WHAT is up with the prices of configured models??

[PseudoFinn]

Apparently the price of the base model pre-configured HP Mini 2140 has dropped 50 USD to $449. A fantastic price for this unit- but the story changes quite dramatically if you choose to configure a model. It appears that the same spec'd device (1GB RAM, 160GB 5400, XP Home, BT, etc) jumps to the incredible price of $676 when you configure your own... what's that all about?

Looking back at the pre-configured models confuses me even further. The $479 model is the same as the base model, but with the 6 cell battery option (5 dollars more than the $25 option for the 6 cell when you configure your own?). According to the spec sheet at http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm ... 72994.html - these are the same specs as the $629 pre-configured model. Also curious is the fact that the next model is 100 dollars more at $729; for this price you lose the 6 cell and gain 1GB of RAM- which is a heck of a lot more (130 dollars, after subtracting that 30 bucks for going to the 3 cell from 6 cells) than you'd spend to put an additional 1GB in a configured model. FWIW- buying your own 2GB stick of RAM runs you 25 dollars. :-\

Can anyone explain to me why the prices are so ridiculous?? I mean, I get that HP is going to screw you on the price of a RAM upgrade, but why is the base price of a 'configure your own' Mini 2140 so incredibly high?

[CJisohsocool]

lollies i asked them the same question. the first 3 are in the uhm... smart buy option thingy which is a thing hp does, like the first month it comes out itll be a smart buy and like really cheap. but itll go away soon and the price will be the higher one :X so hurry n buy it lolz.

[PseudoFinn]

Seriously? So the $499 (which is now apparently $449 today) base-model is going to jump to $599 shortly?

Lousy. Thanks for the reply anyhow. :-)

Can't wait to call HP tomorrow to see what they have to say about this. Really confusing. At $599, a base model 2140 is FAR less attractive. I wonder what the 'modest price increase' will end up being for the model with an HD screen.

Here's hoping my tax refund gets here before HP gets stupid with the price of the 2140...

[CJisohsocool]

lolz i know exactly what ya mean xD

[HPmini-me]

Hey CJ, what makes you think these prices will jump up?

I don't want to buy on a hunch...doesn't it seem like everything is always falling in price (after all the Mini 2140 just did). Also, I wonder if TigerDirect or any of the other online discount retailers will start carrying it, then perhaps the price will be lower? Please let me know what you think and what you have heard, that will help me decide what to do.

[mrkrad]

well the fact that it says PROMO in the sku generally means its not going to stick around forever.

CTO is always more expensive in the business world.

remember HP business != HP consumer. The ship doesn't run the same at all. totally different level of service.

i'd still wait for the HD screen myself. the whole 1024x576 is pretty played out.

[CJisohsocool]

Hey CJ, what makes you think these prices will jump up?

I don't want to buy on a hunch...doesn't it seem like everything is always falling in price (after all the Mini 2140 just did). Also, I wonder if TigerDirect or any of the other online discount retailers will start carrying it, then perhaps the price will be lower? Please let me know what you think and what you have heard, that will help me decide what to do.

I talked directly to a rep about it and they said that the low prices (smart buy) is a temporary low price. itll go up soon

[DrunkSaru]

smart buys are usually nice because they are kinda preconfigured but i highly doubt the price will go up. it never has in the past. I too am waiting for the high res screen. I want vista business with 2gb ram, and 6 cell battery with HD screen. once I find a preconfigured one like that, I am going to buy it...

[CJisohsocool]

Smart Buy HP Business desktops, notebooks, workstations, servers and options offers significant savings on current HP technology. Smart Buy products and options have a promotional list price with excellent savings built in upfront. No rebates, no claims no hassle; HP-recommended business solutions designed specifically for small businesses made simple.

Its a temporary promotion for new products. Atleasts thats what 2 reps told me so far.


But hey who knows mabye there all lying. [/sarcasm]

[PseudoFinn]

It's not just for new products though, which is why I also assume it won't be jumping up in price soon. If you look at the SmartBuy price list, there are loads of older models on there.

At any rate, it just looks like the way to go. Shame that configuring your own model is so much more expensive. :-\

Any educated guesses on how much more the HD screen will run?