Nice Desktop Replacement

I purchased the HP Pavilion HDX Entertainment Series computer primarily as a desktop replacement (previously owned an earlier model Dell). My goals for the new purchase were to allow occasional portability (5-10 times per year) of a system which could process high-quality photo and video editing.

The HDX shipped relatively quickly for a custom build (10 days after online order). The package arrived well protected and assembled. Out of the box, the system is quite impressive on looks alone, with a high-gloss black exterior and somewhat 'futuristic' styling. I had heard horror stories regarding HP's customer support, but did not run into any issues when preparing the computer for first-time use. After having the computer for awhile now, I have identified pros and cons as follows:

Pros
Monitor: The 20-inch screen is more than my family truly needs for a "laptop" (until my husband sees the next generation of monsters to come out, I'm sure). The resolution is crisp and clear, and both pictures and video are extremely sharp and bright.

Sound System: This notebook has a subwoofer! Crazy! All in all, there are 4 Altec Lansing speakers on the front, and a subwoofer on the bottom. The sound is pretty amazing – fantastic quality on video feedback and on music files.

Fingerprint Reader: There is an integrated fingerprint reader above the keyboard on the HDX model. This was a breeze to set up, and works great to store and protect virtually any passwords you might use. I love not having to type in passwords a hundred times on websites. Each user profile is able to establish his/her own set of registered fingerprints.

LightScribe DVD Drive: I opted for this addition to the system for use in video editing and distribution. The LightScribe capabilities allow you to burn a label directly onto a DVD, rather than having to print paper labels or handwrite a description. In tests, I have been very pleased with the professional-looking results. The process is easy to complete – you simply insert the disk one way to burn the information, and then flip it over to burn the image. This does require the purchase of special LightScribe-enabled DVDs, which are slightly more expensive than regular media.

Cons
Weight: This notebook is extremely heavy, weighing in at over 15 pounds. HP is very clear about this in their descriptions, so this was expected. This is a trade-off for the large screen I'm sure, but a negative nonetheless.

Battery Life: By my estimation, the battery lasts about an hour and a half of normal, continuous use. In my tests, this included using internet, email, video editing, and music software packages. This works well for my planned at-home use, but may be a hindrance if a user plans to transport the machine more frequently.

Software Options: This is a small annoyance, but HP does not give you an option to opt out of certain software categories. For example, I would have preferred to have no word processor/spreadsheet package installed (I had already purchased Microsoft Enterprise 2007 separately), but HP still required that Microsoft Works be preloaded. I wish I could have had a clean slate rather than having to uninstall the unwanted system.

Carrying case: At this time, I can't find a case to fit this monstrosity. HP does not offer one made for this model, and I could not locate an off-brand bag which would accommodate the dimensions. Hopefully this will change in the future if the 20-inch size becomes more prevalent in the marketplace.

I am by no means an expert on computers, and can’t speak to many of the technical aspects. Still, in addition to my “ordinary user” commentary above, below are the specific details of the system I purchased for reference:

HP Pavilion HDX Entertainment Series CTO
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.20 GHz, 4 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
- 20.1" WSXGA High-Definition HP Ultra Brightview Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
- 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
- 256MB ATI(TM) Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 2600 XT
- HP Imprint Finish (Dragon) Fingerprint Reader Webcam Microphone
- Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection and Bluetooth(TM)
- 240GB 5400RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (120GB x 2)
- LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD /-RW with Double Layer Support
- Integrated HP HDTV Hybrid TV Tuner and 4 Altec Lansing speakers the HP Triple Bass Reflex subwoofer
- 9 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
- Power Pack software - Muvee AutoProducer Premium, Cyberlink DVD Suite Premium and Serif Web Plus

Overall, I am very pleased with this purchase so far. It works well as a home multimedia center, with the option of occasional portability. Anyone interested in this product should be aware that the “notebook” or “laptop” description is in name only – I don’t know anyone who could possibly fit this computer on their lap! Still, it is a powerful computer with a stylish exterior great for all of your home computing needs.