HP Pavilion DV9260US 17" Entertainment Notebook PC (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7200, 2 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, HD SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Ultimate)

by HP

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 15.2 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000M9GFOE
• Item model number: DV9260US
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: December 29, 2006

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Balance your need for productivity with great multimedia performance with the HP Pavilion dv9260us notebook PC, which comes with an ExpressCard TV tuner that enables you to watch both standard NTSC and digital ATSC (HD) television broadcasts right on your laptop. It features an amazingly bright, widescreen 17-inch BrightView display--perfect for multitasking between document windows and watching movies in their native aspect ratio. This notebook also incorporates an HD DVD drive that's compatible with the new high-definition DVD disc format. Enjoy amazingly crisp and vibrantly colorful imagery from this new format. The optical drive also incorporates a dual-layer, multi-format DVD/CD burner that enables you to store up to 8.5 GB of data on a DL disc.

The dual-execution core T7200 Core 2 Duo processor provides an optimized, multi-threaded architecture for improved gaming and multi-tasking performance, and it features a 2.0 GHz speed, lightning quick 667 MHz system bus, and massive 4 MB L2 cache. Other hardware features include dual 120 GB hard drives (for a 240 GB total), 2 GB of installed RAM (maximizing capacity), an integrated Nvidia GeForce 7600 video/graphics card with 256 MB of discrete video RAM, tri-mode Wi-Fi LAN (802.11a/b/g), multi-format memory card reader, 1.3-megapixel WebCam (and integrated microphone), and an HDMI connectivity for uncompressed digital audio and video transmission to an HDTV. It also offers a cool, modern look with a durable, high-gloss piano black finish and inlaid design inspired by Zen rock gardens as well as a subtle blue backlit media control panel that responds to the slightest touch.

This laptop also comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Ultimate, 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 T7200 processor has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, super-fast 667 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and an enormous 4 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.)

  The Intel Core 2 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 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: You'll be able to store large libraries of digital audio, video, and photos on the dual 120 GB Serial ATA hard drives (5400 RPM). The 240 GB of total storage offers enough to room to hold a digital audio library of over 26,000 songs and still have room left over for movies, games, and a large collection of software. These SATA hard drive also quicken the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.
  
• Memory: The 2 GB of built-in memory maximizes the capacity of this notebook, which is par for the course for multimedia-centric laptops (though small in comparison to multimedia-oriented desktops). But you'll be able to handle immersive 3-D video games, video editing, graphics-intensive presentations, and multiple open business productivity applications right out of the box.
  
• DVD/CD Drive: This HP notebook offers the next generation of DVD entertainment with the HD DVD ROM optical drive, which provides the superior image and sound quality of high-definition images and multichannel surround sound as well as backward compatibility with standard DVD movie discs as well as content burned onto DVD-R/RW, DVD-RAM. It also incorporates a multi-format DVD/CD burner, which is compatible with dual-layer (DL) discs that can hold up to 8.5 GB of data.
  
• 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
The 17-inch WXGA+ high-definition BrightView widescreen (1440 x 900 resolution) provides a 45 percent larger picture for DVD movies than a 15-inch screen. Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 7600 graphics card, which was chosen by PC World magazine as one of the 100 Best Products of 2006 (July, 2006). It has 256 MB of video RAM. It features Nvidia's PureVideo technology--which provides great picture clarity, smooth video, accurate color, and precise image scaling for video content. It also offers full support for Microsoft DirectX 9.0 Shader Model 3.0 and true high dynamic-range (HDR) lighting. And it's ready for the next step in graphics processing--SLI technology (Scalable Link Interface)--which delivers twice the performance of a single GPU configuration by allowing two graphics cards to run in parallel.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
The Intel PRO wireless LAN 3945ABG provides a tri-mode network connection (supporting 802.11a/b/g), with throughput up to 54 Mbps at 5 GHz (802.11a) and 2.4 GHz (802.11g). It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54/34 card slot (replacing the 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 very good offering of connectivity options, which does include super-fast USB 2.0 and FireWire:

• 4 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)
• 1 VGA monitor port
• 1 S-Video port for connecting to a TV
• 1 ExpressCard/54 Slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)
• 1 headphone jack with SPDIF digital audio capability
• 1 microphone jack
• 1 Expansion Port 3 connector (for use with the HP xb3000 Expansion Base or the HP Notebook QuickDock)
• 1 IR receiver
• 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MMC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)

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

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Ultimate 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 Ultimate 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 to your favorite Wi-Fi hotspot.

