HP Pavilion dv8130us 17" Laptop (AMD Turion 64 Mobile Processor ML-40, 1024 MB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, LightScribe DVD+/-RW and CD-RW Combo Drive)

by HP

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 15.6 x 1.8 inches ; 8.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000E21VOS
• Item model number: EP406UA#ABA
• Average Customer Review: 2.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 15, 2006

Product Description

Amazon Product Description

The Basics:
Luxuriously appointed with many of today's most desirable amenities, the HP Pavilion dv8130us 17" Notebook PC is a superior portable computer that's perfectly suited to any high-demand user. Featuring a powerful yet efficient processor that's compatible with both 32- and 64-bit applications, a whopping 200 GB of hard drive storage space, and a graphics card quite capable of running most 3D games, the Pavilion dv8130us performs like a bulky "desktop replacement" notebook, but in reality tips the scales at just 8.1 lbs. It'll even let you etch customized, permanent labels directly onto DVDs and CDs, and watch movies and play games in widescreen format on its humongous 17-inch WXGA+- display. Clearly a bit pricier than many of today's notebook alternatives, the Pavilion dv8130us is nevertheless a stunning machine that's ready for anything the foreseeable future might bring.

Processor:
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. The Pavilion dv8130us is equipped with an AMD Turion ML-40 processor. The advantages of this, one of the newest chips in the AMD roster, are numerous, including vastly improved battery efficiency and heat dissipation vs. AMD's older notebook chips, and compatibility with today's 32-bit and tomorrow's 64-bit applications.

The Turion in this computer operates at a clock speed of 2.2 GHz, though comparing this chip with its Intel equivalent (the Pentium M), purely by clock speed would be unfair because AMD builds its chips differently than does Intel. In any case, this is a high-end Turion that's ready to tackle even those challenging applications you usually reserve for your desktop.

Memory:
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they also keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The Pavilion dv8130us incorporates 1024 MB (1 GB) of 333 MHz RAM. This is not a particularly fast memory speed given that some upscale notebooks are now offering 533-plus MHz RAM, but it's a large allotment and is therefore more than enough for most any multitasking situation. Moreover, the unit supports memory upgrades to a whopping 2048 MB (2 GB).

Video:
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output, particularly 3D graphics, to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). A graphics controller with dedicated built-in video memory is preferable to one with shared video memory wherein the graphics controller borrows a portion of the all-important main system memory. The Pavilion dv8130us features an ATI Radeon Xpress 200M IGP graphics controller, with 128 MB of dedicated, not shared, memory. At a time when some state-of-the-art desktop computers offer graphics cards with 256 and 512 MB dedicated memory, 128 MB may not seem particularly impressive. However, in the notebook world, where shared memory is still the norm, this unit's graphics setup is very good indeed. The system will efficiently display all 2D and most 3D applications, including most 3D games.

Display:
At 17 inches when measured diagonally, this system's widescreen LCD display is larger than that of many desktops. Furthermore, its widescreen format is great for those who appreciate watching DVD movies in the way they were intended. And its 1440 by 900 resolution will ensure super-clean, super-detailed images in any document.

Hard Disk:
Amazingly, the Pavilion dv8130us features not one, but two hard drives, each of which support up to 100 GB of data. With a total of 200 GB of storage space at your disposal, you'll have no problem keeping a broad range of applications and also a massive library of space-gobbling music and/or multimedia files. In addition, the dual hard drive format is great for backing up information.

Optical Drive:
This system boasts a versatile Double Layer DVD+/-RW and CD-RW Combo Drive that handles standard blank media, and more. The Double Layer designation refers to the unit's ability to handle double layer DVDs, each of which offers nearly twice the capacity of traditional DVDs (8.5 GB vs. 4.4 GB). The drive also includes HP's new LightScribe technology, which allows you to etch permanent labels on your CDs and DVDs, complete with your own text, photos and designs.

Audio:
The Pavilion dv8130us offers microphone-in and headphone-out jacks and two Altec Lansing-designed integrated speakers.

Keyboard and Controls:
You'll control your notebook via a 101 key-compatible keyboard, a Touch Pad with an on/off button and dedicated vertical scroll up/down pad, several one-touch hotkeys, and convenient HP QuickPlay CD and DVD buttons.

Connectivity and Expansion:
The Pavilion dv8130us is well connected. Communication facilities are solid, with a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access, a 10/100BASE-T Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, and 54g 802.11 a/b/g wireless technology for cord-free communication via any of today's most popular standards. Other key amenities include an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), a 6-in-1 media card reader for reading memory cards, Bluetooth wireless support for Bluetooth-enabled peripherals, and no less than four high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras. The system also supports the newest generation of PC Card expansion products, the ExpressCard.

Operating System and Software:
HP will pre-install a copy of Microsoft's Windows XP Media Center Edition operating system and an assortment of applications that includes Microsoft's Money financial suite, Microsoft's Works productivity pack, and HP's highly-regarded Image Zone photo and video software.

Dimensions and Weight:
At 15.6 by 11.1 by 1.8 inches and 8.1 lbs, the Pavilion dv8130us is quite sizable but not as heavy as many similar desktop replacement notebooks.

Power:
The system sports an 8-cell Lithium-Ion battery.

