HP Pavilion dv2800t Review (Artist Edition)

The HP Pavilion dv2800t Artist Edition series notebook is a notebook "designed by young people and chosen by young people" for its unique style. This notebook has all the creature comforts as the standard dv2700t, with the only addition being a custom paint job. For notebook enthusiasts who want to stick out from the crowd, this is a sure bet to get noticed at school or your local StarBucks.

Our pre-production review model had the following configuration, which has a different processor than what is available for purchase:

• Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.2GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB)

• 14.1" WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
• 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• NVIDIA 128MB 8400M GS Video Card
• HP Imprint (Artist Edition) Finish + Webcam + Microphone
• Integrated Altec Lansing stereo speakers
• Intel PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and Bluetooth
• 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
• LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
• 6-Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• Dimensions (with 6-cell battery): 13.15" (L) x 9.33" (W) x 1.02" (min H)/1.54" (max H)
• Weight: 5lb 7.4oz
• 65W AC adapter

Build and Design

The design of the Artist Edition dv2800t is very unique, and unlike anything I have seen before. It starts with custom graphics embedded into the imprint finish, then has matching plastic trim around the notebook that blends in with the design, and even goes as far as a custom painted keyboard and touchpad that also match the design. The paint and colored plastic has the same feel as the durable imprint finish found on other HP notebooks, so you know it will stand up against day to day abuse. All of this gives you a notebook that has the feel of a mass produced notebook with a very custom design that few notebooks could stack up against.

Build quality is excellent, having a durable feeling chassis that has no creaks or squeaks found in its plastic. Flex is kept at a minimum, with the only noticeable amount found in the palmrest if you press very firmly with your fingertips. The screen cover and hinges feel rugged enough to handle day to day abuse, and with the durable imprint finish the surface barely shows any scratches or scuff marks found on other glossy notebooks.

HP Pavilion HDX Review (Penryn and Nvidia Update)

Last year's release of the HP Pavilion HDX (code named "The Dragon") marked the arrival of the most massive notebook we've ever seen. The update to the HDX is a 20.1" widescreen entertainment notebook hat uses the Intel Penryn processors and dedicated Nvidia 8800M GTS graphics. Add in a Blu-ray optical drive, integrated HDTV tuner, dual hard drives and integrated web-camera and this massive beast redefines the term "notebook." Let's take a closer look at what the update to the HP Pavilion HDX has to offer.

Below are the specs for our HP Pavilion HDX as configured:

• Intel Core 2 Duo T9500 (2.6GHz "Penryn" processor)
• Nvidia 8800M GTS (512MB dedicated DDR3 RAM, 1791MB shared system RAM)
• Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit)
• 20.1" WUXGA (1920 x 1200 pixels) HP Ultra Brightview display
• Integrated HP HDTV Tuner w/4 Altec Lansing speakers + 1 subwoofer
• PowerPack Software - Roxio, Muvee and Serif
• Dual 250GB 5400RPM Hard Drives (500GB total)
• Blu-ray DVD-ROM w/ Super Multi DVD+/-RW w/Double Layer
• 4GB DDR2 system memory
• Integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
• Intel Pro/Wireless 4945a/g/n network with Bluetooth
• HP Imprint "Dragon" finish + Fingerprint reader + webcam
• High capacity 9-cell battery (10.8V, 83WH)
• Dimensions: 18.7" (L) x 13.4" (W) x 2.3" (H)
• Weight: 15 lbs. 12.6 oz.
• Price as configured: $3,899.99 ($3,699.99 after $200 instant rebate)

HP Pavilion dv2700t Review

The HP Pavilion dv2700t replaces the dv2500t as HP's newest 14.1" consumer notebook offering cutting edge design and performance in a mobile package. With Intel Core 2 Duo processors, available LightScribe optical drive, available nVidia dedicated graphics, and a stylish yet tough design, can the dv2700t help HP keep its place as one of the leading notebook manufacturers? Let's take a closer look.

The HP Pavilion dv2700t (starting at $799.99 after $100 instant savings) is available with a range of Core 2 Duo processors (from the Intel T5450 1.66GHz Core 2 Duo up to the newer T9300 2.50GHz Core 2 Duo Penryn). There is only one 14.1" screen offering, a 1280x800 WXGA glossy display. Observant readers will notice this review seems somewhat similar to my review of the HP Pavilion dv2500t simply because this notebook is a "refresh" of the last year's dv2500t.

