HP Pavilion DV6426US 15.4-inch Laptop (Intel Core Duo Processor T2450, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium)

i really like it & will be buyin this series 4 gift in the future. this particular is a bit heavy & does not do well in portability but it has a nice sleek look.

Thumbs Up:
Fast processor, extreme good looks, rugged construction, HP's history of quality, price.


Thumbs Down:
Vista, 5400rpm HD, 1 gig of memory, annoying fan noise due 2 processor heat, HP's poor record 4 service.


The Bottom Line:
If you don't mind Vista, or can replace it with XP, & a fan doesn't bother you, this may well be the best value in a media laptop you'll find.


What I Think:

I've used computers 4 over 25 years. I've owned many laptops & this is by far the best Windows deck I've owned.

First off it's beautiful. Made well & rugged, lighter than most it's size, gorgeous bright screen, 15.4 WXGA, 160g HD. Built in 1.3 mp webcam & mic, Intel pro-wireless, 6 cell bat, & a boatload more included features. Mine also came with a Lightscribe DVD burner, HP's bootless QuickPlay software 4 playing the DVDs without having 2 use Windows.

The Hp dv6426us comes with three expansion ports, a Firewire port, three USB 2 ports, a 5-in-1 digital media reader, etc.

The only real drawback I've found on this laptop compared 2 all the many others I've owned is that it comes loaded with Windows Vista. This is my first Vista machine & I absolutely hate it. It totally fills the 1 gig memory the machine comes with even when idle. When something triggers the processor, it will go over 100%, no matter what the program. And the Vongo & other junk prepackaged with the machine slows it 2 a crawl. You'll have 2 rip all of that out 2 see the true speed this laptop really has.

Since I've had it, I've only used it 4 email on the road. But I plan this summer when things slow down 2 dump Vista & load either XP Pro or Vista Lite (an unauthorized stripped down version of Vista) onto the HP. Besides it getting a little warm on the bottom side due 2 the heat generated by the Intel Core Duo processor & the fans coming on & off the cool it, this is an unbelievable steal at this price.

I first saw this laptop being used by people in my line of work. This machine was showing up everywhere. So I asked each of these folks if they likes the machine & what were the main drawbacks. They all said they loved the machine & that the cons were few, mostly the warm underside & the fan noise. Some of the machines issued produce a high pitched whine, which if it's too troublesome, you can contact HP & exchange the laptop 4 a new (not refurbished one like Dell gets away with). At that time, it was selling 4 around $950.00 2 $1,000.00. I just happened 2 see it on deep discount at Circuit City 4 $650.00. I grabbed the last one they had & after about nine months, I still love the deck.

It comes with the slower 5400 rpm hard drive & I may swap that out 4 the much faster 7200 rpm drive. And I'm definitely going 2 add another gig of memory. Unfortunately, this laptop has a limit of 2 gigs of memory.

It's not 4 gamers so if you are looking 4 a portable gaming machine, don't buy this one 4 that. But if you need an outstanding laptop 4 dirt cheap, this is the one 2 look at!


What It's Features Are:

Intel Core Duo T2450 2 GHz Processor

15.4 WXGA High-Definition BrightView Widescreen Display (1024 x 768)

160 GB 5400 rpm Hard Disc Drive

1024 mb DDR2 SDRAM memory (2 Dimm)

Intel PRO Wireless 3945 a/b/g 802 11a/b/g integrated Wireless LAN

Lightscribe Super Multi 8x DVD+/-RW Double Layer Supported

6-Cell battery

HP DVD/CD Quick Play

HP Mobile Remote Control

5-in-1 Digital Media Card Slot

ExpressCard/54 PC Expansion Card Slot

Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with shared graphics memory

Windows Vista Home Premium OS

1.3mp Integrated Webcam

Integrated microphone

Mobile Stereo Earbud Headphones

Expansion Port 3


What I Like:

I love the styling. It's smart & professional looking & has lots of sex appeal too. The machine is built rugged & feels like it will take some abuse. It's easy 2 use. The buttons are well lit & marked & the keyboard feels good 2 the fingers, though some say it's a bit springy. Though only an XGA, the screen is bright, clear & easy 2 read with vibrant colors. The integrated sound is good enough 4 listening 2 mp3s & web radio on the road. I've not had the bottom panels off yet so I can't comment on easy of using the expansion ports or changing out memory. The DVD burner is easy 2 use with the enclosed cheapo burning software. I would recommend you replace it with what you are used 2 using 2 burn CDs & DVDs. Once you uninstall all of the garbage out of the machine & cheap unnecessary programs that try 2 load at boot time, this machine flies with speed. Even though it's not a feather weight (around 6 & a half pounds), it's very totable & can even be used on your lap.


