case, I figure I should wait...even though I don't really know anything about what this new (chipset?) can offer me in particular?

3) I don't play any games, but I want a 17" monitor for video editing and watching DVDs. I've seen some suggest that the 9000t is more suitable for a gamer rather than an all-around multi-media person like me? If this is the case, can anyone reccommend any other 17" notebooks that I should look at before I decide to definitely go with the 9000t?

 

The question really is, "Why do you want Ultimate?" Is bitlocker and "complete PC backup" really worth $85? I would seriously research what Ultimate is going to get you, other than the ability to say that you have it. "Ultimate roxors d00d!"

Yes, it has everything to do with it. As of now, we're talking 2 days before the expected launch of Santa Rosa. If you're getting a customized system, they won't even have started building it by then. If all the rumors are correct, HP is going to be launching a boatload of new stuff then. The new chipset also will bring with it redesigned laptops with other new features, like better graphics, wireless networking, etc... Head over to wikipedia and see what's new.

You don't need an excuse for getting a big screen. Honestly, the idea that "gamers" are the only ones who need nice big fast systems is BS. My dv9000 is beautiful as a multimedia system. AFAIK, HP doesn't really make "Gamer" systems, though there are rumors of something coming soon. They market the dv9000 as a "multimedia" pc, and that's what it is. It even comes with a remote control.

 

The toshiba P100/105 is a good 17" laptop but I remember trying it out 5 months ago and not liking the screen for some reason

The reason they might say its for gamers is cuz most 17" laptops come with decent graphics cards for games, while smaller screens dont but this is changing. for video editing, graphic design and the lot you need a big screen so 17" aint just for gamers

 

The main reasons I'm considering Ultimate are the 64-bit capabilities (even if it's just for "future-proofing" purposes) and also because it's cheaper to get it now than to upgrade to it later..
thanks for the info about santa rosa

 

what do you think the 64-bit will do? by the time 64-bit becomes the norm (which is probably several years away if ever) all our laptops will be obsolete. also depends on what you're gonna do with it, for the average user it will do nothing

 

I got stumped by the 64-Bit Vista part, as HP previously did not offer this. It must be a recent change.

The question would be, why?

There has been enough driver/compatibility issues with the 32-bit versions without throwing the 64-bit into the mix. Are there even enough apps out there to support it's use to the general public?