Customer Reviews

HP 2710p 12.1 Inch Laptop, Intel Core 2 Duo U7600 1.20 GHz, 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 100 GB Hard Drive, Genuine Windows Vista Business

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Summary: This one is a hit! The HP2710p blows ThinkPads and MacBooks away. It has no significant drawbacks, and PLENTY of positive points.

I've replaced all the paper notepads in my briefcase with this tablet, and I don't even notice it's in there. I've basically stopped using my PDA because this thing is so convenient to carry around and is discreet enough to take out in any meeting. It's basically silent, and since you can write on it like a pad of paper, it doesn't even look like you have a laptop on the table. Battery life is GREAT, at well over 4 hours in constant use, and I've used it all day without a charge when used intermittently.

I have been using laptops for over 15 years, and this may be the best one yet. The only other model that left me with similar positive feelings in all that time was my ThinkPad 560 (circa 1996?). I have been a ThinkPad Man for most of the last 15 years, but ever since Lenovo took ThinkPad over, I have been burned several times and decided to go with something else. I had avoided HP laptops because of awful experiences with them in the mid 90s. I recently bought a HP Pavilion dv6000t for home because it was all I could find in my small town, and I got this one for work because it is our preferred vendor. I am very happy with the home machine, and almost ecstatic over this one (Dear Lenovo: You lost a loyal customer due to slow delivery, buggy drivers, and cheapened design).

If you like engineering finesse in your gadgets, then this is the laptop to get. It's solid, with lots of lightweight metal where others have plastic. It has a nice heft in your hand. The latches and covers are metal, unlike the plastic ones that broke off on my ThinkPad. The screen is VERY bright and opens up as a tablet or any other laptop should: 180 degrees to lay flat like a pad of paper. The screen also rotates 180 degrees so that you can close it over the keyboard with the screen facing out. The hinge is firm and solid, so the screen never flops over when it's not supposed to. The keyboard has a nice feel, and it has a "stick" pointer like the ThinkPad TouchPoint, which is the best built-in mouse for a laptop (I think you can get a similar model with a touch pad instead of the stick pointer). It has all the I/O features you really need in a portable: WiFi, Bluetooth, VGA out, SD card slot, cellular broadband, webcam, NORMAL headphone and microphone jacks, FireWire, USB, Ethernet, and ExpressCard slot. The DVD writer is in the dock, which is very small and fits the computer's profile just right.

The problems I had with the last two laptops I had (Lenovo ThinkPad Z61m 9452 and Apple MacBook Pro) do not exist on this one. When I dock/undock this computer, it doesn't skip a beat (the z61m needed to go to sleep first, and even then, sometimes the z61m spontaneously turned off when docking/undocking). WiFi works great even in crowded wifi areas (the MacBook was constantly switching networks and access points, which interrupted the connection). I have not had any freezes, blue screens, or devices not working on this HP. It goes to sleep when it's supposed to, and wakes up right away with wireless working (MacBook and Z61m were awful at that). The fingerprint reader works almost every time on the first swipe (I gave up on the z61m fingerprint reader). This HP was delivered in 10 days, exactly as promised (my MacBook took 6 weeks and the z61m took several MONTHS to arrive, with weekly unfulfilled promises of "next week").

The U7600 1.2GHz processor is plenty fast for business applications, and this model actually rates higher in the "Vista Experience" scale than my other HP multimedia laptop with a higher GHz processor.

The only problem I've found is that the SD card I have in my other HP laptop that works fine for ReadyBoost does not work in this laptop. I did format the SD card in this laptop, and it still didn't work for ReadyBoost. I've read in other reviews that no SD cards will work in the built-in card reader, but I have gotten ReadyBoost to work with a USB flash drive.

The handwriting recognition blows me away. Handwritten notes that are hard for ME to decipher are immediately recognized by the laptop. The screen surface is also just right for writing on--not too slippery and not too rough. There is basically no adjustment when moving from writing on paper to writing on screen. The tactile feedback is just like writing on paper, and that is evident when looking at the handwritten notes. The handwriting features on this laptop are many times better than on any PDA I've used.