What I Don't Like:

VISTA! Sorry but this is a terrible OS. Windows really shot itself in the foot with this. I've not talked 2 one person since this came out who likes it, even a little. Sure the graphics are cute, but you don't buy a computer 4 animated Mac style graphics. The new built in high security system is a joke. What it is is merely a series of questions when you click a button. It's like this:


Operator: Clicked a button 2 do something

Windows Security: Are you sure you wanted 2 do that?

Operator: Yes, click

Windows Security: Are you REALLY sure you wanted 2 do that?

Operator: YES! Click

Windows Security: Windows Security thinks this is an unauthorized attempt 2 access this computer. Access denied

Operator: BUT I'M THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THIS COMPUTER!!!


And this happens 4 every single thing you try 2 do in Vista. So you end up turning the High Security system off. Which right there tells you how secure it is. When I got this laptop & started immediately having trouble with Vista, I went online & found numerous blogs & articles saying the same thing. And there are no fixes 4 just being a big, poorly written, bloated operating system. What these IT experts did was either use Vista Lite, a stripped down version of Vista, or wipe the whole hard drive clean & "upgrade" 2 Windows XP Pro, which is what I use on my desktop & really love. That's probably what I will do when I get the chance.

Also, the HP Quick Play buttons are very easy 2 accidently activate & then it's a pain 2 get out of that program quickly.

And look out 4 the wireless activation button on the front. Grab the computer wrong & it turns off & you'll forget 2 check that as the problem.

This computer comes with the Intel Core Duo processor. This is not the same as the Core 2 Duo, which runs a lot cooler than the Core Duo. So what that means is more internal heat which will eventually affect the components & may shorten their lifespan. But the main affect is a very warm bottom on the computer which can get uncomfortable if you sit it 4 long periods of time on your legs or lap. It won't burn you but it does get warm. The second result is fans. There are several, including a pretty soft one that stays on all the time. When you start running multiple programs, especially graphic intensive ones, or have multiple windows open, the fans come on & at their extreme, they really scream. If there is anything I would label a design flaw with this machine, it would be this heat issue & the fan noise. But 4 me, it's a minor annoyance 4 what I use this laptop for.


My Conclusions:

All in all, I love this laptop computer. It's exactly what I was looking 4 with a cross of the high end media features & the zip of a gaming machine, plus the simplicity of a standard use notebook. If you consider buying this computer, before you load it up with software & programs, give yourself a break-in period 2 see if you will be happy with Vista. Most folks aren't but most also are not up 2 the task of replacing their operating system from scratch, & then reloading all the software & programs back into the machine, & then trouble shooting the new installation looking 4 drivers 4 the hardware that may not be supported automatically by XP. An option is 2 have the store where you buy it do that swap out 4 you. Know this, that they will charge you 2 reload your computer, AND you will have 2 pay 4 the other OS. Most non-professionals just tough out Vista & all of it's problems. If you keep it, you'll definitely need 2 replace the memory with two new sticks of 1gig high speed RAM. That's around another $200.00 2 do that since the 1gig that comes with the machine is really two sticks of 500megs so you won't be able 2 use it. You could then always sell the 1gig on eBay.

Good luck!

In August, before going off 2 college, as many other college students have done in the past & continue 2 do, I went on a search 2 find a laptop 4 school. Although my school endorses Macs & Dells, I decided on an HP. My family has owned many HP's in the past & from what I had read it sounded like a great laptop. Unfortunately, it was only great on paper. It freezes & I have had 2 erase the hard drive multiple times. And, the big problem, the battery that it comes with only lasts an hour. It is not a bad battery though, when HP was contacted, they confirmed that the battery that comes with the laptop is only supposed 2 last an hour. There is a battery that will last from 2.5 2 3 hours that you can purchase 4 $150, but 2.5 2 3 hours is a maximum estimate & that battery hangs below the computer, as they claim, giving your computer a nice slant. Who would market this type of a computer 2 college students? Would you really send your own kid off 2 college 2 attend lectures with a laptop battery that lasts a maximum of one hour?! I don't care if a businessman, college student, or any type of student 4 that matter is using it. Selling a laptop with a battery life of one hour & not having that in the literature is not excusable. HP should be ashamed. They should also be ashamed by their incompetent call center workers who, when they don't disconnect your calls & speak English clearly & know what they are talking about, talk down 2 you. One woman forgot 2 log my call & another said that she would call me back in an hour- it took her over 48 hours. I eventually had 2 resort 2 having my parents handle this issue which has yet 2 be satisfactorily resolved. At one point my mother had been on hold 4 45 minutes. Now they are sending me the 2.5 2 3 hour battery free, & they suggested I keep that battery that lasts an hour so I can carry it around with me as I have 2 lectures in a row & need the battery 2 last a minimum of 3 hours, which we all know it won't. How sad is that, even they know the battery won't last that long. Unfortunately, in the end it is the college student who is at a disadvantage, as her parents have already shelled out nine hundred dollars on this HP laptop & then went out & got an HP desktop 4 the family. Yet, had they known that this laptop had such poor battery life, they would have 1) never purchased it 2 begin with & 2) kept this one & not purchased the desktop & gotten me a different laptop instead. Needless 2 say, this will be the last HP product I EVER buy.

