Looking for a laptop, have some questions.

[Punked Out Comp]

I'm looking for a laptop for around $900. I want it primarily for using the internet and downloading music, maybe a little bit of gaming but if not it's no big deal. It will usually be in my bedroom, so it doesn't need to be super portable, I just want something cheaper and more portable than a desktop.

I'm looking at the HP Pavilion dv2000t (http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/store_access.do?template_type=cto_store&sto_cto=RM669AV&brand_name=hp%20%20%20%20%20%20&aoid=11232&cs=mySimon%2FCNET).
Is there any way to get it with XP?
Is it a good laptop for what I want?

I would customize (http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/cto/computer_customize_components.do) it, and right now I'm thinking that these are the only things I would change:

Processor- Intel Pentium dual core T2060(1.6GHz/1MB L2) +$75; or Intel Core Duo T2250 (1.73 GHz/2MB L2Cache) +$125 [Is the latter worth the extra $50?]

RAM- 1024MB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) +$100

HP Extended service plan- 1-year HP Accidental Damage Protection with Express Repair extended service plan +$100


Price
$1,004.98
Instant savings
-$100.00

Real price
$904.98


Are there any upgrades I didn't list that are important?
Are there any upgrades I did list that can be left out?

[mainiac]

I've never messed around with the hardware on my laptop, but if you are just using it for internet and downloading, why not just leave the cpu that is already in there.

[Punked Out Comp]

I forgot to mention that I would eventually like to get a real monitor to go with it and watch movies, and like I said, I would like to do a little bit of gaming.

[thefultonhow]

The Dell Inspiron E1505 is a better option. Besides the fact that Dell is more reliable with better service than HP, it's a better overall deal too and has better specs.

Upgrade to the ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 or the nVidia GeForce Go 7300. Other than that you can keep it fairly basic, since the basic specs are already pretty good, but there is a 20% offf $1000 coupon (http://www.xpbargains.com/dell_coupons/) right now, so you can upgrade a few things, such as the warranty, to get it over that limit.

[glc]

You are now stuck with Vista on Inspirons, even on the small business site. However, you may be able to buy a refurb out of the Dell outlet with XP. I can't verify that right now because the outlet site is down for maintenance till sometime tomorrow.

In that price range, Thinkpads are out.

Here is the cheapest dedicated graphics XP notebook that I would trust:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16834220064

Anything cheaper will have integrated graphics - which CAN game, you just have to temper your expectations.

This one is really nice for the price:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16834115281

[Punked Out Comp]

I don't think I'm really interested in getting a refurbed computer.
Is it a good idea to just completely reformat the HDD when I get the laptop, and then install XP?
I read a thread asking this question, but now I can't find it.
Is it worth reformatting, is vista subpar right now?

[glc]

The problem with nuking Vista and installing XP is getting drivers and I've seen where if the bios is set up for Vista, XP may not install.

The Dell outlet computers are not all refurbs. Here are the categories:

Certified Refurbished
Fully refurbished, visually inspected or retested, and repackaged to meet original factory specifications.

Previously Ordered New
Never used, cancelled orders, or returned systems that were never fully booted. Systems tested by Dell Outlet.

Scratch & Dent
Systems with cosmetic blemishes that do not impact performance. Includes standard limited warranty.

Off-Lease Computers
Previously leased systems available from Dell Financial Services.
DFS Direct Sales - Off Lease

At least load it up and look at the inventory. The site is back up now.

[Punked Out Comp]

I found one that looks good and here are the specs. What's your opinion?

Certified Refurbished

$849.00

Inspiron 6400 / E1505

Intel Core Duo - 1600

Genuine Windows XP Home

15.4 Inch screen

160 GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)

1000 MB RAM

DVD/RW

128MB ATI MOBILITY RADEON X1300 HyperMemory

1390 Wireless Card


Thank you very much for your help.

[glc]

That's a nice laptop. It can even handle gaming.