Product Description

HP Pavilion DV9820US 17.0 Inch Laptop PC. HP innovation is most visible in its breakthrough notebook PC designs that truly integrate fashion and technology for today¿s mobile, digital lifestyle. High gloss HP Imprint Finish encases the elegant, curvilinear form and is more durable than traditional painted surfaces. It features a subtle HP exclusive Radiance pattern that influenced by the emerging trend towards ornamental design. Building on the original design of concentric waves, Radiance is an ornate mixture of ripples on a sea of radial lines speaking to the fluid way we have come to live and connect. Encouraging more direct interaction, the backlit media control panel responds to the touch or sweep of a finger. Personal entertainment is now even easier to enjoy with an updated menu and built in demos. Providing more choices than ever, HP QuickPlay enables access to DVDs, videos, photos, music, karaoke, games, Internet TV, and streamed or recorded TV, with an optional TV Tuner, at the touch of a button. Watch DVD movies on the full screen using simple media controls. Add music to your slide shows or videos with drag-and-drop functionality. Watch Internet TV. Listen without disturbing others with included stereo earbud headphones. And control content from up to 10 feet away with the HP Mobile Remote Control that can be stored in the ExpressCard slot for convenience. Dual headphone jacks and Altec Lansing audio allow you to share your entertainment. And AMD mobile dual-core technology enables use of multiple demanding applications, such as photo editing, DVD burning and playing a game, at the same time. This 7.7lbs light notebook delivers desktop comparable performance with its 17.0 inch High Definition BrightView widescreen display and separate numeric keypad. Turn your next instant message into a live video chat with the integrated webcam, omni directional microphone and IM solution of your choice.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #857 in Personal Computers
• Color: Black/ Silver
• Brand: Hewlett-Packard
• Model: DV9820US
• Dimensions: 1.65" h x 6.70" w x 11.22" l, 12.00 pounds
• CPU: AMD Turion 64 2.1 GHz
• Memory: 4000MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 250GB
• Processors: 2
• Display size: 17

Features

• Entertainment-centric notebook PC with widescreen 17-inch LCD and stylish high-gloss finish with wave imprint, integrated webcam
• 64-bit 2.1 GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-62 dual-core processor, 250 GB hard drive, 4 GB RAM (max), LightScribe dual-layer DVD drive
• Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n); 10/100 Ethernet; Nvidia GeForce Go 7150M graphics (up to 1071 MB of available memory)
• Connectivity: 4 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 VGA, 1 S-Video, ExpressCard 54/34, 5-in-1 memory card reader
• Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (Service Pack 1); includes remote control

Amazon.com Product Description
Balance your need for productivity with great multimedia performance with the HP Pavilion dv9820us notebook PC, which features an amazingly bright, widescreen 17-inch BrightView display--perfect for multitasking between document windows and watching movies in their native aspect ratio. Enjoy movies or music in seconds with the external DVD or music buttons to launch HP QuickPlay (which bypasses the boot process). Control playback settings from up to 10 feet away with the included remote control, which stores conveniently in the ExpressCard slot. It also has an integrated 1.3-megapixel WebCam (and integrated microphone), enabling easy video conferencing via VoIP and video IM chats. This stylish laptop also features a high-gloss, durable HP Imprint finish with the Radiance pattern of concentric waves, as well as a subtle blue backlit media control panel that responds to the slightest touch.

Optimized for mobile performance, it's powered by the 2.2 GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-62 dual-core processor, which offers 64-bit computing capability and higher throughput for simultaneous computing tasks. You can easily burn your home video productions to DVD for friends and family with the dual-layer, multi-format DVD/CD burner, which also includes LightScribe technology for personalized silkscreen-quality, laser-etched CD/DVD labels. Other hardware features include a 250 GB hard drive, 4 GB of installed RAM (maximum capacity), an integrated Nvidia GeForce Go 7150M video/graphics card with up to 1071 MB of total allocated video memory, quad-mode Wi-Fi LAN (802.11a/b/g/n), and multi-format memory card reader.

This laptop also comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (Service Pack 1), which includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

• Processor: The 2.1 GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-62 processor offers a dual-core architecture, which delivers additional computing resources to help expand your PC’s capabilities by providing higher throughput and simultaneous computing--increasing your performance by up to 80 percent. You'll be able to perform multiple tasks such as digital rendering and gaming all while running virus scan or other background tasks seamlessly thanks to the innovative Direct Connect Architecture. And it's designed to handle simultaneous 32- and 64-bit computing with no degradation in performance. You'll enjoy long battery life thanks to the AMD PowerNow! power management technology, which delivers performance on demand and can extend system battery life up to 65 percent. And the AMD Digital Media XPress technology delivers stellar multimedia performance and playback on digital entertainment such as games, streaming video and audio, DVDs, and music.

