Jun 29, 2006 04:25 PM
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Before This I was using a Compaq Presario V2000. Now there was nothing lacking in that. But my boss suggested that we buy a new one with more features. I could only say yes. I was asked to do a survey and tell him which model I wanted. His only condition was that the model had to be better than the one HE was using. Which meant I had to go for something that cost in excess of 65K, with more features. We weren’t in any dilemma about the brand as HP was default.
The search: I began my search/research/survey with the HP website. I got a fair idea of the features, price etc. I short listed half a dozen models. Then I went to a total of 3 authorized HP reseller to see the product, demo. Lazy that I am, by the time I did all these things half of the short listed models were no longer available. Don’t learn punctuality from me ;-)
So the last time I went to reseller he showed me newer models of which this was the one that caught my eye. It was different from others in my short list, not only by way of features, but by looks too. This was the black beauty who stole my heart. Other factors like price, features, availability only made things easier. I decided to buy from a reseller on Brigade road as he quoted the least. HP site shows the price 64990. ( why cant they write 65K? ;-) without tax, VAT etc.
I got prices like 69500, 68000 and 66500. The last one was even willing to deliver against cheque as my boss was his regular customer.
Features for those who are into technical details here is some GK ;-) ( yes I am doing CTRL+C, CTRL+V .. jaao police mein complaint karo ;-)
Processor intel Core Duo Processor (1.66GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 667MHz FSB)
RAM 1GB
Hard disk 100GB
DVD writer
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400, Remote control
Modem High speed 56K modem
Network Integrated 10/100 LAN Ethernet, Intel PRO/Wireless 802.11 a/b/g integrated WLAN, integrated Bluetooth
Battery 6-cell Lithium-Ion battery
Display 15.4" colour WXGA BrightView
Pointing device Touchpad pointing device with 2-way scroll
I/O interfaces (1) 6-in-1 Digital Media Reader slot, (1) IEEE 1394 port, (1) S-video port, (1) VGA port, (1) Notebook Expansion Slot, (1) Headphone/Line-out, (2) External Microphone, (1) AC power adapter, (1) RJ-11, (1) RJ-45, (3) USB 2.0 ports
Kensington MicroSaver lock slot
PC card slots (1) Type I/II PC Card Slot with support for 16-bit PCMCIA and 32-bit Cardbus, (1) ExpressCard/54 Slot
Dimensions 4.49cm(H) x 26.39cm(W) x 35.79cm(D) , Weight 2.99kg
It comes with XP home preloaded. No OS cds. +2 months Norton internet secuiryt 2006
They have a recovery drive which you use to create recovery disc. Some funny bargaining ensured that the reseller was willing to create 2 recovery DVDs without any charge. He was insisting on 100Rs for the blank DVDs, until I told him –“if you don’t charge for this, I will write on the DVD that it was sponsored by you” ;-) He laughed and agreed. I was not someone who played a lot of PC games, but with the laptop came trial versions of some real good games. I was hooked to them until they expired.
What I like: I like all its features, even the ones I don’t use now ;-). The best thing about it is the black color. Except for the grey top and bottom, touchpad, everything else is black. The display is so sharp, the fonts appear so crisp ..that when no one is watching I do plant a kiss on it ;-). The 15.4 inch screen, display quality and good audio made this the first choice of my niece to watch Ice-age2 over the desktop at home. I have opened upto 40 applications, but never seen it hang. I have run it on battery once for two hours, with still charge left.
Everyone who has seen this has only appreciations for it. Guys wonder at its configuration and say words like ‘what a machine’, ‘nice features’. The few ladies who saw this said words like ‘cute, so nice na’ ‘wow it looks so kewl’. What I didn’t understand was : ladka kaala to mudh ke bhi nahin dekhte, laptop kaala to cute? … in the background the song playing is ‘hum kaale hain to kya, dilwale hain’ ;-)
Didn’t like: Since I have to find some fault, let me point out at some things that need attention. Though these per se don’t have anything to do with the basic product, but it makes sense to mention here.
a) Its common sense that no one needs a C drive of 100GB. So HP should preferably make 3-4 partitions. Since they aren’t giving OS cds. Sooner I bought we installed many softwares which needed configuration. I coudnt partition as configurations and installation of those softwares wud be lost. Finally thanks to partition magic, I found a way out.
b)The koskin bag that came with it, to me like having a design flaw. Its stiches started giving up. I had to rush to HP care, they accepted and replaced with a Targus bag which is more tough and compact too.
Overall: I think this is a feature rich model which can be used at a work horse or at home too. Anyone whom budget isn’t a constraint will do good to give it a thought. HP has good network of resellers, which you can find through their website. And their support isn’t bad either. If you are nearby, the reseller will also be willing to attend to you.
Disclaimer: Title is only meant to say the laptop is like my guy friend with whom, I work, play(PC games), his entry into my life hasn’t spoiled my relationship with my Girl-friend … My bike ..bcos it is still she who takes both of us for a ride! ;-) before times of India begins to speculates if me and my girl are still a couple, let me declare, we three are still a couple ;-)
And I already mentioned I love reading the crisp fonts on its display, so why not leave a comment, … the comment might even get a kiss ;-)
