The Best Selling HP Pavilion DX6650US 15.4" Notebook

The HP Pavilion is one of the most well known product lines in the laptop market today. Not only does HP produce a great product they're also well renowned for their service in the rare even that something does manage happen to that computer. When that is combined with HP's aggressive advertising and one of the most popular laptop sizes there is no mystery why the HP Pavilion DX6650US 15.4" Notebook has been a best seller since its release. I've gotten my hands on one of these and will let you know how it performs. First let's get to some of the basics.

Hardware:

Imaging: an Integrated webcam

Processor: 1.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5250

Storage Space: a 200 GB hard drive

RAM: 2 GB of RAM (upgradable to a 4GB maximum)

Optical drive: a CD R/RW with integrated LightScribe dual-layer DVD +/- burner

Graphics Accelerator: an Intel GMA X3100 graphics (using up to 384 MB of available system memory)

Dimensions and weight: 14.0" x 10.1" x 1.6" and weighs in at about 6.1lbs.

This notebook comes with a strong processor in the 1.5GHz Intel. It also does a good job at power management. The hard drive is of a decent size at 200GB. I like that it has 2GB of RAM and is expandable beyond that. It runs Vista smoothly and boots quickly. The only thing that could use a little improvement is the video card; this notebook comes with a standard integrated Intel card so gamers you've been warned. The display is also decent but average on this notebook.

Connectivity:

Integrated Wireless

2 2.0 USB ports (The gold standard in peripheral connectivity use with the likes of mice, keyboards, printers, and iPods)

1 FireWire port (these ports are used for high speed data transfer typically between digital camcorders or other compatible PCs)

1 Ethernet port (allowing the notebook to connect to wired networks)

1 VGA port (this is a typical monitor connection)

1 S-Video port (this is used as a typical projector connection, and sometimes a compatible TV)

1 ExpressCard slot (to add temporary hardware like a Bluetooth adapter or cellular modem)

2 audio output jacks (1 S/PDIF digital audio capable) and 1 microphone input

5 in 1 memory card reader (these slots allow users to directly insert the memory from their mobile devices into the notebook)

The connectivity is standard and all of the ports are in easily accessible places and don't get in the way (for a right handed person anyway I can't vouch for south paws). Ultimately I think that the majority of consumers will like this notebook. The average online retail price of $949 is right on target in my opinion. There is some possibility that this notebook could see a moderate price reduction during the August sales however I wouldn't bank on it. So if you need a notebook right now, there is no need to hesitate on this buy.