HP Pavilion dv2-1199 Entertainment Notebook PC
HP sent me a Pavilion dv2 Entertainment Notebook PC (model #1199) for review. It’s tiny! It’s less than one inch thick and weighs only 3.8 pounds. The laptop is so light I can have my kids carry it for me. And if the little monsters drop the notebook (like they do with their drinks), the dv2 automatically locks to guard against damage. Cool feature, but I don’t think I want to put it to a test (my kids can destroy anything).
The HP Pavilion dv2 is ultra thin (about the height as a quarter), but it’s more powerful than my desktop computer. In fact, the dv2 has enough juice to run the 64-bit version of Windows Vista (my desktop runs the 32-bit version of Vista). A 64-bit PC offers added responsiveness for users who run a lot of applications at the same time and switch between them frequently. The 64-bit version of Vista also features enhanced security and increased memory support.
I plan on spending more time on the laptop, but this is what I like and dislike about the laptop so far:
Likes
- It’s powerful and can run Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
- The 1.60 GHz AMD Turion Neo X2 Dual-Core Processor has 1MB of L2 Cache
- It comes with 4G of memory (RAM) — more than enough for my Photoshop and Windows Move Maker software
- The ATI Mobility Radeon HD Premium Graphics is awesome
- Blu-Ray DVD drive — now I can watch Blu-Ray movies
- Screen resolution supports 1280 x 800
- It’s very small and easy to carry around
- The list price is under $700 (that’s the same price I paid for my desktop computer 18 months ago)
Dislikes
- The tiny notebook also has a tiny screen (not a big problem for me because I like to connect the laptop to an external monitor)
- You can hear the fan spinning constantly (there’s a free BIOS upgrade for disabling the continuous fan setting)
- The DVD drive is external (it would more convenient if the drive was internal, but then the laptop would be bigger)
- Glossy finish — looks great out of the box, but the glossy finish is a fingerprint magnet
In conclusion, I like the laptop and recommend you take a look at it if you’re in the market for a notebook. It’s light, tiny, and powerful. However, this is probably not the laptop for you if you like to watch DVDs while waiting for the bus, train, or plane.
(also available in Espresso black)
HP Pavilion dv2-1199 Entertainment Notebook PC Specs
- AMD Turion Neo X2 Dual-Core Processor (1.60 GHz with 1MB L2 Cache)
- Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit with Service Pack 1
- 12.1″ Diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP LED BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
- ATI Mobility Radeon HD Premium Graphics 3410 with M82-SE LP with 512MB DDR2 dedicated graphics memory
- 4096MB DDR2 System Memory (1 Dimm)
- 320GB (5400RPM) Hard Drive (SATA)
- External LightScribe Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD±R/RW Double Layer
- HP Webcam with integrated microphone
- 6-Cell Lithium-Ion battery
- Integrated 10/100 BASE-T Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector)
- Wireless LAN 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN and Bluetooth
- 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader for Secure Digital cards, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards
- Altec Lansing with SRS Premium Sound
- Keyboard: 82 key (92% of full size)
- Touch Pad with On/Off button and dedicated vertical scroll Up/Down pad
- External Ports:
- 3 Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0
- Headphone out
- Microphone-in
- HDMI
- VGA (15-pin)
- RJ-45 (LAN)
More info: HP Home and Home Office Shopping
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16 Comments
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That’s one thing I hate about my husband’s laptop. No mouse. And the keys are smaller and smoother so there is no way to figure out where your fingers go. Then again, the “portable” thing is a really big plus.
Do you get to keep the laptop or do you have to return it?
Read Mrs. C´s recent blog post..Speaking of Teaching Children…
Officially, the laptop is on long-term loan. HP can ask for the notebook back at any time.
This was helpful; thanks~
It’s the best laptop I’ve used in over ten years. I used four different work notebooks in the past. They’ve come a long way in terms of features and price.
Nice!
Is this your next giveaway? Cause if it is, sign me up! Actually if it is, just go ahead and notify me that I won right now and just forego the contest!
Read peepnroosmom´s recent blog post..I could learn alot from him.
My wife has been eyeing the laptop too. I better put a lock on it before it mysteriously disappears.
I am hoping to get another laptop soon… for the lounge/bedroom. I h ave a HP Pavillion dv6000 with a Expansion Home Base at the moment and love it! So that little beauty sound like ME!
Read Chris H´s recent blog post..GUNNA BE A GOOD DAY… IT IS!
I miss my old docking station at work. It was convenient sliding the laptop in and have it connect to all my devices.
I thought I would never get a laptop but then I had to trade my office for a baby room. I replaced my desktop with a Toshiba laptop and love it. Now I can work anywhere I feel like.
Read orlund´s recent blog post..A Canada Day Walk
That’s cool. I have to setup a wireless network at home, but have not got around to it yet.
Very cool. I love your reviews. And, I never read reviews from anyone. I think I like the mix of stuff like this with the she’s cute/bigger brat stuff. Both reviews (Laptop/Kid) make me feel better. hahahaaha!
Read jenx67´s recent blog post..the way he made generation x feel – via trauma queen
I’m still all over the place on my blog. One of these days, I will focus my blog on just a few topics.
You forgot to add that it’s not a Mac. *wink* I’m looking forward to my hubby getting his Macbook.
Hugs,
Holly
Read Holly Schwendiman´s recent blog post..Becoming Mom
Ouch! I had a feeling you would point that out.
Hrmmmmmm Hope it’s not anything like the HP PDA they brought out ! grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Read Danielle´s recent blog post..A Chilly Update…
I didn’t even HP made PDA’s!