Go to X1000forums.com and sign up for a screename just as you did here at Cnet (free). Then, you can post threads in the dedicated X1000/ZT3000/HPnx7000 forum (only these 2 sister notebooks).
They have information on the APP student discount there. Supposedly do a search for APP or student on the hp site -- it will take you to a section of the website where you will put in your qualified college information, etc. Then, when you order the notebok the 6% APP discount should appear. Or just call the 1-800# to HPshopping to find out how to do this before ordering. That gives you 6% off.
Also, use the $100 custom order discount on the homepage of hpshopping under mail in rebates (for HPZT3000 or Compaq X1000 -- 1 rebate form per company) -- don't use the $50 HP or $30 Compaq one they note on the order screen.
Most people just get the lowest Dothan CPU -- 1.6 725 Pentium M Dothan -- you can get the 1.7 if you want but you won't notice much difference.
Only get 512mb RAM from HP/Compaq if you want to go to 1mb -- if 768mb is enough then order 256mb 1 stick and then get a PC2700 333mhz 512mb notebook RAM stick when on sale for under $100 (I got Kingston at Fry's Electronics for $69.99 after rebate). Then, you will have 768mb for less money than an HP ordered 512mb (remember you only have 2 memory slots on a notebook).
Get the 5400rpm hard drive (only $25 more than 4200rpm 60gb and up to 50% faster seek times).
The 64mb dedicated video will allow you to play many games (even Doom 3 on reduced settings) as you can see on the games forum area.
Also read on the forums how to use Fatcash (portal pass through site) when ordering as you can get another 3% off (deferred) when going to hpshopping through it.
I think you will find that the X1000forums.com will be a factor that will cause you to appreciate the notebook as you can avoid technical support for many issues (bios updates, driver updates, minor fixes you can do yourself as noted, etc).
They also have a zd7000.com forum for the 17" desktop replacement notebooks and probably others but I am aware of the one I frequent.
I changed my mind about getting an apple and decided to stick with windows notebook. I was looking at the hp zt3000 and it seems to be a nice price for features. my configuration came out to about $1800, without the student discount. I was wondering how do i get this student discount, I've looked all over the HP site but cant find it. also I was wondering if you recommend me waiting for the 64-bits too come out. If I would buy this computer now would I just be kicking myself later on down the road or what? also what kind of protection/damage service do u recommend...2yrs? 3yrs?
HP zt3000 - 1.7ghz,15.4 wxga brightview widescreen, 64mb ATI mobility raedon 9200, 512mb(1x512mb), 4x dvdrw/cdrw, wireless card with bluetooth, 3yr accidental damage and express repair ***i dont play games or anything so the radeon 9200 is good enough for me****

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