Review on HP Pavilion DV6-2180US 15.6-Inch Laptop

Posted by admin
March 4, 2010
HP Pavilion DV6-2180US 15.6-Inch Laptop

HP Pavilion DV6-2180US 15.6-Inch Laptop

If you are looking at the DV6 line of notebooks you may have noticed that there are several new models out with model numbers like “DV6-21xx”. These are basically the same notebook as the previous models with a new CPU/graphics combo that greatly improves performance. Like the previous DV6 generation it is well constructed with a metallic toned black exterior (HP also offers versions in white).the HP Pavilion dv6 Entertainment series delivers excellent mobile performance that looks as great as it runs. Powered by the latest processor and graphics technologies, it delivers the features you need to support your digital lifestyle.

Okay here is why the Core i5 is a big deal: The Core i5 (and Core i3) have Intel’s newest, fastest and smallest CPU core (also known as the “Westmere” core) which is two generations newer than the “Penryn” core used in the Core2 line. Because with each generation the parts get smaller they get cheaper to make. Also with the Westmere core Intel has bundled the chipset and a new graphics chip onto one package which also reduces cost (and allows Intel to do some new and cool performance tricks). One thing the Core i3 and i5 have that Core2 does not is “hyperthreading.” Hyperthreading is a feature that makes two CPUs act like four. To do this Intel has enabled each CPU core to act on two software threads at once. So the two CPU Core i5 is almost as good as a four CPU part for a lot less money and requiring a lot less power (there are a few four core mobile CPUs out there but the battery life is terrible and I don’t recommend them).

HP Pavilion dv6-2180us Laptop PC Front View

Features

Customer Reviews

New DV6 model with new CPU and graphics5
If you are looking at the DV6 line of notebooks you may have noticed that there are several new models out with model numbers like “DV6-21xx”. These are basically the same notebook as the previous models with a new CPU/graphics combo that greatly improves performance. Like the previous DV6 generation it is well constructed with a metallic toned black exterior (HP also offers versions in white). Take a good look at the shell art since it is something that may not appeal to everyone. I bought mine for my mother-in-law and she definitely appreciated having something a little more individual than the usual dull grey exterior. Despite the glossy exterior we haven’t noticed much in the way of finger prints or any scratches despite the helping hands of our kids who love to “help” grandma with her computer.

The specs for this model are set well above what the average home owner needs today which (in my mind) future proofs it nicely. If you are on a tight budget you can get what you need for less (look at the HP Pavilion G60 line). If you have a little bit more to spend and you want some headroom to handle your computing needs for the next few years this is a great choice.

CPU – This is one of the first models from HP that sports Intel’s new “Core i5″ line of CPUs. The short version is that it outperforms the older “Core2″ chips and is slightly better than the (also) new “Core i3″ chips. As noted in the description it’s 2.26GHz part that can “Turbo Boost” up to 2.53GHz. What isn’t mentioned is that this is a dual core part with 3MB of cache. That may sound a lot like the old Core2 chips but don’t be fooled: this chip will outperform the old Core2 by 20%-50%. If you are trying to decide between the “Core i5″ and “Core i3″ I would recommend the Core i5 to gamers and people who run high end applications (like CAD software) and the Core i3 for people running business applications (like MS Office) and web browsing. If you want to know more read on. If nerd stuff bores you then just trust me, this is a great chip to have in your laptop.

Big performance bump over older DV6 line5
I posted a long review of the current crop of DV6-21xx series of notebooks here: HP Pavilion DV6-2170US. The models are mostly the same with different CPUs (one has a discrete graphics chip). All include the newest mobile processors from Intel which eclipse the older Core2 line in terms of performance. Those with integrated graphics include Intel’s new HD graphics which are also a big improvement over Intel’s old 4500HD graphics (which are still inferior to discrete graphics chips from AMD/ATI and Nvidia when it come to 3D gaming). I would suggest avoiding the older DV6 13xx and 12xx series unless you can get a really good price (which may happen as HP discontinues them).

Excellent Choice5
Been shopping for a new computer for over a year now as I could no longer put up with my slow-as-molasses 2003 Gateway. Shoulda’ tossed it long ago, except I’m on a budget. I saw this HP Pavilion DV6 1250us at a huge (nearly 20%!!) discount at one of the chain office supply stores so I jumped on it. I’m completely knocked-out by how fast this thing is – runs like its hair’s on fire! I timed it at 1 min 20 seconds to completely start-up, connect to wi-fi and be ready to go. My 20GB+ library of iTunes opens in about 5 seconds flat.

My favorite features are; the jaw-dropping sharp, bright, vivid display, next generation faster memory (4GB DDR3), faster than usual 7200rpm hard drive (320GB), and the excellent integrated graphics card (with 1.6 GB memory!!) for watching smoooth on-line video (hulu etc.). I find Windows 7 to be not so different from XP. It has wireless N – glad I thought ahead when I replaced my router a year ago. Lots of USB ports (3 + 1 combo actually), and a little remote control that stores in the expansion slot, though I’m not sure how useful that will be… Battery life was good (2-1/2 hrs without economizing, after running it down to 5% & recharging it a few times to break it in).

>>>Buy It or See Complete Features and Specs HP Pavilion DV6-2180US 15.6-Inch Laptop<<<

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