HP DV6500
by: steve-af-
Description: HP Pavilion dv6500t Review HP Pavilion dv6500t is the very popular dv6000t series of mainstream laptops. HP Pavilion dv6500t has 15.4” widescreen, consumer-oriented laptop, it delivers a solid, well-rounded package that updates the HP lineup nicely. HP Pavilion dv6500t Specifications: · Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 (2.0GHz, 4MB L2 cache), PM 965 “Santa Rosa” chipset @ 800 MHz FSB · OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium · RAM: 2GB DDR2 SDRAM @ 667MHz (2 x 1GB) · Hard Drive: 120GB SATA @ 5400 RPM · Screen: 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280 x 800) · Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS, 128MB dedicated VRAM up to an additional 256MB shared · Optical Drive: Super Multi 8X DVD /-/R/RW w/double layer support · Audio: Reaktek High Definition Audio with digital output · Battery: “High capacity” 6-cell lithium ion · Wireless: Intel PRO/Wireless 4965 802.11 a/g/n Bluetooth · HP Imprint (Radiance) finish 2 Microphones Fingerprint reader · Ports/Slots: one IEEE 1394 (FireWire); HDMI; three USB 2.0; 5-in-1 memory card reader; VGA monitor out port; S-Video out; RJ-45 Ethernet LAN; RJ-11 modem; Express Card; IR receiver; Expansion Port 3; two headphone/speaker jacks; microphone/line-in jack · Remote: HP Express Card IR media center remote · Warranty: 1 year standard warranty 1 year extension (see below) · Weight: 6.14 lbs. · Dimensions: 14.05" (W) x 10.12" (L) x 1" (min H)/1.69" (max H) HP Pavilion dv6500t case is plastic but feels solid, with the top a shiny black coated plastic and the base a more standard matte black. HP Pavilion dv6500t area around the screen and keyboard also has a shiny finish that reflects less than the top. HP Pavilion dv6500t screen flexes significantly under stress but I cannot produce any ripples in the screen. The hinges are solid and keep the screen in place. I can pick up each corner of the base without feeling any sag. Nearly all ports are on the left HP Pavilion dv6500t only has a USB port, the optical drive, the express card slot, and the power connection on the right. HP Pavilion dv6500t express card slot has a plastic placeholder rather than a true cover, but the media center remote is stored in this slot, anyway, so a cover would be superfluous. All vent openings are placed on the back and bottom. This arrangement does allow some of the vents on the bottom to be blocked without completely obstructing the air flow. The front lip holds an IR receiver, a microphone/line-in jack, and two sound output jacks. HP Pavilion dv6500t lighting adds a very classy touch to the design. The row of media controls at the top of the keyboard glows an iridescent blue, as does a ring around the power plug when the AC adapter is connected. HP Pavilion dv6500t media buttons are all touch sensitive and very responsive. A click sound accompanies a press, but this feature can be turned off in the BIOS. HP Pavilion dv6500t mute button turns orange when activated, as does the icon above the touchpad when disabled via a hard button. The caps-lock and number-lock keys have blue lights beside each of them to indicate activation. Finally, three small lights in the bottom left corner show power, charging state, and drive activity. The one big consideration in all of this shiny, fancy, coated plastic is how easily it can accumulate dust and fingerprints. A microfiber cloth comes standard, and neat freaks, including myself, will wipe down the top and area around the screen at least a few times a day. Conclusion HP Pavilion dv6500t performs admirably in all fields, with only a few issues that may or may not concern an individual buyer. If you need a well-rounded laptop with outstanding performance without giving up battery life, this should be on your short list. Pros: · Great performance · Looks that turn heads · Outstanding display · Good battery life · Responsive keyboard · Reasonably priced Cons: · Glossy chassis requires a lot of wiping to keep fingerprint-free · Dedicated graphics option lacks true gaming power · Moderate fan noise at high RPMs
by: steve-af-
Description: HP Pavilion dv6500t Review HP Pavilion dv6500t is the very popular dv6000t series of mainstream laptops. HP Pavilion dv6500t has 15.4” widescreen, consumer-oriented laptop, it delivers a solid, well-rounded package that updates the HP lineup nicely. HP Pavilion dv6500t Specifications: · Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 (2.0GHz, 4MB L2 cache), PM 965 “Santa Rosa” chipset @ 800 MHz FSB · OS: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium · RAM: 2GB DDR2 SDRAM @ 667MHz (2 x 1GB) · Hard Drive: 120GB SATA @ 5400 RPM · Screen: 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280 x 800) · Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS, 128MB dedicated VRAM up to an additional 256MB shared · Optical Drive: Super Multi 8X DVD /-/R/RW w/double layer support · Audio: Reaktek High Definition Audio with digital output · Battery: “High capacity” 6-cell lithium ion · Wireless: Intel PRO/Wireless 4965 802.11 a/g/n Bluetooth · HP Imprint (Radiance) finish 2 Microphones Fingerprint reader · Ports/Slots: one IEEE 1394 (FireWire); HDMI; three USB 2.0; 5-in-1 memory card reader; VGA monitor out port; S-Video out; RJ-45 Ethernet LAN; RJ-11 modem; Express Card; IR receiver; Expansion Port 3; two headphone/speaker jacks; microphone/line-in jack · Remote: HP Express Card IR media center remote · Warranty: 1 year standard warranty 1 year extension (see below) · Weight: 6.14 lbs. · Dimensions: 14.05" (W) x 10.12" (L) x 1" (min H)/1.69" (max H) HP Pavilion dv6500t case is plastic but feels solid, with the top a shiny black coated plastic and the base a more standard matte black. HP Pavilion dv6500t area around the screen and keyboard also has a shiny finish that reflects less than the top. HP Pavilion dv6500t screen flexes significantly under stress but I cannot produce any ripples in the screen. The hinges are solid and keep the screen in place. I can pick up each corner of the base without feeling any sag. Nearly all ports are on the left HP Pavilion dv6500t only has a USB port, the optical drive, the express card slot, and the power connection on the right. HP Pavilion dv6500t express card slot has a plastic placeholder rather than a true cover, but the media center remote is stored in this slot, anyway, so a cover would be superfluous. All vent openings are placed on the back and bottom. This arrangement does allow some of the vents on the bottom to be blocked without completely obstructing the air flow. The front lip holds an IR receiver, a microphone/line-in jack, and two sound output jacks. HP Pavilion dv6500t lighting adds a very classy touch to the design. The row of media controls at the top of the keyboard glows an iridescent blue, as does a ring around the power plug when the AC adapter is connected. HP Pavilion dv6500t media buttons are all touch sensitive and very responsive. A click sound accompanies a press, but this feature can be turned off in the BIOS. HP Pavilion dv6500t mute button turns orange when activated, as does the icon above the touchpad when disabled via a hard button. The caps-lock and number-lock keys have blue lights beside each of them to indicate activation. Finally, three small lights in the bottom left corner show power, charging state, and drive activity. The one big consideration in all of this shiny, fancy, coated plastic is how easily it can accumulate dust and fingerprints. A microfiber cloth comes standard, and neat freaks, including myself, will wipe down the top and area around the screen at least a few times a day. Conclusion HP Pavilion dv6500t performs admirably in all fields, with only a few issues that may or may not concern an individual buyer. If you need a well-rounded laptop with outstanding performance without giving up battery life, this should be on your short list. Pros: · Great performance · Looks that turn heads · Outstanding display · Good battery life · Responsive keyboard · Reasonably priced Cons: · Glossy chassis requires a lot of wiping to keep fingerprint-free · Dedicated graphics option lacks true gaming power · Moderate fan noise at high RPMs