HP Pavilion dv5z Review

Thanks, Rob. On the one hand, it looks AMD has a catch-up to do when it comes to power efficiency. On the other hand, it is puzzling because Toshiba Satellite A305 (Intel) and A305D (AMD) are not so different in terms of battery life according to the reviews here.

Go Cubbies!

 

Does the HP Dv5 come with a HDMI cable?

 

No it does not.

 

The bottom of this machine seems to get pretty hot. Would the intel version have better heat management due to less heat? Also, the build quality seems rather good, but I must be certain that it will indeed last. Would a lifetime of 3 or so years be reasonable for this laptop or not, considering that this is a Hp laptop, or would it start having problems?

 

I was planning on replacing the RAM in the dv5z laptop after it came. I was wondering what kind of RAM it comes with so I can order the replacement now so it will be ready to go for college in less than 1 month.

Thanks,

--Kysluss

 

Just a small warning note for people buying this notebook...avoid the AMD Athlon processor if you can. The battery life isn't all that great on it and it does heat up quite a bit. Compared to the Turion processor, I also found that it was a tad bit slower...so stick with the "lower end of the high end" rule.

That's just my experience though so far. I might be wrong but I just thought I'd let you guys know.

 

Here is the memory I used to upgrade to 4GB. Works great and I haven't had any problems.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227251

 

^^ what I said in previous post on another topic

 

Sounds like some headway on the crossfire issue. Any further confirmation that dv5zs are currently shipping with a firewire port? Has anyone successfully OCed the 3200 or 3450 chips in this laptop?

 

Has anyone actually popped one open, and visually verified that BOTH the 3200 AND the 3450 are present? From the reviews I've seen online, in the Display Adapters under the Properties tab, both VDC's should be present.

At least, the onlne review about Hybrid CrossFire-X showed both adapters in the display properties.

T

 

Ok, thank you for this link. I see there's a rebate on this memory too, so that makes it even more attractive to buy. Is it easy to replace in the dv5z model notebook? I notice that the guy said the sticks are rather wide, but he is putting them in a MAC so that may be the difference.

 

Yes, both IGP and Dedicated cards (3200 and 3400) are in the notebook.

HP Tech Supervisor said it can be enabled, someone should try redoing Catalyst on the laptop in the previous post I made from the link.

 

Very interesting....guess some of the knowledgeable folks will have to work their hack magic on the drivers.

Good stuff - I will be keeping an eye on this thread, for sure!


T

 

Yeah, me too. I would love it if the Hybrid CrossfireX worked. Hopefully someone will be able to get it to work.

 

I'm getting my laptop in 3-4 days, I'll have screenshots for everyone i figured out how....

 

Good luck with that - do keep us posted on your progress.


T

 

Great review. Can you elaborate more about case durability? This section was kind of brief, but still positive.

 

Basically, it doesn't feel like a cheap laptop even though it's a sub-$1,000 notebook. The dv5 series notebooks feel solid in your hands, but these aren't government certified rugged notebooks designed to survive a 50-foot drop on concrete or withstand being run over by a car.

The chassis plastics are thick so they won't bend and flex in your hands and the "skeleton" on the notebook is rigid enough to withstand "typical" use and abuse ... but the dv5 series isn't a Panasonic Toughbook.

Here's an example of what we consider to be a "rugged" notebook:

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4327

 

If I get the 3200 initially on this can I toss in a 3450 later on? *assuming crossfire gets to work sometime in the future*

 

I doubt it - at that price-point, I doubt they would use add-on modules for video. It simply costs too much. You're talking the connectors, the logic on the mainboard for the interface, the module pcb plus IT'S logic onboard...
They probably just solder the 3450/3650 onto the mainboard, and, correct me if I'm wrong, the 3200 is integrated into the chipset so nothing additional required there.

T

 

Oh I see. I thought the 3450 was a card they threw in instead of soldering. Thanks.

 

Have anyone tried to install windows xp on the hp pavilion dv5z?

 

Thanks Jerry.

 

I can get either one for $799 from Best Buy, but am having a hard time to decide.

Here are the specs:

Dell:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8884497&type=product&id=1211454761803

HP:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8913884&type=product&id=1213399970436

I am not a gamer, but just upgrading from my older computers. I spend a lot of time on the web, doing research, and writing. I will be overseas and probably start watching movies, and generally want the most bang and performance for the buck. Is the larger hard drive and better battery life worth the tradeoff for better functionality, graphics and weight. Is the Intel 8100 comparable to the new AMD Turion? Is there any real difference between Dell and HP?

Any opinions gladly appreciated.

 

I'm just reading this thread beginning to end, so if this is discussed later, forgive me.

