Customizing an HP laptop..?

Question

Consumer Reports said that the HP dv9700t is a great laptop, so I went on the site and decided to see what this laptop has to offer. I use a lot of big programs like The Sims 2 (and soon to be The Sims 3), Adobe Photoshop, ect all while running ITunes, and a few internet explorers, so I need a fast computer.

How are these for settings? Any recommendations? (As it is, the computer will cost me approx 1600$, but I have added quite a few accessories.) Is there anything that I should upgrade, or downgrade?

Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)

Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T8100 (2.10GHz)

Display 17.0" diagonal WXGA+ High-Definition Ultra HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900)

Memory 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)

Graphics card 50% OFF 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS

Hard drive 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive

Personalization Webcam + Fingerprint Reader

Networking Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection

Primary CD/DVD drive LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support

TV & entertainment experience 40% OFF HP ExpressCard Digital/Analog TV Tuner

Primary battery Extra 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

Productivity software $100 OFF Microsoft(R) Office Home and Student 2007!!

Theft protection $10 OFF Computrace LoJack for Notebooks, One Year

Accessories Mobile Stereo Earbud Headphones (1 pair)

Your additional options:

Click edit to modify. NOTE: These items are in stock and will ship immediately.

HP Printers and All-in-ones HP Deskjet F4280 All-in-One Printer, Scanner, Copier

Mice & keyboards HP Wireless Laser Mini Mouse, Turquoise

Cables & security locks HP Kensington Security Lock

Specialty accessories Targus Notebook Chill Mat

Answer 1

well, so u r a Sims2 freak? me too :D. and I'm looking forward to 2009 for The sims 3... well for smooth gaming experience I'd advice you to Downgrade it to windows XP, but your computer is strong enough to get hold of Vista, and Vista supports DirectX 10...well I'd be satisfied with those specs. You do not need to upgrade or downgrade anything. in addition to that if you downgrade to windows XP yourself you will have to search all of the drivers yourself and... well takes a lot of time, I've done it and know what it takes. But if you take the laptop to HP service center and they downgrade it, there should be no problem.