HP Pavilion dv5z Review

[marcklaser]

I doubt it - at that price-point, I doubt they would use add-on modules for video. It simply costs too much. You're talking the connectors, the logic on the mainboard for the interface, the module pcb plus IT'S logic onboard...
They probably just solder the 3450/3650 onto the mainboard, and, correct me if I'm wrong, the 3200 is integrated into the chipset so nothing additional required there.

T

Oh I see. I thought the 3450 was a card they threw in instead of soldering. Thanks.

[Sannyg]

Have anyone tried to install windows xp on the hp pavilion dv5z?

[Scottydont]

Basically, it doesn't feel like a cheap laptop even though it's a sub-$1,000 notebook. The dv5 series notebooks feel solid in your hands, but these aren't government certified rugged notebooks designed to survive a 50-foot drop on concrete or withstand being run over by a car.

The chassis plastics are thick so they won't bend and flex in your hands and the "skeleton" on the notebook is rigid enough to withstand "typical" use and abuse ... but the dv5 series isn't a Panasonic Toughbook.

Here's an example of what we consider to be a "rugged" notebook:

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4327

Thanks Jerry.

[citizen53]

I can get either one for $799 from Best Buy, but am having a hard time to decide.

Here are the specs:

Dell:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1211454761803

HP:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1213399970436

I am not a gamer, but just upgrading from my older computers. I spend a lot of time on the web, doing research, and writing. I will be overseas and probably start watching movies, and generally want the most bang and performance for the buck. Is the larger hard drive and better battery life worth the tradeoff for better functionality, graphics and weight. Is the Intel 8100 comparable to the new AMD Turion? Is there any real difference between Dell and HP?

Any opinions gladly appreciated.

[Sharkonwheels]

batteries suck man. I can't wait till that new supposed technology comes out. Then we will never every complain about notebook battery life, never worry about getting more powerful video cards, and processors. the new technology developed by standford university uses silicon rods instead of graphite and supposed one may get a 48 hr battery notebook. Now that's kick . I just don't know when the hell this will ever come out or if it will.

I'm just reading this thread beginning to end, so if this is discussed later, forgive me.

Being in the RC car hobby, I get to play with some cutting edge batteries now and then. If you are speaking of LiPo (Lithoum Polymer) then there is a good reason why they aren't used in many (if at all) laptops:

LiPo intentional overcharge video

This is a single cell, probably 1500-2000mah, being intentionally overcharged.

LiIon is relatively safe, has good charge/discharge rates for notebooks, and has a good lifecycle.

LiPo can hold MORE energy, ins the same space, and discharge rates can go to nearly triple the LiIon rates.

More so with Lithium technologies, charge/discharge rates use a metric named 'C', ie, 10C. What this means, is 10 times the capacity, so for example, a 2000mah cell has 2.0A capacity, it's max continuous discharge rate (assuming it's rated at 10C) would be 10 x 2.0 = 20 amps.

Now, higher capacity, higher performance cells can get up to 25-30C rates, and nowadays, a LiPo pack the size of a pack of 100-sized cigarettes can be rated 6000-8000mah. If you do the math, assuming 30C rate at 6000mah, you get 30 x 6.0 = 180amps.

That is ALOT of energy, and a whole heck of alot of current at dead short, which can reach bursts of 40-70C depending on the cells, you can see why most manufacturers hesitate to use LiPo cells in laptops.

If mishandled or subject to a failure, as shown in the video, they can cause a very bad day - that video shows a single cell, probably 1500-2000mah @ 10C rating.

You can probably imagine what a 4000mah 4-cell (14.8v), 5-cell (18.5V), or even 6-cell (22.2v) could do!


T

[freshone]

Minor update on this laptop. Under the ATI 3450 choice on HPs site now lists "Includes 1394 firewire and 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports". Also the current discount went from $100 up to $150. I think I'm sold.

[amp]

me too , I just ordered the one below, but should wait 2 weeks to try working out crossfire and maybe winxp, too. I also ordered OCZ 4GB from newegg. BTW great review, JerryJ, and thanks to all who shared a lot of info here.

HP Pavilion dv5z customizable Notebook PC
Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
AMD Turion(TM) X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processor ZM-82 (2.2GHz)
15.4" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
FREE Upgrade to 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 1GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)!!
256MB ATI Radeon(TM) HD 3450 Graphics
FREE Upgrade to 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive from 120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
HP Imprint Finish (Mesh) + Microphone + Webcam
HP Color Matching Keyboard
802.11b/g WLAN
No High speed 56K modem port
SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
No TV Tuner w/remote control
High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

[KING19]

After a week with this laptop its pretty kickass. The build quality, the looks, the performance. I hope crossfire will be enable soon to unlock the full potental of the AMD puma platform

[dr_devious]

Just bought myself one the dv5z and one side of the keyboard is flex free and solid, but the left side has alot of flex and the keys are mushier...is this normal or should I do an exchange?

[Sannyg]

I read the review of the hp pavilion dv5z written by notebookreview (Jerry) and they (he) gave this laptop a pretty good review. So, I went and ordered mine from hp and I should get it within a few days.

Recently Cnet put out a review and gave this notebook a rating of 6.1 (terrible rating). Crap! I wished I had waited for the publication of Cnet review before placing the order. Then I could compare both reviews and make a better choice of notebook.

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/hp-p...-33088547.html