Laptop Reviews
Laptop reviews will help you narrow down the options and decide with laptop is right for you, if you're looking for a new one. Check out reviews of laptops and share advice about the best laptops, great laptop discounts and bargains, and... [more]
Laptop reviews will help you narrow down the options and decide with laptop is right for you, if you're looking for a new one. Check out reviews of laptops and share advice about the best laptops, great laptop discounts and bargains, and general advice about selecting a new laptop computer.
HP Pavilion DV2-1030US 12.1-Inch Laptop Reviews
Other products by Hewlett Packard Ratting 3.5 Out of 5.0 Special Offer Total New 5 Total Use 1
Read More HP Pavilion DV2-1030US 12.1-Inch Laptop Reviews From Here Now
Product Description
For those who want an ultra thin and fully-functional notebook at a great value, the HP Pavilion dv2-1030us Entertainment PC delivers the next evolution in a notebook experience. Ultra thin, the dv2 -1030us provides the functionality not normally found in premium thin-and-light notebooks or in ultra-portable netbooks: AMD Athlon™ Neo Processor for Ultrathin Notebooks MV-40, 4GB DDR2 System Memory, Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium 64-bit with Service Pack 1, 12.1" Diagonal WXGA High-Definition (8) HP LED BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800), ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 3410 Graphics with M82-SE LP with up to 2302MB total graphics memory with 512MB dedicated, 320GB hard drive and standard connectivity options including HDMI and a 5:1 media card reader. Integrated WiFi and optional WWAN, plus the HP Webcam, make face-to-face chat from anywhere easy.Measuring just under 1-inch thick and weighing just under 4 pounds, the HP Pavilion dv2-1030us makes it easy for your to work and play on the go thanks to its bright 12.1-inch LED BrightView display and a nearly full-size keyboard. The lustrous magnesium-aluminum alloy casing on the outside is complemented by color-matched HP Imprint finish on the inside in Espresso black.
 The HP Pavilion dv2-1030us in Espresso Imprint. |
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Turn your next instant message into a live video chat with the integrated webcam and omni-directional microphone. Optimized for low-light environments, it's great for capturing short videos to share on your favorite social networking site. Carry all your favorite entertainment with the large-capacity 320 GB hard drive and HP MediaSmart software, which enables access to DVDs, videos, photos, music, and Internet TV at the touch of a button--including access to the best video clips from Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and MTV. An HDMI port also allows you to connect the Pavilion dv2 to your HDTV for large-screen, high-def viewing.
Other features include 4 GB of RAM (maximum capacity), an 8x SuperMulti dual-layer DVD drive with LightScribe printing, Draft-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11a/b/g/n), Fast Ethernet wired networking, a 5-in-1 memory card reader, and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3410 graphics (with 512 MB discrete memory and up to 2302 MB total system-allocated video memory). Additionally, HP's ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection locks your hard drive into place when it senses abrupt motion to help prevent data loss.
High Style
Expanding on the sophisticated elegance of HP's notebook design from the past few years, the new DV series is defined by fluid, modern lines and metalized finishes. Bursts of energy and excitement are brought to life with the HP Expresso Black Imprint, using bright flickering balls that erupt outwared against a sleek black backdrop. The streamlined look is enhanced with a color-matched keyboard and touchpad. And touch media controls light up and become visible only when the system is powered on further enhancing the clean appearance.
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- Processor: Designed to deliver the balanced performance you need from your ultra-thin notebook, the 1.6 GHz AMD Athlon Neo MV-40 is an energy-efficient processor that helps keep your laptop running cool. It has a 512 KB L2 cache and up to 1600 MT/s system bus running at AC/DC mode. AMD's PowerNow! technology is the first dynamic power management technology in the industry--dynamically switches performance states (processor core voltage and operating frequency) based on processor performance requirements--and helping extend system battery life.
- Hard Drive: The large 320 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.
You'll enjoy enhanced hard drive protection with HP's Protectsmart, which includes a 3D accelerometer that safeguards your data by parking your hard drive if your notebook detects any range of motion, such as being knocked off your desk, falling or taking abuse.
- Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity of this notebook.
- 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 92 percent full-sized keyboard and a touchpad with a scroll zone.
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You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 12.1-inch WXGA high-definition LED BrightView screen, which contains no mercury and is more efficient and thus draws less battery power. 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 ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3410, which provides 512 MB of discrete graphics memory (for 2302 MB of total available graphics memory). ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3400 Series graphics processors have breakthrough efficiency, with phenomenal performance-per-watt and energy-saving features. Advance to the power of discrete graphics for HD gaming with best-in-class performance, amazing effects, and lifelike worlds and characters delivering a compelling gaming experience.
