HP Pavilion DV6426US 15.4-inch Laptop (Intel Core Duo Processor T2450, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium)
- Entertainment-centric notebook PC with 15.4-inch screen, HP Imprint finish, and 2.0 GHz Core Duo T2450 processor
- 160 GB Serial ATA hard drive, 1 GB RAM (2 GB max), 8x LightScribe DVD-/+RW drive, integrated WebCam
- Connectivity: 3 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 VGA, 1 S-Video, expansion port 3 connector, ExpressCard 54/34, 5-in-1 memory card reader
- Tri-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g), 10/100 Ethernet, Intel GMA 950 video card with up to 224 MB of shared memory
- Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (with Media Center capabilities)
Wrapped up in the new HP Imprint finish, the HP Pavilion dv6400 series Notebook PC is a sleek and shiny laptop that will look good at home or on the road. Get all the power of a desktop, with all the convenience of a notebook PC at a price that's right.
Amazon.com Product Description
Designed for fast access to your entire entertainment library, the HP Pavilion dv6426us notebook PC is a great choice for both families and business travelers on the go. The 15.4-inch high-definition BrightView display looks good even in direct sunlight, and you'll enjoy movies or music in seconds with the external DVD or music buttons to launch HP QuickPlay (which bypasses the boot process). Control playback settings from up to 10 feet away with the included HP remote, then store it conveniently in the Express card slot. Easily manage your digital photo library and share with friends and family using the included HP Photosmart Premier software. This stylish laptop also features a high-gloss, durable HP Imprint finish with an inlaid wave design.
It's powered by Intel's dual execution core 2.0 GHz Core Duo T2450, which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance and a more efficient power consumption. This notebook also features a 160 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum), built-in tri-mode Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11a/b/g), 8x multi-format/dual-layer DVD+/-RW drive (with LightScribe printing), ExpressCard slot, and Intel GMA 950 video/graphics card. It also has an integrated 1.3-megapixel WebCam (and integrated microphone), enabling easy video conferencing via VoIP and video IM chats.
It comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, which includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.
The Basics
- Processor: The Intel Core Duo T2450 processor is built with the Mobile Intel 945PM Express chipset, and it has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, fast 533 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and large 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
The Intel Core Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the next version of Microsoft Windows, code-named Vista. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. It's more efficient, thanks to Intel's Power Coordination and Deeper Sleep, which help to transfer power only to those areas of the processor that need it. It also features Intel's Digital Media Boost, which delivers enhanced performance on floating point-intensive applications such as CAD tools, 3-D and 2-D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography and gaming.
- Hard Drive: The 160 GB hard drive (5400 RPM) offers enough to room to hold a digital audio library of over 26,000 songs and still have room left over for movies, games, and a large collection of software. This Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.
- Memory: The 1 GB of installed RAM (2 x 512 MB) is a good start, but you'll want to add more RAM to handle today's demanding multimedia and productivity suites. This notebook has a 2 GB maximum RAM capacity (2 x 1 GB). Also, to receive the benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.
- DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 4x DVD-R DL Write Once, 2.4x DVD+R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R, 4x DVD+RW, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD-RW, 16x DVD-ROM, 40x CD-R, 24x CD-RW, and 40x CD-ROM speeds.
This LightScribe DVD+/-RW drive lets you laser-etch silkscreen quality text and images on to CDs and DVDs . Your software, PC and discs work together for a no-hassle way to burn just the labels you want. After you burn content, just flip the disc over, reinsert and burn your label--anything from a simple title to a full-disc work of art.
- Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a 101-key keyboard and a touchpad with on/off button and dedicated vertical/horizontal Scroll Up/Down pad. It also includes two quick-launch buttons (HP QuickPlay Music and DVD).
You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 15.4-inch WXGA high-definition screen, which displays an 18 percent larger picture than standard 15-inch screens and offers up to an 18 percent improvement in contrast ratio. It has a widescreen resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels--perfect for watching DVD movies the way they were meant to be seen. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses Intel Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) and provides up to 224 MB of shared video memory. It also offers an integrated audio card and built-in Altec Lansing speakers.
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
The Intel PRO wireless LAN 3945ABG provides a tri-mode network connection (supporting 802.11a/b/g), with throughput up to 54 Mbps at 5 GHz (802.11a) and 2.4 GHz (802.11g). It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54/34 card slot (though no standard PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. You get a good offering of connectivity options:
- 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
- 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
- 1 VGA monitor port
- 1 S-Video port for connecting to a TV
- 1 ExpressCard 54/34
- 2 headphone jacks (1 with S/PDIF digital audio compatibility) and 1 microphone jack
- 1 notebook expansion port 3 (for use with the HP xb3000 Expansion Base or the HP Notebook QuickDock)
- 1 consumer IR (infrared)
- 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)
Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.
Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.
Preloaded Software
Includes Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office 2007 Student and Teacher Edition (60-day trial), Muvee Autoproducer Basic Edition, Roxio Creator 9 Basic, PC Recovery, HP PhotoSmart Essentials, and Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update).
Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 14.05 x 10.12 x 1.56 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 6.14 pounds.
Power
This notebook is powered by a 6-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which offers up to 2 hours of battery life (dependent upon computing conditions).
What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion dv6426us notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, IR remote control, earphones, and operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance for one year. Software is also covered for 30 days from date of purchase.
heavy but nice (2008-07-03)
i really like it and will be buyin this series for gift in the future. this particular is a bit heavy and does not do well in portability but it has a nice sleek look.
Arguably The Best Value In A Media Laptop For The Money! (2008-05-02)
Thumbs Up:
Fast processor, extreme good looks, rugged construction, HP's history of quality, price.
Thumbs Down:
Vista, 5400rpm HD, 1 gig of memory, annoying fan noise due to processor heat, HP's poor record for service.
The Bottom Line:
If you don't mind Vista, or can replace it with XP, and a fan doesn't bother you, this may well be the best value in a media laptop you'll find.
What I Think:
I've used computers for over 25 years. I've owned many laptops and this is by far the best Windows deck I've owned.
First off it's beautiful. Made well and rugged, lighter than most it's size, gorgeous bright screen, 15.4 WXGA, 160g HD. Built in 1.3 mp webcam and mic, Intel pro-wireless, 6 cell bat, and a boatload more included features. Mine also came with a Lightscribe DVD burner, HP's bootless QuickPlay software for playing the DVDs without having to use Windows.
The Hp dv6426us comes with three expansion ports, a Firewire port, three USB 2 ports, a 5-in-1 digital media reader, etc.
The only real drawback I've found on this laptop compared to all the many others I've owned is that it comes loaded with Windows Vista. This is my first Vista machine and I absolutely hate it. It totally fills the 1 gig memory the machine comes with even when idle. When something triggers the processor, it will go over 100%, no matter what the program. And the Vongo and other junk prepackaged with the machine slows it to a crawl. You'll have to rip all of that out to see the true speed this laptop really has.
Since I've had it, I've only used it for email on the road. But I plan this summer when things slow down to dump Vista and load either XP Pro or Vista Lite (an unauthorized stripped down version of Vista) onto the HP. Besides it getting a little warm on the bottom side due to the heat generated by the Intel Core Duo processor and the fans coming on and off the cool it, this is an unbelievable steal at this price.
I first saw this laptop being used by people in my line of work. This machine was showing up everywhere. So I asked each of these folks if they likes the machine and what were the main drawbacks. They all said they loved the machine and that the cons were few, mostly the warm underside and the fan noise. Some of the machines issued produce a high pitched whine, which if it's too troublesome, you can contact HP and exchange the laptop for a new (not refurbished one like Dell gets away with). At that time, it was selling for around $950.00 to $1,000.00. I just happened to see it on deep discount at Circuit City for $650.00. I grabbed the last one they had and after about nine months, I still love the deck.
It comes with the slower 5400 rpm hard drive and I may swap that out for the much faster 7200 rpm drive. And I'm definitely going to add another gig of memory. Unfortunately, this laptop has a limit of 2 gigs of memory.
It's not for gamers so if you are looking for a portable gaming machine, don't buy this one for that. But if you need an outstanding laptop for dirt cheap, this is the one to look at!
What It's Features Are:
Intel Core Duo T2450 2 GHz Processor
15.4 WXGA High-Definition BrightView Widescreen Display (1024 x 768)
160 GB 5400 rpm Hard Disc Drive
1024 mb DDR2 SDRAM memory (2 Dimm)
Intel PRO Wireless 3945 a/b/g 802 11a/b/g integrated Wireless LAN
Lightscribe Super Multi 8x DVD+/-RW Double Layer Supported
6-Cell battery
HP DVD/CD Quick Play
HP Mobile Remote Control
5-in-1 Digital Media Card Slot
ExpressCard/54 PC Expansion Card Slot
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with shared graphics memory
Windows Vista Home Premium OS
1.3mp Integrated Webcam
Integrated microphone
Mobile Stereo Earbud Headphones
Expansion Port 3
What I Like:
I love the styling. It's smart and professional looking and has lots of sex appeal too. The machine is built rugged and feels like it will take some abuse. It's easy to use. The buttons are well lit and marked and the keyboard feels good to the fingers, though some say it's a bit springy. Though only an XGA, the screen is bright, clear and easy to read with vibrant colors. The integrated sound is good enough for listening to mp3s and web radio on the road. I've not had the bottom panels off yet so I can't comment on easy of using the expansion ports or changing out memory. The DVD burner is easy to use with the enclosed cheapo burning software. I would recommend you replace it with what you are used to using to burn CDs and DVDs. Once you uninstall all of the garbage out of the machine and cheap unnecessary programs that try to load at boot time, this machine flies with speed. Even though it's not a feather weight (around 6 and a half pounds), it's very totable and can even be used on your lap.
