Handy Computer Guide

A review of the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC has been posted over at Tracy and Matt's Blog. 'On the left hand side, we have a VGA port, to add an extra monitor, or to replicate the laptop screen, a large grill (which pumps out a LOT of heat), a single USB port, and audio ports for speakers and a microphone. The USB plug has a weird hole next to it, and I still haven’t figured out what it is for! Swapping to the right hand side and we find another more normal looking USB port, the Ethernet port and the AC power socket. Talking of the AC power, unfortunately the Mini-Note does have a smallish power brick – a step back from the first Eee PC with its phone-charge style setup. We’ve also got an express card port sitting above a SD card slot. SD Card’s click in nicely, but are not flush with the laptop chassis. I guess there just wasn’t enough room.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:05 PM | Permalink

PC Magazine have published a review of the lightweight Voodoo Envy 133 Notebook PC. 'The Envy 133 is the latest addition to the exclusive "laptops that fit into a manila envelope" club. Seen for the first time, it draws the same oohs and aahs as the MacBook Air. The Envy 133's dimensions (9 by 12.7 by 0.7 inches, HWD) are thinner than those of the Air (8.9 by 12.8 by 0.7 inches, HWD) at its thickest part. Of course, the Air has a tapering design that becomes even thinner as you move toward the bezel, so neither one can proclaim itself the thinnest here. If it's any consolation, the Envy 133 is thinner than the Lenovo X300 (9 by 12 by 0.9 inches, HWD).

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Posted by HCG Admin at 4:06 AM | Permalink

A review HP Pavilion Slimline s3500f desktop PC has been posted over at DesktopReview.com. 'The most striking thing about the Slimline s3500f is the very compact size of the unit. Measuring just over a foot long and less than a foot high, this desktop can live up to its name by fitting on your desk without taking up too much room. It’s easy to get used to the size until you open the optical disc tray and realize just how small the case is. The stylish chassis is solid, with metal covering all four of the sides. It won't be so easy to scratch as some plastic cases. The optical drive is set vertically -- a requirement since the machine is only four inches wide -- with a glossy exterior cover and button to match the rest of the case front. It’s heavier than it looks but for a desktop, that’s a good thing. There’s no need to worry about accidentally knocking it off of your work surface.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:09 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the HP Pavilion dv2915nr laptop. 'The Pavilion dv2915nr features HP's signature silver-and-black chassis; both its glossy black lid and silver keyboard deck feature a subtle imprint design, which adds interest without being showy. In terms of both size and weight, the dv2915nr is comparable to the Dell Inspiron 1420 and the Gateway T-6836. Weighing a half-pound less than 15.4-inch mainstream models, including the HP Pavilion dv6915nr, the Pavilion dv2915nr provides a little bit more portability in exchange for sacrificing an inch of screen size.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:09 PM | Permalink

TabletPCReview have published a review of HP Pavilion tx2500 tablet PC. 'The tx2500 features the new AMD "Puma" platform which includes both the updated Turion X2 Ultra dual-core processor and the all new ATI Radeon HD 3200 integrated graphics processor (IGP). The Radeon HD 3200 is a remarkable IGP because it is the first integrated graphics solution that is genuinely capable of playing 1080p video without skipping frames or playing many 3D video games with reasonable frame rates. While most tablets with integrated graphics produce a 3DMark05 score of less than 1,000 the HD 3200 IGP is theoretically capable of two or three times that level of performance.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:44 PM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have published a review of the lightweight HP Compaq 2510p Notebook. 'The Compaq weighs in at 1.5kg, which is certainly portable and we found carry it around was easy, even when commuting with it for a couple of days. Sadly, battery life didn't live up to expectations as we only managed to run this notebook for a little over 2 hours before needing to recharge it. The screen is a standard 12.1-inch TFT panel, which helps cut down on reflections when using it outside but it does mean colours tend to look a little flat when watching movies or trying to edit photos. Graphics are handled by an integrated Intel X3100 chip, which is fine for basic tasks and will run video and presentations with a fair degree of speed..'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:28 PM | Permalink

PC Advisor have published a review of the HP TouchSmart IQ506 PC. 'The HP TouchSmart IQ506 is an all-in-one desktop PC that's all screen - 22in of 1650-by-1080-resolution display, with a laptop's guts hiding inside. Although the TouchSmart isn't a powerhouse desktop machine meant to run graphics-intensive games or to crunch supercomputer-level data, it is a centerpiece system with a multitouch screen that makes you realise you're playing with a PC that's slightly ahead of its time.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 1:43 PM | Permalink

