dv9500z...should I pull the trigger?

First post after lots of lurking!
I have been shopping for a laptop (my first) for a few weeks now. I stumbled across a deal for the 9500z that seems too good to pass up.

# – Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
# – AMD Turion(TM) 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile Technology TL-58 (1.9 GHz, 512KB+512KB L2 Cache )
# – 17.0" WXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900)
# – 1GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) (I will update to 2 GB immediately)
# – NVIDIA GeForce Go 7150M
# – FREE Upgrade to HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam + Microphone!!
# – 802.11b/g WLAN
# – 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
# – FREE Upgrade to LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support!!
# – No TV Tuner w/remote control
# – 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

Cost $731.39 WITH TAX SHIPPED

This computer will be used for basic web surfing, email, DVD watching, Photoshop. Am I missing anything critical on this system? I'm about ready to hit BUY NOW. Thanks for your help. Is this a good price? This price is through hp, and it includes 31% APP savings. It seems good based on what I've been finding, but I want to be sure. I swear, the more I shop around the less likely I am to purchase. Prices fluctuate so much. I feel like I'm buying a used car. UGH!

 

Upgrade your video card! It's only $99 more (and $66 with the 30% off) and its worth it, especially because you can't change the video card out in the future. Other than that the price is good for the configuration you have. If you wait any longer the 30% coupon will run out before you buy it, if it hasn't already. Also, you might want to take advantage of buying the high-capacity battery and get a spare, because they are cheaper when you purchase them when you purchase your laptop, and you are getting the 30% off as well.

These are just a few suggestions though.

So are you configuring this laptop? Or is it a preconfigured model?

 

Yes, you might want to double check on the 30% off coupon, since alot of people have been posting that its not working anymore.

 

I wouldn't be getting the 30% off the video card. I just so happened to get 31% off with the academic discount on this particular model with these components...and yes, I'm configuring this laptop. The pre-configured model is $200+ more expensive. Go figure. I've thought about getting the video card, but I wasn't sure I would need it. I don't play games. Would Photoshop benefit from a dedicated graphics card? TIA

 

Photoshop will not benefit from the dedicated graphics card.

 

Thanks, Jimbob83! That's exactly what I needed to know. Now, do you think this is a good price, or should I hold out for another sale where I can get better components for the same money?

 

Here's the thing,

If you wanted to wait for the next time HP has the 30% off coupon running you can. That way you can configure your own model and get 30% off of all the parts of the laptop, except the warranty. It depends on if you can wait, or if you need the laptop right now. Go to HP and configure a model of the dv9500z to your liking, then take 30% off (for when HP runs the coupon next, if its not available right now) then compare that to the price you have above.

 

It's a great deal. Ideally I'd add Bluetooth but it's not critical.

Consider buying two 2GB Crucial DDR2-667 SODIMMs. $80 each direct from crucial.com, might be cheaper elsewhere. 32-bit Vista isn't able to use all of it (64-bit can) but it'll use most of it and Photoshop will appreciate the extra breathing room. It's less cost effective than buying the usual pair of 1GB SODIMMs though.

 

Im waiting for the next 30% off...

 

How do you find out about the coupons right away, so you don't miss out? Will HP send you an email to let you know about the sale? Or will you find out here? Can we get on a mailing list? This last round of coupons I hesitated because I thought I had until the 8th. I'm kicking myself.

 

You can either look on these forums for the coupons, or you can google it as well. When there are coupons out, especially the 30% off, people post it here and it can be found easily.

 

Ella DoubleYou, YAYA!, same!!!