- Average user rating:
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
-
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"best bang for the buck laptop"
Pros: cheap, lots of features, cheap, and did I mention cheap?
Cons: only 1280x748 resolution available, a higher resolution option would be nice, uses 35W ML core rather than the 25W TL core, ATI chipset drivers not readily available for download from HP's downloads.
Summary: I just got two of these, one was model 2315 from Circuit City for $749 (with the ML-28 core, no bluetooth, and 512mb (256x2), 60 gig HD, and DVD-R/RW), and one custom configured from Compaq with every possible hardware upgrade, which means it was prety much the same system with the ML-37 core, 1x1024mb, 60 gig HD, and bluetooth (just over $1200 - still pretty cheap!!) I skipped the Lightscribe drive because even though it is cool, its not worth spending $1 per disc.
First thing I did with both of these systems is wipe them then install Windows XP Pro, to remove all the little annoying things that HP likes to install, (like links to AOL in a thousand different locations). Both systems worked very well, and resonably fast. The Crcuit City-bought version was a bit laggier since it only came with 512mb and it uses 128mb of it for video ram, and the 4200 RPM drive isn't well suited for paging, but since battery life was a concern, it had to be 4200 RPM.
Physically, the laptop looks and feels good. Compared to my previous laptop, (an HP ZE4300 series which I would NOT reccomend), and compared to the z4000 which I was also considering. The mousepad on the 2000's is MUCH better designed, and since the display resolution is the same, why buy a bigger and heavier laptop?
The noise and heat level is MUCH lower compared to my previous HP, which at 100% throttle sounded like a vaccum cleaner, and sometimes got too hot to keep in my lap. Although this one still does get a bit warm at full throttle, its not unbearable, and the fan at full speed is pretty quiet.
Performance-wise, the stripped-down model was a bit slow for my tastes (my girlfriend doesn't mind it), but the fully loaded version with 1 GB of RAM was plenty fast. It runs at least as fast as my desktop, an Athlon 64 3200. I don't have any direct Centrino comparisons, but I'm sure that the 2.13 gHz Pentium-M would probably run a bit faster running a 32-bit OS, but I loaded a copy of 64-bit Windows just to compare speeds and it DOES fly. Unfortunately, Currently WInsows 64 isn't compatable with enough of the software that I use, so I had to return to 32-bit for now, but its nice to know that next year, when Windows64 comes out, my laptop will be able to keep up, and last at least another 2-3 years after the new OS comes out. I wouldn't say the same thing for the Pentium-M laptops.
So my verdict - If you're looking for a capable laptop with the performance of a mid-level Pentium-M laptop, and your budget is under $1300, this is definately for you. Yes, you can get a faster laptop, but you'd have to spend significantly more money. If you look at performance and features-per-dollar, a fully loaded V2000Z cannot be beat. Even the stripped-down version at $750 gives you low-to-mid-level Pentium-M performance at a Celeron price. It also has better long-term potential as it will be compatable with 64-bit operating systems due out next year.
Also, while trying to locate the ATI chipset driver I had to avail myself of HP's 24/7 live chat online tech support. I'm sure its been outsourced to India just like everyone else, but I don't have to point out the advantages of having a TYPED conversation you can READ rather than trying to have a verbal conversation with someone with a heavy foreign accent. They even email you a transcript of the entire conversation if you want to refer to it again later. I have to say that this was a MUCH more pleasant experience than actually TALKING to tech support like I've had to do in the past for Dell, Netgear, and others..."what? I'm sorry? WHAT? I just don't understand you"
Just one note, if you're going to install your own operating system, make sure you get ALL the drivers installed. Currently, the ATI chipset driver is a bit hard to find (I had to request it from HP tech support), but if you don't have them all installed, don't be surprised if the system doesn't run fast. Also, when running benchmarks, keep in mind that some programs won't "throttle up" the CPU and system bus to full speed, so you're actually getting performance ratings at "power saving" mode rather than 100%. This CPU/chipset is pretty new so some benchmarks haven't got that figured out yet.
- 1 reply to this review
-
I had a chance to get the laptop out to some job sites and put it to the test so here's what I got so far:
The wireless works great. The standard 6-cell battery lasted me somewhere in the 3-4 hour range with the screen brightness turned all the way up, wireless on the whole time, using mostly the web browser and system network configuration tools (no DVD-ROM activity at all). Using the slower of the 2 machines, (the ML-28 with 512mb) wasn't that bad at all, overall I'm pretty happy with the performance. The only negative thing I've noticed is the closing clasp seems a little tricky. It usually needs an extra push to close and sometimes sticks closed and requires another push to open. it doesn't look like its flimsy and might break, but it is a little funky, but for the price/performance, I'm, willing to live with it.
the weight/size seems to be just right for good visibility, without getting in the way. I approve.