  Each processing core has a 512 KB L2 cache (for a 1 MB total), and this processor can deliver up to a 1600 MHz system bus for lightning quick computing reflexes. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

• Hard Drive: The extra-large 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) provides more than enough capacity for storing a large audio and video library, as well as extra space required for video editing. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (PC5300, 2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity for this notebook. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed and boosts the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card.

• DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 4x DVD-R DL Write Once, 2.4x DVD+R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R, 4x DVD+RW, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD-RW, 16x DVD-ROM, 40x CD-R, 24x CD-RW, and 40x CD-ROM speeds.

  This LightScribe DVD±RW drive lets you laser-etch silkscreen quality text and images on to CDs and DVDs . Your software, PC and discs work together for a no-hassle way to burn just the labels you want. After you burn content, just flip the disc over, reinsert and burn your label--anything from a simple title to a full-disc work of art.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a 101-key keyboard (with integrated numeric keypad) and a touchpad with on/off button and dedicated vertical/horizontal Scroll Up/Down pad. It also includes two quick-launch buttons (HP QuickPlay Music and DVD).

Screen, Video & Audio
The 17-inch WXGA+ high-definition BrightView widescreen (1440 x 900 resolution) provides a 45 percent larger picture for DVD movies than a 15-inch screen. Video is powered by the integrated Nvidia GeForce Go 7150M graphics/video card, which provides up to 1071 MB of total graphics memory as allocated by Windows Vista. It features NVidia's PureVideo technology--which provides great picture clarity, smooth video, accurate color, and precise image scaling for video content--and full support for Microsoft DirectX 9.0 for stunningly realistic cinematic effects for all DirectX-compatible applications.

The Altec Lansing speakers provide exceptional sound, and a pair of stereo earbud headphones with volume controls is included. You'll be able to privately share enjoyment of multimedia with a friend via the dual headphone jacks.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54/34 card slot (replacing the PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. You get a very good offering of connectivity options, which does include super-fast USB 2.0 and Firewire:

• 4 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• Analog video out: 1 VGA monitor port and 1 S-Video port for connecting to a TV or projector
• 1 ExpressCard/54 Slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)
• 2 headphone jacks, 1 microphone jack
• 1 Expansion Port 3 connector (for use with the HP xb3000 Expansion Base or the HP Notebook QuickDock)
• 1 IR receiver
• 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MMC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)
• 10/100 Fast Ethernet
• 56K modem (V.90)

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office 2007 Student and Teacher Edition (60-day trial), Muvee Autoproducer, Cyberlink DVD Suite, PC Recovery, HP PhotoSmart Essentials, and Symantec Norton Internet Security 2008 (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 15.16 x 11.22 x 1.65 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 7.7 pounds.

Power
It's powered by a 8-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of up to 2.5 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion dv9820us notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, IR remote control, earphones, and operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance for one year. Software is also covered for 30 days from date of purchase.

Reduce your impact on the environment with this Energy Star-certified system and HP's innovative take-back options, including trade-in, recycling and donation.

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Customer Reviews

Good Notebook
First and foremost, this notebook is good as a desktop, why? It is 17" wide and hence quite heavy. So if you are planning lugging this everyday, you better have a good shoulder.

Performance wise, 3GB RAM helps it run super fast. Screen is great, crisp and clear. Comes with a remote but don't really count on it - has very bare functions and can be useful only during DVD viewing.

Like any other new notebook, it is very quiet (no fan noise). All in all a very good notebook and wide screen allows you to open multiple windows placing them side by side. If you require to save space on your desk this is a great alternative.

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly, and The Uglier
OVERVIEW:

I purchased this laptop for the beefy components, but mainly because the segregated graphical system (NVIDIA), which should improve performance, and the dual-core Centrino. Beyond productivity software, I wish to play games and do experiments with operating systems using VMWare.

Much to my dismay, essential functionality in the Centrino processor (VT) is disabled and there is no option to turn this on, and the NVIDIA graphics system is unstable with Windows Vista.