The Altec Lansing speakers provide exceptional sound, and it also includes SRS Premium Sound.
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). It comes with the following external connectors:
- 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
- 1 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
- Analog video output: 1 VGA
- 1 ExpressCard/54 slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)
- 1 headphone jack
- 1 microphone jack
- 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)
- 10/100 Fast Ethernet networking
Operating System
The 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium (with SP1) 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
- HP MediaSmart Software Suite: Your one-stop multimedia and entertainment center to create photo slideshows, share personal videos, listen to your favorite music playlists and watch DVD movies.
- muvee autoProducer Basic: Automatically create professional looking home videos and burn to DVD.
- Cyberlink DVD Suite Deluxe: Automatically fix and edit videos and create CDs and DVDs. Edit, burn and archive data to discs.
- Microsoft Works 9: Includes a word processor, spreadsheet, database and calendar.
- Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition 2007 (60-day trial version).
- Adobe Reader 8: Read and print PDF files.
- Norton Internet Security 2009 protects your PC and your identity when you email, bank and shop online; 60 days of protection updates included.
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This notebook measures 11.5 x 9.45 x 0.93 inches (WxDxH, and it weighs 3.95 pounds.
Power
It's powered by a 6-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of up to 3.5 hours (depending on usage).
What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion dv2-1030us notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, 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.
Reduce your impact on the environment with this Energy Star-certified system and HP's innovative take-back options, including trade-in, recycling and donation.
Technical Details
- AMD Athlon™ Neo Processor for Ultrathin Notebooks MV-40- 4096MB DDR2 System Memory (1 Dimm)
- 320GB (5400RPM) Hard Drive (SATA), SuperMulti 8x DVD+-R/RW Drive
- Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium 64-bit with Service Pack 1
- 12.1" Diagonal WXGA High-Definition (8) HP LED BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800), ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 3410 Graphics
See more technical details
By Karen (California, USA)
I bought 2 HP laptops and have had nothing but trouble. 1 laptop had to go back to the shop three times: once because the bracket connecting the screen to the keyboard broke, once because the hard drive was defective and once because the sound card was defective. One time I sent it to HP and they returned my computer still broken. My other laptop had to be returned to the factory because the hard drive was defective. I have had to do so many system restores (and in fact did one last night) and lost programs that I had to buy (Word Perfect). Even though it was supposed to have been repaired, my itunes library still doesn't play right. The music will skip. This computer is a huge disappointment. I don't even use the computer anymore because it is so annoying. Vista makes it even worse (although I think hp finally realized this.)
By Ethan P. (USA)
This little machine has served me well since I bought it in July (it is now October). The Pavilion DV2-1030US is a product in its own market segment. It's too big to be considered a netbook, but the performance and price are a little too weak to be considered a true ultraportable. This means that the laptop comes with its own set of compromises.
Pros:
-Low price
-Light weight
-Strong graphics
-Good looks
-Good screen resolution, for what it is
-Works well with Windows 7 (see below for caveats)
-Upgradable to bluetooth and 3G WWAN (if you know where to look)
-Good CPU (by netbook standards)
Cons:
-Poor battery life, by any standard
-Shipped OS is slow, and encumbered by pre-installed applications
-Anemic CPU performance (by ultraportable standards) - could certainly benefit by a dual-core processor
-Screen has a poor viewing angle
-Screen hinge angle only allow for a 45 degree opening angle
-No multi-touch trackpad
-Shiny black plastic is a magnet for fingerprints
-No built-in bluetooth
Notes:
Using the shipped OS (Vista Home Premium 64-bit), the system was so slow that it was practically unusable. It has plenty of memory to handle the OS, but the hard drive and CPU were completely encumbered by Vista and all of the pre-installed trialware. I immediately installed the Windows 7 RC, and later the RTM version. Windows 7 was fast, looked great, and worked well. However, I ran into problems with support for power management. It was not able to shut down cleanly, hibernate, or recover from sleep. Support for much of the internal hardware was sketchy, at best; even using 64-bit Vista drivers (such as the hard drive accelerometer, webcam, SDHC reader, and wireless networking). Support has improved with a recently-released BIOS upgrade from HP - I can shut the system down normally, use wireless networking reliably, the webcam works, as does the SDHC reader. Support for the hard drive accelerometer is still nonexistant. I am certain that support for all of the hardware will only get better as Windows 7 is officially released and thus supported by HP.
