dv9700t Question

Hello all,

My first post here. I ordered two dv9700t laptops a week ago and they are still in production, after a few days of internet searchs I keep seeing that the video card I ordered for it getting sub-par reviews. I am a Mac (desktop) guy so this windows thing is very new to me. My wife and I will be using the systems to play WoW, video chat when I am away, and possibly a few non FPS games such as Rollercoaster tycoon, and the new Simcity. Should I halt the order and find a better laptop or will these work for us.

HP Pavilion dv9700t customizable Notebook PC
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.20 GHz, 4 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
17.0" WXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900)
2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS
FREE Upgrade to HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam + Microphone!!
FREE Upgrade to Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and BluetoothTM!!
240GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (120GB x 2)
LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
No TV Tuner w/remote control
High Capacity 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

Thanks in Advace.

 

The 8600M GS is sufficient for your needs. Did you use the $500 off coupon?

 

Sounds exactly like the one I ordered yesterday, except I have the slower video card but faster processor.
I am far from an expert on video cards...but check out this page. Seems like it is a half-way decent card.

 

With WoW, the 8600MGS should be able to handle it... Also, its not like you are going to play Crysis or those new FPS games are you? Unless my 17" screen decided to rebel against me, Im pretty sure you stated "few non FPS games"...

Btw, if the 8400MGS could play all games from 2005 and back at maximum, but with no anti-aliasing, how much better could the 8600MGS play? However, the 8600MGS is below the 8600MGT, the supposed 'better' version of the GS. -> This is what the MacBookPro 15'4 or the 17' uses. Then again, it doesn't make a greeeeeeeeaaaaaaaat difference.

Defineately better. It isnt a bad choice for you... According to the internet also, SimCity Societies's main menu, all you need is a 128mb graphics card. Your 512mb graphics card well passes the mark.

 

i did not know of one it is most likely too late now. dang it.

 

It started on Saturday I believe...and ended sometime Monday afternoon. Small window of opportunity.

 

oh ok, I ordered them about a week ago and they just now shipped today!! I did get the 150 instant rebate for a total of 300 off, plus I am in the Air Force so I got the gov discount which brought the total to 1212 shipped for each system. Still much cheaper and better then the dells I was looking at.

Thanks again to all for the good info.

 

Hey,
Sounds like my story.... I am also in the Air Force, and did not know about the 500 dollar off coupon... Mine was $1,447.99 after discounts!

HP Pavilion dv9700t customizable Notebook PC
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.20 GHz, 4 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
17.0" WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS
FREE Upgrade to HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam + Microphone!!
FREE Upgrade to Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and BluetoothTM!!
250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
No TV Tuner w/remote control
8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

 

Well my laptops are in the hands of the military postal service now (crossing fingers nothing bad happens) and should be here in a few days now.

Just a quick question... I have looked all over and have not seen anyone with this config or similar that has posted what the WEI score for this system is. If someone has it could they please post it.


Thanks.

 

As you can see from my post my avitar! That is what mine is for the system in my sig.

 

Since you are new to Windows I will be the first to tell you, WEI is crap. Do not look at it as a benchmarking utility to tell you how good your laptop will perform. The only reason for WEI is to let you know how well your computer will run Vista. It's also a utility to let you know if maybe you need to upgrade a part for Vista to run better on your laptop.

If you really want a benchmark go and download 3dMark software and run that.

The config you posted will be good enough to play WOW, rollercoaster tycoon, Half-Life2 and most current games. The newer games such as Call of Duty 4, Crysis, Bioshock, etc. will only play on low settings. For the things you listed though this laptop will be fine for you.

 

Hey just wanted to add to the thread. I just bought my dv9700t about a week ago. Just wanted to let you know that the new 45nm intel processor that HP offers is a battery sipper. I was extremly suprised by how long my battery lasted. I was kind of worried about this because of my last laptop. But i had my laptop unplugged and used it for about 4 hours using the internet, playing games and other office related software. And the recharge time was quick. The battery was fully charged and ready to run in about 1 hour.

Here are my specs:

dv9700t
Vista Ultimate 64 Bit
Intel T9300 2.5GHz 6MB L2 Cache
17.0" WXSGA 1680x1050
4GB DDR2
512MB NVIDIA 8600M GS
Fingerprint reader + Webcam + Microphone
Intel Pro Wireless 4965AGN w/ Bluetooth
500GB 5400RPM Dual Hard Drive (250GB x2)
Blu-Ray Rom
TV Tuner
High Capacity 8 Cell Battery.

I would recommend buying Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student from either Amazon.com or Buy.com because it is cheaper. I did find out though if you do you use vista (32 or 64 bit) and you want to use messenger don't. Yahoo has released a prerelease of Yahoo messenger for Vista. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles but it is still under construction. But basic chat is great. I have had a few hiccups with the 64 bit operating system however it was not with the laptop or the OS. Most of it software incompatiabilites and driver issues.