So, what could be better? I wish this was available with a solid state drive (it probably will be soon, or I could buy one aftermarket), and I wish the ReadyBoost worked with my existing SD cards. I honestly cannot think of any other problems or bugs I've had with this computer. Any negative stars for the ReadyBoost problem are overcome by the exceptional performance in other areas.

I may sound like an HP employee, but I'm not, in fact, I used to HATE HP and insisted on ThinkPads across the board, but this laptop is a hit, and I'll probably never go back to Lenovo.

PS: One last dig on the MacBook Lovers: In a recent meeting, a colleague wanted to quickly show something over a projector, but she couldn't because she had a MacBook Pro with the goofy monitor connection. We transferred the file over to my computer and I plugged the projector into my normal vga port to show her file.

I've had the 2710 for a few weeks running working with it over 10 hours a day recently and I thought I would write a review to share my experiences.

I would highly recommend the 2710p. This little tablet has far exceeded all of my expectations. I bought this tablet when my screen died on the tc1100. I know the tc1100 is really old and slow but I just love the design. I wanted a slate/detachable keyboard replacement with a newer processor and a better screen. I looked at all the options and after many frustrating models I decided I would either go slate or be willing to accept a convertible. I looked at every possible option and model. Luckily I had several coworkers and friends with tablets so I got to do my own mini-review of all the most popular models, TC1100, Scribbler, Fujitsu, HP entertainment tablet, etc. The only one I couldn't try was the 2710p. I was intrigued by the design and all the features, so I went ahead and bought it. I am so glad I did!

First of all let me say it is sexy for a tablet. Usually you don't have a design this nice without an apple attached to it. Very nice silver accents, great screen (not blurred like the entertainment tablet HP makes), and I have to say all in all one of the best tablet I've ever used! Let me go over some features that have made my job easier over the last few days.

Great battery life... I mean real battery life... not suggested performance numbers. I use it over 4 hours doing just about everything. Yes even with wireless I'm posting some big numbers on this laptop. I also have the extended slim battery that snaps on the bottom. Although it can make it through several meetings without any help ... I thought I would need it. The extended battery is good if you are taking a long flight and don't have the power outlet as an option.

DOES NOT GET HOT! Wow... finally HP has done it. I can be cranking through 10 things at once and using it in tablet mode yet not feel uncomfortable. Their entertainment tablet gets hot! (my old tc1100 gets pretty steamy too) One other thing to note is that I've used this thing constantly at work and home and it is very quiet. I never really hear it, even when I'm working it hard.

Presentations - excellent and quick touch button to turn on external connection for projector / monitor is so awesome for meetings. (I love the touch buttons... very sexy) My friend was envious how quickly I took over on the projector. Realize I highlighted presentations.. this is a business laptop not a gaming laptop.

SLIM and LIGHT! I was so impressed with the small form factor. The only thing that compares is the Macbook Air. Honestly this laptop can push 4 gigs of ram, and a 100Gig PATA drive (very cute like the ipod drive) so for me there is no competition compared to the Air. (And you can write on it!) Even with the extra battery, AND THE DOCKING STATION attached it is still lighter than my macbook pro. Slim enough when folded to fool you into thinking it is a slate. (just over 3 pounds)

Pen response is great, of course that is really a result of having a 256 level pressure sensitive wacom device coupled with windows vista recognition capabilities.

You get a lot of options with this little guy. Mine came with XP Tablet, Vista 32, Vista 64 Business, and a full copy of Microsoft One-Note! I was pretty impressed! I have to say... Ok this is difficult... that I like Business Vista 64. (ok there I said it!) I am a MAC guy but this is a really smooth and stable OS from what I've done. (also it natively runs the apps I need like visio and project!) Also it doesn't come with a ton of bloatware!

Just the right mix of interfaces(2 USB, 1 FW, express slot- 4 more usb on dock along with a bunch of other goodies). WebCam Good, keyboard light ... nice idea. Ambient light sensor ... also nice. (usually only get that with a MAC) Extended antennae? Geeky but very handy! Expect that one to start a conversation. Fingerprint recognition works excellent as long as you scan at a reasonable speed.

Hinge is not flimsy - very solid design. The laptop is very sturdy. How do I know? I had my 2yr old son pull this off a countertop and it landed right on the hing side on a tile floor... little dent on the body.. bent it back, popped the insert back in and the laptop was up in a minute with hardly a scratch. The laptop was in a bag - had it been on the counter outside the bag it would not have budged! I love this grip covering on the bottom - looks great and prevents laptop from sliding. I abuse this thing all day long for over a month and not a glitch. Nicely designed!

