After twenty years of using nothing but desktops, I finally decided to get my first laptop. I did a large amount of looking around and finally decided on a laptop in the HP HDX series. I wanted a big screen and since I didn't (and don't) plan on carrying it around a lot, I wasn't too concerned about its size. Portability and weight weren't major considerations. If they are for you, then definitely don't get this. It is something of a monster, quite heavy. Furthermore, as far as I've been able to discover, there is only one case that will accommodate a laptop this side, one by Targus. It is less like a messenger bag or pack back and more like a suitcase on wheels. But except for the size, this is a great laptop and I'm completely delighted with it.There is really only one advantage to buying a preconfigured laptop. You can get it quickly. But I would recommend people who really know what they want to do their own configuration. I wanted a computer that was really strong on media, so I opted for the 1 GB video card, a Blu-ray burner, and a TV tuner. I also got the bluetooth wife modem so that I wouldn't have to use a transceiver. The computer has been exceptional in this regard. The screen is bright and unbelievably detailed. Blu-ray discs don't look quite as good as they do on my Samsung high def TV using a PS3, but it is close. The built in speakers are amazingly decent for a laptop. Although I prefer using headphones for movies and videos, the speakers are good enough for two people to watch something together. But for music while I type I usually just use the built in speakers.
Just about everything else about the computer is great as well. I find the keyboard comfortable to use and the action on the keys are really nice. I don't like the touchpad, but that would be true for absolutely any laptop.
If you are looking for a laptop that is superb at multimedia but that doesn't have to be especially transportable, you can't do much better than this laptop. My one piece of advice for anyone configuring a laptop is to put your upfront money almost entirely in things that cannot be upgraded easily later. Put off the printer if it means you can get a faster processor. Don't worry about the size of your hard drive, because there great inexpensive external hard drives (you can get a 1 TB today for less than $150). But also plan on doing other things to extend the life of your computer. I got the Blu-ray burner, but I plan on getting an external DVD drive to minimize the wear and tear on the internal drive. I got a single battery now, but plan on getting a second one later. But it is pretty difficult to upgrade your processor speed or video card later. Of course, if money isn't a consideration for you (it was for me), go ahead and get everything right now. But whether you have to economize or not, this is a great multimedia computer.
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