HP Pavilion dv2 Review

They now have it in Costco stores. $750 HP dv2-1033cl (includes external DVD drive, 4GB, etc). Windows 7 64bit installs and runs well without any HP drivers. Ubuntu 8.10 x64 runs well too.

 

Just called HP Canada, and they said the US (or Non-bilingual) keyboard is not available to us in Canada at all.

I have entertained the thought of grabbing one in the US as well, but, I think there could be potential warranty problems. Although getting a standard US keyboard might be worth the sacrifice

I'm kinda leaning towards waiting right now until HP releases a DV2 model with a Intel processor in it... hopefully it will be a duo core CULV variety.

 

I have a black suede skin for my HP dv4t and my wife has a cool Asian design for her 15-inch Compaq notebook from this site: http://www.schtickers.com/

Their laptop skins are pretty good and even if you don't know the exact dimensions of your notebook you can usually just tell them what you have and they'll send one to you that is the right size.

 

Enjoyed your review of the dv2 very much Jerry. I am wondering if you happened to notice during testing whether or not in music playback more of the sound seemed concentrated on the left side of the notebook, regardless of speaker settings?

 

Yes, I have noticed the same thing. The intensity of the sound seems to be equalized, it's just the direction (location of the right speaker?) is a bit off.

 

BTW, JerryJ, thanks for the excellent review! It helped me to decide on this one. Suprisingly, I like my dv2 a lot. I have had some problems with HP (I hate their service), but this little thing is really nice. The only problem for me is the GLOSSY SCREEN. I don't mind it for desktop replacements, but for a true mobile laptop it's just stupid. Did anybody try to apply a matte screen "protector"?

 

Yes, I prefer when manufacturers offer the option of a matte screen. That said, at least the screen on the dv2 isn't one of the "infinity screen" models that has a second glossy layer in front of the screen that not only magnifies reflections but puts the reflections slightly in front of the screen so your eyes constantly shift focus between the reflections on the glossy surface layer and what's being projected on the actual screen behind the glossy protective layer.

Oh, and I've never tried a matte screen protector.

 

I was at Costco today and saw the DV2 and played around with it a bit. It is a very attractive slim net/notebook. It ran aero very smoothly I opened about 10 windows and did the flip 3d since that's all I could do in that short amount of time with it and it moved very snappy. Right next to it was a DV4 it looked very sexy as well. But I think I will wait for the "Congo" version of the DV2 though.

 

what's this congo version you guys speak of?

 

Dual-core Neo with the M780/HD3200 chipset.

 

when's congo coming out?

 

any idea when this is coming out?

 

Very soon

 

I don't have insider knowledge at this point, but based on HP's previous release schedules I still think you'll have to wait a while before a dual-core/congo dv2 becomes available for sale. Best case scenario we're probably looking at September ... possibly closer to Christmas.

Again, that comment is based purely on my own speculation ... so it might be totally wrong. A dual-core dv2 could come out next month ... or maybe not until next year's CES.

 

Going to agree with Jerry on this one and add that just because AMD might release Congo soon doen't mean it will be for sale right away in a notebook.

So far only HP has put the Neo into a notebook while other manufacturers are waiting for Intel's CULV. If Neo was more popular we might see it on the market at the time of it's release but as long as it's just HP using it in a ultra-thin they can take their time putting it into the dv2.


If you need an example just take a look at how long it took Via Nano to actually make it to the consumer.

 

I had my first hands on with a DV2 today. I was really really impressed with the finish and the keyboard. The keyboard was better than other chicklet keyboards like Sony CS and TT.

I was disappointed with the screen though. Contrast seemed mediocre at best. I wonder what the measurements of Notebookjournal will say. They're reviewing DV2 at the moment.

 

does the keyboard has the same layout as the US one?

 

i had a chance to check this one out at local costco store
it was priced at $750.

it looked really good in person, just right size with great design everywhere. keyboard felt good and screen was great. this demo was missing 6 cell battery so i did not feel the weight but it felt really light...

Now the big question.. would i buy it.. yes..
but if i have other choices, for less money... no...

i just wish that hp lowers the price... around $500..
fat chance.. ^^

 

Staples has it for $650 with a $50 rebate coming in tomorrow, bringing the total down to $600 plus tax.