Ok... so I love this thing... use it all the time, and was so happy to write a review but I have to tell you all the little cons as well just to be fair.

1) accupointer (some people call it the stick) will drift every once in a great while, but I don't really care - a little wiggle and all good. Some people don't dig on the pointer.
2) no optical drive... again .. this is an ultraportable. I recommend getting the docking station anyways since it is such a great design and includes a super thin optical drive.
3) convertible. Well for me this means I always have to have the keyboard... no slate. Most people won't care about this.
4) speakers are a bit weaker than entertainment pc's... expect external speakers or earphones if you are going to show a coworker a dumb youtube clip. Most business people again don't care. I hardly ever use my speakers - they've been muted for weeks.
5) built in pen is a bit short. Nice pen but short. I got a nice cross pen (before they stopped making the capless ones) and I'm very glad I did. I like a nice pen to write with. Again for most people not a show stopper.

Ok, there you have it. A bit long - sorry about that but I want you to know you won't be disappointed by this laptop. 5 Stars! Be sure to get the docking station and consider the battery. The battery isn't necessary but good to have, the dock is excellent and you should snag it while it is still available. Other advice is get a good pen. Makes a world of difference on your enjoyment level. My favorite is the UPCROSS capless.

I'm at a loss for words in describing how brilliantly designed this tablet is. Like most of us tablet buyers, I did much research before selecting this one at the last minute over the Lenovo. The docking station is seamless, be sure to include it in your setup. One click and your mobile. The weight at 3.5 lbs I love. Windows Vista has some tweeking by HP and it all works flawlessly. It is such a great feeling when a tool like a tablet really fits you. I chose the 1.2 dual processor. Performance is exceptional. What else can I say! I'm very happy and say a heartfelt thank you to the engineers at HP.

The recent review made by user 'J. You' convinced me to go ahead and buy this tablet. I agree with that review and plan to add two observations to it.

The 2710p has a VERY solid keyboard. In the past, I've only purchased Thinkpad and Toshiba laptops because I don't like the keyboards found in other models. The 2710p has a great keyboard.

The nub-mouse is awkward because there is no middle-mouse button.

I like this tablet and I recommend it.

Short version.

Biggest Pros: For the most part, top of the line form and function. Impressive build quality. If you're considering a netbook and budget allows, 12.1" laptops are also worth looking at. If you're specifically considering an HP TC1100 and budget allows, the 2710p might be a better alternative.

Biggest Cons: Slow hdd (1.8", 4200 rpm PATA); a situation made worse with extremely limited, expensive, and possibly impractical upgrade paths. Painfully slow built-in Ricoh card reader: unsuitable for ReadyBoost.

Long version.

Pretty much in agreement with other reviewers. I won't reiterate what's already been said, but overall, this is just a great laptop. A couple of new perspectives I'd like to add though, particularly to those who may be considering a netbook or TC1100 for portability reasons.

A couple weeks prior to purchasing the 2710p, I'd bought a Samsung NC10 netbook. I already had a big 15.4" laptop, but I wanted something much more portable. I'd narrowed my choices down to the NC10 and the HP TC1100. I really liked the tablet functionality offered by the TC1100, but it wasn't a sticking point, and the unavailability of brand new (non-refurb) TC1100s made me go with the Samsung. However, though the NC10 is a great little computer, I found that a 10.2" screen was just too small for my comfort when using it for an extended period of time. Long story short, I started looking at 12.1" laptops and ultimately bought the 2710p.

I feel the 12.1" screen is still on the small side, and it will take some getting used to, but for my needs, it's a huge improvement over the netbook. For the record, usable screen dimensions for both are as follows. Samsung NC10: 8.75" wide x 5.25" tall (~10.2" diagonal). HP 2710p: 10.25" wide x 6.5" tall (~12.1" diagonal).

