Buying a new Laptop, Opinions?

[ZebraRampage]

So for the past few months I've been thinking about buying a new computer because mine will be five years old in August. I'm still going to keep this computer and make sure it runs well, so I can have two computers, but I really need a faster machine.

First of all, I'm getting Windows because most of the programs I use in engineering are windows based. So I'm sorry if you MAC users have a problem with that haha. I'm also getting some high end hardware and hardly any software because I have Office 2007 and I have security software that I can use, so there's no need to buy it with the machine. I guess I just wanted to see what you guys think of my decision and if it's a good deal.




So the computer I've decided to get is the HP Pavilion dv7t Quad Edition Series.

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/sh.../dv7tqe_series


I'm getting the white color scheme because I think it's less offensive and much more subtle, but overall I wish that there wasn't a graphic on this computer. The hardware that I plan to get is as follows:


Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (Considered Professional, but I would only want it for XP Mode, and I already have this desktop to run XP on, so I really don't see a point in spending $75 extra for professional)


Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-720QM Processor (1.6GHz, 6MB L2 Cache, 1333MHz FSB) w/Turbo Boost up to 2.8 GHz (I believe that i7 is a quad core, correct me if I'm wrong, but that would explain the low rate of 1.6GHz)


FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 3GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) (pretty good deal in my opinion)


FREE Upgrade to 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection (I don't really need more than that since I keep my music on my external hard drive. Also, this is an upgrade from 250GB)


1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 230M (No other choice in the matter)


LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support (Once again, no choice)


Intel Wireless-N Card with Bluetooth (I might want to get a blue tooth mouse to bring along in my laptop bag. Also, Wireless-N is new, but it should be fine right?)


Once again, I'm not getting Microsoft Office, even though it's 50% off, because I already have it.


I'm also not getting Norton.


I do however want to get at least a 2 year warranty. Now, what I'm wondering is which warranty to get, between these two.


2-year HP Care Pack Pick Up and Return Service
2-year HP Care Pack Accidental Damage Protection Service ($60 extra from the first one)



The total cost will come out to be $1273.98 with the first warranty and $1333.98 with the second warranty. (After $200 rebate)

There's also a $200 instant rebate, but the prices I gave you were AFTER the rebate. Also, if it's an instant rebate, I obviously don't have to worry about mailing anything, but they seriously just take off $200 then? It won't be $200 given to me in the form of buying other HP products?



I considered getting a Dell XPS, but I'm kind of sick of Dell and their overpriced computers. They've been going downhill a bit. Also, the XPS that is comparable to this is over $100 more, and it also requires me to get certain things, like an extra battery. I just don't see the incentive in getting an XPS. This high end HP is fine for me, except for the graphics on the color scheme, but I'll deal with it.

So, do you guys think that this is a good deal? Also, should I get the 2 year warrant with or without the accidental damage? Is the $60 worth it? And, regarding the rebate, I don't have to worry about it, correct? I wouldn't want to end up paying an extra $200 just for money toward other HP products.