19. Conclusion

HP's Compaq nc8230 widescreen notebook pairs ample performance with a complete feature set comprising everything necessary for use in a corporate environment. Its passive security features seem very well thought out, and as long as an Internet connection is available, the notebook's drivers can be updated literally at the touch of a button. We especially liked that HP thought to label all connections, even on the top of the unit, a feature that is quickly appreciated in everyday use. Of course, the good build quality and the touch & feel of the case and its control elements also deserve praise.

In combination with the optional secondary 58Wh battery (available for an extra $190) the ambient light sensor allows the notebook to last a seven hour workday. If the ambient light isn't too bright, even eight hours of running time can be achieved. As a bonus, both drives can be still be used even when the extra battery is attached, since it clips on to the bottom of the case. As the Gateway M460XLb proves, this is not always the case with some of the competitors.

Still, what we concluded for all of the previously tested widescreen models based on Intel's Sonoma platform also holds true for HP's notebook: a battery life of only four hours on a single battery is simply not enough. It seems that this is the best the platform can offer, though - as long as a power-hungry PCIe graphics chip is used.

The real weakness of the Compaq nv8230 - at least the one that is directly attributable to Hewlett Packard - is the notebook's display, which seems dark and lacking in contrast compared to the competition. We would recommend that notebook users take a close and critical look at the display before making a final decision.