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 DVD Edition, Sonic Digital Media Plus, HP PhotoSmart Premier, PC Recovery, and Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 15.16 x 11.65 x 1.57 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 7.8 pounds.

Power
It's powered by a 8-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of up to 2.5 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion dv9260us 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.

Product Description

HP DV9260US Pavilion Entertainment Notebook PC. Designed for your lifestyle with the convergence of leading edge entertainment and desktop performance that travels. For those who want fast access to their digital entertainment with desktop replacement performance that moves, the HP Pavilion dv9000 series Entertainment Notebook PC provides the ideal convergence. Ahead of the rest, the dv9000 introduces HP Imprint finish / a high gloss finish with an inlaid design and touch sensitive media controls. Dual hard drive option provides extra storage for media files and an easy backup solution with preinstalled Sonic Easy Archive software. This 7.8 lb light notebook delivers desktop comparable performance with its 17.0 in High Definition BrightView widescreen display supporting Intel Core Duo mobile technologies and nVIDIA graphics solutions. HP notebook PCs are designed with the features and power you need to get the most from Windows Vista. The result is intuitive system control, simple, powerful search and organization tools, and more security when you go online plus more entertainment choices than ever.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars DV9260US - Hello Vista, February 12, 2007

By 

Joseph Albanese "The Joe Show" (New York, New York United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: HP Pavilion DV9260US 17" Entertainment Notebook PC (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7200, 2 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, HD SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Ultimate) (Personal Computers)

When any new operating system is introduced, it makes you look at your equipment and realize that computers do not age well . . . just quickly.

As Vista is quite the memory hog, it did seem time to go "all the way" so I chose the Pavilion dv9260us and I'm glad I did.

I will keep my opinions about Vista separate and apart from the review of this notebook. Obviously, you can detect that I'm not quite satisified with Microsoft's latest venture.

But HP can not be blamed for anything except creating a wonderful, strong machine. For close to 20+ years I used a desktop or tower computer at home. Plus a monitor. Reviewers praised the "small footprint" and mini-tower but they added space and clutter and today I realize they did not improve the overall performance of the PC.

With the dv9260us, I decided to try to optomize and save some space and I'm glad I did.

This notebook is a solid, well crafted product. The screen is bright, crisp and clear. HP generously provided users with USB ports galore and enough other ports (for cable modem hookup, card reader, etc.) that you don't have to worry about hubs. It is a quiet, fast and strong machine that is sleek to look at and slick to work with. Although the speakers are not "music hall" quality, they do their job - a bit tinny but OK if you are not going to use it as a primary source of music.

Suggestion to future buyers: Do what I did and get the Dock Replicator. Not only does it add even more USB ports, you can buy an additional 300GB hard drive, a wireless mouse/laptop, etc. After an hour or so, you'll forget that you are not using a mighty tower - that is how professional HP created this one.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars LOTS FOR THE MONEY, February 23, 2007

By 

MsNomer - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: HP Pavilion DV9260US 17" Entertainment Notebook PC (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7200, 2 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, HD SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Ultimate) (Personal Computers)

I will start with my pet peeve about this machine which is the front loaded plugin for the headphone/speaker jack, mic etc right in front under and directly aligned with the touch pad. This is a very poor design and beyond understanding for what is otherwise a very slick machine. What were they thinking? I like the design of last year's equivalent that has these plugs under the express card slot. Makes so much more sense over there. Anyone who uses this machine as a home theatre stand in wants those external speakers plugged in because the on board speakers do not do the HD DVD player or anything other than a online phone chat justice.

