My dream laptop...at Wally World? o_O

[tigeronstarfire]

I haven't mentioned this much, but I've been idly cruising the interwebs for the past few months regarding the new AMD Tigris platform that was launched last month. However, lots of companies decided to hold off on putting anything out until the Windows 7 launch, which is Thursday. So, you can imagine my excitement when I finally see a few laptops vying for my attention - all from HP's DV7 line. But here's the rundown.

What I wanted in my next lappy are as follows:

AMD Turion II Ultra Processor (Preferably M600 or higher)
ATI Radeon 4650 Graphics Card
16" LED Screen or higher
Wireless N Capabilities
Blu-Ray Lightscribe Combo Drive

In order of importance. So, in my search, I've stumbled upon three laptops that caught my attention, but to varying degrees of precision.

Best Buy: DV7-3065DX
What does this one have going for it? Blu-Ray drive. Cost? Base of 729.99. What helps is the fact that I have a gift card for BB, and I could use it to help defray some of the cost of this particular lappy. Unfortunately, this laptop has two strikes against it - the lack of N and graphics that are exactly the same as what I have now. (Though the one in store has a 4200, interestingly enough) Sadly, I also do love that, if I get a service plan, I feel like I'm well taken care of. It pains me to do this, but the graphics are a dealbreaker. It's just not enough of an improvement.

Office Depot: DV7-3060US - ON SALE
Now we're talking. It meets most of the above requirements, but the fact that it has a Radeon 4530 didn't sit well with me. The lack of Blu-ray doesn't hurt it much, but I would have liked to have had it in this laptop. Plus, I can get 10% Bing cash back on this one. Bought online for 699.99, before a $50 mail in rebate, this was the most tempting, however, I didn't expect what I found next to blow all of this out of the water.

Wal-mart: DV7-3069WM
EVERYTHING. FREAKING EVERYTHING I WANTED. But why, Wally World, why? Why must the laptop I love be here? @_@ That, and it costs 899.99 before tax, shipping, and warranty. Granted, it's also cheaper than the first laptop I bought ever (My DV5035NR @ 1049.99 before tax and warranty) but it's like...wow. I'm speechless, but my journey ends there.

So, essentially, where do I go from here? Good question. I'd love to know if the Wal-mart one goes on sale anytime soon, and if so, I'm so tempted to bite. Heck, even now, as soon as it's available, I'm tempted to jump at the opportunity. But why, tiger, why?

A few reasons. First, the LED backlit screen saves energy, and is brighter. Second, the 45nm AMD processors are much more efficient, and can go toe to toe with a Core2Duo. Third, a Radeon 4650 is TONS better than any integrated graphics card I ever had on a laptop. Fourth, integrated Wireless N is much better than carrying around a USB antenna. Last, well, blu-ray. No need for an external bay to play blu ray movies. :)

And yeah, I had my current laptop, Callisto, for about a year. But I never felt that it was meant to stick with me for as long as I had my first laptop, which was for two and a half years. It matches the room, sure, but...well... I just want something more powerful. Something I actually use. And Tsunami? I regret that that is more than I can say for what I've done with you since I built you. And well, Tsunami Jr with my spare parts. I feel that's the direction I'm going in - making use of potential rather than collecting for the sake of having it. And I think this prospective purchase will go a long, long way.

I just wish it wasn't at Wal-mart. :P

Comments

[ilea.livejournal.com]

do NOT buy a dv7 from walmart! HP makes "special" editions for walmart (usually designated by wm after the model number) and word is among my geek friends is that they don't last as long.

I have a dv7 and so does my friend brian same model except brian's came from walmart. Mine is hitting a year old without any problems and his turned a year last month and has been in for warrenty work 3 times already.

[tigeronstarfire.livejournal.com]

Oh gosh, geez, thanks for the heads up. o_O But yeah, with the WM at the end, I figured it was a special edition, and maybe it's just too good to be true.

Oh, and regarding the election on Saturday? For St. Bernard, it was a property tax increase to 4.27% to help pay for upkeep on levees. Mom said right now, it's at 1.5% or something like that, so this was a drastic increase.

[ilea.livejournal.com]

I was wondering because I live across the street from a school/polling place and I didn't see our poll people out. But yeah forgot about parish stuff....

Have you tried messing around on hp's site and seeing if you can come up with your dream lappy there?

[tigeronstarfire.livejournal.com]

Yeah. And it passed too. I saw a report about it, and someone was shocked (or feigned it, at least) that less than 1000 people voted, and it was for the increase. :P

And regarding the laptop, I wanted to avoid designing it online and having it shipped to me if at all possible. (Instant gratification thing, if I can) But, even if I wanted, I can't yet - the particular model I want, the DV7, is only available in Intel flavor right now. :P The DV6, however, IS available, but to get the same options I can get at Office Depot on Thursday? It's much more expensive. However...it's a little tempting to get one made. The moonlight version of the laptop is tres sexy. ^_^ It reminds me of a Zero bar, and I LOVE those. :D

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9554671&type=product&id=1218123526907

And it's cute and tiny, and I kinda wanted something like this to tote around. But I call it the white chocolate version, and...it's tempting. XD But still, regarding the above, I'd love it more if it had the 4650 in it. So...no dice.

[ilea.livejournal.com]

I have an amd dv7. Not quad core though... heell does windows 7 even support quad core? From what I understand vista doesn't so it's a waste.