The machine under review here is the entry -level edition of the Pavilion dv6 line of laptops. It aims at the mobile -computer buyers who appreciate rich media menu. The machine uses three core Phenom 11 N830 processor from AMD as opposed to the intel CPU’s common with the other more -costly members of the Pavilion dv6 family. That tells you that the new kid on the block isn’t the most powerful performer in the world, but it has in agility what it lacks in power.
The machine packs a potent set of traits for video playback and an audio sound that will pleasantly suprise you. The sound through the headphones is also briliant, a credit to the presence of iDT -issued codec chips and drivers. As you would expect the machine is not perfect, as attested by its bad vertical viewing range and the fading of images. But it handles high definition videos with respectable finess. The color rendition and effect on the 1366 by 768 pixel resolution LCD screen is a joy to behold. But the results are not as spectacular when playing regular DVD, as there is noise -to some extent destraction-. The display’s show in normal desktop use is sure to test your nerves, as the LCD contrast is out of breath, rendering the scroll bar impotent.
The system comes with an installed 4GB DDR3 memory that works at a speed of 1066 MHz. It also comes ensuite integrated chipset HD 4250 graphics. Its storage armour is beefed by a single 320GB hard drive that works at a useful speed of 7200 rpm. This armour is further bolstered by other facilities like; memory stick, SD/MMC card, SDHC card and XD -picture card. The machine enjoys a robust network connection that is anchored on the 10/100/1000 ethernet and 802.11n/b/g Wi -Fi wireless. You will also enjoy the services of DVDA RW optic drive that offers a speed of 8x.
The newbie operates Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition. The rich catalogue of software includes Cyberlink DVD Suite, a photo creations facility, a quickweb, a recovery manager, Roxio cinemaNow, and a microsoft works. You can add Adobe Reader 9 and MediaSmart into the mix. The unit also comes with in -built microphone and webcam, that are bundled with a Fingerprint Reader. On the WorldBench 6 Test the machine churned out a score of 71, a decidedly -low mark that can trace its roots to the average CPU that powers it. Another guilty party for the low score is its disappointing gaming performance.
The machine measures 14.9 by 9.8 by 1.5 and packs a weight of 5.4 pounds when fully ensuite. The lightweight costs $649, $100 more than its Toshiba Satellite L645D rival, but the exta bucks is worth it in the end.