 

AMD is really one step behind Intel in this one. If it were really serious about the notebook market(thats where all the profits are!), it would have made the Neo processor 45nm and the integrated chipset 40nm. Instead, AMD is relying on last years technology to push its way toward obscurity.

Ow ya, wheres the backlit keyboard?

 

Well, if you are all want this notebook, 4/26-5/2 is your chance, $150 cheaper than Costco, Fry's, or HP.com at Staples. $650-$50 Rebate at Staples.

This computer seems nice in person, just that i think it is still overpriced a bit >.>

 

I do think so because we get US/International.

 

$600 plus Tax..will be $630 OTD ..
not bad deal..IMO

 

Hom many of you would buy this if it was $500? I bet almost everybody.

 

go to staples... click on tech section

you will see this nice laptop advertising banner.

it is currently $599 with $50 MIR (plus tax).

Now here is the fun part. apply $100 of above $400 coupon

http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/919542/

it brings it down to $499 plus tax with free shipping.

I personally tried the $100 off coupon and it *works*.

Is it time to jump in???

 

well, it just that i heard if you use the coupon, you can get blacklisted and cancel their order.

 

worth of try?

i personally did not order ^^ since i really love my s10 for now..
but it was very temping myself.. if i order now.. it should arrive tomorrow !!

must resist.. must resist

btw: sorry for thread jacking.. ^^

 

Yea, this dv2 is very tempting. I have a netbook and a mainstream notebook already.. but dv2 sure is nice to have >.> The thing that disappoints me is the CPU though, single core..

 

staples thing doesn't work damnit. they called me and said the coupon is only good for furniture. SOB!

 

If HP makes a version of this with Intel's CULV platform (and 4500 graphics), how many would buy then?

 

I wouldn't. It's not an AMD vs. Intel deal with me....I'm not interested in the dv2 because I don't see it as being small enough, light enough, or that I'm saving enough on cost for it to be worth it compared to a 13" notebook.

I'm hoping for a 10" to 11" ultra-thin....even an 11.6" may be too big but will hold off final judgement until I see it in person. And again I'm also like to see the AMD Neo paired with the HD3200 hipset or the Intel CULV paired with the Nvidia 9400m chipset....a strong integrated graphics option are better for these systems than a dedicated GPU.

 

Was able to get on the Staples deal for $499.

A little background on where i've come from in the "netbook" realm

Started off with an EEE 901 8.9" - found the machine to be too small, screen and keyboard.

Next was a Lenovo S10 10.2" - machine was better size, but still the resolution was too large for the screen size (I like to have more on the screen) and I had issues typing on the keyboard.

First impressions of the DV2 -
machine looks gorgeous. Weight does not seem to be a big concern, and it is thin and sleek.

Performance - haven't done much so far but gotten rid of the bloatware that comes with a standard install. I'm looking at instlalling Ubuntu 9.04 on the machine shortly

I noticed the fan has been on constantly since i've booted it up, but I had the same issue with my Lenovo S10. The machine doesn't feel overly warm however

Battery life - have not tested it yet.

Overall so far i'm satisfied with the purchase. I think this size is what i've been looking for in a netbook. Full size keyboard yet sleek enough to travel with.

 

can someone give me a list of what to erase? and is it possible to keep chess while erasing the rest of them?

 

Jerry is the AMD GPU 3410 soldered to the MOBO?
Just wondering for future upgrades.( I hope)
Went to STAPLES to see it in person and was impressed, performance felt snappy and it looked gorgeous, it had a upscale look to it.
I hope the sale lasts a little longer!
For $599.00 it's a good deal if you want something a little bit more than your typical netbook offers.

 

I'm not Jerry, but yes, the 3410 is soldered to the mainboard.

 

There are very few notebooks that support upgrades, and even then there are so many restrictions to upgrade paths that you basically could not upgrade it anyway.

This notebook is no exception.

