Entered CNET Catalog: 10/17/2003
SKU: 0829160625799
Manufacturer: HP
Manufacturer description
The HP Compaq Business Notebook nc8000 is designed for power users who demand the performance and expandability of a desktop, the mobility of a notebook and integrated security features. These users will appreciate the performance of Intel processors, the ATI graphics controller, large and fast hard drives, as well as support for a fixed optical drive and additional MultiBay device, and a breadth of integrated wired and wireless capabilities, which is in a sleek form factor.Product summary
The good: First-class performance; excellent battery life and keyboard; runs cool; has firmware security.
The bad: A tad bulky; stiff pointer controls.
The bottom line: The fast, sturdy, and highly secure nc8000-series notebooks make excellent enterprise machines.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: Yes
- Reviewed on: 01/12/2004
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 A wide array of connectors line the back of the nc8000. |
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With a slightly retro, art-deco look and rather ponderous, 12.8-by10.8-by-1.6-inch (W/D/H) dimensions, the HP Compaq nc8000 desktop may strike some as chunky--but only before they sit down to use one. The impression of stubbiness will quickly morph into an appreciation for this solid-feeling notebook. The deck area supporting the keyboard, which exhibits too much flex on many notebooks, feels firm on the nc8000. In turn, this makes typing on the full-size, nicely laid-out keyboard feel just like you're sitting in front of a desktop PC. But as solid as it feels, the nc8000 still weighs only about 7.5 pounds with the optical drive and the AC adapter.
Perhaps after spending so much time creating a superior typing experience, HP Compaq's designers ran out of time. Whatever the reason, the unit's pointer controls are a disappointment. The touchpad is slugglish, and the eraser head requires too much pressure; the top pair of selection buttons feels flimsy; and the bottom pair of selection buttons is stiff.
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 A modular drive bay graces the nc8000's left side. |
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On the plus side, the nc8000 ran nearly cool to the touch in our hands, with only a little heat emanating from the middle of the bottom panel during our full-on graphics testing on AC power. The nc8000 also has above-average sound, with the front-edge-mounted speakers producing a surprising amount of volume and lower midrange. It's no boombox, but it's better than average for a notebook, and it's loud enough for tabletop presentations.
The standard array of connectors lines the edges of the nc8000: on the front, audio mute and volume controls; on the right, audio in/out jacks, dual Type II PC Card slots, an SD memory slot, and a modem port; on the left, a modular drive bay; and on the back, Gigabit Ethernet, VGA, parallel, PS/2, serial, AC jack, mini-FireWire, and USB 2.0 ports.
The nc8000 is currently sold in four preconfigured models, ranging from $2,049 to $2,849; however, you may season to taste with a variety of options: an Intel Pentium M processor from 1.4GHz to 1.7GHz; 256MB to 2,048MB of 333MHz DDR memory; 40GB or 60GB 5,400rpm hard drives; and a 15-inch screen with your choice of native resolution: 1,024x768 XGA; 1,400x1,050 SXGA+; or 1,600x1,200 UXGA (the latter two displays offer wide viewing angles). An ATI Radeon 9600 Mobility, with your choice of 64MB or 128MB of graphics memory, packs enough punch for all but the most avid gamers.
HP Compaq also markets an nw8000 as part of this line, with the main difference being the GPU. The nw8000 features ATI's Fire GL T2 OpenGL-certified graphics processor with 128MB of dedicated graphics memory.
Modules for the nc8000's left-mounted HP MultiBay (also found on the smaller nc6000) include a DVD+RW drive, a 24X/10X/24X+8X CD-RW/DVD combo drive, a 24X CD-RW drive, a 8X DVD-ROM drive, a 24X CD-ROM drive, a second battery ($169), a second hard drive, and a floppy drive. Wireless options include 802.11b/a/g and Bluetooth.
The nc8000 also features HP Protect Tools Embedded Security, a rather lengthy moniker for a security solution that includes firmware, software, and smart-card components. Advanced user verification and file encryption are its two main features.
The nc8000 comes preloaded with Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Windows 2000 for its operating system. The software utility bundle includes HP Compaq's Insight Management Agents, Intelligent Manageability Diagnostics for Windows, a plethora of user documentation, and Adobe's Acrobat Reader for displaying the system documentation.
The HP nc8000 came in second place in mobile performance in our latest roundup of mainstream systems. Hot on its heels was the Toshiba Tecra T1, which came in just two points lower than the HP nc8000. The IBM ThinkPad T41 was the winner, scoring nine points higher than the HP nc8000. In real-world terms, however, this is a very small difference that wouldn't translate to any noticeable performance gap between the two, since they both scored high. The HP nc8000 definitely has what it takes to run office and content-creation apps at a fast clip.
