HP Pavilion DV9720US

Other products by Hewlett-Packard

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 1.6 x 6.7 inches ; 14 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0010S2OBY
• Item model number: DV9740US
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,926 in Computer & Accessories (See Bestsellers in Computer & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 4, 2008

Product Description

Model: DV9740US

Amazon.com Product Description

Balance your need for productivity with great multimedia performance with the HP Pavilion dv9740us 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. This notebook also incorporates a Blu-ray drive that's compatible with the new high-definition DVD disc format. Enjoy amazingly crisp and vibrantly colorful imagery from this new format. 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 remote control, which stores conveniently in the ExpressCard slot.

It also has an integrated 1.3-megapixel WebCam (and integrated microphone), enabling easy video conferencing via VoIP and video IM chats. This stylish laptop also features a high-gloss, durable HP Imprint finish with the Radiance pattern of concentric waves, as well as a subtle blue backlit media control panel that responds to the slightest touch.

This notebook is powered by the 1.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 processor, which offers a 20 percent performance boost over its predecessor while using 28 percent less power--so you get the benefit of a powerful dual-core PC plus all the benefits of mobility. Other hardware features include dual 160 GB hard drives, 3 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), dual-layer DVD±RW drive (which also burns CDs), an integrated Nvidia GeForce 8600M GS video/graphics card with up to 1791 MB of total allocated video memory, quad-mode Wi-Fi LAN (802.11a/b/g/n), and multi-format memory card reader.

This laptop also 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 2 Duo T5450 processor has a 1.66 GHz processor speed, fast 667 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 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.)

  With two computational execution cores in a single processor, it provides 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 Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. 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. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:

  • Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
  • Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
  • Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
  • Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.

• Hard Drive: This system offers a total of 320 GB of hard disk drive space from two 160 GB drives (5400 RPM). These Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives also quicken the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: This notebook comes installed with 3 GB of RAM (DDR2), which helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. It has a 4 GB RAM capacity.

• DVD/CD Drive: This HP notebook is capable of playing back Blu-ray Disc movies in stunning clarity, as well as playing your current library of purchased and burned disc content. It also incorporates a DVD±RW writer that can also burn CDs, which is compatible with dual-layer (DL) discs that can hold up to 8.5 GB of data.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a 101-key keyboard (with integrated numeric keypad) 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
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 integrated Nvidia GeForce 8600M GS graphics/video card, which provides up to 1791 MB of total graphics memory as allocated by Windows Vista (512 MB dedicated RAM) for unmatched HD video performance on a notebook PC. With support for Microsoft DirectX 10 Shader Model 4.0 and High Dynamic-Range Lighting (HDR), it lets you rip through all of today's most advanced and cutting-edge games and applications. Experience real-time photo editing, or immerse yourself in the most complex, true-to-life gaming environments.

The Altec Lansing speakers provide exceptional sound, and a pair of stereo earbud headphones with volume controls is included. You'll be able to privately share enjoyment of multimedia with a friend via the dual headphone jacks.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with this notebook's integrated quad-mode Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward 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). It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54/34 card slot (replacing the 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 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 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
• Analog video out: 1 VGA monitor port and 1 S-Video port for connecting to a TV or projector
• 1 ExpressCard/54 Slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)
• 2 headphone jacks, 1 microphone jack
• 1 Expansion Port 3 connector (for use with the HP xb3000 Expansion Base or the HP Notebook QuickDock)
• 1 IR receiver
• 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MMC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)
• 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
• 56K modem (V.90)

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
Symantec Norton Internet Security 2008 (60 days of complimentary live update), HP PhotoSmart Essential, Muvee autoProducer, Cyberlink DVD Suite, Microsoft Works 9, Microsoft Office 2007 Student and Teacher Edition (60-day trial)

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 15.16 x 11.22 x 1.65 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 7.7 pounds.

Power
It's powered by a 8-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of up to 2.5 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion dv9740us 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.

Reduce your impact on the environment with this Energy Star-certified system and HP's innovative take-back options, including trade-in, recycling and donation.

Product Description

HP Pavilion DV9740US Entertainment Notebook PC. For those who want innovative digital entertainment capability coupled with desktop replacement performance, the HP Pavilion dv9700 series Entertainment Notebook PC delivers. Dual headphone jacks and Altec Lansing audio allow you to share your entertainment. And AMD 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 7.7 lbs /starting weight/ light notebook delivers desktop comparable performance with its 17.0 in High Definition BrightView widescreen display and separate numeric keypad. HP innovation and technology leadership helps you work faster, connect in new ways and play more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just bought and so far its been.... Great!, February 16, 2008

By	D. Benton "Texas goddess" (TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: HP Pavilion DV9730US 17.0-inch Entertainment Laptop (AMD Turion 64 X 2 Dual Core TL-64 Processor, 3 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Radiance (Personal Computers)

