Review: HP Compaq 2230s

• Windows XP Professional
• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8400 (2.26GHz)
• 2GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM (maximum capacity 8GB)
• 160GB Toshiba HDD (5400rpm)
• 12.1" diagonal widescreen glossy TFT LCD display at 1280x 800 (WXGA, glossy)
• Intel 4500MHD Integrated Graphics
• 8x DVD (+/-R double layer) drive
• Intel Wireless WiFi Link 5100AGN (802.11a/g/n)
• Bluetooth 2.0
• Dimensions: 13.3 x 9.7 x 1.21”
• Weight: 3lbs 14.6oz, 4lbs 11.4oz with AC adapter
• 65W 100-240V AC adapter
• 4-cell (37Wh) Lithium Ion battery
• Price as tested: $1,249 (starting price: $999)

Pros:

• Solid keyboard
• Nice touchpad and soft touch buttons
• VGA and HDMI output with Intel 4500MHD integrated graphics
• Excellent cooling system
• Availabile with Windows XP for customers who still want it

Cons:

• Flexible chassis
• High price considering configuration and durability
• 4-cell battery option only

Overview: HP Compaq Presario CQ70

Circuit City has in stock a new 17-inch consumer notebook - the HP Compaq Presario CQ70.

The offered CQ70-120US model, priced at $700 after instant savings, features the Intel Pentium T3200 dual core processor at 2GHz, 3GB of DDR2 memory, a 250GB hard drive, the Intel GMA 4500MHD integrated graphics, and a DVD burner. Its widescreen display has a resolution of 1440-by-900 pixels.

The Compaq CQ70-120US includes a built-in web camera, 802.11abgn wireless LAN, an Ethernet LAN port, 56K modem, three USB ports, a 5-in-1 media card reader, ExpressCard slot, and VGA output,

The 7.2-pound desktop replacement also sports a full size keyboard with numeric pad.

The CQ70-120US comes with Windows Vista Home Premium OS preinstalled.

Overview: HP HDX18t

Hewlett-Packard is now selling the recently announced HP HDX18t entertainment notebook PC, featuring a 18.4-inch screen and the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor.


The HDX18t is configurable with up to 4GB of DDR2 memory, and up to 640GB of hard drive space using two 320GB HDDs. It has an optical drive that can read Blu-Ray discs and burn DVDs, and optionally built-in HDTV tuner with remote control. The notebook features the NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT 512MB video card which manages the display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a full HD resolution of 1920×1080 pixels.


HP’s HDX18t has four speakers and a subwoofer, a web camera, fingerprint reader, HDMI and VGA outputs, a wireless-N (802.11n) module, Ethernet LAN port, four USB ports (one shared with eSATA), an ExpressCard slot, 5-in-1 media card reader, and Firewire port.


The laptop includes the latest titanium “liquid metallic” design, a full-size keyboard with numeric keypad, 8-cell battery, and a weight of around nine pounds.


The HP HDX18t runs Windows Vista OS (32-bit or 64-bit) and starts at $1,549.99 at Hewlett-Packard’s store.

Overview: HP Pavilion HDX18

Our pre-production review unit of the Pavilion HDX18 features the following specs:

• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T9600 (2.8GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 6MB Level 2 cache)
• Operating system: Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit
• Memory: 4GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (800MHz)
• Hard drive: 2 x 160GB (7200rpm)
• Screen:18" HD HP Ultra Brightview Infinity glossy display (1920 x 1080)
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT with 512MB GDDR3
• Optical drive: Blu-Ray multi-drive
• Ethernet, VGA, HDMI, docking station port, microphone in, two audio out jacks, three USB ports, eSATA/USB, 5-in-1 card reader, ExpressCard slot, built-in TV tuner
• Wireless: 802.11a/g/n, Bluetooth 2.0
• Battery: 8-cell Lithium-ion battery (73W)
• Dimensions 17.17" x 11.26" 1.33-1.72" (WxDxH)
• Weight: 8.94 lbs.

