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[malfcn]

This one feels like it is on it's way out.
The fan always is blasting, it's hot and I occasionally get video errors.
Looking back, I can't believe I spent that much on it. Ordered and received it around Christmas of 08/09.
Found out later that the nVidia card was shitty and there was a class action, but I either didn't qualify or missed out.
Are they more reliable now?

One day the screen started flickering and doing a bunch of crazy stuff. Also wanted to repair or restore itself, but couldn't work.
Restarted it and it behaved normally after that. Literally beat the hell out of the hinges and lid and it started working again.

HP Pavilion dv7t Entertainment Notebook
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.4 GHz)
- 17.0" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
- 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
- 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
- FREE Upgrade to 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
- HP Imprint Finish (Mesh) + Microphone + Webcam
- HP Color Matching Keyboard
- Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
- No Modem
- SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
- No TV Tuner w/remote control
- 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
- HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
$1262

Would like to keep it to around $1000 or less.
Things that I enjoy doing. In all honesty, mostly just surfing and the usual nonsense.
Watching videos, streaming and reading. I do occasionally do graphics work. On the horizon is more web work and maybe video editing.

I have two configurations, and they are nearly the same.
Either a slightly better proc or better graphics card, but they don't let you configure with both.

HP ENVY 17t-j100 Quad Edition Notebook PC
HP ENVY 17t-j100 Quad Edition Notebook PC

E4S82AV

Windows 8.1 64
4th generation Intel® Core™ i7-4700MQ Processor
Included 2 Year Warranty
NVIDIA GeForce GT 740M Graphics with 2048MB of dedicated video memory
17.3-inch diagonal Full HD Anti-glare LED-backlit Display (1920 x 1080) Non touch
16GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
1TB 5400 rpm Hybrid Hard Drive
NO mSSD Hard Drive Acceleration Cache
No Additional Office Software
Security Software Trial
6-Cell Lithium-Ion Battery
SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
Standard Keyboard
HP TrueVision HD Webcam w/ integrated digital mic
802.11b/g/n 2x2 WLAN and Bluetooth® [2x2]
$1008

HP ENVY 17t-j100 Select Edition Notebook PC (ENERGY STAR)

E4S83AV

Windows 8.1 64
4th generation Intel® Core™ i7-4702MQ Processor
Included 2 Year Warranty
NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M Graphics with 2048MB of dedicated video memory
17.3-inch diagonal Full HD Anti-glare LED-backlit Display (1920 x 1080) Non touch
16GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
750GB 5400 rpm Hybrid Hard Drive
NO mSSD Hard Drive Acceleration Cache
No Additional Office Software
Security Software Trial
6-Cell Lithium-Ion Battery
SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
Standard Keyboard
HP TrueVision HD Webcam w/ integrated digital mic
802.11b/g/n 2x2 WLAN and Bluetooth® [2x2]
$1060

Not sure if I want BD read or writable drive.
Basically want a beast that will last another solid 5 years and let me do just about anything I would want to do.
Currently do not PC game, but open to the possibility.

4700 with the 740m or the 4702 with the 750m?

 

[ndawgdrake]

Are you set on HP? This gonna be your main PC?

 

[malfcn]

Not particularly set on HP.
Main computer. I have a 5 ear old Dell that is a dual core in brand new condition.
Long story short, it's old.

 

[KanyeEast]

NO HP. Go for Asus, Dell or Lenovo.

 

[alstein]

IF you're planning on any gaming, get ASUS G Series- those laptops handle heat very, very well.

 

[spwolf]

beautiful website:
http://www.notebookcheck.net/

detailed reviews with real test results like screen brightness, screen colors, heat output, heat temps,, etc... get the coolest one because in 2-3 years it will get a lot worse.

 

[LowEndTorque]

Once you go Mac, you never go back.

It'll be tough to get one for under 1K though unless you go refurbished.

 

[Atraveller]

Never buy HP laptops.

 

[malfcn]

Are HP that bad? Leaning towards the stronger processor for obvious reasons.

Any other 17 size set ups at a reasonable price?
What about the components I selected?

 

[Stumpokapow]

Are HP that bad?

Given that you only plan on buying one laptop, you should probably be more concerned with whose the best, and not how far down the list HP ranks

http://thewirecutter.com/leaderboard/laptops/

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-best-laptop/ <-- Best Laptop, Macbook Air 13"
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/macbook-pro-retina-display-review/ <-- Best Power Notebook, Macbook Pro Retina 15"
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-best-windows-ultrabook/ <-- Best Windows Ultrabook, Acer Aspire S7-392
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-lenovo-t430-is-the-best-workhorse-laptop/ <-- Best Workhorse Laptop, Lenovo T430
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-gaming-laptop/ <-- Best Gaming Laptop, Toshiba Qosmio X75

 

[Twio]

Do NOT get an HP.

I'd recommend a Lenovo.

 

[Moppet13]

Would avoid HP laptops that's for sure. I would also avoid Acer and Gateway unless you hate money. quality products.

 

[joelseph]

If you want a laptop that can play games you want to get Lenovo or Sager/Clevo

I just bought a Lenovo Y510 for sub 900 that has i7, geforce755, 8 gbram, 1tb hd + ssd, etc.

 

[Rebel Leader]

Do NOT get an HP.

I'd recommend a Lenovo.

Would avoid HP laptops that's for sure. I would also avoid Acer and Gateway unless you hate money. quality products.

whys?

 

[ACESmkII]

Never had a Laptop but one of my friends recommended a Lenovo.

I Just ordered a Y510p, and this will be replacing my current desktop that I've been using for the past 10 years.

I'm excited.

 

[thesoapster]

For PC laptops, I'm a Lenovo whore.

 

[malfcn]

Not a fan of the Apple hardware (or price).
And would like to stick to a reasonable price of around $1000 for a 17.

 

[mackattk]

Lenovo's are pretty solid. Don't be scared to look at their outlet section. You can get some pretty awesome deals there.

 

[joelseph]

Lenovo's are pretty solid. Don't be scared to look at their outlet section. You can get some pretty awesome deals there.

State Farm Insurance employee discount stacks with eCoupons and you can get invited into the plan.

 

[Deleted member 17706]

If you're getting Windows 8, you should find something with a good trackpad and touch screen.

 

[malfcn]

And gaming isn't the first priority. But something that will handle anything fit awhile.

 

[Ludovico]

I'm looking to replace an Inspiron 1526 (it's had a good life), and am torn between getting a tablet, ultrabook, or a laptop that can actually handle games.

I know I really need something portable for grading assignments on the go (the Dell's a pain to lug around, it's only 6 lbs but the battery life is abysmal), but I'd LOVE to also be able to boot up some grand strategy games during breaks...

Might just put it off until summer, not really sure if there's an optimal time of year for making new tech purchases (already missed out on Black Friday :/ ).

 

[malfcn]

The Lenovo do look really good. But only size 15 has specs that I like.
So far the HP honestly has the best value that I have seen thus far.

Are 17s not popular anymore?
Are hybrid HDD worth it?

$80 more and I can get the touch screen.