HP DV2 Initial Impressions (Pics 56K warning)

In your initial impression you also mentioned it has b/g/n wireless. On the Futureshop website description it only mentions b/g. Does it not have n wireless?

 

i have the dv2 1044ca as well and i can (re)confirm the notebook does not have any Bluetooth device that Vista SP1 (64-bit) can detect.

 

According to he spec sheet listed on trhe actual box of notebook it says A/B/G/N wifi.

There are a few things that are not quite like the preview machine reviewed a while back. They only thing I wish this would have came with is the external Blu Ray drive, although that would have pushed up the price higher. I think this is a fair priced notrebook for what your getting. Pictures don't do it justice but it is very thin, so all these people saying "well you can get [insert laptop xxxx here" for not much more, yes yes you can but it sure isn't going to be as thin and light and pack as much of a punch "relatively speaking" as this notebook does.

 

Yeah, I was sure I'd initially read it had b/g/n, but some later reviews I've seen only said b/g, so thanks for confirming that. Also, I've looked at this laptop numerous times now in Futureshop, and I can confirm its very thin and light, like nothing else in its size/price class at Futureshop.

 

so i guess there will be another version that has bluetooth built in? perhaps the bestbuy version

 

Silvr6,
Thanks for the write-up!

+1 rep

Check to see if your DV2 has the HP Wireless Assistant app. It will tell you which wireless card and Bluetooth adapter (If any) your notebook has.
Below is a screenshot from my HP DV5 (Click on the Wireless LAN icon to show details):

There are dozens of configurations according to the spec sheet I posted earlier. There is no way of telling until it shows up.

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FYI - I heard Staples will carry the DV2 as well. No ETA given.

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Can somebody who bought this laptop at Future Shop comment on the keyboard? Does it have I guess what you'd call a standard US layout, or does it have extra symbols on it to better support French?

 

So, two days later and my initial disappointment with the wireless Internet surfing experience remains unchanged. This thing loads pages much more slowly than my older, slower (in terms of clock speeds) notebooks. In fact, I'm pretty sure there has to be something wrong with the Broadcom B/G WLAN chip that comes with this product. My next step is to call HP to see if they have a workaround. If not, back to Future Shop it goes.

 

By any chance is the WLAN card accessible from one of the bottom panels? I have an Intel 3945ABG card that can be swapped out in case I have the same experience.

 

the keyboard has support for French. it took me about 30 minutes of typing to get accustomed to the keyboard. the layout is now a non-issue. i can adapt and i am sure others can as well.

 

I know that doing a reinstall of the OS might not be an option but after I put Vista 64 on (my own copy) i havn't had any problems with the wireless performance. The wifi card is accessed at the bottom very easily.

As for the keyboard I mentioned earlier I didn't like it however, it is fine and I can't complain. I looks like the keyboards on the HP mini's (although probably slightly larger)

 

what took me several minutes to be accustomed, in particular, was the left Shift key that's half the size of what i usually expect. half the time i pressed the \ key right next to by mistake. i wonder why HP didn't shorten the right Shift key to make room for a wider left Shift key.

getting into the habit of holding down the fn key to access the page up/down, home and end keys was also another minor adjustment. after some practice with the keyboard, it's been quite pleasant.

 

yeah, it does take some getting used to...but after a day or two, you get the hang of it...the left shift key is the one that's tricky as well as the enter key, a bit more to the right...

 

for its category, its one of the best designed and 'looking' notebooks around.... sexy machine!

one draw back, and i'm finding this the case with any device sporting a black glossy finish (like digital cams, mobile phones, etc..)...it is a fingerprint magnet....

keep that microfibre cloth handy...which is supplied with the notebook...

 

when i was looking to purchase a few days ago, I did drop into Best Buy, and some associates there said they did not think it would be sold by them in the near future...perhaps when there will be a price drop? Futureshop seems to have initial exclusivity...

what a week its been...a new HP DV2 and Sony DSC T900!!!!

They look fabulous together.....

