Back in January after our last computer giveaway, HP invited the bloggers involved with that giveaway to join in on a webinar to review some upcoming notebook releases. One of these was the HP dv2z. Well, recently we were sent a review unit of the dv2z to check out and see exactly what it had to offer. In that initial post, I mentioned that the dv2z looked like it would be an excellent machine for us bloggers to exercise our wares. That does seem to be true. I have only had the chance to use the dv2z for less than a week, so there are undoubtedly more extensive reviews out there if you are getting ready to lay your hard earned down for a machine.
As mentioned in the January post, the dv2z is about 3.8 pounds/ 1.7 kg. My usual computer is a Macbook Pro, which comes in around at about 5.6 pounds. Two pounds might not sound like much, but it is noticeable when on my back as I’m riding the two wheeler to the coffee shop. While 5.6 doesn’t typically wear me out, after a while I certainly am aware it’s there. This may seem like much ado about the weight, but if you’re constantly traveling with your laptop like I am, you know it means something.
As far as usability goes, the screen and keyboard are much better comparable to other small notebooks. During our giveaway I tried out the HP Mini. I have a friend who has and likes the Mini, but she’s five feet and change with fairly small hands. I’m 6′ 4” with proportionately larger hands. The Mini just doesn’t work for me. At only one pound heavier and two inches bigger screen, the keyboard on the dv2z is very usable for me. After getting used to the key locations I wouldn’t see any problem using this on the regular.
I’m not quite as crazy about the trackpad. It’s very shiny, but some texture would feel better than the smooth metal. The buttons take a good bit of pressure to the point that they definitely slow me down. Fortunately an HP wireless mouse was sent along as well, so maybe they know it isn’t ideal.
This particular unit shipped with 285GB of usable disk space with another 12.6GB already partitioned as a recovery drive, a nice touch for those crazybots trying to live without a separate backup drive. As you can read about in this PC Magazine article, the dv2z ships with the AMD Turion Neo X2 Duel Core Processor as well as 4GB RAM. As we speak(?), I have Firefox open with several tabs, Window Media Player playing (muted), Music Maker 14 playing a demo, and Excel running as I write in Dark Room. Other than a few skips of the music as I opened Excel and when the computer interrupted me with a registration reminder it seems to be running just fine. This isn’t rendering huge video files or anything, but most users should have no problem.
As far as Vista goes, I have no huge complaints. Don’t get me wrong, I still prefer OS X. In one of those cases of “you don’t miss it until it’s gone,” I do wish I had the menu bar hugging the top of the screen. I also haven’t had enough time with it to see all the foibles. My other complaint is the constant need to approve that applications and things download even if I started the download or the application has run before. I use Quicksilver on my MBP and install Launchy whenever I use a PC because of my irrational need for speed while doing my work, so having to approve this or that 4 times in an hour is no bueno.
On the other side of things, I was pleased with using Windows Media Center. I haven’t used it since my last PC died in 2007 and like the cut of its jib. It has the intuitive navigation of OS X’s Front Row without having to give up my whole screen if I don’t want. Media Center also has built-in Netflix instant viewing as well, making streaming the latest “class-related documentary” that much easier. A plus in Vista’s column. With Windows 7 coming out soon I’d encourage you to look for comparisons between the two.
The dv2z screen’s contrast could be better. I ran the new Sherlock Holmes trailer at HD 720p and the blacks could have been blacker. Otherwise the resolution was fine. It’s not going to make ideal use of the Blu-ray drive that comes in the box, but it will work just fine getting you through a movie while chilling in the airport.
Overall, my original expectations were generally correct. The HP dv2z’s size and general usability makes it a good choice for watching YouTube taking notes in class and blogging over an overpriced coffee. Vista’s media capabilities make this notebook just fine for the everyday user. Those who are looking for top quality HD video capability and the screen to do serious editing probably need to do more research.
Definitely invest in a mouse, as it will make your use go much smoother. You’ll have to carry the external disk drive with you for your Blu-rays, CDs, and the like, though with Netflix in Media Center and Hulu in the Internets you might not really need it anyway. Despite my love of Steve Jobs’ offspring, the $699 starting price tag makes this a good choice for a lot of college students.
