HP Pavilion dv1000 Notebook Computer

View this as you will, bragging about a toy or an advertising plug, but it is something I want to share. Okay, I think it's time for a nice rave. I'm a tekkie, as most may know. I've owned many notebooks and never, ever been as impressed as I am with this little gem. Though I do prefer notebooks to desktops, partly because I like to travel with it. Besides, it gives more meaning to "personal" in Personal Computer (PC) *chuckle*

So, I thought I'd blog my review. After 4 months with this unit, I've traveled with it, used it at work, played movies, music and some games (though I must admit, I am no gamer)... and as impressed with it today as I was when it arrived.

OS boot is fast. Windows XP Pro has never booted faster! I have a ZX5000 series which was given to my son when this one arrived. This unit is a P4, 3GHz w/ HT and the DV1000 (Intel Pentium M, 1.7GHz) launches and fully boots in half the time of the 5000. In fact, I would describe the overall operation of this one as "tight," for the most part. Though, from time to time, after boot sequence is complete, if I have changed wireless networks, for instance, from home to office and vice-versa, it will take about a minute to discover. Beyond that, I have no complaints because unless I connect to another wireless network, it boots and connects quite quickly. This is a well made machine. I'd give it an overall grade of A-. Each negative aspect, listed below, though small, affected the overal rating.

1) 12 cell battery does stick out too far. Despite this fact, it is in itself, a plus because it also serves to sit at an angle. This allows for better airflow underneath, keeping the unit overall cool and provides a little more of an ergonomic solution. For me, anyway, it is more comfortable than flat.

2) USB device boot not possible. This is my main complaint.

3) In order to run QuickPlay music, cuts need to be in the Shared Music directory rather than personal. A minor, very minor annoyance, but an annoyance never-the-less.

4) USB Digital slot not available on this model as on the ZX5000 series. PCMCIA slots are as useful these days as floppy drives! Largely a waste of space.

This is a convenient tool to use at work. If you've taken the time to read my bio, you'd know that I run the IT Department for a manufacturing firm and have to utilize this from time to time. It's small enough that it does not get in the way and if I need to power it up, waiting is no time at all. It also serves as my musical diversion while at my desk. Since I've imposed a strict policy about music, personal files and mp3's on workstations and the network, this works great as an alternative.

Speaker quality, I give an A+. This little beasty provides outstanding audio for it's size. Battery Life, A. You cannot complain about 6 hours of life. Less when playing movies, but you can still play a full feature and still have life left for other tasks without fear of losing data. I estimated about another hour and a half after watching Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Extended Version.

I also use this for remote administration when away from my office. If I have a WiFi connection wherever I am, just vpn into my server then launch remote desktop, I am on any machine I need to access. Great for middle-of-the-night calls when production is down. The wireless connection is actually decidedly faster than my 100mb connection on my desktop which is also a Pavilion (AMD 2200+) Quite frankly, I believe I've done with this laptop more than anyone can do with most other brands or even HP models. Keyboard is comfortable, screen is bright and clear. It's also a great looking gadget. In fact, other than my workstation in the office, this is my primary computer.

Anyway, this is probably the best notebook computer around. One last point, this unit is so quiet, the only way I can tell it is on is to actually check the screen or button lights! If you're teetering between a Dell (which I DO recommend for most business applications and use on my network) and one of these babies, go for the DV1000. Although I realize notebooks are not for everyone, I'd still recommend it if you need some mobility. This really gives you that plus an unbeatable entertainment system. You won't be sorry!