This was the computer I had originally purchased with travel in mind (Mistake #1). Actually, I was talked into it by a salesperson after I found out that the one I wanted was sold out at every store I checked (Mistake #2). Don’t get me wrong, it is a great computer, but it is best described as a ‘desktop replacement’ with limited travel, by limited I mean room-to-room, primarily because of its weight - a whopping 10 pounds (give or take an ounce or two). I didn’t read through all of the features (Mistake #3), so I bought a computer that had a lot more bells and whistles than I really needed. For instance, it is a complete entertainment center and can function as a TV (external tuner and remote control included), DVD, Stereo, and is great for gamers (so says my kid).
One feature that caught my eye was the full-sized keyboard with number pad, a rarity for laptops. It has a plenty of slots and ports around the edges, so I never find myself having to switch plugs. It’s loaded with four USB ports, PC Card slot, along with connections for audio, FireWire, an external monitor, and S-Video. An additional flash card reader works for Secure Digital, Memory Stick Pro, Multi-Media Card and Smart Media. Online capabilities include Gigabit Ethernet, a built-in V.92 modem, and Bluetooth and 802.11b/g.
I have to say that my favorite feature about this computer is the 17-inch wide-screen, with fantastic color and resolution. It has a large touchpad with its own on/off button. Speaking of buttons, above the top row of keys are buttons for speaker volume, and an on/off switch for speakers, quick launch buttons for the DVD/Media applications and an on/off switch for the Wi-Fi. The Harman Kardon speakers are along the front edge and sound great, in fact they are the best I’ve heard in a laptop so far. The performance is solid and powerful, with its 3.6GHz Pentium 4 processor, 1GB of 400MHz memory, and a 5,400rpm 80GB hard drive.
So what are the negatives? Aside from the weight, which may or may not be a drawback for some, I would have to say that the fans are quite noisy and that it runs fairly hot (a good hand warmer in the winter). The AC adaptor is the size and approximate weight of a brick! In addition, the battery life is just about nil – one and a half hours, tops. I have also had battery issues and have had two replaced in just over a year. I would like to mention here that HP’s service and support have been excellent. The replacement batteries were sent in a matter of a few days and I did not have to wait on ‘eternal hold’ for a service representative. Each time I called, the HP representative was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, one of the reasons I have purchased so many HP products.
shown in the picture below, but it gives you an idea of what it should look like.
pictured below, just with the 4 holes cut out.