The 2710p also compares favorably to the Samsung NC10 in its overall dimensions. The 2710p is a little more than an inch longer (10.1" vs 11.3") and less than 1.75" wider (7.25" vs 8.9") than the NC10. However, the 2710p is actually only a little over 1.1" thick (uniform height), while the NC10 is about 1.25" thick at its lowest point and about 1.5" thick at its highest point (at the battery end). Although a very snug fit, the 2710p actually fits in a 10" DVD bag which was used to carry around the NC10 (although admittedly, the bag was a loose fit for the netbook).

Also, as far as weight, though the tech specs indicate that the NC10 is almost a pound lighter than the 2710p (2.8 lbs vs 3.7 lbs), in real-world scenarios, the difference is very negligible. Both units are extremely light and carrying around either for an entire day is effortless. Even with the extra slim battery and docking station, the 2710p is only about 7 lbs, which is on par with my 15.4" laptop.

Performance-wise, the 2710p seems to have the hardware edge over the NC10. The NC10 with 1GB RAM running XP is very, very peppy though, and has absolutely no problems running Eclipse and Visual Studio 08. I was extremely impressed and happy with the netbook, and its legit 5+ hours of battery life from a 6-cell is amazing. The 2710p gets about 4 hours from its 6-cell on normal settings, which is still fantastic, but in terms of performance, running 32-bit Vista Business, even with 4GB of physical RAM, boot and load times can be noticeably long.

And that leads me to one of the two main gripes about the HP. Even if you have no complaints with the hdd performance of the 2710p, if your hdd ever fails or you ever want a larger drive, your options are extremely limited and costly with the 1.8" PATA form factor/interface. The market seems to be moving completely away from these drives, evidenced by both Apple and HP opting to go with the 1.8" SATA form factor/interface for the newer MacBook Airs and 2730p (the newer version of the 2710p). Similarly, manufacturers of hdd's and ssd's (i.e., Samsung) seem uninterested in developing new drives with the older ATA interface. In further contrast, the NC10 uses the ubiquitous 2.5" form factor with SATA interface. Had I known about the 2710p's hdd beforehand, I probably wouldn't have purchased it (which in retrospect, would have been a regretful move lol).

The other problem with the 2710p is somewhat related, in that the built-in card reader is horrendously slow. This becomes a problem if you want to use, say an SD card, for ReadyBoost caching to help speed up your system. Vista won't allow this, no matter how fast the actual card is, because the throughput on the card reader is a permanent bottleneck. And although you can bypass Vista's complaints via a few simple and well-documented registry edits, the bottleneck will remain and implementing ReadyBoost with the card reader will only slow down your system.

Even with those two shortcomings, I have to admit, I love this laptop. Given the myriad of other great things about the 2710p, I can live with the prospect of forever being stuck with a slow, relatively low capacity hdd. Furthermore, the ReadyBoost problem becomes a non-issue if you choose the conventional method of running off of a usb stick.

HP is clearing these out of their inventory, so out-the-door-price is approximately [...] w/ tax+shipping. They're also offering [...] back on the docking station and [...] back on the extra slim battery. If you're considering a netbook, 12.1" laptops cost a little more but are probably worth checking out. If you're interested in the TC1100, but the prospect of buying a refurbished unit for several hundred dollars is less than enticing, I think the 2710p is an investment that's definitely worth considering.

Finally, if the 2710p is already on your short list, then you might also be considering the HP tx2500 and its derivatives (or vise versa), which can be thought of as the consumer market version of the 2710p. Particularly with HP's current discount on the 2710p, this is a much more legitimate comparison, and in my case, I'd considered the tx2500z before the 2710p. The tx2500z is significantly faster than the 2710p in every benchmark and category I've seen (really not even in the same league) and the tx comes with a DVD drive.

The same things (processor, hdd) that put the 2710p at a disadvantage in performance helps give it an extra hour or so in battery life though, and with the optional slim battery attachment only available on the 2710p (effectively making its weight comparable to the tx at a little over 4.5 lbs), there's no comparison if battery life is your main concern. The 2710 also has a big advantage in screen clarity with none of the fuzziness typical in many tablets (i.e., the tx2500), though you lose the "touch screen" ability (i.e., with your fingers) that the passive digitizer in the tx gives. In general, the 2710p has better material quality than the tx2500 and consequently comes with a 3 year warranty vs the tx's 1 year. Bottom line is though that they're both great tablets, but choice really comes down to individual needs as these are actually two very distinct products.