I picked up this computer 4 $899 on sale & had it since october of '07, & it's been a great machine. HP lists this an an "entertainment" notebook, & I can say that it does that & more.
I upgraded from a sony Vaio PCG-K25 series, known 2 be high quality & reliability, & this HP machine hasn't dissapointed me. Before I bought this one though I was skeptical after hearing rumors about reliability & hardware problems, but I can say these are unfounded. I've never had a problem with it, aside from getting used 2 Vista.
I do college online, & do a lot of multitasking, & the AMD Turion (dual-core 2.0 GHz) processor is great, lots of speed, quick file recovery & no lag switching between windows even with four or more open at once. I compared this processor's performance 2 the Intel Core 2 Duo's in the same class (the T7200 & T7500) & found similar if not better performance with comparable RAM (2000MB DDRII 667 MHz) & graphics cards. The only difference between the Intel & AMD machines was price, the AMD machine was $300 cheaper!
Battery life with the 12-cell battery is about 4-1/2 hours with the WiFi off, & 3 or so with it on, overall great battery life.
I do a lot of music editing, & the Altec-Lansing speakers on this machine are better than most laptops, lots better than on the Sony. The screen is great also, awesome resolution, no dead pixels, & plenty of brightness, one of the better (if not best) screens on a notebook computer I've seen.
I don't do any gaming, so the NVIDIA 6150 card is fine It doesn't have the same performance of the GS8400's or X1600's, but perfectly fine 4 any kind of video editing & producting or PC games out there.
Overall, if you are looking 4 a good quality, high-performance notebook 4 the money, this is one 2 consider. The screen is awesome, the speakers are acceptable, & there's no shortage of ports & connectivity. As 4 the reports of HP's questionable customer service & reliability, I've never had a problem with my HP products & I've owned computers, printers, & all-in-ones 4 the last 6 years.

I'm really happy with this laptop- it works great, & has everything I need 4 basic daily use. Beautiful wide screen, with a bright background. Windows Vista takes some getting used to, but has great features (and I absolutely love Office 2007).

Back 2 the computer- Overall, this laptop is great though. I LOVE the media button, where you can play DVDs, take pictures with the camera built into the top of the laptop, play music, etc. Also, my laptop came with this super-cool little media remote, that makes the QuickPlay function work. The remote is a really really tiny version of a TV remote, & lets you play your DVDs & use all the functions from far away. Definitely a cool little gadget that got me sold on this laptop! Speakers are great too. Oh, & all the outlets 4 USBs, internet, media cards etc are really well-placed & functional. Speaking of media cards, there's this one slot that can take any size media cards. So if you want pictures from your friend's digital camera, & they have a different media card than you, they all still fit in the same slot. Pretty cool! I also haven't gotten 2 try out the LightScribe function yet on the DVD burner, but it sounds really exciting. Another cool function: if you don't want 2 use the mousepad & would rather use a mouse, you can press a little button right above the mousepad that "locks" it, so that while you're typing, you don't accidentally move the mouse. Oh, & the laptop is really fast too- always a plus.

Also, I have three minor issues, but they still don't change my rating:

1. The QuickPlay media & DVD buttons are easy 2 accidentally press when you're using the keyboard. They require such a light touch, that it's really easy 2 do that, & then it interrupts what you're doing because you have 2 wait 4 the QuickPlay program 2 start up. The buttons also have a kind of annoying high-pitched beep sound.

2. The wireless internet on/off switch is on the front of the laptop, so sometimes when you're moving your laptop, the switch can easily get turned off & interrupt your internet usage. But it's really not a big deal.

3. The other thing is that the little pads on the bottom of the laptop that cushion it when sitting on a desk can come off easily. This one is really my fault though, since I often leave my laptop on my bed, & it gets very hot, & thus the glue melts on the rubber pads & makes it easy 4 them 2 come off. Just something 2 keep in mind!

I highly recommend this laptop 2 everyone! It's been great so far, & hopefully it stays that way!

Wrapped up in the new HP Imprint finish, the HP Pavilion dv6400 series Notebook PC is a sleek & shiny laptop that will look good at home or on the road. Get all the power of a desktop, with all the convenience of a notebook PC at a price that's right.