Being in the RC car hobby, I get to play with some cutting edge batteries now and then. If you are speaking of LiPo (Lithoum Polymer) then there is a good reason why they aren't used in many (if at all) laptops:

LiPo intentional overcharge video

This is a single cell, probably 1500-2000mah, being intentionally overcharged.

LiIon is relatively safe, has good charge/discharge rates for notebooks, and has a good lifecycle.

LiPo can hold MORE energy, ins the same space, and discharge rates can go to nearly triple the LiIon rates.

More so with Lithium technologies, charge/discharge rates use a metric named 'C', ie, 10C. What this means, is 10 times the capacity, so for example, a 2000mah cell has 2.0A capacity, it's max continuous discharge rate (assuming it's rated at 10C) would be 10 x 2.0 = 20 amps.

Now, higher capacity, higher performance cells can get up to 25-30C rates, and nowadays, a LiPo pack the size of a pack of 100-sized cigarettes can be rated 6000-8000mah. If you do the math, assuming 30C rate at 6000mah, you get 30 x 6.0 = 180amps.

That is ALOT of energy, and a whole heck of alot of current at dead short, which can reach bursts of 40-70C depending on the cells, you can see why most manufacturers hesitate to use LiPo cells in laptops.

If mishandled or subject to a failure, as shown in the video, they can cause a very bad day - that video shows a single cell, probably 1500-2000mah @ 10C rating.

You can probably imagine what a 4000mah 4-cell (14.8v), 5-cell (18.5V), or even 6-cell (22.2v) could do!


T

 

Minor update on this laptop. Under the ATI 3450 choice on HPs site now lists "Includes 1394 firewire and 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports". Also the current discount went from $100 up to $150. I think I'm sold.

 

me too , I just ordered the one below, but should wait 2 weeks to try working out crossfire and maybe winxp, too. I also ordered OCZ 4GB from newegg. BTW great review, JerryJ, and thanks to all who shared a lot of info here.

HP Pavilion dv5z customizable Notebook PC
Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
AMD Turion(TM) X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processor ZM-82 (2.2GHz)
15.4" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
FREE Upgrade to 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 1GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)!!
256MB ATI Radeon(TM) HD 3450 Graphics
FREE Upgrade to 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive from 120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
HP Imprint Finish (Mesh) + Microphone + Webcam
HP Color Matching Keyboard
802.11b/g WLAN
No High speed 56K modem port
SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
No TV Tuner w/remote control
High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

 

After a week with this laptop its pretty kickass. The build quality, the looks, the performance. I hope crossfire will be enable soon to unlock the full potental of the AMD puma platform

 

Just bought myself one the dv5z and one side of the keyboard is flex free and solid, but the left side has alot of flex and the keys are mushier...is this normal or should I do an exchange?

 

I read the review of the hp pavilion dv5z written by notebookreview (Jerry) and they (he) gave this laptop a pretty good review. So, I went and ordered mine from hp and I should get it within a few days.

Recently Cnet put out a review and gave this notebook a rating of 6.1 (terrible rating). Crap! I wished I had waited for the publication of Cnet review before placing the order. Then I could compare both reviews and make a better choice of notebook.

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/hp-pavilion-dv5-1002nr/4505-3121_7-33088547.html

 

Generally, Cnet sucks at reviewing things.

 

Keep in mind, they got a retail one, and you got to custom order one.
Hopefully you cranked up the CPU to a ZM-80, at least, and added the 3450.

Also, keep in mind that they're a bunch of talking heads, and they wouldn't know a good deal/good laptop if they were smacked in the forehead by one.
Benchmarks alone NEVER tell the full side of the story, so read their review with a grain of salt...

MOST of all, enjoy your lappie - keep in mind if you DON'T enjoy it, I believe HP has a decent return policy, unlike the retailers, so you do have options.


T

 

Umm...that review didn't even bother to compare the HD3200 graphics which is one of the main selling points of this laptop. Plus, why in the world is he comparing a $599 laptop to ones which cost almost twice as much like the dv6985. Plus, duh a 12 cell battery is going to last longer than a 6 cell!

Also, there is something wrong with the performance graphs, the RM-70 will actually perform similarly or even a bit faster than to the TL-60 considering they are pretty much the same cpu.

 

Thanks all.

I configured the same specs as the one notebookreview (Jerry) tested.

 

Nice catch. With that in mind, I just ordered one today, says the estimated build date is August 18. Will see how it goes... Too bad I forgot to check back here before hitting the Submit button on the order, missed the 5% discount code. Oh well.

