HP Pavilion dv7-1285dx user reviews

4.0 stars

"I LUV IT !" on March 2, 2009 by kamaewilk

Pros: The 17' widescreen, 500GB HD, 6GB of RAM, GeForce graphics with 512MB of video memory and all powered by the Intel Core 2 Duo CPU makes this unit A WINNER!

Cons: I read the reviews and listened! I paid to have the computer optomized but when I brought it home, I spent an hour or so on the phone trying to find out how to connect to the cable modem. Haven't gotten there yet......

Summary: I just purchased this computer after an extended search of all laptops currently offered on the market (in stores and online). I read all of your reviews and the reviews of other owners and their pros and cons. Finally, I went to my local Best Buy (Greenville, NC) and spoke with their well-informed reps. They helped lead me to the laptop that I had my eye on to start with.

This is really the "best bang for the buck!" and I don't say that lightly.

5.0 stars

"Good for Photos/Graphics. Great price/performance!" on March 2, 2009 by regretela

Pros: Ships with 6gb ram, great video card, extremely comfortable layout with BIG keyboard and room to rest my wrists, Display beautiful. Not much extra crap to remove like the laptop I had before.

Cons: None so far.

Summary: I work on Photoshop files upwards of 3gb and my 2005 Toshiba was no longer up to the task, plus the video card was part of the motherboard and I was not able to calibrate it. This machine has a separate Nvidia Geforce 9600M GT video card, a 2.4gh processor, and a 500gb hard drive, plus room for a second hard drive - but you need to get the adaptor from HP. Handles my 3gb Photoshop file almost as fast as my desk top, with 8gb ram, does. Display is lovely. I will be putting in a second hard drive and possibly another 2gb ram. Should last another 3-4 years. Sweet!

4.0 stars

"A very good system for the money and I compared many!" on March 2, 2009 by VTJoe

Pros: 8600 Processor size/speed. 6MB RAM. Very fast. 1440x900 screen resolution. 17" screen. Excellent wireless capability. 500 GB hard drive. You could replace a desktop with this unit!

Cons: If you aren't a true typist but one who "hunts and pecks", the white lettering on bronze keys are very hard to read. Buying a sleeve or case/bag for this beast will be expensive! Save the carton it came in and use that for the time being!

Summary: I spent many days comparing many brands before I chose this one. It seems I always end up back with HP. With one exception, every PC I have ever owned were HPs. I really wanted a MAC but $1299 for a 13.3" screen just wasn't doing it for me. So when my current desktop unit dies, THEN I will get the MAC...desktop style :-)

The closest runner-up to this machine was the Gateway FX. The reviews on that machine seemed very good, as well. The HP dv7-1285dx had a couple more bells & whistles.

I bought the Apple Extreme base station so I could set up wireless and it kicks butt! However...I had to have a Geek Squader come to my house to set it up because it isn't all that easy to get the Extreme up and running. That was $120 I didn't want to spend. But...once connected it rocks. I still can't get the printer to print wireless mode from all the computers yet but I will, eventually.

I hate Vista but once I get used to it, Windows 7 will be out and from what I hear PC users will be much happier once 7 is released.

I am not a gamer. I wanted the power for multi-tasking with photography software. And this unit HAS power. I did by a $39 laser mouse. Well worth it.

So far, I think I will end up being pleased with my choice.

Updated on Mar 2, 2009

In re-thinking my rating, I could have given this unit 4.5 and not 4.0. However, the keyboard IS hard to read and it ain't a MAC. I am probably a bit too harsh but ragardless this is a great PC!

Updated on Mar 7, 2009

I recently purchased a Case Logic VNC-17 17-inch Value Slimline Laptop Case through Amazon.com. Including shipping, which was free, I paid $27 and change. It's a great case!

4.5 stars

"So far, I love it!" on February 7, 2009 by jpkc2008

Pros: Ellegant and very attractive design, solid workmanship, nice feeling material.

Cons: 1440 x 900 Screen is possibly not quite as crisp as other laptops, color settings have taken a bit of adjusting to seem natural. Click buttons are a little stiff.

Summary: Very good performance, 5.0 Windows User Experience index. Keyboard is ergonomic and keys have nice feel and are pretty quiet. Audio quality from speakers (with subwoofer) is best I've heard in a laptop. Touch-sensitive media control buttons work great, look good too. No problems with the mouse touch pad being too frictiony myself, but I tend not to have sweaty hands. Bright screen is huge and very appealing with glossy black bezel. Very cool little remote control stores in slot on side!