For normal SD video playback, the DV2-1030us works just fine. I've had issues with audio/video sync and dropped frames trying to play 720p video via VLC. The latest version of Media Player Classic seems to use the DXVA hardware to play smooth 720p video without severely taxing the CPU (see [...]).
At the beginning of the review, I mentioned that the system came with its own set of compromises. This is true for a number of reasons, and is not necessarily reason to fault this product. By netbook standards, the screen resolution is outstanding, the CPU is fast, the price is right (albeit a little higher than most netbooks), and it has gobs of memory. By ultraportable standards, the CPU is slower than molasses, and the screen resolution is average. By any standard, the battery life is poor (about 3 hours of normal use).
If you're looking for something that can play 3 hours of video, and do a more than a standard netbook at a reasonable price, look no further. If you want to do any heavy lifting, number crunching, virtualization, or serious multi-tasking, you may want to consider a true ultraportable. There are a number of true ultraportables on the market for a reasonable price. If you buy directly from HP, you can customize a DV2 with a dual-core processor, 3G WWAN, and more. Unfortunately, once these options are applied, the costs approaches (or even exceeds) that of a true ultraportable, and the battery life is still compromised.
With the above pros and cons considered, I am quite pleased with this system - it will serve me well for a long time to come. When I originally purchased the device, it did not quite fit into any market segment. When judged by that standard, it is an outstanding product. There are a number of products that have recently entered the market that compete in a very similar segment. From the reviews at [...], these new products also compromise in some areas. However, they all crush this little device in terms of battery life. Given the choices available when I bought this, I would buy it again. Weighed against the new offerings on the market, I would definitely give serious consideration to a competing product.
By GroovyGeek (Melbourne, Victoria Australia)
If you've been put off by the heat and battery life issues reported by some reviewers, let me say that these completely disappear under Windows 7. I noticed the fan blowing hot air out of the side vent shortly after booting into Windows Vista for the first time but after installing Windows 7 and upgrading the BIOS, the DV2 runs cool and quiet. With CPU undervolting - Google is your friend - the 6 cell battery will provide four hours of constant use with the 'Power Saver' energy profile; something my old MSI Wind u100 could barely manage.
Netbook or notebook? Whatever you call it, the HP DV2-1030us is a stylish and capable ultraportable computer, well-suited for home and business use.
By Michael H. Le
Bought this from HP's website, and not amazon's... so my experience will not reflect the same exact product you see from Amazon.
I bought 2 of these, and I'm returning both of them right away. I had already made a compromise when I bought this laptop. I'm going to start with the cons, since they are the main reason why I'm so dissatisfied with the product.
Cons:
- It runs really hot (more than I'm accustomed to, which hps are kinda known for.)
- Because of its design, it has the chassis of a 13" laptop but the viewing (screen) size of only a 12" laptop. If you look at the pictures, you'll see that the bezel/hinge isn't designed to save room. It kind of bothers me since there's a gap that you can see through. What irritates me even further is the wasted screen space. It wastes over 2 full inches (in height), which makes the chassis/size of the notebook bigger than it should be (wastes more space than any computer i've seen).
- HDMI doesn't work with my monitor - that's right, there's about a 1 inch gap to the left, right, top, and bottom parts of my external monitor. The gap is black, and is unusable.. which means it turns my 24" monitor into more of a 20" monitor. Maybe this can be fixed, but all I know is that I experienced this right out of the box. I tried changing the resolution and other tidbits, but to no avail.
- For people who buy at hpshopping's website, the integrated x1250 ati radeon version will NOT have HDMI. HP was not very clear to me about this, and I made the mistake of purchasing it.
- I also didn't like the touchpad.. it feels glossy and unlike anything I've ever used before. My fingers drag over it, and especially when it's oily.
- I've never owned an HP before, but I really hate the glossy feel to the whole system.
Pros:
- It really is thin
- It can play Hulu/HD flash videos (unlike other weaker cpus)
- Maybe i haven't used it enough to experience any other pros, but the only thing that i'd liked on this computer so far has been its thin form factor. The wasted screen size (hence bigger chassis) kind of nullifies the slim-ness of the laptop though.
Bottom line: This laptop is NOT worth it for the money. It's supposed to be in near or around the netbook league, but still sells for around $600 to $700. If you want a nice small laptop packed with features, check out the Acer 1410.
By mrmicheal (USA)
i have had it for a month bought it from amazon for 599. for me works well using the internet not too heavy to
carry around good entertainment features good looking only drawback runs on the hot side if you use for example
on top of your bed, better to use on a table or a cool place
Images Product
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