Notebook Review have published a "First look" review of the new HP Pavilion dv5z 15-inch notebook. 'The dv5z has a new and improved design, replacing the long-lasting and much-loved dv6000 series chassis design. The display cover has the durable plastic Imprint finish, which holds up quite well to minor abrasion without scratching. The body of the notebook is smooth with rounded edges, making it extremely comfortable in your hand while carrying it around. The screen also sports a latchless design, making it easy to open the notebook with one hand. Although the lid lacks any latch to keep it held shut, the hinges feel fairly strong, keeping the lid secure. Pressing firmly onto the back of the screen cover will produce some ripples on the screen ... but you must apply significant pressure to cause this.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:11 PM | Permalink

PC World have publsihed a review of the HP TouchSmart IQ506 Desktop PC. 'Like the Gateway One and waves of Apple iMacs, the TouchSmart IQ506 is all about elegance. I was hypnotized, staring at a beautiful-looking machine with a touch screen--something the competition doesn't offer. This isn't HP's first attempt at an all-in-one, either. However, the first-generation TouchSmart IQ770 more closely resembled a highly stylized desktop than it did a display. As much as it got right, a few things disappointed us back then, namely its poky components and the fact that its 19-inch touch screen would recognize only a single point.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 1:45 PM | Permalink

PC Magazine have publsihed a review of the HP TouchSmart IQ506 All-in-one multimedia PC. 'The IQ506 has been redesigned from the ground up. About the only thing that the IQ770 and IQ506 have in common is the Media Center remote, and maybe the mouse too. The screen is larger: up from 19 to 22 inches with a higher-resolution 1,680-by-1,050 widescreen. The screen itself is glossy, with colors that "pop." The screen initially does a good job hiding fingerprints, even though its glossy surface will become covered with the evidence of its touch capability after several hours of heavy use. Good thing it comes with a cleaning cloth.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:07 PM | Permalink

Tablet PC Review have published a review of the HP Pavilion tx2500 convertible Tablet PC. ‘Clearly the tx2500 inherits the design elements of its predecessor, the tx2000. The tx2500 has a high-gloss HP Imprint Finish, this time called the "Mesh" Imprint Finish. Like its predecessor the lid is glossy black, but this time it has the Mesh pattern, which also extends inside to the silver keyboard. It's a very sleek design, but it is somewhat vulnerable to fingerprints smudges. That said, the Imprint Finish is remarkably durable and resistant to scratches.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 1:23 PM | Permalink

A review of the HP Pavilion a6460t desktop PC has been posted over at PC Magazine. 'The HP Pavilion a6460t has hardware galore—a 2.5-GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 quad-core Yorkfield processor (based on Intel 's latest 45nm microprocessor architecture), 2GB of 800-MHz DDR2 memory, an nVidia GeForce 8400 graphics card, a DVD burner, an HDTV-compatible ATSC TV tuner, and a 500GB hard drive. There's an HP-branded MCE remote with an external IR receiver. As a measure of the progress of technology, all this gear would have cost two to three times as much back in 2006.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 3:45 PM | Permalink

Laptop Magazine have published a review the HP 2133 Mini-Note (XP) Notebook PC. ‘As with other mini-notebooks, such as the CTL 2go PC, the Mini-Note is nominally aimed at the education market, but it looks far more grown-up than other notebooks in its class. Measuring 10.0 x 6.5 x 1.1 inches and weighing only 3.2 pounds, the Mini-Note is a tad bulkier than its competitors but makes up for it with an attractive brushed silver aluminum case over a magnesium-alloy chassis, giving the system a durable foundation.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:24 PM | Permalink

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC - Linux Edition. ‘Though it lacks a catchy name, compared to the toy-like Eee PC the Mini-Note PC is a stunningly stylish piece of design. Weighing in a heavier but nonetheless portable 1.27kg the brushed metal lid and underside complements the silver internals and gloss black bezel beautifully, while its curves make for a pleasingly tactile shape that immediately impresses. If the Eee PC borrows the MacBook's iconic white finish, the Mini-Note PC feels far more like a product produced by the house that Steve Jobs built.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 1:23 PM | Permalink

