16. High Resolution + Big Diagonal = Good Readability

The maximum resolution of the Pavilion dv8000z is a very respectable 1440 x 900 pixels. Because this notebook offers high resolution with a sizable screen (measured at a 17" diagonal), a normal viewing distance just under 12" (30 cm) works well.

The diagonal length of this display measures out at exactly 17".

With a font size of 10 points a character is nearly 2 mm (0.0787") wide. This makes reading a lot easier on the eyes compared to a 15.4" display for example, with resolutions at anywhere from 1920 to 1200.

The glossy coating on the display surface does offer the advantage of a noticeably higher contrast image and better color saturation. But you'll pay for these benefits with higher reflectivity, so that strong ambient light or glare can be a problem when using this notebook.

The monitor produces uneven, non-homogeneous light output.

Because the preceding value is easy to misinterpret, we must stress that that it is not necessarily the case that a real monitor would manifest the same gray stripes (or even spots) that you see there. The display shown is designed to emphasize readings that our highly sensitive luminance meter measured as we conducted our tests, rather than showing a real display as it might appear with the dv8000z sitting on a desk or tabletop in front of you.

As our test measurements show the light output from backlighting elements placed near the bottom of the display area doesn't sufficiently illuminate the uppermost elements at the top of the screen. Nor is display brightness as even throughout as it should be. On the lower edge, maximum brightness readings cluster in a range around 142 cd/m²; this value falls by as much as 58% to as low as 83 cd/m² in the two uppermost corners of the display. Technically, a better solution would be to implement background lighting using two light elements, with one at the top edge and the other at the bottom edge of the display. This would produce more even light output, and would also deliver higher maximum brightness.

It is important to note that the model we tested was part of a prototype production run. HP has informed us that some models in the dv8000z series have been equipped with UltraBrightView displays, which do feature dual-backlighting elements.

The monitor is not well suited for outdoor use, or in bright ambient light. But for everyday work indoors in an office environment, it certainly delivers adequate brightness and clarity. It worked well enough for us to enjoy watching videos or looking at photos.