Buying an HP dv2000 laptop; have a couple of questions on some options...

[timelapse]

Hello, it is time to replace my 4 yr old laptop... yay!

I am configuring an HP dv2000t series laptop throught the HP website and I've got a couple of questions on some options:

1. What is the benefit of "BrightView" for my display screen?
2. Is there any performance/battery life benefit in selecting the "Intel Pro Wireless 3945ABG" wireless option over the default "802.11b/g WLAN"?
3. Would anyone advise me against buying the laptop with just 512 of ram and adding a 1 GB stick (same speed) bought somewhere else?

Any other comments or recommendations are appreciated! Thanks

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Everyone loves the dv2000t, don't they?

/curses HP for not offering the Intel flavour in Canada

Anyhow:

1. BrightView will give a, well, brighter display, and richer colours - but at the expensive of a reflective, glare-prone screen. If you plan on using this in an area that's overhead-lit or outdoors, you might not like BrightView. Look at one in-store to decide.
2. Not really - 3945ABG will give you the A band if you ever need it. You might lose Linux compatibility as I think the default is a Broadcom.
3. Nope - HP charges $95 for the upgrade to 1GB, you can get it much cheaper elsewhere.
4. I know there wasn't a number 4, but get the Go7200 graphics upgrade and the high-capacity 6-cell. The former is a $25 option that will make a world of difference in 3D performance, and the latter will tack on another 30-45 minutes of battery life (unless you plan on getting the 12-cell "stacker" battery)

- M4H

 

[alimoalem]

1. i got BrightView on mine (free upgrade). i'm not sure how the standard one is but i'm happy with mine. it is hard to use in very bright areas (e.g. by the pool when the sun is out)

2. no battery loss. if there is, 30 seconds tops

3. nothing wrong with getting aftermarket ram

4. i actually wouldn't go with the Go7200. i'm a student and see no benefit i would've gotten from having an upgraded GPU (i have the GMA 950). you will lose battery life having it so don't add it unless you need it.

5. consider your next 4 years...will you need a webcam or bluetooth? i wish i had added these. something to consider.

6. i get ~2 hours (1:45 on full brightness) with the standard 6-cell battery. 12-cell should roughly double it. not sure on the high-capacity but M4H seems to know about it. use 2 hours as a mark.

i'm really satisfied with my laptop so i hope you'll be too

 

[videopho]

Do not get this model or even buy HP all together.
My son whose dv2000 just recently died only couple months after its warranty had expired.
Do not get me wrong!
When it worked it was a pretty decent laptop for the money.
I and my family members have owned many laptop models e.g. ibm, lenovo, dell, hp, asus both for personal use and work usage.
HP has the worst CS and now the hardware (Google around the net then you'll find out)
Never buy from this company again.
dv2000 start up issue

More dv2000 issue

More nightmares

My son's dv2000 had the same exact issue (my guess is its integrated video card had gone south, it would need a new mobo)

 

[IlllI]

videopho i think with a little searching you could find horror stories for any of the companies. i could tell you some about gateway for example.

 

[corkyg]

By the same token, I have a dv1000 that I bought new - it has performed flawlessly for several years and still is. It has Brightview, 1 GB ARM, and I have upgraded the HDD a couple of times.

I used it all over Europe and Latin America, and never had a problem with it's Wi-Fi capability in airports, etc.

Yes - there are lemons with horror stories in every brand.

Before the dv1000, I had a big 17-in Gateway - and it performed flawlessly while used it at home and on the road.