Mobile application performance (Longer bars indicate better performance)
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To measure mobile application performance and battery life, CNET Labs uses BAPCo's MobileMark 2002. MobileMark measures both application performance and battery life concurrently using a number of popular applications (Microsoft Word 2002, Microsoft Excel 2002, Microsoft PowerPoint 2002, Microsoft Outlook 2002, Netscape Communicator 6.0, WinZip Computing WinZip 8.0, McAfee VirusScan 5.13, Adobe Photoshop 6.0.1, and Macromedia Flash 5.0).
Find out more about how we test notebooks.
System configurations:HP Compaq nc8000
Windows XP Professional; 1.6GHz Intel Pentium M; 512MB DDR SDRAM 333MHz; ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 32MB; Toshiba MK6022GAX 60GB 5,400rpm
IBM ThinkPad T41
Windows XP Professional; 1.6GHz Intel Pentium M; 512MB DDR SDRAM 266MHz; ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 32MB; IBM Travelstar 40GN 40GB 5,400rpm
Toshiba Tecra M1
Windows XP Professional; 1.6GHz Intel Pentium M; 512MB DDR SDRAM 266MHz; Trident Video Accelerator Cyber-X P4 32MB; Toshiba MK6022GAX 60GB 5,400rpm
The HP Compaq nc8000 is a top performer in battery life. Thanks to its 14.4V, 4,400mAh (63WHr) battery, the system lasted much more than five hours, delivering one of the best single battery scores from a mainstream system we've seen. Neither the IBM ThinkPad T41, with its 10.8V, 4.400mAh (48WHr) battery, nor the Toshiba Tecra M1 could stand up to the power of the HP Compaq nc8000's cell. For a mainstream notebook--or any notebook for that matter--this great battery life is something most users will appreciate.
Battery life (Longer bars indicate better performance)
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Battery life analysis written by CNET Labs assistant lab manager Eric Franklin.
To measure mobile application performance and battery life, CNET Labs uses BAPCo's MobileMark 2002. MobileMark measures both application performance and battery life concurrently using a number of popular applications (Microsoft Word 2002, Microsoft Excel 2002, Microsoft PowerPoint 2002, Microsoft Outlook 2002, Netscape Communicator 6.0, WinZip Computing WinZip 8.0, McAfee VirusScan 5.13, Adobe Photoshop 6.0.1, and Macromedia Flash 5.0).
System configurations:HP Compaq nc8000
Windows XP Professional; 1.6GHz Intel Pentium M; 512MB DDR SDRAM 333MHz; ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 32MB; Toshiba MK6022GAX 60GB 5,400rpm
IBM ThinkPad T41
Windows XP Home; 1.6GHz Intel Pentium M; 256MB DDR SDRAM 266MHz; ATI Mobility Radeon 16MB; IBM Travelstar 40GN 40GB 5,400rpm
Toshiba Tecra M1
Windows XP Professional; 1.6GHz Intel Pentium M; 512MB DDR SDRAM 266MHz; Trident Video Accelerator Cyber-X P4 32MB; Toshiba MK6022GAX 60GB 5,400rpm
The nc8000 comes with a limited three-year system-pick-up warranty, though there's no promised turnaround time. HP Compaq also offers a wide array of service plan options that includes everything but an offer to hold your hand crossing the street. Some of the options are onsite service, next-day exchange, 4-hour same-day service, and 2-hour service on software issues. Toll-free, 24/7 hardware technical support is standard and free for the duration of the warranty.
The paper documentation consists of a short but informative start-up guide, an errataum sheet saying that the USB 2.0 bus doesn't supply bus power as the manual states, and a copy of the warranty. Additional and more thorough documentation is provided on CD. HP Compaq's online support is both copious and diverse, including e-mail to a technical-support agent, downloadable PDF manuals, firmware updates, and FAQs.
To find out more about how this product's warranty really stacks up and what you should look for in terms of service and support, take a look at CNET's hardware warranty explainer.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24out of 24 user reviews
2010 un notebook ancora competitivo! Win 7 compatibile!
Pros: Siamo nel 2010 e questo nc8000 riesce ancora a stupirmi. Windows 7 gira molto bene e sono riucito a trovare tutti i driver. Se aggiornato con un disco veloce compete ancora con i modelli attuali! In entrambi le prestazioni sono fenomenali.
