HP Laptops

If you're shopping for an HP laptop for college, it is important to know how to navigate their website and be sure you know all of your options before purchasing. HP splits their laptop store into five categories:

• Mini (Netbooks)
• Everyday Computing (Lower-End)
• Ulta-Portable (Lower-Mid Range but Thin and Light)
• High-Performance (Mid Range)
• ENVY (High End)

It is important to keep these categories in perspective. While the High-Performance and ENVY laptops may give off the impression that they are expensive or not meant for the average user, don't be fooled by the wording. The "High-Performance" category carries laptops in a pretty average price-range, with mid-range components. Each category has 4-6 products, totaling around 20-30 laptops to choose from, but don't be overwhelmed by the number of choices. Once you've determined your college laptop price range, you can choose your laptop within your selected category/categories.

The average HP college laptop buyer will choose a laptop within the "High-Performance" category. They vary in price and performance, and are built using common components. These are probably HP's best selling laptops for college students, so you shouldn't have a problem in the event that you need service or support. All of the laptops in this category are HP Pavilion laptops, and range in price from around $600 to $1100. If your price range is below $600, stick with the "Everyday Computing" category. If you would like to spend $1100, consider going up to the ENVY category, and purchasing a high-end laptop. For the rest of you, there are six laptops to choose from (displayed in order of price):

• HP Pavilion dv6z series ($580, Dual 2.3Ghz, 4GB RAM, 320GB HD)
• HP Pavilion dv6t series ($650, Dual 2.26Ghz, 4GB RAM, 500GB HD)
• HP Pavilion dv6z Select Edition series ($750, QUAD 1.6Ghz, 4GB RAM, 500GB HD)
• HP Pavilion dv6t Select Edition series ($800, Dual 2.4 Ghz, 4GB RAM, 500GB HD)
• HP Pavilion dv7t Select Edition series ($900, Dual 2.4 Ghz, 4GB RAM, 500GB HD)
• HP Pavilion dv8t Select Edition series ($1100, Dual 2.4 Ghz, 4GB RAM, 640GB HD)

Keep in mind that the graphics cards and disk drives do increase across each model, which contributes to the price increase. However, if graphics aren't as important to you, this list should give you a good idea of what you're paying for. The components pretty much level off at the HP Pavilion dv6t SE model, with a Dual 2.4Ghz processor, 4GB RAM, and 500GB Hard Drive. My suggestion is if you aren't interested in graphics or the a blu-ray disk drive, go with the $800 HP Pavilion dv6t. You'll get all the high-end components for the mid-range price. Make sure to check out using the education store pricing and look up any coupon codes online before buying!