Specifications of the dv8000z reviewed:
AMD Turion-64 ML-32 (1.8GHz/512KB L2 Cache)
512MB 333MHz DDR SDRAM (1x512MB 200-pin SODIMM)
100GB 4200RPM HD
17-inch Ultra Brightview WXGA+ screen
128MB ATI RADEON XPRESS 200M w/Hypermemory
DVD+/-RW/R & CW-RW Combo w/Double Layer Support
Windows XP Home
Broadcom 802.11b/g WLAN
Keyboard and Touchpad:
Having a large screen affords manufacturers the ability to fit larger keyboards onto notebooks, and the dv8000 is no exception. Its screen size allows HP not only to provide full-size keys (except for the function keys), but to also add a numeric keypad to the right of the standard keyboard. The Shift, Caps Lock, Tab, Enter, and Backspace keys are large like a desktop keyboard, but the Ctrl and Alt and Spacebar keys have been shrunk to make room for the Fn laptop function key. The Home, End, PgUp, PgDn, Insert, and Delete keys are not aligned as they typically are on desktop keyboards, but are in a single line above the Backspace and numeric keypad this requires some adjustment. Key feel is very nice, not quite as tactile as Thinkpads but responsive and there is very little flex in the keyboard. The touchpad is standard, with a scroll bar on the side, and is centered on the lettered part of the keyboard, between the palms during normal typing.
Screen:
Three types of screens are offered with the dv8000. WXGA+ and WSXGA+ are offered with BrightView, which is HP's version of the now-standard glossy screens found on many widescreen notebooks. The WXGA+ screen is also available with Ultra BrightView technology, which like Toshiba's Ultimate Trubrite technology utilizes two lamps to give a much brighter screen view. HP advertises Ultra BrightView as achieving nearly plasma TV levels of brightness, and the difference in brightness between two and one lamp is significant.
Battery:
The hp pavilion dv8000 battery is a high quality battery, you can get the replacement battery for the laptop easily, high capacity, high quality, long time...
Wireless:
The included Broadcom card was not initially able to connect to my Westell Versalink router provided by Verizon DSL. An older version of the driver turned out to work. Otherwise, sensitivity is good, and connections are reasonably reliable.
Sound:
The Altec Lansing speakers built into the front of the computer provide good sound for a notebook. It is definitely better than the speakers included in Thinkpads, and definitely worse than a cheap three-piece external speaker set. As with other built-in notebook speakers, bass quality is lacking.
Heat and Noise:
The dv8000 generally runs cool and quiet. I had no problem using the computer on my lap for extended periods of time, and the fan noise is minimal. The optical drive produces substantial noise for a few seconds as it begins spinning, but makes little noise while watching DVDs.
Conclusion
The HP dv8000 is a respectable budget desktop replacement notebook that provides good power and a pleasantly large screen in a well-built package that is not too heavy to carry around or to use on your lap. With prices currently ranging from around $800 for the barebones to $1600 well equipped, the dv8000 series provides excellent value compared to other comparable systems and adds HP's reputedly good customer service.
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