DV6-2190US - Great, if you're looking for lots of speed
This DV6-2190us model is a desktop replacement.
Pros: The i7 processor is very fast, has 8 threads of execution (4 hyper-threaded cores) and the turbo boost kicks in when needed. It boots quickly, and runs applications quickly. I was able to install software and still use the machine without noticing any slowdown. It has a dedicated onboard graphics processor, with 1GB of dedicated graphics memory for gamers, I presume (I do not have any games to test it with).
Cons:
1. The fan runs continuously unless you turn it off in the BIOS. If you turn it off, it cycles, which is even more annoying. It cycles even when the laptop is idling (using very little cpu time). I did not notice the fan noise until I worked with it in my quiet office.
2. The keyboard layout takes learning. The pgup/dn are in the far upper right. The arrow keys and keypad keys are smaller than the QWERTY keys.
3. The power adapter has 120 watts output, and is huge and heavy.
Other:
1. touchpad has a lot of friction, but if you use your fingertips, it glides pretty well.
2. The battery life wasn't too bad, but I wasn't pushing the CPU or graphics.
I exchanged it after a week for the HP DV4-2170us model, which is cheaper and more portable.
Big performance bump over older DV6 line
Note: since I wrote a few reviews for some very simliar DV6 models Amazon has cross posted all those reviews.
I posted a long review of the current crop of DV6-21xx series of notebooks here: HP Pavilion DV6-2170US. The models are mostly the same with different CPUs (one has a discrete graphics chip). All include the newest mobile processors from Intel which eclipse the older Core2 line in terms of performance. Those with integrated graphics include Intel's new HD graphics which are also a big improvement over Intel's old 4500HD graphics (which are still inferior to discrete graphics chips from AMD/ATI and Nvidia when it comes to 3D gaming).
One specific thing I want to highlight about this model is that the CPU is the Intel i7-720QM, one of the top performing notebook CPUs on the market. With four cores running two threads each you computer can (if needed) act like a 8 core processor. When not needed the extra cores shut down and the frequency goes up (part of what Intel calls "Turbo mode". The downside is that the combination of this quad core CPU and the discrete graphics chip from nVidia will drain your battery much faster than a dual core CPU with Intel's integrated graphics (expect the battery to last 1-2 hours during typical use). Unless you are a 3D gamer this is probably not the notebook for you. If you are a 3D gamer the included nVidia 230M graphics chip will make 3D games at lot more playable. For example Fear2 goes from 12FPS on Intel HD to 45FPS on the nVidia 230M at medium settings.
The other thing to note about this model is that it has Gigabit ethernet (10/100/1000) whereas the dual core HPs have standard 10/100 ethernet. Not something that matters to most people but I thought I'd mention it since it's easy to miss when you are comparing models.
If you are really sold on this model but need better battery life you can buy a HP KS526AA 12-Cell Multi Battery for it and get another 1-2 hours of battery life. It adds another $100 to your purchase price. You can order direct from HP with this battery but I'm not sure if that gets you a better price (taxes, shipping, etc...) over Amazon or not. It's worth pricing out.
Great Performing Laptop So Far
Have used now for over a month and have found this to be a great little machine. Only problems I've had are related to Win 7 compatability and not the Laptop.
Pros: Great speed
Full keyboard with number pad
Easy volumn adjustment with visible slider
Cons: No separation between touch pad and buttons - too easy to get both fingers on touch pad
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HP Pavilion DV6-2190US 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black) at of 2010-09-05 Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [amazon.com or endless.com, as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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