 

HP's website just showed it being in stock, $750: http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/rts_notebook/rts_notebook/1/storefronts/NM325UA%23ABA

 

No bluetooth on the ready to ship model.
When are the customizable models expected to be available?

 

For that price, with that battery life and with that processor the DV2 is a rip-off.

 

I"m not trying to start a flame war, but maybe for your circumstances it "may" be a rip off, I can't quite see it being a ripoff.

I don't class this as a "netbook" more like a notebook but for the form factor its battery life and performance are not horrible. Keep in mind this has dedicated graphics and a rather fast cpu compared to most netbooks out there.

My N10J had better battery life but it was somewhat slow and lagged when I used it for day to day use, with this notebook I have no performance complaints at all.

If HP releases a larger 9 cell battery i'll be buying one right away, or maybe just a spare 6 cell.

 

With a low TDP and low clock processor such as the Athlon Neo the dv2 is in fact a netbook. The dedicated graphics chipset is a great step forward for the netbook franchise, but for 750$ in my opinion the dv2 is not worth the extra gpu power; especially if you can get the tx2z, which has a much desktop-like hardware characteristics, for about 649$ (I guess that's the price with the rebate applied but still you get my point).

Like I, said dedicated graphics power is a must especially with a sub-par processor under the hood. Nvidia will be releasing its ION netbooks this summer which will feature the 9400M GPU with intel's atom cpu. In my opinion this will be the perfect match for a netbook, and also won't affect the price and battery life that much.

 

I'm going to sort this machine as an ultra-portable.

I'm going to have to agree with Deloitte here, what makes a netbook is its physical dimension, weight and a low-power x86 processor. The Dv2 only satisfies one of those three, and every other specifications on it puts it in the ultra-portable class.

What you're paying for is not the GPU (Honestly, it's a bonus), because the Radeon HD 3410 is about as fast as the 9300M GS in the ASUS N10; you're paying for a more potent processor. If this Neo MV-40 performs like one of the Sempron 2800+ processor I've got at work, then it'll be a much more manageable processor than the Atom. Its costs a little more than the ASUS N10, but you get a better processor and an external DVD drive. The external drive alone makes up the price difference.

 

Well, I guess the processor is a little bit better than the current Atom, but not to be put in the ultraportable class where we have Intel's 1.66Ghz Core 2 Duo.

 

Is that superPI 1M time correct in the opening post? Because 1:52 is very slow, in fact its about a whole 20 seconds slower than an Atom 1.6!

 

Hmm, I would wait until they do a refresh with the 45nm dual-core version of Neo, with the 780g chipset later this year. (it's coming soon right? and the 780 IGP should be as fast as the radeon 3410 as with lower power draw?)

I also do wish there was an intel version of this (with the new CULV cpus) + Nvidia Ion chipset.

Plus quick question, can we the external dvd drive to perform a fresh install of the os?

Oh yeah, on the description, it says it uses magnesium/aluminum alloy casing? How is that?
Cuz i think the rest of the dv series use plastic, like my dv4t?

 

tx2z?

fugly isn't it....?

i could just stare at my dv2 all day...

but seriously though, part of the price is the superior ultra portable design...

and it performs quite well imho....

for me, as previously stated, it is my 2nd machine, as i use an imac to do most of the 'driving' and 'working'

enjoy

 

I"m sure there will be a refresh of this model with a dual core cpu, I just wanted to be the first one to trythis out (and i'll sell this one when the dual core version comes along)

I used the included drive to reinstall vista ultimate it worked like a charm, I really like how it just plugs into the usb port and is powered via the port too.

I"m just still working on figuring out why the 3d performance is lower than my N10J was.

The case is very nice, too glossy but it is firm and there isn't any flex that I can detect.


As for the Super Pi, the version i used was a very old version, I ran the test with a newer version and got 56 Seconds.

 

Wow, this looks sweet. Was originally thinking of the new Samsung NC 20 but think this may be a better buy. Just a few questions,
1. is the external DVD drive included?

