HP Pavilion dv2000t.

[imported_sanjuro]

-Free upgrade to Genuine Windows XP Media Center Edition
-Eligible for free upgrade to Windows Vista Home Premium w/1GB or more memory
-Intel Core Duo T2050 (1.60 GHz)
-14.1 WXGA Widescreen (1280x800)
-Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
-HP Imprint Finish + Microphone
-Free upgrade to 1024MB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
-Free upgrade from 60GB to 80GB HDD (5400 RPM)
-DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive
-802.11 b/g WLAN
-6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

Total: Around $850 after tax & free shipping

I'll mainly be doing basic computing tasks. Surfing the net and I also do a lot of music-related stuff. Organizing my entire collection, listening to music, compressing audio to put on my MP3 player, etc. This should be good enough for all of that. I might end up using it as a DVD player as well, so should I upgrade to the Bright View screen? I also want to make sure it's Vista Premium ready (not just capable), so these specs should be good enough, right? Also, anyone here have the HP Pavilion dv2000t? Cnet gave it a positive review as far as budget laptops go, and since HP offers the free upgrade to Vista, I'm leaning towards going with it. Any help is appreciated.

The free upgrade to Vista isn't BS, is it? It's not just some basic version of Vista, is it?

 

[fbrdphreak]

Here is a review of the dv2000z, same chassis different CPU:
http://www.laptoplogic.com/reviews/detail.php?id=135

Overall HP makes great machines for the money. Sometimes build quality isn't the best, particularly with display hinges and power connectors. Their displays all seem to have poor viewing angles. Definitely get the BrightView, at least then it will be brighter and more vibrant, even if the viewing angles suck.

It's not a bad deal, esp with the RAM & HDD. For a great deal, you should shoot for something with a DVDRW around that price. Also get the 12-cell battery; you'll get 6+ hours of battery life on that.

A regular old Turion 64 X2 should comparable in performance to the T2050, although with less battery life.

Another thing: the HP Imprint Finish means your fingerprints will be ALL OVER that machine, just FYI.

 

[foges]

I just ordered that machine. I decided its the best value for money i can get, so why not. It would have been cool with a better graphics card, but i have one that is good enough on my desktop machine so it doesnt matter too much. The dell laptops were actually better value for money, but they are just so ugly that i opted against them.

I personally wonder how long the processor will be "good enough", i just hope that in two-three years ill still be able to write word documents and surf the internet without it being laggy.

 

[imported_sanjuro]

I kind of have my sights set on the Dual Core or Dual Core 2. The only other brands I seriously considered were the Toshiba Satellite and the Lenovo Thinkpad. Generally, how is the build and screen quality of those?

 

[CCityInstaller]

Originally posted by: sanjuro
I kind of have my sights set on the Dual Core or Dual Core 2. The only other brands I seriously considered were the Toshiba Satellite and the Lenovo Thinkpad. Generally, how is the build and screen quality of those?

I just purchased this HP.. I have been looking for a laptop for the last two weeks and, for the money, this can't be beaten. You get a 17" WS LCD vs a 14.1", and a much better video card then the GMA 950. I had a Core Solo system with the 950 and it was horrible. The system I linked to just needs a little boost in system memory which a GB can be had from NewEgg for less then $100.

 

[alimoalem]

Originally posted by: CCityInstaller

Originally posted by: sanjuro
I kind of have my sights set on the Dual Core or Dual Core 2. The only other brands I seriously considered were the Toshiba Satellite and the Lenovo Thinkpad. Generally, how is the build and screen quality of those?

I just purchased this HP.. I have been looking for a laptop for the last two weeks and, for the money, this can't be beaten. You get a 17" WS LCD vs a 14.1", and a much better video card then the GMA 950. I had a Core Solo system with the 950 and it was horrible. The system I linked to just needs a little boost in system memory which a GB can be had from NewEgg for less then $100.

that's the stupidest thing i've ever heard. that's like saying, "why get a coupe when you can get a minivan? the minivan can seat SEVEN people while the coupe can seat only 4!" wtf? i'm a student and there's no way in hell a 17" laptop would be ideal.
1. how many backpacks can fit a 17" WIDESCREEN laptop?
2. the 17" is 1.5x heavier
3. 17" is a lot of desk space

sanjuro, in response to your original post, i have had the HP DV2000T for almost 3 months now. from my experience with IBM and Lenovo thinkpads (all T-series), and my current HP, the viewing angles are worse than the thinkpads and the build quality is ALMOST as good (if fbrdphreak gives thinkpads an A for build quality, the HP would get an A-)

also, the battery life is around 2 hours, 2 hours 15min with minimum brightness. i have a 6-cell. definitely go with the 12-cell. my friend has the 12-cell and it doesn't make it look bad at all. go with the brightview, it's worth it.

i didn't get the dvd-rw cause i idon't even use the one on the desktop. if you're not gonna use, don't get it.

i got the imprint finish...i'm not sure about the fingerprints cause i kept the plastic covering on the top of my laptop. i do think it'll get fingerprints on it easily, though.

also, the sound is MUCH better on the HP than on the thinkpad. it's not hard to believe as the HP is more for the home user and thinkpads for business. so for you, u with all your music work, the sound will definitely suffice.

for me, the only laptops i would go with are the Lenovo Thinkpads, HP Pavilion, and Dell Latitude D620 (yes, this dell actually is decent)

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: CCityInstaller

Originally posted by: sanjuro
I kind of have my sights set on the Dual Core or Dual Core 2. The only other brands I seriously considered were the Toshiba Satellite and the Lenovo Thinkpad. Generally, how is the build and screen quality of those?

I just purchased this HP.. I have been looking for a laptop for the last two weeks and, for the money, this can't be beaten. You get a 17" WS LCD vs a 14.1", and a much better video card then the GMA 950. I had a Core Solo system with the 950 and it was horrible. The system I linked to just needs a little boost in system memory which a GB can be had from NewEgg for less then $100.

Thanks for the info, but a 17" discrete graphics notebook has entirely different purposes than a 14" IGP. Try toting your notebook around anywhere and expecting 6+ hours of battery life

 

[imported_sanjuro]

You guys have helped me out big time. Thanks!

I'm definitely leaning towards the HP Pavilion models. I just got around to checking out the laptoplogic website, and it seems to be the best brand for what I'm looking for and for what I'm willing to spend. I'm not sure which one I'll get exactly. I'm not in a hurry. I'll factor in everything and make my decision. And hopefully I won't go too far over $900.

 

[alimoalem]

i forgot to mention the vista part. don't quote me here but i doubt the GMA950 will fully support vista with all the graphical things. it may, but i doubt it. i wouldn't go with the GeForce 7200, either, though. if you absolutely must have dedicated, get at least a 7400, which comes with the dv6000t.

i'm pretty sure fbrdphreak knows a lot more on this subject. you could also try the General Hardware forum and just ask "will the Intel GMA950 fully support Vista?" or something like that