HP dv6z-SE User Review

The latest version of HP's mainstream 15.6'' notebook has two versions; one which uses the new Intel processors and one of which is equipped with the new processors from AMD. Well, technically there are four versions because each processor variant has what HP calls the "Select Edition" -- which can be equipped with a backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, quad-core AMD or Intel processors, a touchscreen, and comes with a metal chassis. I went back and forth between both the Intel and AMD options, as well as the Ideapad Y560, but eventually decided that the dv6z-SE was the best option for my brother. Are the new processors enough to get AMD back into the notebook market? Read on the find out.



Specifications

• Processor: AMD Phenom(TM) II Quad Core Mobile Processor N930 (2.0GHz, 2MB L2 Cache)
• Graphics: 1GB DDR3 ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5650 switchable graphics (ATI integrated 4250)
• Operating System: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Screen: 15.6" diagonal High Definition LED HP Brightview Display (1366x768)
• Memory: 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• Storage: 500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• Optical Drive: Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
• Wireless and Communications: Wireless 802.11b/g/n Card
• Full-size island-style backlit keyboard with HP TrueVision Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
• Battery: High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• Dimensions: 14.8'' (W) x 9.4'' (H) x 1.24''-1.26'' (H)
• Weight: 5.36 lbs
• Warranty: 1-year
• Price as configured: $939.99

Build and Design



If you have read my review of the new HP dm4t then you basically already know everything that you need to know about the build quality on the dv6-SE. Every part of the notebook, other than the bottom, has an etched metal finish making the notebook feel very sturdy. Just like on my dm4t, there is almost no flex. The palmrests are strong, the hinges are tight enough to keep it shut when held upside down, and even pressure to the lid doesn't cause the screen to distort. It takes significant power to twist the display. The only slight flex that I have found is right below the optical drive but one has to exert significant pressure to experience it. All in all, the notebook feels amazingly solid.







The only parts of the notebook that are warm are the left palm rest, slightly, and the back left by the vent. The entire right side stays very cool and the bottom isn't even warm, except by the vent. These are amazing results for a quad core, much lower than Intel's quad cores. They are lower than the Intel counterpart, the i5-520/540M, to the N930 as well.



Under normal use the noise is barely audible, actually slightly quieter than my dm4t, but under heavy load the fan starts spinning extremely fast to keep the notebook cool. This is to be expected with any entertainment/gaming notebook under load, though. I have said it before and I will say it again, better for it to be loud and hot by the vent when under load then quiet and hot internally.



Conclusion



Starting at $50 cheaper than its Intel counterpart the dv6z:SE is a viable mainstream notebook with a lot of power for what you pay, the quad core N930 configuration cost $30 less than the i5-430M and from early benchmarks the N930 is as strong as the i5-520/540M. The build quality and extra features separate it from the mainstream notebooks of competing companies and I would definitely recommend it.



Pros:

• Price to performance ratio
• Build quality
• Extra features (backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, touchscreen options)
• Switchable graphics
• Stays cool, cooler than its Intel couterparts

Cons:

• Screen resolution will turn people away. Why no higher res option on the Select Edition, HP?

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