Designed 4 fast access 2 your entire entertainment library, the HP Pavilion dv6426us notebook PC is a great choice 4 both families & business travelers on the go. The 15.4-inch high-definition BrightView display looks good even in direct sunlight, & you'll enjoy movies or music in seconds with the external DVD or music buttons 2 launch HP QuickPlay (which bypasses the boot process). Control playback settings from up 2 10 feet away with the included HP remote, then store it conveniently in the Express card slot. Easily manage your digital photo library & share with friends & family using the included HP Photosmart Premier software. This stylish laptop also features a high-gloss, durable HP Imprint finish with an inlaid wave design.

It's powered by Intel's dual execution core 2.0 GHz Core Duo T2450, which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture 4 improved gaming & multitasking performance & a more efficient power consumption. This notebook also features a 160 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum), built-in tri-mode Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11a/b/g), 8x multi-format/dual-layer DVD+/-RW drive (with LightScribe printing), ExpressCard slot, & Intel GMA 950 video/graphics card. It also has an integrated 1.3-megapixel WebCam (and integrated microphone), enabling easy video conferencing via VoIP & video IM chats.

It comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, which includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities 4 turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition 2 easily playing your DVD movies & managing your digital audio library, you'll be able 2 record & watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, & offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

• Processor: The Intel Core Duo T2450 processor is built with the Mobile Intel 945PM Express chipset, & it has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, fast 533 MHz front-side bus (FSB), & large 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; & a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU & RAM, & a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  The Intel Core Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized 4 multitasking & is ready 2 support the next version of Microsoft Windows, code-named Vista. 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. It's more efficient, thanks 2 Intel's Power Coordination & Deeper Sleep, which help 2 transfer power only 2 those areas of the processor that need it. It also features Intel's Digital Media Boost, which delivers enhanced performance on floating point-intensive applications such as CAD tools, 3-D & 2-D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography & gaming.

• Hard Drive: The 160 GB hard drive (5400 RPM) offers enough 2 room 2 hold a digital audio library of over 26,000 songs & still have room left over 4 movies, games, & a large collection of software. This Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin 2 FireWire & USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 1 GB of installed RAM (2 x 512 MB) is a good start, but you'll want 2 add more RAM 2 handle today's demanding multimedia & productivity suites. This notebook has a 2 GB maximum RAM capacity (2 x 1 GB). Also, 2 receive the benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity & clockspeed.

• DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ & DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up 2 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, & 40x CD-ROM speeds.

  This LightScribe DVD+/-RW drive lets you laser-etch silkscreen quality text & images on 2 CDs & DVDs . Your software, PC & discs work together 4 a no-hassle way 2 burn just the labels you want. After you burn content, just flip the disc over, reinsert & burn your label--anything from a simple title 2 a full-disc work of art.

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

Screen, Video & Audio
You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics & widescreen movies with the 15.4-inch WXGA high-definition screen, which displays an 18 percent larger picture than standard 15-inch screens & offers up 2 an 18 percent improvement in contrast ratio. It has a widescreen resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels--perfect 4 watching DVD movies the way they were meant 2 be seen. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses Intel Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) & provides up 2 224 MB of shared video memory. It also offers an integrated audio card & built-in Altec Lansing speakers.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
The Intel PRO wireless LAN 3945ABG provides a tri-mode network connection (supporting 802.11a/b/g), with throughput up 2 54 Mbps at 5 GHz (802.11a) & 2.4 GHz (802.11g). It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54/34 card slot (though no standard PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, & lighter expansion cards 4 even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, & security features. You get a good offering of connectivity options:

• 3 USB 2.0 ports 4 connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras 2 MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port 4 connecting digital video camcorders & other peripherals
• 1 VGA monitor port
• 1 S-Video port 4 connecting 2 a TV
• 1 ExpressCard 54/34
• 2 headphone jacks (1 with S/PDIF digital audio compatibility) & 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)

It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.90) & an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Ethernet connection 2 networks & DSL/cable modems).

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system 4 users with advanced computer needs, & it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities 4 turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center 4 watching DVD movies & accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center 2 record & watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) & 2 access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium & an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you 2 access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever 2 share files between other PCs in your household & 2 manage your laptop computer settings 2 more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools & technologies 2 help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting 2 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 2 manage & monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, & other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office 2007 Student & Teacher Edition (60-day trial), Muvee Autoproducer Basic Edition, Roxio Creator 9 Basic, PC Recovery, HP PhotoSmart Essentials, & Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 14.05 x 10.12 x 1.56 inches (WxHxD) & weighs 6.14 pounds.

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

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion dv6426us notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, IR remote control, earphones, & operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty 4 parts & labor 4 one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance 4 one year. Software is also covered 4 30 days from date of purchase.