Our pre-production unit comes equipped with two 160GB hard drives, but this configuration will not be offered at the time of launch. The next closest available configuration will be a similar system with two 250GB 5400rpm hard drives ($2,049.99) or two 250GB 7200rpm hard drives ($2,149.99). This desktop replacement is clearly targeted at multimedia and gaming enthusiasts who want cutting-edge features and can afford the slightly higher price tag.

Overview: HP HDX16 HDX18

Hewlett-Packard has announced the HP HDX16 and HDX18 entertainment notebook PCs, featuring high-definition playback support, built-in TV tuners, Blu-ray technology, and a new chassis design.

“The HDX16 is a midsize notebook with a 16-inch diagonal widescreen with 720- or 1,080-pixel resolution display. The HDX18 is a powerful and visually captivating full-size notebook with an 18.4-inch diagonal Ultra BrightView 1,080-pixel screen and enthusiast-class graphics capabilities,” HP explains.

The both laptops also include Altec Lansing speakers, an HP Triple Bass subwoofer, and Dolby Home Theater software.

The HP HDX16 and HDX18 start at $1,299 and $1,549 respectively. The PC maker said the notebooks are expected to be available starting later this month. However, the HDX16t model is on sale now.

Review: HP Pavilion dv6929wm

As a reply to Walmart’s request addressed to electronics manufacturers to come up with an environmental-friendly product, HP revealed its latest notebook computer called HP Pavilion dv6929wm Entertainment Notebook and won the Home Entertainment Design Challenge.
It’s not just a laptop but a whole eco-friendly package available at a price of $798, consisting of the HP Pavilion dv6929wm and the HP Protect Messenger Bag, forgetting about cardboard, foam or plastic materials used in standard electronics packaging. You can find it exclusively in 1,700 Walmart stores and 594 Sam’s Club locations in the United States.



The HP notebook PC's design is innovative, reducing packaging with 97% and, in the same time, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and conserving fuel. How does it do that? -By eliminating the need for 1 out of 4 trucks required for transporting the systems to the stores. How did HP manage to design it like that? –Well, according to the company’s latest press release, the packaging was redesigned and it replaced the protective shipping materials and boxes with the new HP bag, which is made of 100% recycled materials.



HP Pavilion dv6929wm is a system equipped for mobile entertainment with a 15.4-inch display, an AMD Turion X2 TL-60 Dual-Core processor of 2GHz speeds, 4GB RAM memory, and 250GB hard drive capacity. The user can play games, watch movies on the go and perform different tasks meant to increase productivity.

“This effort is an extension of our ongoing commitment to provide our shoppers with the best eco-friendly product offerings,” said Alex Cook, merchandise manager for Walmart Home Entertainment. “We received many strong ideas from different suppliers, but the innovative packaging with this HP laptop really stood out, and we are thrilled to make this great product available to shoppers in Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations.”

Overview: HP Pavilion dv4z

Hewlett-Packard has added the HP Pavilion dv4z 14.1-inch laptop to their entertainment notebook PC lineup.


The Pavilion dv4z is based on the AMD “Puma” mobile platform and includes AMD Athlon X2, Turion X2, and Turion X2 Ultra mobile processors, as well as the ATI Radeon HD 3200 integrated graphics chip. The laptop supports up to 4GB of DDR2 system memory. It comes with up to 320GB of hard drive space, a DVD burner or optional Blu-Ray Combo optical drive, and embedded Altec Lansing stereo speakers. Customers can choose between a standard or LED backlight 1280×800 display and optionally select a web camera, fingerprint reader, and built-in hybrid HDTV tuner with remote control.


Regarding communications, the dv4z provides 802.11 wireless, 56k modem, and Bluetooth options, and Ethernet LAN connection.


Ports and slots include three USBs (3rd shared with an eSATA port), ExpressCard, and HDMI output.


The HP Pavilion dv4z weighs around 4.8 pounds. It has a a “liquid metallic” appearance and streamlined, high-gloss, onyx/chrome finish.


This Windows Vista powered notebook currently starts at $649.99 after instant rebate and can be purchased only through HP’s website.

Review: HP Compaq F500 Series

Specs

Here are the specifications of the model at the time of purchase.

