Product Description

HP Pavilion DV6871US 15.4 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 with Altec Lansing audio help you to share and enjoy your entertainment. And Intel 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 6.14lbs light notebook exists at the intersection of computing and entertainment with its 15.4 inch High-Definition BrightView widescreen display, innovative entertainment and communication features. 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: #998 in Personal Computers
• Color: Black/ Silver
• Brand: Hewlett-Packard
• Model: DV6871US
• Dimensions: 1.56" h x 4.53" w x 14.05" l, 8.95 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core Duo 1.83 GHz
• Memory: 3000MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 320GB
• Processors: 2
• Display size: 15.4

Features

• Entertainment-centric notebook PC with widescreen 15.4-inch LCD and stylish high-gloss finish with wave imprint
• 1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5550 processor, 320 GB hard drive, 3 GB RAM (4 GB max), LightScribe dual-layer DVD drive
• Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n); 10/100 Ethernet; Nvidia GeForce 8400M GS graphics (up to 1535 MB of available memory)
• Connectivity: 3 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 HDMI, 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
Designed for fast access to your entire entertainment library, the HP Pavilion dv6871us notebook PC is a great choice for both families and business travelers on the go. The 15.4-inch high-definition BrightView display looks good even in direct sunlight, and you'll 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 HP remote, then store it conveniently in the Express card slot. Easily manage your digital photo library and share with friends and family using the included HP Photosmart Essential software. This stylish laptop also features a high-gloss, durable HP Imprint finish with the Radiance pattern of concentric waves.

It's powered by the 1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5550 processor, which offers a 20 percent performance boost over its predecessor while using 28 percent less power--so you get the benefit of a powerful dual-core PC plus all the benefits of mobility. This notebook also features a 320 GB hard drive, 3 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), quad-mode Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11a/b/g/n), 8x dual-layer DVD±RW drive (which also burns CDs), ExpressCard slot, Nvidia GeForce 8400M GS with up to 1535 MB of total allocated video memory, 5-in-1 memory card reader, and HDMI A/V output. It also includes an integrated Webcam in the LCD's bezel and an omnidirectional microphone for easy video chats.

It 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 Intel Core 2 Duo T5550 processor has a 1.83 GHz processor speed, fast 667 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 2 MB L2 cache. (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.)

  With two computational execution cores in a single processor, it provides greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:

  • Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
  • Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
  • Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
  • Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.

• Hard Drive: The extra large 320 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (7200 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive has a 3Gb/s interface speed that enables up to 300MB/s data transfer rates (double the speed of the current SATA interface of 1.5Gb/s).

• Memory: The 3 GB of installed RAM (PC5300, 1 x 2 GB, 2 x 1 GB) helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. This notebook has a 4 GB maximum RAM capacity (2 x 2 GB). To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

• 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 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
You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 15.4-inch WXGA high-definition screen, which displays an 18 percent larger picture than standard 15-inch screens and an improved contrast ratio. It has a widescreen resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels--perfect for watching DVD movies the way they were meant to be seen. Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 8400M GS graphics card, which provides up to 1535 MB of available RAM/video memory (256 MB dedicated video RAM) for unmatched HD video performance on a notebook PC. With support for Microsoft DirectX 10 Shader Model 4.0 and High Dynamic-Range Lighting (HDR), the 8400M lets you rip through all of today's most advanced and cutting-edge games and 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 Intel Wireless 4965AGN 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 (though no standard 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 good offering of connectivity options:

• 3 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
• 1 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
• Analog video out: 1 VGA monitor port and 1 S-Video port for connecting to a TV or projector
• 1 ExpressCard 54/34
• 2 headphone jacks and 1 microphone jack
• 1 notebook expansion port 3 (for use with the HP xb3000 Expansion Base or the HP Notebook QuickDock)
• 1 consumer IR (infrared)
• 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, 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 14.05 x 10.12 x 1.56 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 6.14 pounds.

Power
This notebook is powered by a 6-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which offers up to 2 hours of battery life (dependent upon computing conditions).

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion dv6871us 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

CAUTION: Amazon is combining reviews for different model #s here
Pleez don't slam me for this not being a product review. I just got confused by noticing differing specs in the reviews on this page. After reading some replies to a few original comments, I see that I'm not the only one who is confused.

My conclusion is that Amazon is *combining* reviews from most (if not all) of the "DV68xx" series that appear in the pull-down menu at the top of this product listing page.

So, if you're writing a new review, and you want it to be truly helpful, then pleez be sure to include the specific HP model that you're reviewing. (It would also be helpful if existing reviews were edited by their authors to show this, also.)

Thanks.

