8. First Impressions Of The Hewlett Packard Compaq Nx9420

As we mentioned earlier, HP's Compaq nx9420 notebook is essentially a business computer. Despite a 17" Brightview display with WSXGA resolution (1680 x 1050 pixels) and an integrated dual-layer LightScribe DVD burner in place, the nx9430 is relatively light, weighing 7.48 lbs (3.4 kg). In this unit, HP pairs up an Intel Core Duo T2600 processor with ATI's Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics processor with 256 MB of dedicated video RAM. When it comes to core and memory clock rates HP's maximum values of 425 MHz and 378 MHz are somewhat more moderate than those that Asus uses in its A7J notebook. Whether or not HP's business notebook can also do gaming duty is something we'll explore further in the upcoming benchmarks section.

Per se, the Compaq nx9240 is no typical gaming machine; rather, it's best understood as a high-end business notebook, ready to handle power-hungry graphics applications with ease and panache. That's why the device also makes an integrated security facility available (known as HP ProtectTools) which can work with an integrated SmartCard or token device along with a trusted platform module (TPM) security chip. The ProtectTools environment makes it simple and easy to configure and use a wide range of security functions, from strong authentication, password BIOS and boot-up protection, secure password and credentials storage (on the TPM chip itself), to disk encryption, and even multi-factor authentication on suitably-equipped notebooks.

On this device, updating drives and software is incredibly easy. The user need only establish an Internet connection then launch the HP Software Update program. This instructs the system to connect to HP's support servers to search for updates.

Those who are so inclined can easily configure this program to contact the support servers regularly and search for new drivers and updates automatically.

HP has also simplified and streamlined access to systems functions and configuration settings. Just press the Info button at the upper left above the keyboard to bring up the HP Info Center window. From that point forward, it normally takes no more than one mouse click to find information about a setting of interest.