2. What's the boot up time like? 30, 50 , 2 mins?

3. How's the quality, in particular screen flex. Does it seem fragile?

4. How's the screen outdoors, viewable or not?

5. How's the noise? Is it quiet? What does it sound like when the fan is running?

Looking at this for basic mobile use. Have a desktop but it's in the basement. Thnk this would be great for use around the house and while outside on the porch.

Thanks

 

Wow, this looks sweet. Was originally thinking of the new Samsung NC 20 but think this may be a better buy. Just a few questions,

1. is the external DVD drive included? In the more expensive version: Yes

2. What's the boot up time like? Stock configuration is took around 2 minutes to be usefull, a reinstall of the OS with my own OS (Vista64 takes about 30-40 seconds)

3. How's the quality, in particular screen flex. Notebook is very solid, screen is solid, and doesn't flex. You really have to try to make it flex.

4. How's the screen outdoors, Glossy screen so reflections will be a problem like any other laptop with a similar screen

5. How's the noise? Is it quiet? What does it sound like when the fan is running? Fan while running on battery is on however it can't be heard, when the cpu is under heavy loads over a longer period of time the fan does ramp up and is audible, but under normal usuage it is quiet.

Looking at this for basic mobile use. Have a desktop but it's in the basement. Thnk this would be great for use around the house and while outside on the porch. I'm using it as my main computer but for the use you just described it would be perfect. If you didn't want or need the HDMI or dedicated graphics card or external dvd drive you could get the less expensive version.

Thanks

 

How did you manage to pull that one up on the HP site? Clicking your link, I can see it fine. However, I was trying to locate it via HP's menus to no avail.

Nevermind. I found it by following the quick ship link. Weird that they don't put it under a standard notebook category.

 

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=hp+dv2+site:http://hp.com&btnG=Search

 

Silvr6, thanks so much for your detailed review and efforts. Could you test Command & Conquer Red Alert 3?

It's a shame that HP didn't put GigE in this puppy (1000BT ethernet). That is a real hard limit for me to deal with. But this machine is still tempting.

I'll hold out for the Asus EEEPC 1000DN probably, just to see how it compares.

Thanks again Silver6. When I first saw your review, all I could think was "YEAAAAHHHHHH" because I had been so excited about this subnotebook. I think overall it looks like HP did a good job, because most normal people don't care about gigabit ethernet

It is weird that the GPU is performing less than the 3410. Be careful when you overclock. The last GPU I overclocked was in a ThinkpadT40p, and the GPU burned something out. The driver may purposely disallow overclocking because heat dissipation in tight spaces (e.g. laptops--especially smaller ones) is so critical.

Cheers.

 

the keyboard on this thing looks better that the keyboard on my tx2500z. its also a 12.1 incher from HP. hmmmmm i wonder if its compatible?

 

Does it have option to make fan always run (on low speed) on AC power?

 

There is an option in the bios that is "fan always on"

From my experience the fan never really ramps up on battery except if your doing cpu intensive tasks.

 

Silvr6:

Q1: Looking at the comparison pictures to your Dad's Dell XPS M1330, they look to be about the same size? ... and the weight is about the same - just under 4 pounds/each. Therefore, why would anyone prefer an HP dv2 over the M1330? ... when the M1330 runs one of the Intel Core 2 Duo's on a 13" screen ! I would think that any Core 2 Duo would 'blow the doors off' the single-core Athlon Neo 1.6 in a dv2. And, doesn't the M1330 have a built-in, rather than external, optical DVD drive? A refurbished M1330 is available from the Dell Outlet site for about $670+
What am I missing in this picture?

Q2: Is the screen-surrounding bezel "plasticy"? ... i.e. does the screen bezel flex unevenly, when squeezed?

 

Here are the dimensions of the HP DV2 according to the spec sheet I posted earlier.

11.50"(L)x 9.45"(W)x 0.93"(min)/ 1.29"(max)

Measure your dad's dell and tell us if it's smaller. How much did your dad pay for his dell anyways? According to dell's website $1,129 comparably equipped.

I think too many people expect this to be everything to everone. It's just another choice.

 

only a hp salesman would do. a $749 netbook.

