HP Pavilion DV8230US 17" Laptop (Intel Core Duo Processor T2300 (Centrino), 1024 MB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, LightScribe Double Layer DVD+/-RW Drive)

Other products by Hewlett-Packard

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 13.4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000F1V6YS
• Item model number: EU006UA#ABA
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,550 in Computer & Accessories (See Bestsellers in Computer & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 15, 2006

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Balance your need for productivity with great multimedia performance with the HP Pavilion dv8230us notebook PC, which features an amazingly bright, widescreen 17-inch BrightView display--perfect for multitasking between document windows and watching movies in their native aspect ratio. And you can easily burn your home video productions to DVD for friends and family with the dual-layer, multi-format DVD/CD burner, which enables you to store up to 8.5 GB of data on a DL disc. Enjoy movies or music in seconds with the external DVD or music buttons to launch HP QuickPlay (which bypasses the boot process). Easily share digital photos with the included HP Image Zone Plus software.

It's powered by Intel's new, groundbreaking processor--the powerful Core Duo T2300--which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance and a more efficient power consumption. The dual execution core T2300 has a 1.66 GHz processor speed and 2 MB L2 cache. This notebook also features an innovative dual hard drive with two 80 GB drives (for a 160 GB capacity). Other hardware features include 1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB max), tri-mode wi-fi LAN (802.11a/b/g), a wide variety of connectivity options, and Windows XP Media Center edition.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: The dv8230us has a unique hard drive array for a notebook--two separate 80 GB (5400 RPM) hard drives for a total storage capacity of 160 GB. They can work together to boost performance, particularly when handling large files, and you can use one as an exclusive media drive for saved TV programming and an MP3 library.
  
• Processor: The Intel Core Duo T2300 processor is built with the Mobile Intel 945GM Express chipset, and it has a 1.67 GHz processor speed, super-fast 667 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, 3D and 2D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography and gaming.
  

• Memory: The 1 GB of installed RAM (PC2700, 333 MHz, 2 x 512 MB) is a very good start for running office productivity and audio software, but you'll want to take advantage of the ultra-roomy 2 GB of total RAM capacity (2 x 1 GB) for such multimedia needs as video editing and immersive 3D gaming.
  
• CD/DVD Drive: Offering the latest in DVD writing technology, the dv8230's 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. It also comes with a second DVD-ROM optical drive, with 16x read speed. It also comes with an extra DVD-ROM drive for disc playback only.

  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, Graphics and Sound
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 Go 7400 graphics card with 128 MB of dedicated video RAM. Nvidia's TurboCache feature increases the performance of this thin and light notebook PC without increasing its size or draining its battery. It's coupled with the PowerMizer 6.0 advanced power management technology, which significantly extends your notebook PCÕs battery life while minimizing the amount of heat it produces.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
The dv8230us features an integrated tri-mode wireless LAN that's compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). 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 VGA monitor port
• 1 S-Video port for connecting to a TV
• 1 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (Type I/II, 32-bit)
• 1 ExpressCard/54 Slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)
• 1 headphone jack
• 1 microphone jack
• 1 Expansion Port 2 connector
• 1 IR receiver
  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).

  Preloaded System and Software
  The pre-installed Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 is essentially Windows XP Professional Edition with a variety of tools to help you to create, organize, and enjoy digital media ranging from music to home movies to photo slide shows. Additionally, it enables you to control your television with the included remote and record and pause programs (much like a DVR--or digital video recorder--such as Tivo or ReplayTV). It's compatible with cable, digital cable, satellite TV and antenna inputs, and it includes an FM tuner.

  It also comes preloaded with Microsoft Works 8.0 (for working with word processing and spreadsheet documents), HP Image Zone Plus, Symantec Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware Edition (with 60 days of LiveUpdate), Encarta Encyclopedia 2005, Quicken New User Edition 2005, Microsoft Money 2005, Sonic DigitalMedia Plus, Sonic MyDVD Plus, WinDVD 5 Player Basic, Google Toolbar, and PC Doctor.

  The included HP Image Zone Plus photo and imaging software makes it easy to organize, edit, share, print, protect, and store your photos and video clips. Organize and find your photos easily by timeline, keywords, and/or location using the unique photo-globe mapping tool. Remove red eye and fix other common problems. Share your photos quickly via e-mails that include thumbnails with links to the full-sized images--without downloading time-consuming attachments.

