Trendy HP Notebook Turns To Blu-ray

The new HP Pavilion notebook is aimed at younger consumers who want a hip and flashy notebook with good specifications minus the hefty price tag. We have taken a look at this decked-out ‘Special Edition’ notebook and have found that it offers more than just good looks.

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The HP Pavilion dv6000 has a bronze exterior with a ‘Thrive’ finish that gives it a modern and industrial look. The notebook is big and heavy but comes with a lot of features to compensate for its size. With the lid closed, users may be able to find two headphone jacks (for sharing movies and music quietly), a microphone jack, an IR port, and a Wireless switch up front.

One can find a card reader (SD, MS/Pro, MMC, XD), FireWire port, two USB ports, HDMI port, an RJ-11 and Ethernet port, as well as a D-Sub and S-Video port on the left side of the unit. On the right side of the unit, users may be able to find the AC port, ExpressCard slot, USB port, as well as a Blu-ray drive (with DVD writing functions) for HD viewing.

Opening the notebook reveals a ‘tarnished’ keyboard and palmrest area that complements the bronze exterior. The theme continues on the inside, with HP adding the ‘Thrive’ imprint on to the palmrest and trackpad area.

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While confusing at first (because of the layout), the keys on the dv6700 were well-spaced and responsive. The backlit touch sensitive buttons on top of the keyboard allow users to launch the Quickplay application, play a DVD or Blu-ray, go through the movie (play/pause, next chapter, previous chapter, and stop), put the system on mute, and even control the volume. The dv6700 also comes with a web camera and omni-directional microphones for video conferencing or taking shots with friends.

Performance:

The dv6700 is powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 processor running at 2.2GHz, comes with 2GB of RAM, and uses NVIDIA’s 8400M GS for its graphics card. The 15.4-inch widescreen LCD has a reflective surface that may distract users while doing their work and may possibly cause viewing problems as well.

HP has included various multimedia and support software to make things simpler for any user. The My HP Games showcase hundreds of games that are free to try but must be purchased to be played. Games include PopCap hits such as Feeding Frenzy 2, Bejeweled 2 Deluxe, Zuma Deluxe, and other innovative games. The QuickPlay program allows a user to play a DVD, listen to music files, view photos, watch or record TV shows (if a TV tuner is connected), play games (My HP Games), sing karaoke, and surf the internet.

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Users may be able to access the HP Help and Support software should they need help with their notebook. The dv6700 also comes with an HP Update software that looks for new or updated software to ensure the ‘highest level’ of performance.

The touch-sensitive keys (including the QuickPlay launch button) made it easy for us to watch movies and adjust settings at will. The bundled remote is responsive but sports a weird shape since it is designed to go in the ExpressCard slot when it is not in use. The Altec Lansing speakers were loud enough during our DVD viewing and provided good audio quality on music and video files.

Unfortunately, considering the fact that the dv6700 is touted as an Entertainment PC, it was only able to last 110 minutes on our DVD test. Users must therefore bring an extra set of batteries or plug in the AC adaptor to extend battery life.

Conclusion:

There is more to the HP Pavilion dv6700 Series Entertainment Notebook PC than just funky looks. It has noteworthy specifications, an HDMI port and Blu-ray drive for HD viewing, accessible multimedia buttons, and easy to follow troubleshooting programs. Its starting price of $1,799 is very attractive and is sure to appeal to younger consumers who want to own a ‘hip’ notebook that can get the job done.

See page over for product specifications and final rating.

Product Specifications (HP Pavilion dv6724TX):

Processor: Intel Centrino Duo processor technology featuring Intel Core 2 Duo processor T7500 (2.20 GHz, 4 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
Chipset: Intel 965PM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS with 256MB Dedicated graphics
Audio: Altec Lansing speakers
Panel: 15.4″ WXGA High Definition BrightView Widescreen Display

Standard Memory: 2048MB DDR2 (2 Dimms)
Maximum Memory: 4GB
HDD: 250GB 5400RPM
Optical: Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
Networking/Wireless: Intel PRO/Wireless 802.11a/g/n; Bluetooth; Integrated 10/100 Ethernet LAN
Modem: High speed 56K modem
Card Expansion: ExpressCard/54 slot (supports both 34 and 54 form factors)

Card Reader: Integrated 5-in-1 Digital Media Reader (Secure Digital cards, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards)

I/O Ports: Integrated webcam, 3 x USB 2.0, VGA, HDMI, IEEE 1394, RJ-11, RJ-45, 2 Omni-directional Microphones, 2 Stereo Headphone jacks, 1 Microphone jack, IR, S-Video Output, Remote control

Weight: 2.78kg
Dimensions: 35.7 x 25.7 x 2.54 – 4.30 cm

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HP Pavilion dv6700 Series Entertainment Notebook | $2,099 |  | www.hp.com.au

For: Hip looks; Good Specifications; Responsive keyboard; Touch sensitive multimedia keys; Blu-ray; HDMI port
Against: Battery life; Reflective screen
Conclusion: Designed for the younger consumers, the Pavilion dv67000 is one spunky notebook that will perform well.