Cons: Mancano le USB laterali. Risolto con una carta pacmcia USB.. ;)
out of 24 user reviews
Feels like a desktop! With less CRT heft! Yay!
Pros: I bought this used after a bit of research, including cnet.com. HP often makes a solid desktop and this laptop is no different. The config: 1.7 P-M, 1G RAM/128M ATI Fire GL T2, and combo drive makes this a rich platform for content creation.
Cons: I have been told Vista doesn't play well w/ this machine, and the lack of a 64-bit cpu + separate gpu config is kind of stressful, but since the Pentium-M can be upgraded, along with the hard drive and RAM, shouldn't be obsolete for awhile.
out of 24 user reviews
great laptop very reliable and strong two thumbs up : )
Pros: I love it very relable its like having a desktop at all times I have owned this laptop for over a year very easy to upgradw as well
Cons: there is really nothing to complain about it
AN EXTRA BATTERY OR HARDDRIVE IF YOU WISH THAT IS UNUSSUAL FOR A LAPTOP ITS LIKE HAVING A PORTABLE DESKTOP
VERY STURDY THE KEYS ARE EASY TO TYPE WITH THEY SEEM BIGGER THEN A NORMAL LAPTOP..STAYS VERY COOL THE BUILT IN VIDEO IS GREAT HAS HANDLED EVERY GAME AND GRAFFICTS i HAVE DONE..SO ALL AND ALL 2 THUMBS UP..
out of 24 user reviews
A powerful machine that still remains working strong after 4 years.
Pros: A 2003 model that competes with even the latest models from 2007
Cons: A little heavier than some of the newer notebooks
out of 24 user reviews
Heavy but Best
Pros: Fast, Solid, Secure
Cons: Design is not impressive
out of 24 user reviews
Very good except for details...
Pros: I've used 2 Compaq (older Armada) and 2 Dell (Latitude C600 and D600) over the last 8 years and now this HP nc8000 (PL562UA). Lots of things to like... * Great deal and overall specs. * Outstanding screen and graphic speed. * Best sound I've heard in a la
Cons: Some things needed a bit more work... * The design is a bit bulky but the placement of things is good. You eventually get used to the looks ;-) * As you pick up the laptop, the DVD cover panel (plastic) moves and feels much less solid than the rest of the
out of 24 user reviews
a product from high achievers
Pros: The HP/Compaq team that designed and ultimately built this product did not conform with mediocrity. The product is one of the best in terms of performance, features, technical offering, value.
Cons: The HP/Compaq team that designed and ultimately built this product did not conform with mediocrity. (it seems that) They decided to come up with one of the ugly product in the market and they pretty much out-did any competitor. They came up with the uglie
out of 24 user reviews
Buy one and find a good Psycologist
Pros: This laptopo is extremy good for any type of laptipy type of user. performance, featutre and price are just very hard to match
Cons: Th ething is just ugly( furib again here). I wounder if the guys desingning the look and feel of this product thing ever considerded the heavy duty end user: the one who has to deal with the unberable reality of being in front of such on ugly things for m
out of 24 user reviews
It could not get ugliest than this.
Pros: To make it short, everything in this machine except looks
Cons: Where the hell is HP hiring its industrial design people from? Man, this thing looks like a 1950’s Russian refrigerator. The best looking side to this machine is the bottom. Have you seen the (buttons in) the front? Come on!!!! OK HP Guys… Sony – Apple =
out of 24 user reviews
There are better machines for less
Pros: Battery life, keyboard, HP name, ATI graphics
Cons: While it is plenty fast, and can run some of the newer games and graphic intense programs well enough, machines like the Toshiba Satellite M30x outperform it in tests, boast more features, less weight, and cost far less.
out of 24 user reviews
Great but heavy
Pros: I've had the unit since for about 5 or 6 months; Tons of processing power; wireless b/g works great (i.e. nice & speedy) with any router - I've tried Linksys, d-link and a couple others; gigabit nic - wonderful to have to do direct data transfers with
Cons: Audio isn't so hot with built-in speakers, haven't tried with externals; After about 30 days, I did have a problem with unit not booting from battery but would boot from AC. Called HP and they sent a new battery overnight. Had to do this twice, After 30 d
out of 24 user reviews
Everything I wanted in desktop replacement
Pros: I have had my notebook for months now. Here are my thoughts: * Rock solid tactile & responsive keyboard * powerful graphics card (I got the Mobile Radeon9600 with 128 megs) * Large, bright, crisp display at 15" and 1400x1050 (great for movies and s
Cons: If you want it all: battery life, three spindle design, cutting edge graphics, good sound, etc - you will have to pay for it. This notebook makes a quiet electrostatic buzzing type noise from under the keyboard by the DDR memory chips when the graphics c
out of 24 user reviews
Pretty Solid Laptop
Pros: Solid/Durable (I've owned 2 other compaqs and have had good luck) Great layout and speakers are good for built ins quiet graphics/screen quality
Cons: I'm a pretty fast typist and this pointing stick on the keyboard is like hitting a brick wall at 60 mph. I hate it and am considering going to the nx7010. If it wasn't for this feature and my desire to type fast, I'd love this machine. I might get used
out of 24 user reviews
Still lovin' it
Pros: Best keyboard, screen, and stereo sound, WiFi, battery, expansion bay, and best of all system performance is amazing! HP serviced and returned machine overnight. Great service!
