HP Pavilion Dm1z - Netbook Review

Technology is constantly evolving. It's impossible to evolve along with it and keep food on the table. More and more consumers are facing the dilemma of keeping up with relevant technology without facing poverty. It is to the point of vital importance that you carefully discern what is a worthwhile purchase and what can be ignored. With this in mind, I turn your attention to the HP Pavilion dm1z. Is it worth it for $450-$600?

HP is a name that many consumers trust with a high level of quality and a moderate price tag. In this regard, the HP Pavilion dm1z does not disappoint. The dm1z's materials impress both the eyes and hands with no signs of defect in the design. The one concern I could possibly admit to, design-wise, is a slight lack of confidence in the touch pad. It simply doesn't feel as comfortable or reliable as those featured by competitors.

Many potential netbook purchasers are interested in three things: speed, battery life, and performance. It is these three factors that make or break the sale. As an avid gamer, I can say this much. The HP Pavilion dm1z is a fantastic unit. It rarely stutters, displays an impressive frame-rate, and is very comfortable to play on. It might not compare to its big brothers on the desktop or laptop, but in a market flooded with subpar gaming netbooks, it shines. In this area of performance, I have no complaints- especially considering the price point.

It is with general speed that some may find fault. The dm1z is by no means slow, it just won't be the Sonic the hedgehog of the market. It processing at an adequate speed and rarely falls far from this standard. It's above average speed-wise, to say the least. Anyone hoping for something much more impressive will be disappointed.

Battery life is again where this netbook shines. Clocking in at just about nine hours of power, it's no slouch. The reliable battery power comes at the cost of a bit of computing power, but this hardly noticeable. Most contemporary software runs without hiccups on HP's dm1z. Style-wise, it's nothing special. HP went with a simply, practical look that I honestly can't fault. If you're looking to impress friends or other Starbucks customers, you probably won't. The lack of USB 3.0 support is a sour note, but not one that ruins its possibility as a purchase.