Centrino 2 Laptop Roundup

HP dv5t - Specifications and Summary

Where HP truly differentiates itself from ASUS and some of the other competitors is in the ability to customize your laptop. As mentioned, the dv5t is available as everything from the basic $600 model with integrated graphics, all the way up to a maximum configuration (not counting software) that costs $2500. The model we received is priced at about $1650, or $1850 with a three-year warranty. (Note that the above prices include the current $150 instant rebate.)

The entry-level configuration is stripped down in many areas, to the point where we certainly wouldn't recommend it without a few changes. The biggest change we would make is to upgrade the memory from 1GB up to at least 2GB; as long as you're getting a 64-bit operating system, you might even go for 4GB. That takes the price to $650-$750, and most people would be content with that sort of configuration.

Processor options start at the entry-level Pentium Dual-Core T3200 then move up to the more capable Core 2 Duo T5800. The next jump is to the lower power P7350, P8400, or P8600 processors, with a maximum performance option being the T9400. Like the G50V, the laptop we received came with the T9400, but dropping back to the P8400 can save $200 and only drop performance around 10-15%. GPU options consist of the integrated GMA 4500MHD, the GeForce 9200M GS (definitely not worth the extra $100 relative to IGP, judging by the graphics performance of the 9300M GS in the U6V), or the midrange GeForce 9600M GT. The last is a $200 upgrade relative to IGP, but at least it enables you to play most games at 1280x800 and medium/high detail.

One of the odd choices that HP made with the configuration we received is that it includes a Blu-ray drive (BD-ROM/DVDR) but only at 1280x800 LCD. Not only is the resolution a lot lower than 1080P, but the contrast ratio is quite poor. We really would have liked to see the 1680x1050 option, or save another $150 and forget about Blu-ray support. All of the hard drive options are 5400 RPM models, with sizes ranging from 160GB up to 400GB.

The remaining options are what you would expect to find on any modern notebook - WiFi, a few software packages, several different battery sizes, webcam, optional fingerprint scanner and modem, etc. It's also nice to see that HP is now supporting 64-bit operating systems, although users still have the ability to select a 32-bit OS if they want. As configured, the system we received once again offers poor battery life. Switching to IGP and a lower power CPU would likely boost battery life quite a bit, although we still don't think it would come anywhere near to surpassing the battery life Apple's MacBook series offers - at least not unless you buy the 12-cell battery. Still, it's nice to have a wide variety of customization options available, which is not something you get from Apple.

The HP dv5t can be anything and everything from a basic laptop to a multimedia system up through a moderate gaming PC. It may not be the best that any of those tasks, but it generally works well. If your primary concern is gaming performance, you will definitely want to get something else. If you want a Blu-ray multimedia laptop, we are also more inclined to go with the Acer 6920G. The ideal package for the HP dv5t seems to be the WSXGA+ LCD, 4GB RAM, a P8400 CPU, 250GB hard drive, and a DVDR drive. As you will see later, battery life during DVD and Blu-ray playback is far from ideal, so you're better off watching movies that are ripped to your hard drive when on the road. Pricing for such a configuration ends up being about $1130, and we think many users would be very happy with that version of the dv5t.