• Model: F560US (GF593UA)
• CPU: 25W AMD Sempron 3500+ 1.8GHz 1600MHz FSB 512K L2 Cache
• Chipset: Nvidia
• Memory: 512MB DDR2 P5300 2 Slots, 1 Open 2GB Max
• Hard Drive: 80GB 5400RPM Fujitsu (MHV2100BH) SATA
• Screen: 15.4" WXGA 1280 x 800 Glossy
• Optical Drive: LiteOn DS8A1P DVD+/-RW/-RAM
  • 8x DVD+/-R, 4x DVD+/-RW, 4x DVD+/-R DL
  • 5x DVD-RAM
  • 24x CD-R,16x CD-RW
• Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce Go 6150 128MB Shared
• Network: Broadcom Wireless BG, Nvidia 10/100 Ethernet, Modem
• Inputs: 86 Key Keyboard and Two Button Trackpad with Scroll Zones
• Buttons: Power and WiFi On/Off Switch.
• Ports:
  • 3 USB 2.0 Ports - Two Left Side, One Right Side
  • S-Video and VGA Out
  • Line-In and Headphone
• Other: Microphone Integrated into LCD Housing
• Battery: Six Cell
• Dimensions:
  • Width - 14.1”
  • Depth - 10.1”
  • Height - 1.5”
• Weight: 6.6 Lbs.
• Operating System: Vista Home Basic
• Warranty: One Year

Pros

• Price, Price, Price
• Gorgeous Glossy Screen
• Decent Build Quality
• Good Sound Quality

Cons

• Poor Performance as Configured
• Minimal Port Options
• Noisy and Shallow Keyboard

Overview: HP Compaq 2230s

Hewlett-Packard’s new 12.1-inch ultraportable notebook for business users - the HP Compaq 2230s - is now available for purchase.


The 4-pound 2230s is based on the Intel Centrino 2 mobile platform. It uses the latest Core 2 Duo 45-nanometer processors, but is also offered with Celeron CPUs. The laptop supports up to 8GB of DDR2 memory and comes with up to 320GB of hard drive capacity and a built-in DVD, Combo, or DVD burner optical drive.


Its display has a resolution of 1280-by-800 pixels and is managed by the Intel GMA 4500MHD integrated graphics.


Regarding communications, the HP Compaq 2230s supports 802.11 draft-n wireless, Gigabit Ethernet, 56k modem, and Bluetooth connections.


There are also a built-in fingerprint reader, HDMI and VGA outputs, and three USB ports, as well as ExpressCard and Secure Digital slots.


HP’s 2230s starts at $999.

Overview: HP EliteBook 2730p

Hewlett-Packard has unveiled the ruggedized HP EliteBook 2730p Tablet PC, that features a 12.1-inch display and Intel Centrino 2 technology.

The pen-based tablet starts at 3.7 pounds and includes the latest Intel Core 2 Duo Ultra Low Voltage and Low Voltage processors, support for up to 8GB of DDR2 memory, a 1.8-inch hard drive with up to 120GB of capacity or a 80GB solid state drive, and Intel’s GMA 4500 HD integrated graphics. Optical drive is provided via the separately sold HP 2700 Ultra-Slim Expansion Base.

The screen with digitizer has a resolution of 1280-by-800 pixels and LED backlight. It’s outdoor viewable.

Regarding connectivity, there are 802.11n Wifi, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, and 56 modem connections, and optional mobile broadband.

The EliteBook 2730p includes an integrated touchpad, pointstick, tablet buttons and a jog dial, an optional web camera, ExpressCard and Secure Digital slots, two USB ports, a VGA output, and Firewire.

For enhanced security, the Tablet PC sports a fingerprint reader, the TPM 1.2 chip, and HDD encryption.

It runs Windows Vista operating system and features Intel vPro manageability technology.

The HP EliteBook 2730p is expected to be available by early September, with an estimated price of $1,670.

Video Review: HP tx2051 Entertainment Notebook

Video Review: HP Compaq 2710p Tablet PC

Video

Check out the hands-on video of HP Compaq 2710p below:

Review: HP EliteBook 2730p

Hewlett-Packard has unveiled the ruggedized HP EliteBook 2730p Tablet PC, that features a 12.1-inch display and Intel Centrino 2 technology.