Our review unit of the dv2700t has the following specifications:

• Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5450 (1.66GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB)
• 14.1" WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
• 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
• HP Imprint (Radiance) Finish + Webcam + Microphone
• Integrated Altec Lansing stereo speakers
• Intel PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and Bluetooth
• 120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
• LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
• 6-Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• Dimensions (with 6-cell battery): 13.15" (L) x 9.33" (W) x 1.02" (min H)/1.54" (max H)
• Weight: 5.29 lb
• 65W AC adapter

HP Pavilion dv6700t Review

The HP Pavilion dv6700t replaces the dv6500t as HP's newest 15.4" consumer notebook offering cutting edge design and performance in a mobile package. With Intel Core 2 Duo processors, available LightScribe optical drive, available nVidia dedicated graphics, and a stylish yet tough design, the dv6700t might still be one of the best 15-inch notebooks on the market. Let's take a closer look.

The HP Pavilion dv6700t (starting at $649.99 after $100 instant savings) is available with a range of Core 2 Duo processors (from the Intel T5450 1.66GHz Core 2 Duo up to the T7500 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo). There is only one 15.4" screen offering, a 1280x800 WXGA glossy display.

The version of the dv6700t that we have in our office is actually the dv6780se special edition notebook available exclusively at Best Buy. It features a unique version of HP's Imprint finish called "Clay" which gives this notebook a distinctly different look than the rest of HP's lineup.

Our review unit of the dv6700t (dv6780se) has the following specifications:

• Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
• Intel Core 2 Duo processor T5450 (1.66GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB)
• 15.4" WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
• 3GB DDR2 System Memory
• NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS (256MB dedicated memory)
• HP Imprint (Clay) Finish + Webcam + Microphone
• Integrated Altec Lansing stereo speakers
• Intel PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection
• 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
• LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
• 12-Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• Dimensions (with 12-cell battery, including feet): 14.1" (L) x 10.1" (W) x 0.75" (min H)/2.0" (max H)
• Weight: 6 lb 10 oz (6.625 lb)
• 65W AC adapter

HP Pavilion TX2000z Review

Has finally updated the very popular HP tx1000z. Welcome the tx2000z convertible notebook. It has the same design as its predecessor, but now has an active digitizer and touchscreen. I have to say I am quite impressed with this 12.1-inch convertible notebook/tablet. The entertainment features make this notbook a real head turner, especially when you consider the starting price. We received a pre-production unit for our review and it's still near perfect.

HP Pavilion tx2000z convertible notebook specs:

• AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual Core processor TL-66 2.3GHz
• Up to 4GB DDR2 RAM (review unit had 2GB)
• Nvidia GeForce Go 6150 graphics
• Hard drive options of 120GB, 160GB or 250GB (review unit had 160GB)
• 12.1" WXGA touchscreen display with built in digitizer (1280x800 resolution)
• LightScribe Super Multi or Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW
• Windows Vista Home, Business or Ultimate OS
• Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet
• 802.11a/b/g/n with bluetooth
• ExpressCard Slot
• 3 x USB ports
• 2 x headphone out and one microphone-in
• VGA-15 pin
• TV-Out S-video
• RJ-11 and RJ-45
• Notebook Expansion port 3
• 2 x Consumer IR
• Battery: 4-cell or 6-cell Lithium-Ion
• Weight: 4.3 pounds with weight saver and 4-cell battery
• Dimensions: 8.82"(L) x 12.05"(W) x 1.23"(H)

HP Compaq 8510p User Review

HP Compaq 8510p was released in August 2007 as is part of the "performance notebooks" in their business line. This means you get the Santa Rosa chipset, the magnesium alloy display enclosure, HP 3D Drive Guard and HP Protect software package. The specific unit being reviewed here is a preconfigured model (RM303UT). HP offers a number of pre-configurations varying processor speed, memory and operating system as well as the option to customize your setup.