  Dimensions and Weight
  This notebook measures 15.62 x 11.1 x 1.82 inches and weighs 8.1 pounds.

  Power
  It's powered by a 8-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of up to 3 hours (depending on usage). You'll get up to 6 hours of battery life with the optional 12-cell lithium-ion battery.

  What's in the Box
  This package contains the dv8230us 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 90 days from date of purchase.

Product Description

Included Accesories: HP Mobile Remote, Stereo Earbud Headphones (1 pair), HP ExpressCard Analog TV Tuner/PVR with MCE remote control

The HP Pavilion dv8230us Notebook PC is built to perform and built to last. It's the easy way to enjoy all your digital media in one location, anywhere you travel. It supports an extra hard drive for double the storage, and its huge 17-inch WXGA+ monitor brings your TV shows and movies to bright, vivid life. A full suite of software tools and built-in Wi-Fi capability keeps all your digital media needs in easy reach. nVIDIA GeForce Go 7400; 128MB discrete and 128MB shared memory 17 WXGA+ High-Definition BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900) LightScribe 8x DVD+/-RW and CD-RW Combo Drive with Double Layer support 10/100 Base-T integrated Ethernet LAN Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection 6-in-1 Digital Media Reader for SD, MMC, Memory Stick & Memory STick PRO, High-speed 56K modem Altec Lansing speakers 1 ExpressCard/54 slot (also supports ExpressCard/34) & Type I/II 32-bit card bus (supports 16-bit) External Ports - 4 USB 2.0 ports, 1 VGA (15-pin), 1 RJ-11 (modem), 1 RJ-45 (LAN), 1 FireWire (4-pin), 1 Consumer IR, 1 microphone in Software Included - Norton Internet Security 2006, HP TotalCare, Adobe Acrobat Reader, PC Recovery, Microsoft Works, Money, MSN Encarta Plus, Office 2003 Student Teacher Edition (60-day trial), Sonic Digital Media Plus, HP Games, Muvee AutoProducer, Windows Movie Maker & Media Player Operating System - Windows XP Media Center Edition Unit Dimensions(LxWxH) - 11.1 x 15.62 x 1.82 Unit Weight - 8.1 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER!, January 17, 2007

By	Dr. Steve (Southern California) - See all my reviews

I just spent 3 hours on the phone with India, and the Dominican Republic. All "yahoo's" who had no clue! This is about the 5th time I have had a similar experience!

This time, several persons got on the phone, and when I asked where they were hung up. One told me they are in America. When I asked what state (since they had quite an accent), they said what does that mean. They clearly lied to me. I asked to speak to their supervisor, and the same person got on the phone, tried to disguise his voice, and told me that he was not allowed to tell me where he was!

I am a physician, who cannot imagine such horrible customer service, and such a willful disregard of their customers. I have just cancelled a notebook order of over 100 notebooks, and will never ever deal with HP in any fashion in the future.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Caps lock sticks on this machine, December 19, 2007

By	Keith Drury (Marion, IN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Sorry, the dv8000 is a poor machine... it has shaken my confidence in HP forever,,,

Like many others I have the CAPSLOCK problem ... for no reason it "sticks" in the on position and freezes up ...requiring a reboot every time, sometimes three times a day... HP CS reads their script (reload the operating system etc.) but can't help... the hardware is just sub par...

After a full year of patience I've just gotten used to rebooting several times a day... each time reinforcing my opinion of this one-great company. It will be my last HP product.

5.0 out of 5 stars If you ignore the customer service, this rocks, June 4, 2007

By	R. E Travis (Radcliff, KY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After seeing all the negative customer reviews, I felt I had to post one.
I bought mine new from circuit city 1 year ago last month. This is an incredible desktop replacement system, and every flipping day I'm happy that I bought this. Even missing out on $250 worth of rebates because I didn't realize there was a 30-day time limit to turn them in doesn't mean this is anything less than a incredible machine.
I'm a graphics art Semi-Pro (retired from being a network engineer a few years ago), and I can run ALL the programs, quickly on this machine that I work with, Including Lightwave, Poser, & vue d'espri. It has played every game I've tried on it, it even runs Oblivion with maxed out graphics, no problem. The reason I came to this site today was because I was going to get another one for my girlfriend.
If you NEED customer support, don't get it. HP isn't good at that right now. But if you can fix some of your own problems...
Oh, and case you didn't get it from the specs above, it's a PVR.