A review of the HP Pavilion dv3000 laptop has been posted over at CNET Asia. ‘With a footprint of 320 x 228 x 38mm and tipping the scales at 2kg, it is debatable if the marginal reduction in size and weight from the larger 2.4kg HP Pavilion dv2600 is worth the smaller display. Like the rest of its Pavilion brothers, the chassis is decked out with the HP Imprint technology. Here, the Mesh design resembles a net laid across the top cover and palm rest. Though the exterior of the unit is an attractive glossy black, we got a shock when we peered inside.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 11:40 AM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have published a review of the HP Pavilion dv6750ea Notebook. 'The HP Pavilion dv6750ea takes the now standard HP design, a silver and black casing with an inlaid swirl design and offers it up as a multimedia entertainment notebook. The screen is a 15.4-inch Super-TFT panel that sits on a strange hinge that dips at the back of the casing. It's not the most secure of fixings, as we found the screen was prone to movement as we typed, which isn't great if you're planning on using it on the move. Screen quality is stunning, with images looking sharp, and making it ideal for watching movies or playing games. At this price point you'll find a reasonable graphics card in the form of the Nvidia GeForce 8400M GS, which is fine for playing mainstream games and even helps if you're editing video.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:03 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the new HP 2133 Mini-Note PC. 'The 2133's biggest selling point is its fantastic keyboard, which HP claims is 92 percent of the size of a full-size laptop keyboard. Both inexpensive mini-notebooks and high-priced UMPCs have been plagued by tiny Chicklet-like keys, which make typing a pain and typos plentiful. By expanding the keyboard right to the edges of the system, HP was able to fit bigger keys into the tray. The result is a comfortable typing experience. It also presents a unique, eye-catching look.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:10 PM | Permalink

A review of the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC has been posted over at The Gadgeteer. ‘On the front edge, there are two small chrome slider switches with LEDs built into the switch knobs. The switch on the Left is the power switch and the switch on the right is for Wifi. There is also a small disk status LED next to the power switch. Speaking of the hard drive, it is protected by the HP 3D DriveGuard. This sends a signal to shut down the hard drive upon sudden movement or shock by using a three-axis digital accelerometer chip. On the Left side of the laptop, you will find a VGA out connector, heat vents, a USB port, microphone and earphone jacks.’

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Posted by HCG Admin at 9:07 AM | Permalink

PC Magazine have published a review of the HP Pavilion S3330F Slimline desktop PC. 'The s3330f comes in the same compact case as the previous-generation Slimline s3020n. As usual, HP has addressed some of the shortcomings of the older system. There's more RAM, an HD-video-capable optical drive, and an (over-the-air) ATSC/HDTV tuner card in place of the mostly useless 56K modem of the previous iteration. The system also comes with a full-function IR remote that can be used with Windows Vista Home Premium's Media Center component. Sadly, the IR remote pairs up with a standard external USB receiver that you must plug into your PC. I'd rather see the IR sensor built into the front panel of the PC, as on HP's own Pavilion Elite m9040n, especially considering this model could conceivably be in your living room connected to your HDTV via the system's HDMI port.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:33 PM | Permalink

Digital Trends have published a review of the HP Pavilion Elite m9200t desktop PC. 'The m9200t we received for evaluation is mildly configured. It has an Intel quad-core Q6600 processor clocked at 2.4GHz 2GB of RAM, an NVIDIA 8400 video card and a single 320GB hard drive. You can upgrade all these parts while configuring the system during the purchase process, and that will obviously increase the price significantly.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:40 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the HP Pavilion Elite m9100t desktop PC. 'As the Pavilion Elite m9100t is a customizable PC, you don't need to spend more than $2,000 to get one. For a modest $850 online, you can get a minimum specs with a dual-core Intel CPU and 2GB of RAM, which is not a bad way to start. HP envisions this system as its mainstream flagship PC, though, making our dialed-up review config an example of this system's full potential.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 10:12 PM | Permalink

ZDNet have published a review of the HP Pavilion tx2000z convertible tablet laptop. 'The baseline Pavilion tx2000 is mostly identical as last year's model. In addition to a slightly faster processor, it makes one major improvement by adding an active stylus to the touch-screen display (the tx1000 used an inactive dummy pen). The active digitizer makes for better control and accuracy when using the stylus and is a welcome addition, especially since HP kept the base price steady at $1,299. The AMD Turion 64 X2 processor wouldn't be our first choice an entertainment-minded, multimedia machine (and the TL-66 CPU in our review unit has already been replaced by the slightly faster TL-68). Perhaps a system targeted at media fans should offer the option to upgrade to a Blu-ray or an HD DVD drive (this one doesn't), but overall the HP Pavilion tx2000 is a largely successful hybrid.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 12:59 PM | Permalink

