Source: Tom's Guide | Keywords: HP,, Tablet,, tx2000z | Themes: Laptops and Notebooks, Business Notebooks
- 1. HP Gets Serious About Tablet Computing
- 2. The HP tx2000z In Real Life
- 3. Entertainment with the HP tx2000z
- 4. HP tx2000z Ports and Connectors, Part 1
- 5. HP tx200z Ports and Connections, Part 2
3. Entertainment with the HP tx2000z
HP bills the tx2000z as an entertainment notebook as well as a convertible tablet notebook. To that end, a pair of Altec-Lansing speakers is built into the display/tablet surface at the bottom to either side of the pivot at the center. These offer decent sound (though a bit lacking in bass oomph) whether the notebook is used in tablet or clamshell mode. An Express Card-sized remote control is a $100 add-on option that works with an HP USB digital/analog TV tuner (SDTV only, however) device to add TV view and record capability to the unit.
HP even includes an OEM version of PowerDVD 8 for DVD playback, and you’ll also find the Slingbox Sling Player and HP QuickPlay (special software pre-installed on HP entertainment notebooks that permits users to watch TV or DVDs, play music and use the device as a media player with full remote control support without requiring a complete Windows boot) included as part of this PC’s software bundle. Given the low resolution of the display, we didn’t even try to view HD content on this unit. It did produce reasonably viewable SDTV and DVD output at resolutions up to 480i, but fast-motion scenes were subject to some smearing and visible edge artifacts.
While the display deck includes a Webcam and a built-in microphone, those who wish to use the tx2000z for VoIP calling should also purchase a headset. When using the built-ins with Skype, for example, we found it impossible to use the microphone without inducing feedback on the speakers, probably because they’re only about 8" apart from each other.
The tx2000z’s entertainment capabilities are adequate, but not stellar. But this notebook is really intended as a lightweight traveling machine, and not as a desktop replacement or living room/entertainment center multimedia PC. For individual and mobile entertainment needs, it strikes a reasonable and tolerable balance between size, weight, price and capability. It’s probably best to think of its entertainment features as primarily personal.
The Windows Experience rating for this unit is 3.0 as shown in the following figure. Graphics are the limiting issue (gaming gets 3.0 and Aero gets 3.3), while the processor earns a respectable 4.8, the memory a fast 5.8 and the hard disk a 4.8. The GeForce Go 6150 is adequate, but it is certainly no graphics powerhouse.
The tx2000z earns a middling Windows Experience rating, thanks to the not-so-great capabilities of its built-in GeForce Go 6150 graphics chipset.
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this post seems seriously outdated... hp has updated the tx2000 series to the tx2500 with the AMD puma platform... the GPU is now an integrated hd3200 no longer the 6150.
I agree. This model isn't even listed on the HP site anymore. I did notice that Office Depot is having drastic reductions in all the older HP notebooks in preparation for the puma models. But they are selling the tx2500z.
Would like to see a review on the differences between the standard Turion and the optional Turion Ultra processors-all available on the tx2500 line (RM vs. ZM-I think). It would be interesting to see now the differences between the Nvidia vs. AMD chipsets though.
Although the Griffin chip has some attributes from Phenom, I don't think the improvements will be readily apparent to us mere mortals. If you're interested, this article: talks about the integrated performance with the 3200 IGP and also has links to reviews of the 2 HP notebooks with the Puma platform (that includes the tx2500z).
oops - inserting the link didn't work. try it here: http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4478
Wonderful - a review of something that's obsolete!
Perhaps you guys should have reviewed the new HP dv5z series notebook instead. The 15" is already out, with a 14" and 17" model to follow shortly.
Can you get your act together?
^I agree but was trying to be nice. The guys over at notebookreview.com did a short review of the dv5c but it doesn't have the 3450 so no crossfire - just the 3200 IGP. Here's the link: http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4482. I'm waiting to see the first Fujitsu with a PCIe 2.0 interface and the XGP box.
I'm working on lining up the newer units for review. I cheerfully but abashedly concede this review should have posted in March or April, but I got hung up with some horrible family stuff (you don't want to know). All that said, this unit remains a good buy for those buying on the trailing edge, or for those who--as the other poster pointed out--are looking for bargains.
I have spoken with HP PR about lining up reviews of the models with the newer graphics chipsets and more advanced CPUs, and will do my best to get them out in the next 30-45 days.
My apologies to one and all for the delay in delivery.
--Ed--