The pen-based tablet starts at 3.7 pounds and includes the latest Intel Core 2 Duo Ultra Low Voltage and Low Voltage processors, support for up to 8GB of DDR2 memory, a 1.8-inch hard drive with up to 120GB of capacity or a 80GB solid state drive, and Intel’s GMA 4500 HD integrated graphics. Optical drive is provided via the separately sold HP 2700 Ultra-Slim Expansion Base.

The screen with digitizer has a resolution of 1280-by-800 pixels and LED backlight. It’s outdoor viewable.

Regarding connectivity, there are 802.11n Wifi, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, and 56 modem connections, and optional mobile broadband.

The EliteBook 2730p includes an integrated touchpad, pointstick, tablet buttons and a jog dial, an optional web camera, ExpressCard and Secure Digital slots, two USB ports, a VGA output, and Firewire.

For enhanced security, the Tablet PC sports a fingerprint reader, the TPM 1.2 chip, and HDD encryption.

It runs Windows Vista operating system and features Intel vPro manageability technology.

The HP EliteBook 2730p is expected to be available by early September, with an estimated price of $1,670.

Video Review: HP 2133 Mini-Note

Video Review: HP Compaq 8710p

Review: HP Compaq 8710p

• Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 Processor (Santa Rosa, 2.0GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
• Microsoft Genuine Windows Vista Business
• 17.0” WSXGA+ Display (1680 x 1050)
• 512MB (256MB Dedicated) nVidia Quadro NVS 320M GPU
• 2GB DDR2 667MHz RAM (1x2GB Configuration and quickly upgraded to 4GB)
• 160GB 5400RPM Fujitsu 2.5” HDD
• DVD+/-RW Optical Drive
• 802.11a/b/g WiFi, Ethernet, Modem, and Bluetooth Connectivity
• 8-Cell 73Whr Battery
• 3 Year On-site Warranty
• Dimensions: 15.5” x 10.8” x 1.3” (at front)
• Weight: 7.7 lbs (Actual Measurement)

Conclusion

At 7.7lbs the 8710p is amongst the lightest of all 17” machines. It is portable, it is powerful, and it is built to impress. There is a huge amount of power in this case, yet most of the time the laptop keeps itself fairly cool and quiet. Given that only SLI DX10 notebooks will be more powerful than the NVS 320M/8700GT, the notebook packs quite a gaming punch as well. Definitely a nice notebook and I would say it is a steal at the price point this is listed for.

Despite the problems with my old notebook, I still stick by HP and their ability to deliver some excellent products and to stand behind their products if severe problems crop up. This notebook is no exception.

Pros

• Strong, business class frame.
• Latest CPUs available, strongest DX10 card currently available. Overall great gaming performance.
• LCD frame stronger than previous generation.
• Hard drive shock protection.
• Incredible screen, way above average horizontal and vertical viewing angles, excellent brightness and control.
• Above average speakers, better keyboard that I thought it would have been.
• Improved cooling design.
• Large array of ports available, including 6 USB ports!
• Surprisingly long battery life.

Cons

• LCD screen was slightly mis-aligned, easily fixed though.
• Hard drive sometimes runs just a little warm.
• Fan is occasionally loud, only during intensive applications.
• 4 USB ports are bunched together right in front of the DVD drive.

Review:- HP Pavilion dv6700t

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

Conclusion

The HP Pavilion dv6700t is an impressive notebook for 2008, despite the fact that the basic shape hasn't changed at all since the dv6000t. The combination of performance, stylish design, extremely durable construction/finish, and a wide array of media controls makes the dv6700t one of the best notebook choices for average consumers among 15.4" systems.

After close comparison to Dell's new Inspiron 1525 the only thing Dell really offers over this HP notebook is an extra USB port and a slightly lower starting price. That said, the dv6700t is still the better choice since it offers the option of dedicated graphics (as seen in the dv6780se).