 

I have this notebook, nice notebook for the price. Only negatives I have to say, like most people is poor battery life, and it get a bit hot. Otherwise it's a fine notebook. Though I wish I kept the one I ordered from 6700t I ordered from HP instead, for $50 more I had double the battery life and it ran much cooler. Except I got all paranoid about it having the 8400gs so I returned it. Oh well, I'll just have to deal with it, at least this one is a little thinner and much lighter since it's not a 12 cell.

 

Really? I have been unable to enable the 3200 in any capacity whatsoever. As everyone else has noticed there's nothing in the BIOS for it and none of the ATI Catalyst Control Centers list it. I too 'spoke' to HP but they responded with reading from a script... Eventually sent it back as I was after a laptop to test the Power Xpress functionality which is definitely not available in the dv5z.

 

I finally got a hold of the hp pavilion dv5z notebook and it is an ok laptop. My two issues are the screen glare and the fact that it runs a bit hot.

Any advice on how to reduce the glare on the screen (I wished an anti-glare option was available)? I called HP support and they suggested that I turn the brightness down (it did not help).

 

Return it and reorder one without the infinity display.

 

Are you saying that the infinity display gives off less reflection?

 

From JerryJ's post 126 earlier in this thread

"The "Infinity" screens use an additional glossy layer over (in front of) the actual display. This looks cool and helps with contrast a bit but also magnifies reflections and creates reflections on a separate focal plane in front of the actual screen. If you are sensitive to headaches caused by close focus this is a problem because your eyes will naturally "jump" back and forth from focusing in the images being projected on the display and the reflections on the glossy protective surface in front of the display.

Many people don't have problems with screens like this, but at least two of our editorial staff members get SEVERE headaches from using screens like the "Infinity" screens I just described. HP isn't the only notebook manufacturer that is using these new screens with a second glossy protective layer in front of the actual display: Lenovo and Dell are also doing this with some new notebooks, and we'll probably see even more companies offering these screens because some marketing moron thinks "consumers like shiny things."

If you don't get headaches from displays that have the second glossy protective layer in front of the screen then these screens are fine, but if you are sensitive to reflections these types of screens are the worst! I suggest you go to a brick and mortar store to see these screens for yourself before you buy, or chose the non-Infinity version of the screen."

 

Many Thanks for the detailed explanation cat mom. I will now search for some form of anti-glare protector for the notebook screen...

 

The battery life on dv5z is seriously disappointing, not to mention the wireless connection... Terrible, terrible, terrible. I am returning this laptop to purchase a Dell Studio 15... Nothing can be as disappointing as the pavilion dv5z. How could notebook review give it (dv5z) such good rating...
check this out all .... http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/hp-pavilion-dv5-1004nr/4505-3121_7-33088546.html

 

You dont actually own one do you? Just trolling aren't you.

 

Yes I own a dv5z bro and the battery life is terrible.

 

I own this machine for little over a week now and my dislikes so far are:
Battery life
Screen glare
bad wireless connection (my router works well with other notebooks)

I am not going to wait to find anymore faults...

 

Hm, my wireless works fine... Screen glare - you knew it was a glossy screen before you bought it; that fact was already advertised all over...

 

Sannyq

Poor Battery Life
- this was well documented in this review and also on other reports. If you need longer battery life (greater than 2.5 hours) then the dv5z is not for you, though the high capacity 6 cell might of helped a bit.

Screen Glare
- welcome to the world of glossy screens. If that is not your preference than you need to go back to the matte screens (they are becoming a endangered speices though)

Poor Wireless Connection
- that is a new one. Don't know whether it is because you got a "bad" wireless card or not.

Bottom line, two out of three of your issues were well known before you bought your laptop, so I think this is a case of not doing your homework first. But, if it does not meet your needs or you are unhappy with it, please return it (hopefully it is still within the return period) and get a model that meets your needs.

Note, the dv5z is suited for individuals that want a decent graphics (note, I did not say great) at a decent price but are willing to compromise on battery life (you will not be carrying your laptop around all day) and do not need a exceptional fast CPU. This does not fit everybodies profile but enough people to make the model worthwhile - note all the positive comments on this thread.

 

For what it's worth, my dv5z compiles my code about 2x faster than my 4 year old Asus laptop. Which is exactly what I wanted...

 

Great review, JJ. I couldn't expect to get more useful info on a potential purchase.

One caution however. The overall high quality and thoroughness of your review could lead users to unwarranted expectations of this (or any) laptop's ruggedness. You state "the dv5z should survive...the occasional drop off a desk." You could cite the "drop survival" on your specific example, if you've dropped it "occasionally" and it still works. But assigning this ruggedness to all dv5z's assumes too much. No one should assume any specific laptop can survive a drop, especially over 30". The hundreds of parts and the inevitable variation in build quality mean some specific units will fail.