Review: A Trio of HP Laptops : HP Pavilion dv7 Series
3. HP Pavilion dv7 Series
- Pavilion dv7-2170us...
| Features | |||
| Processor | Intel Core2 Duo P7550 (2.26 GHz) | Hard Disk | 2 x 500 GB, 5400 rpm |
| Graphic Chipset | ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650 | Optical Drive | DVD burner |
| Memory | 4 GB | Dimensions | 412.6 x 277 x 35 to 43.2 mm (16.2” x 10.9” x 1.4” to 1.7”) |
| Display | 17.3” (1600 x 900) | Weight | 3.52 Kg (7.7 lbs.) |
The HP Pavilion dv7 is a multimedia laptop that combines sophisticated design with digital entertainment. It’s built to be a multi-use machine, and as such needs to be able to handle the same tasks as a desktop PC.
First impressions, design
The HP Pavilion dv7-2160ef’s white housing is both restrained and elegant. Like other HP products, the plastics are glossy. While the screen bezel is black and acts as a mirror (like the display panel itself – see box), the rest of the shell is white and hides the fingerprints that are inevitable with a gloss finish.
The finish detailing is fairly good, with a subtle decorative pattern over the surface of the machine. We weren’t very happy with the illuminated logo on the lid, however – it lacks discretion. It’s not the best thing to bring to a conference or class if you want to blend into the background.
The keyboard is wide and fully equipped, complete with number pad. The keys are almost normal size. The feel is supple and comfortable. We would prefer a backlit keyboard, though, which would surely be more practical than the bright HP logo. Touch-sensitive buttons located above the speakers control the sound and other audio/video playback functions. As is often the case, the volume adjustment is not very precise.
The touchpad is not huge, but it’s big enough to let you work comfortably. It isn’t very pleasant to use, though, because of its totally smooth, glossy surface, which impedes dragging (unless your fingers are a little “greasy”). We also could have done without the mirror effect, though some owners may find it comes in handy. The click buttons are firm and well integrated.
The webcam is of acceptable quality. Colors were reasonably true. However, we found there was a lack of contrast and that the resolution was somewhat limited. Overexposed areas were burned.
The HP Pavilion dv7-2160ef is fairly noisy. You can tell that the machine has trouble evacuating the heat generated by the processor and graphics card. The fan accelerates with the demands made on the machine, and it eventually becomes quite loud. That’s a disappointment when you look at the size of this notebook/laptop, which clearly could have housed a better cooling system.
Connectivity is complete, with most of the ports located on the left and right edges. There are 4 USB 2.0 ports, including one e-SATA combo, 1 IEEE 1394 FireWire, 1 HDMI, 1 VGA, 1 proprietary extension port, 1 5-in-1 memory-card reader, 1 RJ45 (Gigabit Ethernet) connector, and an IR port. On the front are two headphone jacks and a microphone jack. Wi-Fi b/g/n is also included, along with a remote control that fits into the ExpressCard port.
Connectivity is overall about the same as on the smaller HP Pavilion dv6-1225ef; we expected a bit more. But what’s there is very good, with nothing missing.
>>HP
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Wow
Wow
What I meant to say, before the site automatically posted my message when I merely logged in:
HP dv2 - $650 15" MacBook Pro - $1580 - $2100 on the site I looked on. I bet HP could have included a better battery for a THOUSAND BUCKS, including a faster processor, better graphics, etc.
I don't get why this site always uses inappropriate references. I'm not saying HP is the best thing since sliced bread. They're the Ford / GM of PC makers. Would you compare a Ford to a BMW?
What I meant to say, before the site automatically posted my message when I merely logged in:HP dv2 - $650 15" MacBook Pro - $1580 - $2100 on the site I looked on. I bet HP could have included a better battery for a THOUSAND BUCKS, including a faster processor, better graphics, etc.I don't get why this site always uses inappropriate references. I'm not saying HP is the best thing since sliced bread. They're the Ford / GM of PC makers. Would you compare a Ford to a BMW?
I guess I would compare a ford to a bmw if I was interested in what parts create the difference between the low end and the high end. They aren't in the same class--that's a given--but the vast difference in performance is still something to remind yourself of, as a tech enthusiast. That said, this article should've also made comparison to machines it its same class, so good point.
amd turion x2 rm75 @ 2.2ghz on my hp pavilion dv6 1211ax scores 5.0 wei on vista which beats the intel core2duo t7250 @ 2.0ghz on my sony vaio lappy which only managed a wei score of 4.9 on vista and equals score of 5.0 with intel c2d t6500 @ 2.1ghz