Bottom line, although the overall design hasn't changed in two years the HP dv6700t delivers modern day performance and plenty of multimedia extras with style and an affordable price tag. Overall the dv6700t is one of the best notebooks available for everyday consumers, and the dv6780se available at Best Buy is perhaps that nicest looking version of the notebook yet.

Pros

• Your choice of Core 2 Duo processors
• Solid dedicated graphics option for occasional gamers
• Still one of the best designs on the market (see below)
• Excellent build quality
• Great keyboard and touchpad
• Responsive media buttons and nice remote

Cons

• Glossy Imprint finish is a magnet for fingerprints
• Only three USB ports with dedicated graphics option
• Overall design is starting to look dated after two years
• Did HP really need to put eight stickers on the palm rests?

Review: HP Pavilion dv5t

• Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 processor (2.26GHz/ 1066MHz FSB/ 3MB L2)
• 15.4-inch WSXGA+ Infinity display
• Nvidia GeForce 9600M-GT w/ 512MB DDR2 dedicated video card
• 2GB DDR2-800 RAM (2x 1GB)
• 160GB 5400RPM hard drive (Fujitsu)
• Broadcom 802.11b/g wireless + Bluetooth
• Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit
• High-capacity 6-cell Li-ion battery

Conclusion

It has been nearly three years since I bought my last laptop. I put a great deal of time into researching my the purchase of this HP dv5t, and it paid off. The HP dv5t meets my needs perfectly. It is an extremely well-rounded 15.4-inch multimedia notebook at a great price point. A beautiful design, superb input devices, a great screen, and good gaming performance are the major highlights of this machine. I have no second thoughts about giving the dv5t my full recommendation.

Pros

• Great value
• Beautiful, classy design
• Solid build quality - no cheap plastic
• Gorgeous WSXGA+ Infinity display
• Excellent input devices
• Port variety - eSATA, HDMI especially
• Good gaming performance
• Quality speakers
• Small AC adapter

Cons

• Runs warm while gaming
• High maintenance - keep a microfiber towel handy
• Pre-loaded bloatware
• Battery life with dedicated 9600M-GT may not be enough

Review: HP Pavilion dv6227cl

• AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-50 processor running at 1.6 GHz.
• 120 GB hard drive running at 5400RPM (6.6 gigs used as a restore partition.)
• 1024MB DDR2 SDRAM (2 512MB sticks)
• NVIDIA GeForce Go 6150 graphics chipset, up to 288MB shared video RAM.
• 15.4" WXGA Hi-Def Brightview Widescreen display.
• 802.11 b/g WLAN
• 8x DVD+ and DVD- R/RW with dual layer support
• 5 in 1 card reader
• ExpressCard54 expansion slot
• Expansion Port 3 for docking stations
• 6 Cell Lithium-Ion battery.
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• HP Mobile Remote Control (plugs into Expresscard slot)
• Headphones

Conclusion

This system will serve the needs of most average computer users. Gamers may have issues with the limited graphics card, and the touchpad buttons definitely take some time to get used to. However, the system has plenty of power for the average user and for the occasional game, and also is a great aesthetically looking system.

Pros:

• Great looking system.
• Plenty of power and RAM for the average user.
• Great speakers.
• Comes with remote control and media buttons.

Cons:

• Touchpad buttons have a huge travel distance.
• No PCMCIA slot or DVI out
• No recovery software without burning your own.
• Very susceptible to fingerprints.
• Limited video card.

Review: HP 8710w Workstation

Our test unit has the following specifications:

• Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 (2.20GHz/ 800MHz FSB/ 4MB L2 cache)
• Nvidia Quadro FX 1600M with 512MB dedicated memory
• 4096MB DDR2-667 RAM
• 80GB 7200RPM SATA hard drive
• 17" WUXGA (1920x1200) WVA anti-glare matte display
• Windows Vista Business
• 8X DVD Super Multi drive
• Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN WLAN
• Internal Bluetooth

Pre-configured models are available starting from $2,499.

Pros:

• Excellent build quality
• Top notch input devices
• Gorgeous WUXGA WVA display
• Powerful Nvidia graphics
• Thin & light
• Great battery life

Cons:

• Number pad flexes somewhat with pressure