What I Don't Like:
VISTA! Sorry but this is a terrible OS. Windows really shot itself in the foot with this. I've not talked to one person since this came out who likes it, even a little. Sure the graphics are cute, but you don't buy a computer for animated Mac style graphics. The new built in high security system is a joke. What it is is merely a series of questions when you click a button. It's like this:
Operator: Clicked a button to do something
Windows Security: Are you sure you wanted to do that?
Operator: Yes, click
Windows Security: Are you REALLY sure you wanted to do that?
Operator: YES! Click
Windows Security: Windows Security thinks this is an unauthorized attempt to access this computer. Access denied
Operator: BUT I'M THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THIS COMPUTER!!!
And this happens for every single thing you try to do in Vista. So you end up turning the High Security system off. Which right there tells you how secure it is. When I got this laptop and started immediately having trouble with Vista, I went online and found numerous blogs and articles saying the same thing. And there are no fixes for just being a big, poorly written, bloated operating system. What these IT experts did was either use Vista Lite, a stripped down version of Vista, or wipe the whole hard drive clean and "upgrade" to Windows XP Pro, which is what I use on my desktop and really love. That's probably what I will do when I get the chance.
Also, the HP Quick Play buttons are very easy to accidently activate and then it's a pain to get out of that program quickly.
And look out for the wireless activation button on the front. Grab the computer wrong and it turns off and you'll forget to check that as the problem.
This computer comes with the Intel Core Duo processor. This is not the same as the Core 2 Duo, which runs a lot cooler than the Core Duo. So what that means is more internal heat which will eventually affect the components and may shorten their lifespan. But the main affect is a very warm bottom on the computer which can get uncomfortable if you sit it for long periods of time on your legs or lap. It won't burn you but it does get warm. The second result is fans. There are several, including a pretty soft one that stays on all the time. When you start running multiple programs, especially graphic intensive ones, or have multiple windows open, the fans come on and at their extreme, they really scream. If there is anything I would label a design flaw with this machine, it would be this heat issue and the fan noise. But for me, it's a minor annoyance for what I use this laptop for.
My Conclusions:
All in all, I love this laptop computer. It's exactly what I was looking for with a cross of the high end media features and the zip of a gaming machine, plus the simplicity of a standard use notebook. If you consider buying this computer, before you load it up with software and programs, give yourself a break-in period to see if you will be happy with Vista. Most folks aren't but most also are not up to the task of replacing their operating system from scratch, and then reloading all the software and programs back into the machine, and then trouble shooting the new installation looking for drivers for the hardware that may not be supported automatically by XP. An option is to have the store where you buy it do that swap out for you. Know this, that they will charge you to reload your computer, AND you will have to pay for the other OS. Most non-professionals just tough out Vista and all of it's problems. If you keep it, you'll definitely need to replace the memory with two new sticks of 1gig high speed RAM. That's around another $200.00 to do that since the 1gig that comes with the machine is really two sticks of 500megs so you won't be able to use it. You could then always sell the 1gig on eBay.
Good luck!
HP Laptops (2008-03-17)
In August, before going off to college, as many other college students have done in the past and continue to do, I went on a search to find a laptop for school. Although my school endorses Macs and Dells, I decided on an HP. My family has owned many HP's in the past and from what I had read it sounded like a great laptop. Unfortunately, it was only great on paper. It freezes and I have had to erase the hard drive multiple times. And, the big problem, the battery that it comes with only lasts an hour. It is not a bad battery though, when HP was contacted, they confirmed that the battery that comes with the laptop is only supposed to last an hour. There is a battery that will last from 2.5 to 3 hours that you can purchase for $150, but 2.5 to 3 hours is a maximum estimate and that battery hangs below the computer, as they claim, giving your computer a nice slant. Who would market this type of a computer to college students? Would you really send your own kid off to college to attend lectures with a laptop battery that lasts a maximum of one hour?! I don't care if a businessman, college student, or any type of student for that matter is using it. Selling a laptop with a battery life of one hour and not having that in the literature is not excusable. HP should be ashamed. They should also be ashamed by their incompetent call center workers who, when they don't disconnect your calls and speak English clearly and know what they are talking about, talk down to you. One woman forgot to log my call and another said that she would call me back in an hour- it took her over 48 hours. I eventually had to resort to having my parents handle this issue which has yet to be satisfactorily resolved. At one point my mother had been on hold for 45 minutes. Now they are sending me the 2.5 to 3 hour battery free, and they suggested I keep that battery that lasts an hour so I can carry it around with me as I have 2 lectures in a row and need the battery to last a minimum of 3 hours, which we all know it won't. How sad is that, even they know the battery won't last that long. Unfortunately, in the end it is the college student who is at a disadvantage, as her parents have already shelled out nine hundred dollars on this HP laptop and then went out and got an HP desktop for the family. Yet, had they known that this laptop had such poor battery life, they would have 1) never purchased it to begin with and 2) kept this one and not purchased the desktop and gotten me a different laptop instead. Needless to say, this will be the last HP product I EVER buy.
