HP 17.3" Laptop, i5-480M, 8GB RAM, 750GB, ATI Mobility Radeon HD 6550, Blu-ray $699.81

Currently out of stock, but wanted some thoughts on this model. What do you all think?
Sam's Club

SPECIFICATIONS

Processor and Memory:
Intel? Core? i5-480M Processor 2.66GHz with Turbo Boost Technology up to 2.93GHz
8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 DIMM)
Max supported = 8GB

Hard Drive and Multimedia Drives:
750GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
LightScribe Blu-ray ROM (Read Only) with SuperMulti DVDR/RW Double Layer Support
5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader for Secure Digital cards, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards

Audio, Video and Graphics:
Beats Audio and HP Triple Bass Reflex Subwoofer
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 6550 graphics with 1024MB GDDR3 with up to 4083MB total graphics memory

Connectivity:
Integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector)
Wireless LAN 802.11b/g/n WLAN

Ports/Slots:
4 USB 2.0, 4th port shared with eSATA
1 HDMI
1 VGA (15-pin)
1 RJ-45 (LAN)
1 Headphone-out
1 Microphone-in

Keyboard, Mouse and Display:
17.3" diagonal High Definition+ HP BrightView LED Display (1600 x 900)
101-key compatible with island-style full-size keyboard with integrated numeric keypad
HP Clickpad with On/Off button
HP TrueVision Webcam with integrated digital microphone
HP SimplePass Identity Protection with integrated fingerprint reader

Power:
90W AC Adapter
9-cell 93WHr Lithium-ion battery
Battery Life: Up to 7 hours and 45 minutes (varies depending on the product model, configuration, loaded applications, features, use, wireless functionality and power management settings)

Operating System:
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Additional Software and Information:
Brushed aluminum finish with the stream design in argento
Kensington MicroSaver lock slot
Power-on password
Accepts 3rd party security lock devices
Symantec Norton Internet Security ? 2011 60-day Trial
HP Support Assistant
HP Recovery Manager
HP Setup Manager
HP SimplePass Identity Protection
HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection (3D DriveGuard)
Microsoft Office 2010 preloaded (purchase of a Product Key required to activate a full Office 2010 suite; includes reduced functionality versions of Word and Excel)
Windows Live Mail
Windows Live Messenger
Windows Live Photo Gallery
Windows Live Writer
Windows Live Movie Maker
Windows Live Mesh
Stardock Fences? for HP

WARRANTY
1-year limited hardware with Toll Free Support (NA)
1-year free hardware technical support
30-days free limited software support with 1-year (from date of purchase)free limited software support with product registration

ASSEMBLED SIZE
16.35"L x 10.8"W x 1.25"min - 1.46"max
6.86 lbs.

I would say NOT a great deal. This would appear to be an earlier model of the HP dv7 series, which does not have the second-generation Intel processor and lacks the two USB3.0 ports of the newer models. For only $100 more at www.hp.com and the appropriate coupon code, you can configure your own current-model dv7t with i7 quad-core processor and a 2-year warranty.

Or Office Depot (Item 661594, http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/661594/HP-Pavilion-dv7-617... has a newer quad-core dv7 for the same price (lacks BluRay drive though).

It's very not bad, but could be better

The answer to your questions above depends on your needs. The harddrive speed and US 3.0 ports will only be noticeable if you do a lot of data transfer or drive intensive functions. The HD speed might become noticeable after a while if you have a lot of processes/devices that get activated on boot up. To get any benefit from the USB 3.0 ports, you will need USB 3.0 devices.

Can't make any specific comments on the graphics card, but usually built in graphics are only good for watching HD movies, not serious gaming. What are your habits? Unless you're really picky or a videophone, the resolution probably won't be noticeable. If you were dealing with a 40+ inch screen, then it might be a factor.