P.S. I'm planning on buying a dv6880se. If so, I'll be sure to mention that model # in any upcoming review of mine.

fantastic little machine
This computer rocks! I've had absolutely no trouble ripping CDs or DVDs, converting the files and uploading to iPods or burn them on CDs or DVDs. The LightScribe feature is great too - it uses laser technology to label CD/DVD discs with anything you want: text, images, etc. The graphics are fantastic and the screen has perfect clarity and color. It also runs super quiet, and although warm it is much cooler than my AlienWare laptop. Load times would be improved with a faster hard drive, as the 320GB that comes with this model is a 5400 RPM drive. A 320GB at 7200 RPM would have been really nice.

I also love Vista SP1, and have had no trouble installing and running my XP applications. Only had to upgrade my old PGP application to a Vista compatible version.

This model is loaded with USB ports. The HDMI jack is a bonus too! The built-in wireless modem is great, and when used in conjunction with the network scanning (radar) gadget makes finding wireless networks a breeze.

HP also doesn't load up the computer with crap apps like other PC manufacturers.

It's sleek, lightweight and reliable. Everything that I could want and more.

Thanks HP!

Dont ignore this one!
Strengths:
Screen = Large Widescreen 15.4 in; Battery life = Long; Remote control for watching movies; Smart touch-sensitive multimedia controls; Good speakers; Dual audio outputs; Bluetooth and infrared connectivity; Multi-card reader; PRICE = REALLY LOW $600 after $185 rebate at Office Depot!

Weaknesses:
HDD = Small 160 GB; OS = Occupies too much memory Win Vista; USB Ports = 3; Win Vista does not come on a reloadable CD/DVD; No webcam.


After surveying more than 10 medium-sized compact laptops, I have come to the conclusion that this is the best available at this time (June 2008) in its class.
Sony's were a definite No-No because of their cost factor. Gateway, Acer and ASUS were on the other side of the cost spectrum which worried me! I have used 3 DELL laptops till now (and they have all been pretty good), so I wanted to try something else. Toshiba and HP were left to fight it out!

My minimum requirements were:
1. At least 250 GB HDD.
2. At least 2 GB of RAM.
3. At least 15.4 inch screen.
4. At least 1.6 GHz dual processor, preferably AMD.
5. Infrared/bluetooth connectivity.
6. DVD burner
The DV6810US met all the requirements except the HDD one.

At 160 GB, the HDD is SMALL! Especially with Windows Vista hogging so much disk space, you can feel the need for additional space. I still decided to go for this one because I have a spare 500 GB external HDD. I use the external HDD to store my multimedia files. The laptop HDD will be primarily used for loading software and temporary storage. Do keep in mind that the external HDD will take up one of your USB ports!

Although, I was looking for anything that had 2 GB or more RAM, I m glad that I bought 3 GB. I strongly recommend at least 3 GB with Vista. Again, although Vista looks smart and has some cool features, it eats any amount of memory you give it! So more the better.

The 15.4 in widescreen with the cool remote and touch-sensitive multimedia controls is one of the best things a multimedia buff will enjoy on this laptop. Watching movies, viewing pictures and playing music is as easy as 1-2-3. Now although, there are 17 in laptop screens out there (and all that real-estate can be pretty useful to artists who edit photos and movies), the factors to consider are cost, weight and portability. DV9810US gives all the same features of a DV6810US on a 17 in screen, and the cost-difference in Apr 08 was only $150. I would have gone for it in a heartbeat had it not been for the weight and portability aspect. A 17 inch laptop will barely fit on the tray-table of an economy seat in an airplane!!! It also consumes that much more battery! And if you don't need 17 inch worth of real-estate on your screen 100% of the time, I would rather buy a 20 inch flat-screen for around $200 and sit it on a table at home!

The DV6810US is powered by 2.0 GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 dual-core processor. Though this is on of the faster processors in the market, Vista seems to slow it down (Only if Microsoft could have gotten out a better OS!)

I often connect my cell-phone to my laptop using infrared. This was a decisive factor when choosing between this one and Toshiba A205, A215 and P305 models. All of these are slightly superior to DV6810US on some other factors but lack infrared connectivity.

The Toshibas also lost because of the LabelFlash technology they used in their DVD burners. My study showed that HP's LightScribe was a better technology because of the availability of media and performance.

Most other laptops in its class feature a webcam, while this one does not. Again, I already had a good Logitech webcam, so I dint care a lot for the in-built one. Although, it will take-up another of your USB ports, it gives your more portability without having to move the entire laptop.

The weaknesses like only 3 USB ports (against 4 in some other models) and lack of webcam are pretty small, and are heavily outweighed by its strengths. The other OS related problems are inherent to Vista, and I believe would come with all laptops.

The other laptops I considered in my study were...
HP DV9810US
HP DV9820US
HP DV9830US
HP DV9720US
HP DV9730US
HP DV9740US
Toshiba Sat A215-S5848
Toshiba Sat A205-S5863
Toshiba Sat A215-S6804
HP dv6748us
Toshiba Sat A205-S5859
Toshiba Sat A215-S5849
HP DV9812US
Toshiba Sat P305-DS8818
HP DV6810US
HP DV6833US
HP DV6751US
HP DV6830US