HP DV6458se Notebook (2008-01-16)
I picked up this computer for $899 on sale and had it since october of '07, and it's been a great machine. HP lists this an an "entertainment" notebook, and I can say that it does that and more.
I upgraded from a sony Vaio PCG-K25 series, known to be high quality and reliability, and this HP machine hasn't dissapointed me. Before I bought this one though I was skeptical after hearing rumors about reliability and hardware problems, but I can say these are unfounded. I've never had a problem with it, aside from getting used to Vista.
I do college online, and do a lot of multitasking, and the AMD Turion (dual-core 2.0 GHz) processor is great, lots of speed, quick file recovery and no lag switching between windows even with four or more open at once. I compared this processor's performance to the Intel Core 2 Duo's in the same class (the T7200 and T7500) and found similar if not better performance with comparable RAM (2000MB DDRII 667 MHz) and graphics cards. The only difference between the Intel and AMD machines was price, the AMD machine was $300 cheaper!
Battery life with the 12-cell battery is about 4-1/2 hours with the WiFi off, and 3 or so with it on, overall great battery life.
I do a lot of music editing, and the Altec-Lansing speakers on this machine are better than most laptops, lots better than on the Sony. The screen is great also, awesome resolution, no dead pixels, and plenty of brightness, one of the better (if not best) screens on a notebook computer I've seen.
I don't do any gaming, so the NVIDIA 6150 card is fine It doesn't have the same performance of the GS8400's or X1600's, but perfectly fine for any kind of video editing and producting or PC games out there.
Overall, if you are looking for a good quality, high-performance notebook for the money, this is one to consider. The screen is awesome, the speakers are acceptable, and there's no shortage of ports and connectivity. As for the reports of HP's questionable customer service and reliability, I've never had a problem with my HP products and I've owned computers, printers, and all-in-ones for the last 6 years.
Love this laptop! (2008-01-06)
I'm really happy with this laptop- it works great, and has everything I need for basic daily use. Beautiful wide screen, with a bright background. Windows Vista takes some getting used to, but has great features (and I absolutely love Office 2007).
Back to the computer- Overall, this laptop is great though. I LOVE the media button, where you can play DVDs, take pictures with the camera built into the top of the laptop, play music, etc. Also, my laptop came with this super-cool little media remote, that makes the QuickPlay function work. The remote is a really really tiny version of a TV remote, and lets you play your DVDs and use all the functions from far away. Definitely a cool little gadget that got me sold on this laptop! Speakers are great too. Oh, and all the outlets for USBs, internet, media cards etc are really well-placed and functional. Speaking of media cards, there's this one slot that can take any size media cards. So if you want pictures from your friend's digital camera, and they have a different media card than you, they all still fit in the same slot. Pretty cool! I also haven't gotten to try out the LightScribe function yet on the DVD burner, but it sounds really exciting. Another cool function: if you don't want to use the mousepad and would rather use a mouse, you can press a little button right above the mousepad that "locks" it, so that while you're typing, you don't accidentally move the mouse. Oh, and the laptop is really fast too- always a plus.
Also, I have three minor issues, but they still don't change my rating:
1. The QuickPlay media and DVD buttons are easy to accidentally press when you're using the keyboard. They require such a light touch, that it's really easy to do that, and then it interrupts what you're doing because you have to wait for the QuickPlay program to start up. The buttons also have a kind of annoying high-pitched beep sound.
2. The wireless internet on/off switch is on the front of the laptop, so sometimes when you're moving your laptop, the switch can easily get turned off and interrupt your internet usage. But it's really not a big deal.
3. The other thing is that the little pads on the bottom of the laptop that cushion it when sitting on a desk can come off easily. This one is really my fault though, since I often leave my laptop on my bed, and it gets very hot, and thus the glue melts on the rubber pads and makes it easy for them to come off. Just something to keep in mind!
I highly recommend this laptop to everyone! It's been great so far, and hopefully it stays that way!
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