Well, obviously, the ultimate decision lies with those forking over the cash. ;) But I'm curious if one of the store shops would be any cheaper than the HP quote you got... since I'm assuming that includes mailing the laptop in to them and all. Just a thought.
The Pavilion dv6700z doesn't look too bad. The positive reviews are encouraging, and the specs seem decent. Keep in mind, though, that getting a new computer will require learning a new operating system (Vista), which might make putting some of your programs back on a little more challenging (is your mush program compatible with Vista, for example?). Theoretically the wireless network shouldn't be a huge hassle, but Vista does have completely different wireless menus than XP, so it's an added wrinkle.
Oh, sure, edit the comment while I'm working on responding... ;) AMD processors are slightly different, but comparable in performance, and considering that you probably won't do much that will tax the processor, I wouldn't worry too much about that one difference. If there's something else about the 6700t that you like, by all means consider it, but the processor isn't a huge deal. Aside from that, it concerns me slightly that the customer rating is lower, especially since most of the respondents didn't bother providing reasons why that is (so I don't know whether their opinions really matter or not ;)). Otherwise, the options are identical as far as I can tell...
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The Pavilion dv6700z doesn't look too bad. The positive reviews are encouraging, and the specs seem decent. Keep in mind, though, that getting a new computer will require learning a new operating system (Vista), which might make putting some of your programs back on a little more challenging (is your mush program compatible with Vista, for example?). Theoretically the wireless network shouldn't be a huge hassle, but Vista does have completely different wireless menus than XP, so it's an added wrinkle.
CNET thought it was pretty good, if that helps:
http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/hp-pavilion-dv6700z-customizable/4505-3121_7-32814487.html
Oh, sure, edit the comment while I'm working on responding... ;) AMD processors are slightly different, but comparable in performance, and considering that you probably won't do much that will tax the processor, I wouldn't worry too much about that one difference. If there's something else about the 6700t that you like, by all means consider it, but the processor isn't a huge deal. Aside from that, it concerns me slightly that the customer rating is lower, especially since most of the respondents didn't bother providing reasons why that is (so I don't know whether their opinions really matter or not ;)). Otherwise, the options are identical as far as I can tell...
CNET's review for it is almost the same as the 6700z: http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/hp-pavilion-dv6700t-customizable/4505-3121_7-32814492.html
Hope this helps! :) **cuddlesnugs**