Now for the upside of the machine: Where else could you get so many features for such a reasonable package price? The screen is terrific. Nice fast processor, loads of ram, two 120 gig hard drives, hd dvd player/ burner, TV tuner,256 mb dedicated video memory and all with Vista Ultimate. I don't need to re write the specs here but they aren't exactly correctly represented on the Amazon site. The specs are better than listed here. Check the Hp site for accurate specs. I really enjoy Vista. It takes a while to figure out how to get all your gear to work in vista but it all will despite what you've heard. Just be patient with it. Overall, I am thrilled with the machine, my third HP notebook this year. I keep buying them for my family members because they are so great. Hp service is a bit cumbersome but once one gets through the 1st and 2nd level techs to the real techs then service is smooth and efficient. I am very sold on this product. I threw away my old dinosaur tower and now have this machine in its place. Instead of the docking station I bought a powered Belkin usb hub to keep all my peripherals plugged in conveniently. The HDMI port is a plus too because now I can fire up either of my 45" lcd hd tv's with this little gem. So overall despite the front plugs mentioned at the outset and the reason I rank this with only 4 stars I am recommending this machine to anyone who wants a notebook or a full powered system that replaces any desktop with aplomb.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of features, and an overall great machine, March 10, 2007

By 

Eric (Portland, OR, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: HP Pavilion DV9260US 17" Entertainment Notebook PC (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7200, 2 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, HD SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Ultimate) (Personal Computers)

I bought one of these laptops a week ago, and I must say I am impressed. You couldn't ask much more from a laptop at this price. What sets this laptop apart from others, for me, is the whole combination of features: A fairly fast, 2.0ghz dual-core CPU, 2.0gb RAM, a GeForce Go 7600 video card with its own 256mb of RAM, lots of hard drive space, and built-in wireless network device. Also, the optical drive burns dual-layer DVDs, CDs, and reads CDs, DVDs, and HD-DVDs - something I hadn't expected. The 17" widescreen display is sharp and provides a nice 1440x900 screen resolution. In addition, this laptop includes plenty of connections: 4 USB ports, a VGA video output, a TV output, HDMI output, an expansion card port, gigabit Ethernet, modem, and what looks like a small FireWire port. And that's not all; this laptop also has a built-in webcam above the screen, and a memory card reader so that you can copy pictures from a digital camera (or other device) using a memory card onto the laptop.

This laptop also includes several accessories - a TV tuner, a couple remote controls, and a pair of headphones. A remote would make it nice to use as part of an entertainment center.

By the way, Amazon's specs aren't quite accurate - This laptop has 2 120gb hard drives for a total of 240gb, not 200gb.

Another nice touch about this laptop is that this laptop's keyboard includes a separate area for a numeric keypad, which is nice - many laptops have a smaller keyboard with the numeric keypad where the letters are.

Another thing I like about this laptop is that the HDMI output allows you to connect to modern high-definition TVs, and with an HDMI-DVI adapter, you can use a PC monitor with a digital connection.

This laptop comes with Windows Vista installed. One thing that concerned me is that when I started my laptop up the first time, over 900mb of the RAM - almost half the total RAM in the laptop - was in use. I got this down to a bit over 600mb by removing some software and disabling some of the fancy stuff I don't need. I also looked into installing Windows XP (which doesn't use as much memory). HP has Windows XP drivers for this laptop on their web site, and you can also order Windows XP recovery discs from HP's site. I did, and Windows XP runs well on this laptop, using less RAM than Vista.

This laptop could replace my desktop PC, which is very similar in specs. The video card in this laptop is great for gaming, and the fast CPU makes it good for gaming and general use. Overall, this is an excellent laptop and provides everything you'd need in a computer in a portable laptop package. This is probably one of the best laptops on the market for its price range.