I recieved this laptop about 4 days ago and all I can say is wow! The laptop is performing beyond my expectations and the price while higher than other laptops was well worth it for this performing machine. I will admit to being biased to HP as all of my laptops have been HP and majority of my printers have been HP too. The details are as follows. Impressive screen with no dead pixels or such.
Long lasting battery life- I had it on all during and 1hr30min class with the internet on in balanced power mode and at the end of class I still had 80% of 100% battery left. Much better than my old lappy whose total time with wireless was 2hr max. I have watched 2 full lenght films on here in power saver and was able to get through both and had 40% battery left. Games take up a little more juice of your running full screen with serious graphics. The 17 screen is gorgeous and big. For some it may be too big but I like big screens for watching movies and practicing presentations. The included remote is a big bonus.
I despise Microsoft Works and can't afford the new Microsoft Office Student addition (even with the break through my college) So I downloaded OpenOffice 2.3 and all I can say is that I will never go back to Microsoft as long as OpenOffice keeps putting out such a quality product for free. I know I'm reviewing the lappy but this software is 150% better than MS Office. I will be upgrading the graphics card in a year or two (its good just not great). Internet over the n route is blazing fast. Have no problem picking up wireless signals. Has a handy little feature where if its going to overheat it shuts itself down. (I left it on on my bed and pillows got tossed on it while on and wonderful lappy that it is it shut down) I hate with a passion Vista but not much to do about it execpt maybe try Linux out though I haven't been a big fan of that either. Lets face it Vista is here and we are all going to have to learn to use and deal with it. Came with some decent games and the gadget side bar. Webcam and quickplay are awesome. I love that when using the webcam you get great resolution and no lag time in image (I use it to converse with the folks back home) Overall I rate this lappy a 4.7 out of 5 it only loses some due to OS and extra software junk preloaded on it.
UPDATE 4/12/2008: So I've been using this in class and doing some moderate to heavy photo and video editing and it works great. I will say that I have never had so many updates that take for ever on any of my other laptops but I assume this to be because of Vista. Lightscribe is fun and the built in card reader works like a gem. The outside (nice shiny black) does get horribly filthy with fingerprints and such but is easily cleaned with the microfiber cloth included. The sound from the speakers is good but not great now that I have been playing tunes on it (better than my previous lappy) I will still hook up to external speaker for when I have it connected to my HD projector. Speaking of which my vid on the projector be it through the TV on my comp or dvds played is amazing. Overall I now give it a 4.6/5 only taking of .1 because of the above mentioned issues. Will update more later...

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally upgraded!, March 6, 2008

By	Michael Urrea "stang87" (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I finally decided to upgrade my 8 year old Sony desktop (which still works fine). This is my first laptop! I am not a computer geek at all, but wanted something with a big screen as a home computer and take up little space. I also wanted a machine that had all the bells and whistles on it so I will hopefully last me along time and I wont need to upgrade anytime soon. Not to mention computers these days come with crazy amounts of memory compared to my old desktop. that was a plus

I wanted a Sony, but didnt find a laptop style to my liking. I like the HP 17" screen, and side numerical pad on right of keyboard. This machine is not that heavy as some people say (on other sites). I mean jeez go work out if you think this is too heavy. I will be using this mainly as home PC, but great to have the option of transporting it with me. The main attraction was the blu ray player of this model. I wanted the future hd disc technology and be able to play my collection of blu ray movies.

Also having the option to hook up to my TV via hdmi output port is awesome! I just got it yesterday, and figured out a little trick. Had to search all over online for solution. When you connect to hdtv with hdmi cable and want to watch a blu ray movie on hdtv....Make sure you go to your Nvidia console (your display settings program), Change to use single monitor instead of dual monitors displaying at same time because blu ray movies will not be allowed to be displayed on 2 monitors at same time for some reason. You will get a message that says "Content protected not allowed to play in this display mode". So change to single monitor as your hdtv and then you should be in business! Hope that helps anyone with the problem I encountered. I was frustrated because this was the sole purpose I wanted the blu ray player to hook up to my hdtv. Glad I found people with same problem and a solution online. So I am giving back to the online community. HP online support was no help they just said some blu ray discs will not play on HDTV only on the laptop screen because they have alot of memory on them. That is a load of bologna.

So far this is a great machine, works clean, very easy to setup, easy controls, cool remotes that come with it, tv tuner need some adjusting to get clear channels but cool feature still, and getting used to Vista but dont see any show stoppers i will catch on to it soon.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Value, March 10, 2008

By	Leon M. Bodevin "Do right and fear no man" (Lemoore, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: HP Pavilion DV9750US 17-inch Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 Processor, 3 GB RAM, 500 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Black (Personal Computers)

Your money will not go any farther than with this laptop. I knew how many features this computer had when I bought it but I was still surprised to find so much stuff in the box when I received it yesterday. I have tried out many of the features already and everything seems to work as advertised. I was most impressed with the tv tuner. It works great and the laptop comes with a full-size remote (as well as a mini one) so you can change the channels without having to touch the notebook at all. The remote also works great with music (including I-tunes). The large widescreen 17" display is great for watching movies. Another nice feature is the amount of ports (HDMI, S-Video, 4 USB) this thing has: more than you could ever need.

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