HP Pavilion DV6426US 15.4-inch Laptop (Intel Core Duo Processor T2450, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium)

by HP

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 14 x 1.7 inches ; 8.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000RGG5EC
• Item model number: DV6426US
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 9, 2006

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Designed for fast access to your entire entertainment library, the HP Pavilion dv6426us notebook PC is a great choice for both families and business travelers on the go. The 15.4-inch high-definition BrightView display looks good even in direct sunlight, and you'll enjoy movies or music in seconds with the external DVD or music buttons to launch HP QuickPlay (which bypasses the boot process). Control playback settings from up to 10 feet away with the included HP remote, then store it conveniently in the Express card slot. Easily manage your digital photo library and share with friends and family using the included HP Photosmart Premier software. This stylish laptop also features a high-gloss, durable HP Imprint finish with an inlaid wave design.

It's powered by Intel's dual execution core 2.0 GHz Core Duo T2450, which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance and a more efficient power consumption. This notebook also features a 160 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum), built-in tri-mode Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11a/b/g), 8x multi-format/dual-layer DVD+/-RW drive (with LightScribe printing), ExpressCard slot, and Intel GMA 950 video/graphics card. It also has an integrated 1.3-megapixel WebCam (and integrated microphone), enabling easy video conferencing via VoIP and video IM chats.

It comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, 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 Duo T2450 processor is built with the Mobile Intel 945PM Express chipset, and it has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, fast 533 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and large 2 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 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 next version of Microsoft Windows, code-named Vista. 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. It's more efficient, thanks to Intel's Power Coordination and Deeper Sleep, which help to transfer power only to those areas of the processor that need it. It also features Intel's Digital Media Boost, which delivers enhanced performance on floating point-intensive applications such as CAD tools, 3-D and 2-D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography and gaming.

• Hard Drive: The 160 GB hard drive (5400 RPM) 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. This Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 1 GB of installed RAM (2 x 512 MB) is a good start, but you'll want to add more RAM to handle today's demanding multimedia and productivity suites. This notebook has a 2 GB maximum RAM capacity (2 x 1 GB). Also, to receive the benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

• DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 4x DVD-R DL Write Once, 2.4x DVD+R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R, 4x DVD+RW, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD-RW, 16x DVD-ROM, 40x CD-R, 24x CD-RW, and 40x CD-ROM speeds.

  This LightScribe DVD+/-RW drive lets you laser-etch silkscreen quality text and images on to CDs and DVDs . Your software, PC and discs work together for a no-hassle way to burn just the labels you want. After you burn content, just flip the disc over, reinsert and burn your label--anything from a simple title to a full-disc work of art.

• 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
You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 15.4-inch WXGA high-definition screen, which displays an 18 percent larger picture than standard 15-inch screens and offers up to an 18 percent improvement in contrast ratio. It has a widescreen resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels--perfect for watching DVD movies the way they were meant to be seen. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses Intel Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) and provides up to 224 MB of shared video memory. It also offers an integrated audio card and built-in Altec Lansing speakers.

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 (though no standard 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 good offering of connectivity options:

• 3 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 VGA monitor port
• 1 S-Video port for connecting to a TV
• 1 ExpressCard 54/34
• 2 headphone jacks (1 with S/PDIF digital audio compatibility) and 1 microphone jack
• 1 notebook expansion port 3 (for use with the HP xb3000 Expansion Base or the HP Notebook QuickDock)
• 1 consumer IR (infrared)
• 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, 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 Premium 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 Premium 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 via Wi-Fi.

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 Basic Edition, Roxio Creator 9 Basic, PC Recovery, HP PhotoSmart Essentials, and Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 14.05 x 10.12 x 1.56 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 6.14 pounds.

Power
This notebook is powered by a 6-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which offers up to 2 hours of battery life (dependent upon computing conditions).

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion dv6426us 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 DV6426US Pavilion 15.4 in Notebook PC. HP Pavilion Special Edition dv6400 series Entertainment Notebook PC delivers; Dual headphone jacks with Altec Lansing audio help you to share and enjoy your entertainment. And mobile dual core technology enables use of multiple demanding applications, such as photo editing, DVD burning and playing a game, at the same time. This 6.1 lb /starting weight/ light notebook exists at the intersection of computing and entertainment with its 15.4 in High Definition BrightView widescreen display and innovative entertainment features. HP innovation and technology leadership helps you work faster, connect in new ways and play more. HP WebCam and Integrated Microphone. Turn your next instant message into a live video chat with the integrated 1.3 Mega pixel WebCam, omnidirectional microphone and IM solution of your choice. Or, take still photos and short video clips that you can edit and email. LightScribe Direct Disc Labeling. Create custom laser etched disc labels right in the drive with LightScribe and preinstalled Roxio ExpressLabeler. Just burn data on the disc, flip it over and burn the cover image using any scanned image and/or text. Free label designs and color background discs in five vivid shades are now available.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars How to pick between the models, September 5, 2007

By 

J. Fujino "bookworm" (Honolulu, Hawaii) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HP Pavilion DV6445US 15.4-inch Laptop (AMD Turion 64 Processor TL56, 2 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

Since there are eight different models here to choose from I'll restrain myself from talking about any specifically and try to help you tell the difference between the specs of each.

Processor: Core 2 Duo processors are better than the slightly older AMD Turion technology. The Core 2 Duo's larger L2 cache does partially explain their advantage, but the difference in front side bus is totally negligable so if you expect 1600mHz speed, sorry, it will only be as fast as the RAM and most machines in this price range have RAM with 667mHz. If the RAM was faster 800mHz RAM than I'm pretty sure they would advertise that fact. However, with dual core processors you only need a lot of power if you're doing multiple tasks at one time, so if that's not a concern go with the cheaper AMD models.

