HP Pavilion zv6005us 15.4" Laptop (AMD Athlon 64 3200+ CPU, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, Double Layer DVD?R/RW and CD-RW Combo Drive)

by HP

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 14.3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00091UIKC
• Item model number: PX362UA#ABA
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 1, 2005

Product Description

Amazon Product Description

The Basics
An excellent example of the rapidly improving price vs. performance ratio of notebook computers, the new HP Pavilion zv6005us 15.4" Notebook PC is a surprisingly affordable yet nicely equipped package that's geared for the future. The system differs from many similarly priced notebooks for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is its comparatively powerful 3D graphics card. But that's not the only unexpected perk. The Pavilion zv6005us also features a 64-bit processor, double layer DVD support, state-of-the-art connectivity, and wireless communication. It's a bit heavier and bulkier than some of today's ultra-portable models and therefore isn't the best choice for anyone who needs to carry their notebook with them wherever they go, but the Pavilion zv6005us is otherwise a very capable machine that delivers superb bang for the buck.

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 zv6005us is quite distinctive in that it features a 64-bit processor, the AMD Athlon 64 3200+. What will a 64-bit CPU do for you that a far more typical 32-bit CPU won't? Not that much if you're using 32-bit applications (the vast majority of today's software). But, the truth of the matter is that computers are simply unable to run much faster or generate better graphics than we're currently experiencing as long as they remain within the venerable 32-bit architecture. A 64-bit CPU, then, assures you of some degree of compatibility with the brave new 64-bit world that 's purportedly just around the corner.

That said, the AMD Athlon 64 3200+ is also quite adequate for 32-bit applications. AMD processors work a bit differently than Intel processors, so the fact that this particular chip is rated at "just" 2 GHz while some of Intel's notebook Pentium chips are rated at 3 GHz or more, means very little. Suffice to say this CPU is fast enough for all common notebook tasks. Moreover, it features AMD's Cool'N'Quiet technology to reduce noise and heat and increase battery longevity.

Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they 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 zv6005us incorporates 512 megabytes of RAM, a satisfactory amount for this level of notebook and certainly enough to permit satisfactory multitasking. Moreover, the unit supports memory upgrades to a whopping two gigabytes -- more than you'll ever need.

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 ATI Radeon Xpress 200M IGP installed inside the Pavilion zv6005us is a solid notebook 3D graphics card, featuring 128 MB of dedicated memory. Though the unit won't satisfy hardcore gamers who absolutely must see their games with the best possible detail and at the highest possible resolutions, it's far ahead of most notebooks in this respect and should be quite agreeable to those who often deal with 3D graphics and games.

Display
Featuring a DVD-friendly widescreen format and supporting crystal clear 1280 by 768 resolution, the system's 15.4-inch display is slightly larger than average.

Hard Disk
The Pavilion zv6005us features an 80 GB hard disk. This is a generous amount of storage space for a notebook in this price range and easily enough for a broad range of applications and also a library of space-gobbling music and/or multimedia files.

Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Most drives support several of these operations. This system boasts a versatile Double Layer DVD±R/RW and CD-RW Combo Drive that not only handles all of the above but also supports new double layer DVDs (twice the capacity of standard DVDs).

Audio
The Pavilion zv6005us offers microphone-in and headphone-out jacks and two 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, and several one-touch hotkeys.

Connectivity and Expansion
The Pavilion zv6005us is well connected. The unit features 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 802.11b/g wireless technology for cord-free communication. Other key amenities include four high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), an S-Video TV-out and a 6-in-1 card reader for reading and transferring files to and from popular memory cards.

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

Dimensions and Weight
Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and too cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two or three lbs. and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. At 8 lbs and 14.25 by 11.18 by 1.9, the Pavilion zv6005us is a bit larger than today's norm.

Power
The Pavilion zv6005us sports an 8-cell Lithium-Ion battery.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HP does invent, any critic is nonsense, November 1, 2005

By 

Pablo Vargas "pabvr81" (Miami, Florida United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: HP Pavilion zv6005us 15.4" Laptop (AMD Athlon 64 3200+ CPU, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, Double Layer DVD?R/RW and CD-RW Combo Drive) (Personal Computers)

This notebook is by far the best one I've ever had. Its Athlon 64 3200+ processor is really powerful and reliable. 128MB of dedicated video on a ATI Radeon card gives you very decent 3D gaming, that is more than enough for me. You can burn DVD's, listen to music with some very powerful speakers (they are very good for a notebook), and on top of that, a 6-in-1 media card reader to check out the pics from your camera. Wireless LAN, Bluetooth, what else do you want? If you're looking for a reliable, yet afordable multimedia powerhouse, then the HP Pavilion ZV6005us is the notebook for you.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great notebook, June 15, 2005

By 

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

This review is from: HP Pavilion zv6005us 15.4" Laptop (AMD Athlon 64 3200+ CPU, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, Double Layer DVD?R/RW and CD-RW Combo Drive) (Personal Computers)

Great cpu with the Athlon 64 3200....the brightview screen is outstanding and can be run at less than 100% brightness in the battery mode without a problem. My former laptop was a Presario 2500 and the screen wasn't bright enough without having it maxed out which reduces battery time.Good keyboard ,sound is very good, only negative is the cpu fan runs constantly but not real loud. Also the coolest running notebook I have owned. My machine came with 15.4 brightview screen ,512 ram,128MB ATI RADEON(R) XPRESS 200M video, double layer DVD drive, built in wireless, 80 GB HD. Note there is only one ram slot so if you want to go to 1GB of memory 2 512's won't work. Great value for the money.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, May 16, 2006

By 

R. Geiger - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HP Pavilion zv6005us 15.4" Laptop (AMD Athlon 64 3200+ CPU, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, Double Layer DVD?R/RW and CD-RW Combo Drive) (Personal Computers)

I have been using this laptop for a few months now and it is a killer. It does it all. It may not be top of the line but it had EVERYTHING I needed and I am picky about computers. I am in the industry networking, graphics, webpages.
Check this out. First off you get the 64 bit processor..an ATI graphics system...dvd/dvr and plenty of memory and hd space. Oh ya you got the wireless too! I much prefer the Athlon processor to the pentium. Very quiet. You can't go wrong with this system. I don,t usually write reviews but I had to on this one. Nice machine HP!