A review of the Compaq Presario C700t widescreen Notebook has been posted over at Notebook Review. 'The Compaq came packed in a simple red box with just the Compaq name on the side. Only the sticker on the side gave any indication what was actually in the box. Inside the laptop had some custom Styrofoam holders that secured it by the ends preventing any sort of movement and keeping about 1½" of space on all sides of the notebook. There was a box for the AC adaptor and battery then a separate box for the warranty paperwork, a quick start guide and various offers from a few companies that had undoubtedly paid to have their bloatware added to my machine. The packaging was rather simplistic, but it gets the job done.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 9:14 PM | Permalink

A review of the HP tx2000 Tablet PC has been posted over at Tablet PC Review. 'The tx2000 has a high-gloss HP exclusive Echo finish. Unlike its predecessor the lid is glossy black and has the Echo pattern, which also extends inside to the silver keyboard. Very sleek design, but it does get full of fingerprints. The overall design and chassis are still the same. The tx2000 feels solid and weighs in around 4.3 pounds, but it still has the same plastic housing which shows some signs of flex. It gets a little heavy to carry around in tablet mode, but it does come packed full of features and you can always substitute the weight saver in place of the optical drive.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 3:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

PC Perspective have published a review of the HP Blackbird 002 LC gaming system. 'The case itself is a solid cast steel enclosure that rests on a raised "leg" of sorts. It has Plexiglas sides on it with a subtle yet cool looking design and the HP logo is gently introduced to the buyer instead of being forced upon them. It looks nice, it looks high tech and it looks high quality. It's heavy and feels like it's worth you money you are shelling out for it and that's an important trait in a world of cheap plastic computers. The top of the Blackbird 002 is built like the entirety of the case and has ridges in it. The back of the top area is actually open and allows air to flow outward from the custom CPU water cooling setup.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 3:26 PM | Permalink

Personal Computer World have published a review of the lightweight HP Compaq 2710p Notebook. 'The HP Compaq 2710p (reviewed from a consumer perspective in our recent group test) is a hard device to categorise, being something of a compromise between a conventional notebook and a tablet PC. Moreover, with a foot in both camps, it’s inevitably far from perfect, with a number of both good and bad points which need to be clearly understood before making a business buying decision.

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Posted by HCG Admin at 9:46 PM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have published a review of the HP Compaq 2710p tablet PC. 'When it comes to performance, you won't find this the most powerful notebook on the market but you'll be impressed to see dual-core technology being used in such a lightweight machine. Powered by the Intel Core 2 Duo U7600, this low-voltage chip is sufficient for every day tasks. With only 1024MB of memory we found the Windows Vista Business Edition OS took a long time to boot and run. We'd suggest a memory upgrade to get the most from this machine. However, the use of a low-voltage processor does mean you won't have to sacrifice battery life for the sake of pure performance.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 9:13 PM | Permalink

Dustin Sklavos writing over at Notebook Review has posted a review of the HP Pavilion dv2610us widescreen laptop. 'The 1280x800 resolution 14.1" screen on the dv2610us is surprisingly attractive. Viewing angles are less than impressive, but laptop viewing angles usually stink. This is nothing new. But the glossy finish renders colors crisp and bright. One nice thing to point out is how sturdy the hinges are. Most people are used to a little bit of give or wobble on the hinges, but these babies are solid. You'll find that with most laptops you can flick or tweak the screen half and it'll wobble a couple times, kind of like the shocks in your car. HP's lids don't really do that. In fact, I can barely even tweak it to start the nonexistent wobble.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 9:07 PM | Permalink

Ted Lynch writing over at Notebook Review has posted a review of the Compaq-Presario-F560US Notebook. 'The F560's case is made of plastic. It does not have HP's new Imprint Finish technique, so it's not shiny and pretty, but does not attract the smudges that the new look glossy notebooks do. The case is black on the outside with a dark gray keyboard area and black keyboard. The case features rounded edges and has a lone Compaq logo adorning the lid of the notebook. All in all quite simple I would say, but on occasion attracting less attention is a good thing. The F560 has a 15.4" screen and weighs about six and half pounds. It's probably not a notebook that should be carried on a daily basis, but taking it out now and again is certainly doable. The size of the notebook is quite similar to that of my R60, it's just wider due to the screen and a bit heavier.'

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Posted by HCG Admin at 9:45 PM | Permalink