We reviewed an early version of the HP Pavilion dv6000 that was built on a 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7400 processor, however that processor will not be offered on the system initially (for now, the dv6000 will top out with the 2GHz Core 2 Duo T7200 chip). The rest of our configuration will be available, though -- 1GB of fast 667MHz RAM; a 100GB, 5,400rpm hard drive; and an Nvidia GeForce Go 7500 graphics card with 256MB of VRAM.
Performance
On CNET Labs' application benchmarks, the Pavilion dv6000 excelled at the processor-intensive iTunes encoding test, completing the tasks noticeably faster than the PC Club Enpower ENP680 (also based on Core 2 Duo) and Dell Inspiron E1505 with a previous-generation Core Duo processor.
The dv6000 didn't come out ahead on the multitasking and Photoshop tests, though, probably because it has less RAM than its competitors. Even with half the RAM, we expected the dv6000 to beat the Dell Inspiron E1505 on all three of CNET Labs' new benchmarks -- that it took longer than the Dell to complete our Photoshop test shows that Core 2 Duo systems are not leaps and bounds ahead of older Core Duo laptops.
When it comes to battery life, the Pavilion dv6000's 2 hour, 35 minute battery life is somewhat disappointing -- we'd hoped for at least 3 hours. In short, the dv6000 should give you all the power you need (especially if you kick in a little extra to upgrade the RAM right away), but you aren't likely to get much time away from the wall socket with the standard-capacity battery.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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BAPCo MobileMark2005 battery life in minutes |
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BAPCo MobileMark2005 performance |
System configurations:
Dell Inspiron E1505
Windows XP Media Center; 2GHz Intel Core Duo T2500; 2GB DDR2 SDRAM PC-4300 533MHz; ATI Mobility Radeon x1400 256MB; Samsung HM120JI 120GB 5,400rpm
PC Club Enpower ENP680
Windows XP Home; 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7200; 2GB DDR2 SDRAM PC2-5300 666MHz; Nvidia GeForce GO 7600 GS 256MB; Seagate Momentus 7200.1 80GB 7,200rpm
HP Pavilion dv6000
Windows XP Pro; 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo T7400; 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 666MHz; Nvidia GeForce Go 7400 256MB; Fujitsu MHV2100BH PL 100GB 5,400rpm
Additional editing by Kate Macefield
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User reviews23
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candylaced 7 April 2012
Good: It's a good size. The screen is large and the laptop feels nice and solid. Plus it's pretty fast.
Bad: Had a problem with overheating once. The motherboard gave out. The battery's dead.
Comment: I got this laptop as a birthday present about five years ago now. At first, it worked like a dream. But then it started overheating. I couldn't rest it flat on a hard surface. I'd always have to balance it half on the table and keep the other half in the air. Otherwise it'd heat up and switch off. However, that probably was easily fixed when I had the fan cleared out. Turns out, there was a lot of dust in it while was the cause of the problem. I had it cleaned about three years ago now and funnily enough, I've not had the same problem.
And also, around about the same time my motherboard packed up. I had to take it to get it repaired ( I took it to a local place 'cause I couldn't afford to wait ages by sending it back to HP ). The local guy fixed it for me in four days. It was costly though.
Since then, I've not had major trouble. My battery's totally dead. Which means, I can't use it without having it constantly plugged into a socket. Which is not really an issue for me.
To be honest, I'm quite happy with this laptop. It's five years old and still going strong. It's a well built, solid affair and still worked even after I dropped it twice!
I'm actually quite surprised by all the negative reviews!
I would definitely consider buying another HP. However, this time I'd opt fora smaller screen because carrying my 15.4 around starts to kill my shoulder after a while!
Steve Edwards 16 January 2012
Good: Keeps my Lap warm
Bad: Absolutely everything
Comment: I know this laptop is old but as far as i can tell this applies to all dv6 series laptops DONT BUY IT!!!!! There is a well documented issues with overheating graphics chip. This is a design fault and HP should have recalled the ebtire series. They didnt which left a lot of people with a useless doorstop. i can still use it occasionaly but to get it booted up I have to leave it wrapped baking in a jacket it with the black screen. After about half hour I do a hard re boot which sometimes works but mostly not. obviously windows doesnt like being shut down mid boot so now my windows is messed up too. oh did I mention the screen has been replaced by hp already as well as the firms botch, I mean 'fix', to try and keep temperature down. Which is basically a patch for the bios to keep the fan running constantly. Shocking. The annoying thing is, because I keep my kit clean this looks brand new, but its next to useless. AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE Ill never buy HP junk again. Spread the word.
duchessecheko 16 September 2011
Good: I like the size of the screen. Actually I liked most everything about my computer when it worked properly
Bad: Everything seems to be falling apart - first the dvd drive no longer opens when machine is booted up; the webcam has stopped working and I am getting messages saying the one of the usb ports if not functioning properly which means it will probably go on me too
Comment: I really liked this machine when I bought it but it gets very hot and now everything seems to be shutting down piece by piece. I am afraid I am going to have to replace it but it will not be with another product
from HP
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