HP Pavilion DV7-2045EA
An impressive range of features, but let down slightly by limited performance…
HP has a strong range of consumer laptops in its Pavilion series, and the dv7-2o45ea is a well-built, entertainment-focused entry. However, its fantastic range of features is sadly undermined by a lacklustre specification which can’t match the best in this group.
At 3.4kg and with a 17.3-inch screen, this is the heaviest and one of the bulkiest machines in this test. While portability is limited, the 220-minute battery life is second only to the Sony here, and the large dimensions allow for a well-sized keyboard and dedicated numeric keypad.
This is one of the best keyboards in this group test for touch-typing, thanks to
the scale and intuitive layout, and despite the plastic feel of the keys. The mirrored touchpad adds to the laptop’s style, along with a unique patterned design across the chassis’ shiny lid and interior.
The screen is bright and vibrant thanks to its Super-TFT coating, although it is quite reflective as a result. The wide screen aspect ratio is perfect for watching films, something HP has carefully considered with the inclusion of an infrared remote which allows you to control Windows Media Centre software at a distance, for the playback of movies and other media. A responsive touch-sensitive media bar above the keyboard is also included for controlling music, movies and photos.
Other features are just as impressive, including the only END drive in this group to provide LightScribe support. The range of ports is comprehensive, with VGA and HDMI outputs, as with all other laptops here, in addition to mini FireWire and eSATA ports for fast data communication. An ExpressCard port and four USB ports let you add peripherals. The only negatives are the 8o2.11g Wi-Fi – as all the other laptops here support the faster 802.11g standard – and the use of the older Windows Vista OS instead of Windows 7.
Poor performer
Performance is sadly less impressive. With an AMD Turion X2 processor in place, this laptop only beats the cheaper Mesh in terms of power and lags significantly behind the Hi-Grade, Acer and Toshiba. Functionality is limited to running office applications and watching movies, and we expected a lot more of a laptop at this price point. HP has included a dedicated ATi graphics card which packs in more 3D power than everything but the Acer in this group test, but the basic processor means that modern games and intensive design packages still suffer from lag.
A mixed specification and outdated OS are compensated in part by the excellent features and quality build of the Pavilion dv7-2o45ea, but anyone looking for a high-performance machine should look to the Intel Core laptops in this group.
Specs Detail
- PROCESSOR AMD 2.3GHZ TURION X2 ZM-84
- MEMORY 4096MB DDR3 SDRAM
- HARD DRIVE 250G8 (5400RPM)
- OPTICAL DRIVE TRI-FORMAT DVD DL
- SCREEN SIZE AND TYPE 17.3-INCH SUPER-TET
- DISPLAY RESOLUTION 1600 X 900 (WXGA,++)
- GRAPHICS CARD ATI MOBILITY RADEON HD 4530
- DIMENSIONS 413 X 262 X 43MM
- WEIGHT 3.4KG
- WIRELESS LAN 802.11G
- ETHERNET GIGABIT
- USB PORTS 4
- FIREWIRE 1 (MINI)
- OPERATING SYSTEM WINDOWS VISTA
- STANDARD WARRANTY 1YR C&R P&L
Price £640
An impressive range of features, but let down slightly by limited performance…
HP has a strong range of consumer laptops in its Pavilion series, and the dv7-2o45ea is a well-built, entertainment-focused entry. However, its fantastic range of features is sadly undermined by a lacklustre specification which can’t match the best in this group.
At 3.4kg and with a 17.3-inch screen, this is the heaviest and one of the bulkiest machines in this test. While portability is limited, the 220-minute battery life is second only to the Sony here, and the large dimensions allow for a well-sized keyboard and dedicated numeric keypad.
This is one of the best keyboards in this group test for touch-typing, thanks to
the scale and intuitive layout, and despite the plastic feel of the keys. The mirrored touchpad adds to the laptop’s style, along with a unique patterned design across the chassis’ shiny lid and interior.
The screen is bright and vibrant thanks to its Super-TFT coating, although it is quite reflective as a result. The wide screen aspect ratio is perfect for watching films, something HP has carefully considered with the inclusion of an infrared remote which allows you to control Windows Media Centre software at a distance, for the playback of movies and other media. A responsive touch-sensitive media bar above the keyboard is also included for controlling music, movies and photos.
Other features are just as impressive, including the only END drive in this group to provide LightScribe support. The range of ports is comprehensive, with VGA and HDMI outputs, as with all other laptops here, in addition to mini FireWire and eSATA ports for fast data communication. An ExpressCard port and four USB ports let you add peripherals. The only negatives are the 8o2.11g Wi-Fi – as all the other laptops here support the faster 802.11g standard – and the use of the older Windows Vista OS instead of Windows 7.
Poor performer
Performance is sadly less impressive. With an AMD Turion X2 processor in place, this laptop only beats the cheaper Mesh in terms of power and lags significantly behind the Hi-Grade, Acer and Toshiba. Functionality is limited to running office applications and watching movies, and we expected a lot more of a laptop at this price point. HP has included a dedicated ATi graphics card which packs in more 3D power than everything but the Acer in this group test, but the basic processor means that modern games and intensive design packages still suffer from lag.
A mixed specification and outdated OS are compensated in part by the excellent features and quality build of the Pavilion dv7-2o45ea, but anyone looking for a high-performance machine should look to the Intel Core laptops in this group.
Specs Detail
- PROCESSOR AMD 2.3GHZ TURION X2 ZM-84
- MEMORY 4096MB DDR3 SDRAM
- HARD DRIVE 250G8 (5400RPM)
- OPTICAL DRIVE TRI-FORMAT DVD DL
- SCREEN SIZE AND TYPE 17.3-INCH SUPER-TET
- DISPLAY RESOLUTION 1600 X 900 (WXGA,++)
- GRAPHICS CARD ATI MOBILITY RADEON HD 4530
- DIMENSIONS 413 X 262 X 43MM
- WEIGHT 3.4KG
- WIRELESS LAN 802.11G
- ETHERNET GIGABIT
- USB PORTS 4
- FIREWIRE 1 (MINI)
- OPERATING SYSTEM WINDOWS VISTA
- STANDARD WARRANTY 1YR C&R P&L
Price £640