 

12.5" x 9.4" x 0.87" - 1.33"

The notebook is thicker near the back, as for how the 2 feel, i'm trying to be subjective as possible but the M1330 "seems" heavier, while it might weigh the same or barely more it feel like the weight isn't evenly distributed. Its heavier near the back, most likely becasue it is thicker.

I like how the DV2 is the same sleek slim profile at all parts.

As for pricing, once again I paid 899$ Can, also keep in mind how much dell charges to configure the laptop with 4Gb ram modules, IIRC its around at least 250 per 4GB stick. I'm sure the 4GB stick brings up the price a bit(DV2).

I don't need big time cpu power, just something thin and light to take with me to work. AND it works great as a mobile HTPC




I"ll take some more pictures tomorrow

 

> keep in mind how much dell charges to configure the laptop with 4Gb ram modules ... <

You're right; comparably equipped, the Dell XPS M1330 costs more - new! Nevertheless, an XPS M1330 is available (refurbished) for less (say $670) and one can pop in a 4 Gig memory kit from Crucial.com for $48 ... still less than $750 for a dv2. In fact, I saw some refurbs on Dell Outlet, including 4 Gig memory, for $669!

I was just thinking that the big (not changeable) differences seems to be the far faster Intel Core 2 Duo processor in your Dad's XPS M1330 ... which provides a 13", rather than 12" screen, and weighs about the same - within tenths of a pound.

The #1 netbook seller on Amazon, the Asus 1000HE, sells for $389. If we can define $389 as the heart of the netbook market, it just seems to me that a 'slightly' faster processor and 800 vs. 600 (netbook) lines vertical resolution is not worth $361 more - nearly twice as much. $750 is right in the heart of the full-powered NOTEbook market.

I'm thinking that a slightly faster netbook processor (the AMD Athlon Neo) and 200 dots more vertical resolution might be worth in the $400's range - but $750? $750 seems to price a dv2 against an entirely different performance notebook market.

... or am I 'all wet' ?

 

the last few pages (of comments here) seems to suggest that some people who don't have a dv2 are still trying to convince themselves not to get a dv2

 

Hiya all. I've been lurking this forum and just ordered my dv2 on Monday. It should arrive Thursday, but I wanted to respond to the m1330 comments. I use one at work all day, and I'm purchasing the dv2 for a study abroad trip this summer. Here's my perspective:

The only $670 dollar refurbs I could find for a m1330 online weren't equal to the dv2 in Dell's outlet store, so the 'nevertheless' doesn't make since to me. As far as I understand is this like, "okay you're right, the m1330 is more expensive comparatively equipped brand new but here's a red herring -->...this one isn't comparative at all but is still cheaper!!"? It must be both comparative and significantly cheaper!

The ones online in the Dell outlet refurbished store had an array of combinations but usually a fault with every single cheaper, $670ish model. Either they had the integrated intel graphics x3100 (yuck) or they only had a 120gb hard drive, or they didn't have wireless N and/or bluetooth, came in "Flamingo Pink," only single layer burners, no LED backlit screen, no bluetooth, etc. etc. Some of them were actually scratch and dent, not even refurbished...that's a gamble. Also, I like my toys new.

In the end I wanted 4 gigs of ram, a 320 or 500 gig hard drive, ultraportable 12.1 inch status (yes, bigger isn't better...I specifically bought it for 12.1 size) a dedicated graphics card (I don't know how they compare, but I'd suspect the dv2's 3410 with 512mb dedicated vram is >= an antiquated 8400m gs with 128mb ram in the TOP "comparative" m1330), an LED screen, wireless N, dual layer burner, and the joy of supporting the underdog - AMD. The other "ultraportables" I found online like Toshiba Porteges and Vaio TT's are MUCH more expensive - 12.1 inch realm either took a big compromise for me or a bigger budget until I found the dv2. It's not that it's trying to compete with every notebook/netbook similarly priced, it's the entire package that's appealing too.