 

Thanks for the quick answer.
I sort of expected that but I was hopeful, still a great system and it's good to see FPS went up in L4D with updates.
This is still a great entertainment netbook/laptop that is very portable, can do some gaming + looks great and you get the external drive included.
I would never have bought it for $800.00 but for $600.00 it's a pretty good deal for someone that want's something a little more substantial over the the typical netbook (Atom CPU and intergrated GPU).
Think I'm going to get one this week if they are still in stock.
Just one last question is the STAPLES model different than the one you can get directly from HP?
For some reason the one from HP has Bluetooth but the STAPLES model list's it as having no Bluetooth.
Both models are listed as dv2-1030 us, so if anybody recently purchased this HP from STAPLES can you tell me if it comes with Bluetooth or not?
Not a deal breaker but it would be a nice feature to have.

 

I bought this ultra-notebook dv2, i like it very much. But i don't like software in laptop HP, soft for battery hasn't information about time remain of notebook for use battery.

who have complete for battery?
And i used Thinkpad T400, this laptop has soft for control battery, i like it ,but HP hasn't.

 

The remaining battery time left is indicated by Vista, you don't need software for it.

If you still want software I recommend RMClock, it gives a lot of information about the battery, like health, discharge rate etc.

 

JerryJ, I have a question about your article. It states that the Blu-ray drive won't be available until the computer shows up on HP's custom page. What exactly does that mean? My biggest concern about this computer is the battery life. Does the computer showing up on the HP custom page mean that there could be an option for a larger battery, or is the current battery probably going to be the only option for the next few months?

 

Not to familiar with AMD based laptops but how do you find out what BIOS version you have? and how to update it if needed.
How do you update drivers on this?
Got my hands on one and it feels and looks great but they sold out at my local store!!!!
What version of GPU drivers come with this HP? and would it be a good idea to update them?
And any good sites to update the GPU drivers for best performance?
Sorry for all the noob questions but like I stated earlier never had a AMD based system and any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Who have soft for control charge battery for hp dv2 , similar soft of Thinkpad T400.
Charge when battery <x% and charge when battery >x%.

 

Question for Jerry. And I apologize if this has already been addressed in this thread. But how does the dv2z perform with streaming video output to an HDTV via HDMI? More specifically online streaming video that is processor intensive and not graphics card intensive.

 

Too expensive for what you get. You can get much better laptops for just a little bit more at New Egg and other places. Probably why HP already has an instant "rebate" on it.

 

Maybe, but not as thin and nice looking as this laptop.
But this netbbok/laptop offers something most do not. a dedicated GPU.
OK we know it's not bleeding edge tech but it does get the job done plus the keyboard and trackpad are topnotch.

 

I have few questions about this laptop

1. Can i install XP on this machine?
is driver available?

2. Why battery time and heat so differ on other reviews.
(some review bash on short battery life.. mere 2 hours and 30 min and laptopmagazine notes 110F of heat )..

thanks in advance.

Re

 

I bought this laptop last week, after basically reading this review but for me the battery life sucks. Even on power save plan, battery goes to 0 in under 2 hours. On HP performance plan, it close to 1 hour. I dont know what those 3 svchost processes do but they always have 200+ MB Ram tied up. I have updated every driver available on the support page as well as the bios, didnt do anything. Also I am hearing faint screeches when the hd is working, is that normal?

 

The battery life (under 2 hours) really stinks! AMD-based notebooks have below-average battery life, so I didn't get my hopes up about the 'Neo' processor. The dedicated graphics card deserves a bit of the blame, too.

Have you tried dimming the display? The display typically uses more power than any other component, so dimming it will help extend battery life. I know it makes a substantial difference on my Dell Latitude E6400 (also with an LED display)...

Is returning the dv2 and getting something else an option? If so, you might be happier with the Samsung NC20 (battery life of 4:17 according to LAPTOP Mag- LINK)

Even the Dell Inspiron Mini 12 might fit your needs. I know from first-hand experience that it easily lasts 5hrs+ with the 6-cell battery option.

 

I have been considering returning since its only 2 days old. I just called hp support and wasted an hour hearing the usual routines, install new bios, charge it overnght and then try it. I didnt really need this laptop. Dell messed up a 1525 that I sent to them for repair, but now they are sending me a new one. I just got this cause of the 25% cashback offer that HP was offering through MS Live

 

Notebook has been returned to HP. At least they were good with their customer service, free return shipping label and return center just a day away from me.