Product Description

Box Contents: HP Pavilion dv8130us Notebook PC, 65W AC Adapter, 8-Cell Lithium-Ion Battery (63Whr)
The HP Pavilion dv8130us Notebook PC is the notebook for anyone who wants top-quality mobile media performance combined with entertainment tools. Enjoy your favorite digital movies while controlling them from up to 10 feet away, with the included HP Mobile Remote Control. You can store most of your favorite films and TV shows on the massive 200GB hard drive, but if that's not enough it also supports an additional hard drive. The 17" WXGA screen and ATI Radeon graphics card delivers realistic movement and the most vibrant colors. It's even got WiFi compatibility for connecting online wherever you go. The HP Pavilion dv8130us Notebook PC reinvents mobile digital entertainment. DVD+/-RW and CD-RW Combo Drive with Dual Layer support 17 WXGA High-Defintion Widescreen display (1440 x 900) ATI Radeon XPresss 200M IGP with 128MB dedicated DDR memory Integrated 10/100Base-T Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector) Wireless 54g 802.11a/b/g WLAN with Bluetooth High-speed 56k modem 6-in-1 Digital Media Reader for SD cards, MMC card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, SmartMedia and xD Picture cards Altec-Lansing speakers Security Features - Kensington MicroSaver lock slot, power-on password; Accepts 3rd-party lock devices Prodcutivity Software Included - Norton Internet Security 2005, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Works, Microsoft Money, MSN Encarta Plus, Office 2003 Student and Teacher Edition Lifestyle Software Included - Sonic Digital media Plus, InterVideo WinDVD, Microsoft Zones.com, iTunes, iTunes Music Store, HP Quick Play, InterVideo Home Theater, Muvee AutoProducer, Windows Movie Maker, Windows Media Player Operating System - Windows XP Service Pack 2 Dimensions(LxWxH) - 11.1 x 15.62 x 1.82 Weight - 8.1 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars One big problem with an otherwise very nice computer, March 24, 2006

By 

S. Foster - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HP Pavilion dv8130us 17" Laptop (AMD Turion 64 Mobile Processor ML-40, 1024 MB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, LightScribe DVD+/-RW and CD-RW Combo Drive) (Personal Computers)

Computer: dv8000z, Windows XP Media Center, 1 GB RAM, AMD 2.2 Gig Turion

One problem with a very nice computer caused me to return it (both of them). The problem: The keyboard does not always register a key when it is hit. When keys are hit directly on center it works fine. Even though you get that satisfying click, if a key is hit a little off center it will not always be registered. This affected me mostly on the lower half of the keyboard where my fingers move down to hit the keys (Z, X, C, V, etc...). The spacebar also did not always register a (space) if hit in the wrong place.

I contacted tech support and was told to blow air under the keys. I did with no improvement. Then I was told by the support person to wait a couple days and see if it got better. I did, ironically with no improvement.

I contacted customer service, who suggested that I recieved a bad keyboard. That seemed reasonable since I couldn't find anyone else who had reviewed it as having a bad keyboard. They quickly replaced the notebook. I was happy with the quick service, but unfortunately the 2nd notebook had the same issue. I know it was a different notebook because they shipped it the next day and emailed me a return label. I am very surprised that I did not find any reviews mention this. It is, I suppose, possible that I recieved the only two bad notebooks put out by HP, but not likely.

That being said, their customer service was very good, and I was not charged shipping either way or left liable for any charges. Tech support is a different story. It was ridiculous! He actually asked me to wait a couple days to see if my laptop would heal itself. Tech support by HP is a joke. For anyone who would rely at all on Tech support, I would strongly reccommend going with someone else.

I just purchased a Dell E1705. It is very similar, but no keypad :( I am typing this on it right now. Very nice computer, but a bit more expensive. The keyboard is flawless on this machine. Pricewise, it is almost like I purchased a $1000 keyboard though! Dell's support has been very good. However, if you order from them, make sure you order well before their closing time (10:00 Pacific Time). I was cut off during my order on the phone and things got a little screwed up. They have made it right though at no cost to me.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a good machine, April 21, 2006

By 

M. Small "value saver" (St. Louis, MO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HP Pavilion dv8130us 17" Laptop (AMD Turion 64 Mobile Processor ML-40, 1024 MB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, LightScribe DVD+/-RW and CD-RW Combo Drive) (Personal Computers)

I recieved my computer and out the box is has performed excellently. I have no keyboard problems and am able to do all the things I did on my desktop and more since I'm now mobile. I highly reccommed this product to anyone who is looking for a desktop replacement. The screen view is high quality and every thing that is included makes it well worth the price.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars It's true, keyboard issues, March 30, 2006

By 

Capt'n Bob "captn_bob" (Lincoln, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: HP Pavilion dv8130us 17" Laptop (AMD Turion 64 Mobile Processor ML-40, 1024 MB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, LightScribe DVD+/-RW and CD-RW Combo Drive) (Personal Computers)

This is a fantastic machine, but the problem with the keyboard is a fact. The good news is that HP service was excellent, they picked up the machine in one day, turned it around in one day, and I got it back the following day. The bad news is that the second keyboard, while much better is still not acceptable. The further bad news was that I had to reinstall windows before they would replace the keyboard, to make sure it wasn't a driver issue...although this made sense to me at the time, I now realize they should have had this issue in their database, and should not have put me thru that exercise...on the other hand my wife also has a dv8000 series machine and that keyboard is perfect.