Specs

• Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 2GHz 4MB L2 cache 800MHz front side bus
• Chipset: Mobile Intel PM965
• Memory: 1GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard drive: SATA 160GB 5400rpm, HP 3D DriveGuard
• Removable media: DVD+/-RW
• Display: 15.4" in WSXGA+
• Graphics: ATI Radeon HD 2600, 256MB of video memory (512MB Hypermemory)
• Audio: High Definition Audio, stereo speakers, stereo headphone/line out, stereo microphone in, integrated microphone
• Wireless: Intel 802.11a/b/g (4965AG), Bluetooth 2.0
• Communications: Intel Gigabit Network Connection (10/100/1000 NIC),9 56K v.92 modem
• Expansion slots" One Type I/II PC Card slot supports 32-bit CardBus and 16-bit cards, Secure Digital slot
• Ports and connectors: Four USB 2.0 ports, VGA, HDMI, stereo microphone in, stereo headphone/line out, 1394a, power connector, RJ-11/modem, RJ-45/ethernet, docking connector, secondary battery connector
• Dimensions: (h × w × d) 1.1" (at front) x 14.0" x 10.24"
• Weight: 6.1 lbs (weight will vary by configuration)
• Power: 8-cell Lithium-Ion Battery (73WHr) with HP Fast Charge, 90W HP Smart AC Adapter

Build & Design

Overall the feel of this build is pretty solid. When carrying the laptop around I find that the DVD drive occasionally pops open (when power is on), but I think that tends to happy on any tray-based drive. There is not much flex in the screen, even when closing the top with one hand. Pushing from the back of the screen produces ripples in the LCD.

The case is a slightly blueish grey with black accents. The understated silver HP logo is a nice touch in an era when company logos seem to get bigger and bigger. Being a graphic designer, I’m not in love with the typeface used on the keys, but I don’t imagine many people would care about this. Each of the ports on the side is marked by a small icon on the edge of the keyboard. While useful, I could do without this as it clutters an otherwise minimal look.

HP Compaq 2510p Review

The HP Compaq 2510p is a 12.1" screen ultraportable notebook designed for business people that are frequently on the go. The Compaq 2510p replaces the older nc2400 ultraportable offering from HP. The 2510p improves upon the nc2400 by offering a touchpad, LED backlit display, the Intel Santa Rosa platform and a fresh new design look.

Overview

If you recall back to late May of 2007 when HP released its entire new business notebook lineup, we discovered the new naming convention for business notebooks to have the following classification based on number grouping:

• Ultra-Light (2000)
• Balanced Mobility (6000)
• High Performance (8000).

While the letter designations at the end of a model number indicate the following:

• s = standard
• b = business
• p = professional
• w = workstation

So by this formula the 2510p is classified as an ultra-light professional level notebook. The "professional" connotation means that you'll get a slightly stronger build than a consumer notebook, more security features, less bloatware, better technical support and a finish that's more appropriate for a business environment.

The Compaq 2510p starts at a price of around $1,549 from the HP.com business store and can be configured in various manners, though being an ultraportable you are somewhat limited in processor choice -- you can choose between the Intel U7500 or U7600 ultra low voltage processor. Integrated graphics is the only choice you'll have and the hard drive is a slowish 1.8" 4200RPM variety, so there's no path to a super duper performance system. Rumor has it SSD might show up as an option at some point for this machine though.

The performance isn't really what you're looking for in an ultraportable though. It's the utility factor and how capable it is for on the go work that matters with such a machine. The integrated optical drive, light weight, great screen, nice keyboard and overall good design will serve therefore serve as a focus in this review.

HP 2510p Specs as Reviewed:

• Intel Core 2 Duo U7600 1.20GHz Ultra Low Voltage processor
• Chipset: Mobile Intel GM965
• Memory: 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, one user accessible slot
• Hard Drive: 1.8-in PATA 100GB 4200RPM
• Graphics: Intel GMA X3100
• Wireless: Intel 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth (built-in WWAN is an option through Verizon or AT&T in the U.S.)
• Communications: Intel Gigabit Network Connection
• Expansion Slots: 1 Type I/II PC Card slot, Secure Digital slot
• Ports: 2 USB 2.0 ports, VGA, stereo microphone in, stereo headphone/line out, FireWire, power jack, RJ-11 modelm, RJ-45 ethernet, docking connector for HP 2400/2500 ultra-light docking station
• Input: Full-sized ekyboard, dual pointing device
• Dimensions: (h x w x d) 0.97-in x 11.11 in x 8.38 in
• Weight: starting at 3.2lbs
• Power: 9-cell (83 WHr), 6-cell (55 WHr) or 3-cell (28 WHr)
• Warranty: 3-year limited, 1-year on battery