Also, while I was researching the laptop I found this:
http://www.techpinas.com/2009/01/benchmarks-amd-neo-vs-intel-atom_06.html


Really, according to their benchmarks the Athlon Neo isn't far behind the Core2Duo, especially in the first graph. The Neo also isn't just "slightly faster" than the atom.

You might be a little damp...

 

I was asking this same question in Samsung NC20 thread, but this caught my attention as well

I am very interested about heat and - especially noise. I am working as instructor and therefore I need to often read & learn different material, like PDF and e-Learning software.

My question is: Is dv2 so quiet (=silent!) that I could be using that as a PDF reader when my wife/kid is sleeping next to me?

While using PDF, CPU is consumed only like average 5-10%.

If I am using e-Learning software, they are quite often Flash based which means more CPU.

Most machines nowadays are suitable for home usage and they aren't distracting at all. But at night, when there aren't any other noises this might be a problem.

Can you confirm that with only with battery it might be that fan is off/very low speed?

 

While running on battery the notebook is for all intents and purposes silent, unless your really taxing the cpu you won't notice the fan at all.

As for heat, only when running a game or cpu intensive program does it warm up however it does not get hot.

As for the comparison to the M1330,

This IS lighter, and a whole ton thinner as well, the 1330 just feels more bulky than the dimension would indicate.

The comparison between the 2 cn be made looking strictly at specifications alone, but in the real world they are 2 different beasts.

As for the cpu not being as powerfull, yes thats a given, you want more power then go buy a DV3 or a more powerfull (and larger notebook)

 

i don't think this thread was ever started to compare the dv2 to everything else under the sun to see if its "worth it". It was started as an informational thread for people interested in the dv2, like me, to ask questions about it. I like the dv2 because its slightly bigger and more capable than a netbook, but it still keeps the portability factor. To me, it's pretty much what I want in a laptop, but for some reason I haven't bought it yet.

The point is, the dv2 is a pretty unique offering right now. The combination of screen size, processing power, weight and design that it has is unmatched at that price point.

If you think the dv2 is a ripoff, and something else is more worth it for that price point, then go buy that instead.

 

Silvr6, I wonder if part of the reason you're seeing diminished graphics performance on this system is single-channel memory. I was scrolling through the Maintenance and Service manual for the dv2 on hp.com ( http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01682742.pdf) and noticed that the laptop has only 1 SO-DIMM slot according to the description. Is that the case in your unit?

Granted, the discrete graphics should keep video processing in its dedicated VRAM, unless the driver is such that it uses dedicated VRAM and then shared system memory when needed. I forget what that "feature" was called, but I've definitely seen it before.

 

You're thinking of HyperMemory.

I just ordered one off eBay, $693 shipped including 11% live cashback. I hope third time's the charm, otherwise I'm indefinitely done with HP.

 

I think your on to something regarding the single channel memory performance. Although the difference is still very great, vs the 9300M GS in my old N10J

N10J DV2

3DMark 2001 7887 6308
3DMark 2003 4919 2876
3DMark 2006 1592 1255

Now that I think about it the resolution was less on the N10J and that would explain the higher results, although there is a rather large gap in the 2003 results, and from what i've read 2003 is more cpu intensive than the other Futuremark products.

If I have time I'll re run the above benchmarks with the same resolution. Now of course there are strictly synthetic and I can say right now after playing team fortress classic (about the only game i play) the extra cpu power is noticable and results in smoother gameplay vs what the Atom gave me in the N10J

 

Thanks for all the good info. I am tempted but think I am going to wait. I am hoping that some of the local stores like Best Buy, Staples or OfficeMax will pick this up to allow for viewing up close before I pull the trigger. Also can't decide between the black or white. I know the black is all that is currently offered but white has also been announced. I found some close up pictures here for those interested.

http://www.engadget.com/photos/hands-on-hp-dv2-and-hp-dv3/

 

Silvr6 or any other owners:

Can you confirm this has a 2.5" SATA hard drive? I see in your sig you have a a Scorpio Blue.. just wanna make sure I can put my 500gb in there...

 

a 500gb 2.5" drive like the WD scorpio will work fine,

the stock drive is a 250gb WD scorpio drive