RAM: Highly important with any version of Windows Vista. Even with 1 GB the system may hiccup so 2 GB will make a big difference. Still, there are alternatives for people who can only afford 1 GB such as ready boost (a new feature of Vista) that allows you to use a thumb drive as RAM but this is by no means a substitute for having real RAM that goes much faster than flash memory and most cheap USBs will not work since anything slower than a good high speed flash drive might even slow down your system. Also Microsoft says Ready Boost only really helps systems low on RAM (1GB or less) and that exceeding the ratio of 1:1 in system RAM vs. USB flash memory will have no benefits.

Hard Drive: Get however much you think you need. I always use an external since its so cheap though. Some of the models here though run at 4200rpm speeds rather than the standard 5400. That will mean longer load times for programs because it will take longer for your computer to get the info from the hard drive.

DVD/CD Drive: Pretty standard now days. Light scribe, though, is pretty useless since you need to buy special discs that I can never find on sale.

Graphics: Try not to get a model with Integrated graphics like the Intel 950 or nVidia's better but still integrated 6150. Vista really requires a dedicated graphics card (it doesn't matter that much what card exactly because there is only a huge performance gap between integrated and the more expensive dedicated cards). The only reason you wouldn't like a dedicated nVidia or ATI card (besides the nVidia 6150) is if you plan on being on the road almost all the time because dedicated cards do use more power.

Exterior: There are plenty of ports here so I never have a problem. I also liked the two headphone jacks they have in the front :) and the screen looks great. I found the speakers to be more than adequate to pump out my tunes. The touch pad worked well too and comes with a nice button to turn it on or off so you don't brush it when you type.

Battery life: The 6 cell battery was only mediocre for a laptop this size. HP does offer 12 cell batteries which theoretically will have twice the longevity. The only problem if you buy this battery for around a $100 is that it sticks out a little in the back and weighs twice as much.

Operating System: Vista at this time is not better than XP. In the future it probably will be but right now it runs slower, takes ten times more hard drive space, has only marginally better security and there are no worthwhile new functions (it looks prettier though). The only way you can choose something besides Vista (which you may have to if you work a lot with software that isn't compatible yet) is to go with Dell notebooks. Oh yes, and if you're going with a economic PC also watch out because Vista has high hardware requirements.

Service: HP sucks. End of story. Well, not really, we'd have to deliver that in butchered English straight out of a book on Indian to English IT sayings to really get the jist of it. Then again, everyone in the PC industry is terrible now days so its not like they're worse than the competition sadly. In general, just keep praying it doesn't brake (pun intended).

Final Note: You may also want to check out the HP website and their dv6500 customizable models. Amazon is great but sometimes they keep selling old computer models too long and if you buy an older model the performance you get for the same price suffers. Generally a computer's value drops by about 10% for every six months so try to get new models not old ones.

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Real Cool Entertainment Notebook, July 7, 2007

By 

Srinivas Palla (Seattle) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HP Pavilion DV6450US 15.4" Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

I got this laptop yesterday and i really liked the whole package. This laptop is designed for entertainment to the core with its sleek remote which seamlessly fits into the express card slot, the quick-play touch buttons with dvd controls, the very cool 1.3MP integrated camera and microphone. I watched a dvd ( Italian Job ) on this laptop and had an amazing time using the remote control, the screen was crystal clear ( i returned a sony laptop earlier since the resolution was real bad and pixelated ). Lightscribe is another cool feature which lets you laser etch cd/dvd labels - though that would require special lightscribe dvds. Laptop is sleek and glossy and has an executive appeal to it - powerpacked with 200GB harddrive and 2 GB memory. The laptop is also very silent. Some of the cons that i noticed are:
1. laptop gets a little warm after 30 mins but it doesn't get hot - just warm.
2. The power chord jack seems to be a bit sensitive, whenever my leg touches the chord, the laptop goes into battery mode and i have to adjust it back.
3. Startup is a bit slow. The touchpad buttons need a little *extra* force or maybe its just me...not sure but overall i really liked the laptop and its a grab for the price.

37 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Notebook, July 15, 2007

By 

Computer User "swcleve" (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: HP Pavilion DV6450US 15.4" Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

Have had this notebook for about a week. For the money (got it for $899 during a sale) I think it's a great machine. The screen is great and it handles all sorts of media very well. It's very speedy and does a fine job running all the regular business applications I use (Word, Excel, etc). I don't have any complaints about how it functions as a computer and media player.

Only 2 complaints are:

1. A high-pitched buzzing noise when running on battery power, while the computer is idle. I researched this and it looks like it's an issue with the CPU power saving technology switching back and forth, and was able to fix it by installing a free utility called RMClock, which fixes the noise but reduces battery life a bit by keeping the CPU from going into the lowest level of activity for power saving. Appears that this is an issue with other laptops that use Intel Core 2 Duo chips, not just HP. The alternative is getting a machine with an AMD or older single-core chip, which isn't attractive at all given the speed advantage Intel's mobile 2-core chips have right now.

2. Sensitive power cord - electrical connection breaks if the computer is jostled sometimes. Not a huge issue, but need to make sure the cord is solidly plugged in. HP could do a better job here.

Also to note that battery life seems only average (even before the fix noted above). However, for a media laptop this might be expected since I think a lot of the functions (playing movies, etc.) draw a lot of power.

Overall a very good laptop, and a great buy compared to other alternatives if you can get it in the $900-950 range.

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