dv3z - Small Review

Hello everyone. I have just received the HP dv3z. I have run some tests and I have a couple remarks to make. I also took some pics with a bad quality web-cam. Also, I'm a new to the forums, sorry if this is the wrong place.

Enjoy, nelag

Brief Intro: The HP dv3z is a 13.3 inch notebook, introduced at CES 2009. It uses AMD processors. I bought it online.

Stats: I ordered mine with
- HP Pavilion dv3z Entertainment PC
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
- AMD Turion(TM) X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor RM-72 (2.1GHz)
- 13.3" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP LED BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
- 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
- ATI Radeon(TM) HD 3200 Graphics with 64MB Display Cache Memory
- 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
- Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
- Full Size Backlit Keyboard
- Wireless-N Card
- Tray Load SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
- 9 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
- HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

Appearance & Design: Overall, it looks nice. It is very glossy. Fingerprints show up everywhere. The Backlit keyboard didn't work that well. It is nowhere near as bright as the backlit keyboard on a mac book pro. I ordered it with a 9 cell battery. It sticks out a lot, I wouldn't recommend it. The touch pad is terrible. It has this weird texture that makes it hard to move your finger easily. A big problem in my opinion.

Picture links here
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l320/kingblast2/Photo52.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l320/kingblast2/Photo50.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l320/kingblast2/Photo48.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l320/kingblast2/Photo47.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l320/kingblast2/Photo46.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l320/kingblast2/Photo49.jpg

Performance: The computer is fast. I haven't used it that much. It comes with a load of crapware, so that slows it down.

Main issue: Overheating! It is insanely hot. Really hot air comes out of the fan. Using ORTHOS and CPUID Hardware Moniter I did some tests. Here is a screenshot:
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l320/kingblast2/Untitled.jpg
Very hot. Running ORTHOS for 1 minute and 55 Seconds on a medium stress test, the CPU got to 172 degrees. It just got hotter from there.

Overall: I am returning this product. It some big flaws. You can make your own choice.

 

Thanks was just configuring that today for specs-sake..

Sorry it didnt work out for you..

 

How long did it take to receive your laptop?

Which laptops are you looking at now since you're going to return this one?

What did you think of its mobility (ie, size, weight...)?

 

It took a while to receive it. I ordered it on the Jan. 17th. The estimated ship date was the 29th, but it only shipped on Feb 5th. I got a $50 coupon because it was shipped late. It arrived today.

I honestly don't know what laptop I'm going to get. I think I'm going to wait a while. I could use some advice.

It is very thin, as you can see in the pictures. It weighs about 4.5 pounds I think.

 

Your pics are all inversed.

 

Have you checked out the thin and light powerhouse Sony Z (13.1") if it fits your budget its definately thinner and weighs only 3.4lbs with 9300m GS, blu-ray

 

Your right, Sorry. The pics were taken with a macbook pro built-in web cam.

I'll check out the sony Z. thanks.

 

Anyone notice that this computers touchpad has multi touch support?

Meaning i can zoom in and zoom out documents using two fingers on my touchpad??

 

good and concise overview. thank you for not giving us 10-pages of 'filler.'

that being said, it's a common theme among the HP AMD units, and even moreso among the 'smaller form factor' HP AMD laptops - they run hot as hell!

i have a dv7t and i never get above 70C while gaming. i bought my girl a dv4t, intel processor, and it runs soooo cool.

the amd version of the dv7t, available at staples, etc, runs warm but definitely not hot. i would compare the temps to my unit. i think this has to do with the larger form factor/more air moving through the chasis/better cpu cooling because you have more space to work with, etc.

like you said, everyone can come to their own conclusion. but keep in mind the points discussed when making your decision on purchasing a 'smaller' hp laptop with an AMD processor.