Cons: cheap plastic, sent the machine for service twice, both related to display problems.
out of 24 user reviews
Consider this one if you are seeking a replacement for IBM
Pros: The sound quality is really amazing! The best I've ever heard on a laptop. Some users may complain about the fan noise, but I can't even hear that the fan and whole machine are working! It's very quiet! According to CNET's review and specs, this machi
Cons: I purchased this machine in Taiwan. The first one I got had some quality issues. First, when the screen was shocked, there's a little wave appearing on the LCD. Second, the driver of the WLAN couldn't be detected even though I downloaded the latest driver
out of 24 user reviews
A Little Disappointed
Pros: Great laptop and performance. Nice and Quiet. Large screen. Truly a desktop replacement. Great Warranty. I would recommend it still despite it's shortcomings.
Cons: Big and bulky. Cheap plastic on back of lcd. In my opinion this laptop falls short of what I would typically expect in terms of durability fromt the compaq line. And it's not as thin as I expected. As a desktop replacement it's great...but I could not
out of 24 user reviews
solid notebook
Pros: The screen amazed me right off the bat, and then when I heard the audio I was equally impressed. The keyboard is very firm and responsive, with a nice layout. It's got all the ports you need and everything is easily accessible. It's really quiet, espec
Cons: A tad heavy but manageable with a comfortable case. The battery life hasn't been what I expected (5.4 hrs accoring to hp)...it's been more along the lines of 4 hours, but then again enabling wireless and brightening the screen definitely effects it. Ret
out of 24 user reviews
Lite, and working like a desktop
Pros: Great laptop, I had Dell C840 before, I was unhappy with it- I don't know why Dell makes computers. This one is so much better.
Cons: None
out of 24 user reviews
Wonderful Screen; Quality Keyboard
Pros: SXGA+ screen looks great has has one of the widest viewing angles I've seen on a laptop, great contrast and detail; great for DVD playback or for viewing two documents side by side. Keyboard feels great. Battery life is 4 to 5 hours with the standard ba
Cons: None that wouldn't be expected. Some device drivers needed to be loaded to get DVD playback to work. Screen is noticably less vibrant by when running on batteries due to power management requirements. Pentium M processor is comparitively sluggish to ho
out of 24 user reviews
To PowerBook, or not to PowerBook
Pros: This is the first laptop I have owned. I have a PowerMac, so I was considering a PowerBook. I believe I've made a good choice with this HP. Firewire is cool, and I personally like the built in SD card reader, though the implementation in Windows is a
Cons: HP trades in some style points to insure that the laptop is well built. This laptop does appear to have one design flaw. There's a little button/switch that cuts power to the monitor when it swings closed. I have a feeling that switch is going to be a
out of 24 user reviews
Mr. Ugly Nice Guy
Pros: Specs and Performance
Cons: Design and Plastic! I hope HP fired by now the guy that design this new line of laptops! Just look to Toshiba.
out of 24 user reviews
Would like to see one. Still have questions.
Pros: Let me start by saying I don't own one - haven't even seen one in person - yet. But it is the most impressive laptop I've seen - on paper. It's one of the few 3 spindle machines I've seen in a while. Which begs the question, Mr Cnet reviewer, even with i
Cons: Since I haven't been able to lay my hands on one yet, maybe other readers can fill in some blanks on this machine. After scouring the HP website, a few items caught my attention. 1. For some reason the multibay battery costs you either $125 or $169, depe
out of 24 user reviews
superb graphics performance
Pros: not only to use as a business notebook, the nc8000 has a great graphic chip. the brand new ati radeon 9600 will blast you away and is ideally used for gaming.
Cons:
out of 24 user reviews
Best overall laptop in the market
Pros: List of Pros starts with the design and component layout, the display, the keyboard, the audio (will amaze you)
Cons: mouse controls stiff pointer
