HP Pavilion dv6000z

• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 61 reviews
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Product summary

CNET editors' take

• Reviewed by: Michelle Thatcher
• Reviewed on: 05/17/2007

Like all Pavilion laptops, the dv6000 series' sleek design and shiny finish holds its own next to systems from style-conscious manufacturers such as Sony and Apple. Aside from its good looks, the dv6000 also provides a solid set of entertainment features and high-end components at a starting price that's at least $100 less than the (also 15.4-inch) Dell Inspiron E1505 series. What's more, HP offers a selection of Intel (dv6000t) or AMD (dv6000z) processors--a welcome choice for users who want to fine-tune their system configurations. Though the dv6000t we tested last fall didn't break any speed records, it was sufficient for typical home use. We expect even better performance on Pavilion dv6500 systems, which are built with Intel's new platform. Even without the latest components, though, the Pavilion dv6000 series' features and configuration options (not to mention its budget-friendly prices) make it destined for broad appeal.

The HP Pavilion dv6000 measures 14 inches wide, 10.1 inches deep, and 1 inch thick--about the same size as the Dell Inspiron E1505. Weighing 6.2 pounds, though, the Pavilion dv6000 is lighter than the Dell; its AC adapter brings the total travel weight to a still-portable 7.2 pounds. We like the HP Pavilion dv6000's 15.4-inch wide-screen display; its native resolution of 1,280x800 provides ample real estate for work or play. The screen's glossy finish makes colors pop and looks brighter, though we noticed a distracting glare when working next to a window on a sunny day. Above the display sits a 1.3-megapixel Webcam that's useful for videoconferencing; two built-in microphones on the display bezel eliminate the need for an external microphone.

Like all Pavilion laptops, the dv6000 includes a row of light-touch buttons above the keyboard that launch the media player and provide volume and playback controls. We like the sleek look of the keys, but we absolutely hate the loud beeping that indicates you've pressed a button--and hate even more that there's no option to turn it off. The Altec Lansing stereo speakers, located above those controls, deliver decent-quality sound, but unfortunately the sound becomes muffled if you close the laptop lid. The Pavilion dv6000's keyboard is ample and comfortable to type on for long periods, and both touch pad and mouse buttons are entirely usable. We love the Pavilion dv6000's touch pad On/Off button, which keeps you from accidentally misplacing the cursor while typing and makes it easy to use an external mouse.

The HP Pavilion dv6000 offers an average mix of ports for a laptop its size. There are four-pin FireWire, VGA, S-video, and three USB 2.0 ports, as well as a microphone jack and--for those who like to share movies and music with friends--two headphone jacks, one of which supports S/PDIF output. Card slots on the dv6000 read the latest ExpressCards plus MemoryStick, MemoryStick Pro, SecureDigital, MultiMediaCard, and xD formats. Networking options include Ethernet, modem, and 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi; Bluetooth is available as an option. Also available as an option: a double-layer DVD burner that includes LightScribe, which lets you burn your own labels onto compatible discs.

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User reviews

• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 61 reviews
• My rating: 0 stars Write review

• Showing 3 of 61 user reviewsSee all 61 user reviews

• 4.0 stars

  5 out of 5 people found this review helpful

  "Very stylish entertainment notebook - good choice for me! :)"

  by Maizitikas on October 2, 2006

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• 4.0 stars

  4 out of 5 people found this review helpful

  "Nice laptop, but hot and somewhat heavy"

  by CP_You on August 25, 2006

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• 0.5 stars

  3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

  "Worst Customer Service Ever"

  by schezz on October 16, 2007

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• See all 61 user reviews Write review

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