PERFORMANCE:

I'll try to avoid going into a diatribe about the follies of Vista, but as this OS is foisted upon us, and HP doesn't support any alternatives, I feel it is appropriate to mention some highlights. The overall system is not very responsive, with programs like Explorer and Internet Explorer crashing frequently enough, and other networking programs often become unresponsive often enough. Sometimes with programs that require administrative access, we wait about 30 seconds for a dialog to appear asking us if we wish to allow the operation.

Beyond this experience, the graphic driver crashes frequently, and multimedia controls like sound volume lock up the system and render the system unresponsive. I talked with their technical support, and they told me to call NVIDIA as that's their fault, and NVIDIA's website says call HP for driver support, as they are the OEM.

OTHER NOTES:

I think there are two design issues with the laptop: the keyboard and speaker grill:

The speaker grill has tendency to not stay attached. Inspect your model carefully to make sure there are no flaws, and purchase an extended warranty in case a portion of the grill cover pops up in the future. I had to exchange my first laptop immediately at Fry's because of this.

The keyboard keys have open spaces between the keys and sharp edges. Thus it is easy to pop the keys off and destroy the keyboard. If you had this laptop in a bag with papers and folders for instance, the flat thin object could rip out the keys. So, I recommend keeping the black cloth that came with the box, and place it above the keyboard when transporting as well as keep the laptop in a separate cover or bag if placed in bigger luggage (such as large computer bag) to protect the delicate keys.

INSTALLING XP or OTHER OSes:

Undoubtedly, users will be interested to install alternative operating systems to get around the problems with Vista foisted upon consumers. I haven't dabbled with open source systems, but I do know that some of the hardware components, like RICOH, are infamous for not supporting or cooperating with open source community, so expect some loss of functionality with Linux, FreeBSD, etc.

For Windows XP, there will be major problems, because not only will you have to fetch drivers from non-HP sources, you'll need a driver so that Windows XP can see the hard drive (the whole F6 floppy ritual). Intel seems to only release this to OEMs (or makes it hard to get at it), and the OEM, HP in this case, won't release the driver to the user. Some of these heart aches might be important when considering this laptop.

SIDE RANT:

I know many will disagree with this, especially HP, but knowingly selling laptops with problematic graphics systems is just dishonest. It's like selling a car with a problematic transmission, and then telling customers to call the transmission company. Directing users to go to NVIDIA, who haven't been able to solve the problem in over 9 months just salts the wounds.

And disabling a major feature of Intel processors surmounts to false advertisement. You buy these things expecting things to work and be functional. This topic is often discussed in the forums with other HP laptops, and in some cases HP has addressed the issue and provided the option, but several of their laptops, including this one, are not addressed.

LAST WORDS:

Initially, I thought the laptop would be a good deal for the price tag, even with the unfortunate circumstance with Vista, a problem shared with other pre-installed-Windows laptops these days (sans Apple Computer, and perhaps Dell). But with the disabled features in the processor (VT technology) and lingering problems with NVIDIA and Vista (a problem that exist with other HP laptops for over 9 months, a cause for many lawsuits), I couldn't recommend this model or other HP models professionally or personally.

UPDATE:

I LCD screen broke. All I see now is lines through the screen. Maybe I have an isolated situation, but I am skeptical because I recall a Taiwanese friend had something similar happen to a different HP laptop model, and he said the problem was widely known through technical sources of information he reads from Taiwan. I really felt the price point was nice for this laptop, but now with it broken, I am none too pleased.

Major heat issues caused it to break after a year...
I purchased this system in January of '07. It had always given off a lot of heat so I purchased a laptop cooler. However, it still ran very hot.

One day, I realized that it would not close all the way. When I opened it up, I realized that the plastic bezel around the screen had expanded from the heat and actually split apart. I call HP technical support and even though it was still under warranty by one day, they said I must have damaged it because "it was impossible" for the bezel to come apart like that. They said I could send it in to be fixed but it would cost 700.00 to fix the display (the entire system had only cost 1000.00).

I called back another couple of days later and they said they couldn't help me since the laptop was no longer under warranty.

HP had always had a reputation for solidly built PCs. However after the problems I had with this system and the lack of sufficient support and the actual rudeness associated with tech support basically accusing me of lying, I will never by another HP computer system again.

The brand and the construction has just gone way down hill and there are many better alternatives out there -- including Lenovo (stick to the thinkpad series) and the Acer line (which I have a new respect for -- they seem to be built as well as the older HPs and are a lot cheaper)