HP NC8430 review

[petrv]

Is anybody using the nc8430 with WXGA (1280x800) display? From the specs, uit doesn't look very nice...but I still prefer this resolution.

Thanks,
Petr

[Best Foot Forward]

All notebook speakers tend to be crap. Are you saying they are crap in reference to regular speakers, or in comparison to other notebook speakers? Other reviewers have said positive comments about the speakers.

Do they distort, sound tinny, or just lack bass?

Anyone else feel free to comment. I'm trying to decide between the T60 and nc8430.

In comparison to regular speakers (that is just the standard cheapo ones that come with PC's) the ones on the nc8430 are pretty dire. Although I haven't had much experience with notebooks prior to owning this one, I reckon that these are up to par either, but don't quote me on that.

The sound is as you describe it, but they don't distort. Music sounds horrible on this notebook, but I workaround that with my Sennheiser HD 595

[Johnny]

To be honest, the speakers on this machine are just fine. They are far better than the speakers on the HP Pavilion 4000, and are up to par with other notebooks. My only gripe, although understandable, is the lack of base found in the music.

Battery life ranges from 2hrs to over 5hrs depending on what you are using it for.

[HomeSkillet]

Can't think the speakers are any worse then my Dell 6000. I think as a whole, notebook speakers suck with the exception of some 17" high-end media centers.

[petrv]

In my opinion ES591EA is better choice (because of DVD burner).. and You can always extend warranty by HP Care Pack
I´ve also ordered nc 8430 (yesterday), configured by HP Top Config - I think its available not only in my Country (Czech Republic). So I´m looking forward CTD 2500, 80GB HDD (7200 rpm), 1GB 667MHz RAM (1 DIMM), DWD RW and 4y extended warranty - let You know about it as soon as I get it

Zdravim krajana z Ceska!
(little bit of Czech language )

Where have you bought the nc8430 using the HP Top Config? It's little bit OT, so could you please write me on petr (zavinac) veit.cz ?

Thanks,
Petr

[Best Foot Forward]

Thanks for your mini review. Did you get a chance to test the battery life or fingerprint scanner?

My model doesn't come with the fingerprint scanner-it's an optional feature. I couldn't afford the higher spec models

Haven't tested the battery life yet.

[rcaero]

Hi,

Are the 3DMark05 scores with the latest Omega drivers? It seems a little bit lower compared to a similar spec Acer 8204?

[HomeSkillet]

It's hard to say, the scores for both machines are a little scattered. I will check out the stock memory/core speeds in the next few days.

However, I won't touch the 8200 to save my soul. I have heard stores ranging from a very dim screen to heat problems to poor battery life. The build quality isn't in HP's category either. To stack that on top of an almost 300 dollars difference in price? No thanks.

[celondil]

Got my a couple of weeks ago. Specs are the same as the one ordered by HomeSkillet, except I ordered a bit too early for the rebate

GPU Clock is set to 425/378 while on main.

3dMark 05 = 3765
3dMark 06 = 1693

Drivers were the stock ones that came with the system -- 8.223.4.

[mobo]

Hi,

Any hints where to order 8430 from ?