As a geek, I’ve always appreciated how HP crams everything into their computers—take for example the HP Pavilion DV6–2162NR. HP started with a 64-bit Intel Core i3 processor running at 2.26 GHz (with two cores, it’s actually twice that speed). Mitz actually has a HP laptop and she claims that it really gives even the latest Macbook Pro a run for its money.
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit On The HP Pavilion DV6–2162NR
HP then outfitted the HP Pavilion DV6–2162NR with Microsoft’s latest and greatest operating system—but they didn’t just include the basic version; they loaded the highest-level home edition, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. You get great features like the Windows Aero theme and enhanced support for small office networking.
To make sure you get all you can get out of your 2.26 GHz processor, HP included 4 GB of memory—the standard on cheap notebooks is only 2 GB. With your extra memory, you’ll find that it’s quick and easy to multi-task between multiple applications, dozens or hundreds of Web browser tabs, several documents, and folders full of pictures—all while watching a HD-quality movie. The extra memory also helps conserve your battery power—the notebook can load applications and videos into memory and then “spin down” the disk drive, saving power and making your battery last longer.
But, before I describe any more of the HP Pavilion DV6–2162NR’s features, let me point out that it only weights 6 pounds. That’s incredibly lightweight for a machine crammed full of options. It’s lighter than a lot of hardcover books—so light that you won’t notice it in your backpack, briefcase, or even a large handbag. The Toshiba mini claims to be lightweight but this one is light and jam packed with power.
The Incredible Video On The HP Pavilion DV6–2162NR
If you love watching videos and playing games, then the HP Pavilion DV6–2162NR is probably the best low-priced notebook on the market for you. It comes with a 15.6-inch screen. But that’s not all—the screen uses HP’s proprietary LED-powered BrightView display to make the colors much brighter. If you’re used to watching DVDs on traditional LCD screens, you’ll be shocked by the amount of detail you see on this display. No longer will half your screen be cloaked in shadow.
With a resolution of 1366×768, high-definition (HD) videos will fit perfectly and you’ll also be able to read wide webpages like Facebook without the annoying left-to-right scrolling necessary on tiny netbooks. But 1366×768 is also not such a high resolution on this 15.6-inch screen that you’ll get headaches from squinting at the text.Almost 2 GB Video Memory In The HP Pavilion DV6–2162NR
One of the amazing features of the latest Intel series of computer chips (CPUs) is that they include a high-end graphics card, called a Graphics Processor Unit (GPU). Because the GPU is integrated with the CPU, they can share most of the memory in the computer—that means the HP Pavilion DV6–2162NR can use up to 2 GB of memory for applications and 2 GB for video memory—compare that to typical video cards which only support up to 512 MB of video memory. All of that extra video memory makes games run smoothly even at super-high detail.
HP didn’t stop with a beautiful screen and incredible graphics, they also included an HDMI output port so you can plug your laptop into your 72-inch TV with a single wire and watch high-definition movies straight from the Internet—this works great with Netflix, Hulu, and other services. You can also use the HDMI port to connect to supported projectors when you’re giving presentations for business or school.
But HP didn’t stop there either—they also added a little bonus to this laptop: a remote control. The remote control has all the buttons you’d need to control a movie or your laptop, including the usual Play, Pause, Forward, and back buttons. Plus the tiny remote control fits inside the HP Pavilion DV6–2162NR so you don’t need to find a place to store it.
And, just to make sure you can watch movies or play games no matter where you are, HP included an extra-large battery that gives you 4 hours between charges. That’s enough time to watch two full-length DVDs or take notes in several classes or sit through even the longest, most boring meeting without having to hunt for a power socket.
How To Do Stuff With The HP Pavilion DV6–2162NR
No matter what you want to do with the HP Pavilion DV6–2162NR, HP has made it easy. Even this small notebook includes a full DVD drive that lets you easily watch movies on DVD plus burn up to 8 GB to a dual-layer DVD, preserving over 1,000 high-resolution photos and hundreds of documents for as little as $0.25 a DVD.
DVDs not your thing? Then you’ll like the HP Pavilion DV6–2162NR’s built-in media card reader. (I told you HP put everything into this little notebook.) It reads Secure Digital (SD) cards, Multi-Media Cards (MMC), Sony Memory Sticks (MS), and other formats so you don’t need to carry the cord to your camera with you everywhere.
But for other devices which still require cords, you won’t be disappointed with the HP Pavilion DV6–2162NR. It includes four USB 2.0 ports. (Most notebooks this size I’ve reviewed include only two.) Four USB ports means you don’t need to carry around a USB hub in order to get all of your devices connected. Plus, when you do connect your devices, they all run at full speed because they aren’t sharing bandwidth with the other devices on the USB hub.
Finally, the HP Pavilion DV6–2162NR supports today’s must-have feature: Wireless-N. Wireless-N, also called 802.11n, lets you connect to a supported wireless network at speeds unheard of on wired networks just a few years ago. The max speed of 80 MBs a second lets you download a whole movie-length DVD in just 52 seconds. And all you need to get these high speeds is a compatible Wireless-N router.
Don’t have a Wireless-N router at work or school? No problem. The wireless chipset on the HP Pavilion DV6–2162NR is backward-compatible with older 802.11 b/g technology supported by every wireless router made in the last 10 years. You won’t get the same high speeds, but you’ll still be able to surf the Internet at speeds of 8 MBs a second or faster.
Conclusion
Let’s add it all up: affordable notebook backed by HP quality, Intel Core i3 processor with two cores at 2.26 GHz, Windows 7 Home Premium, 4 GB memory, weighs only 6 pounds, vibrant 15-inch screen, 2 GB of video memory, HDMI output, an awesome mini remote control, 4 hours of battery life, a DVD drive, a 5-in–1 card reader, 4 full-speed USB 2.0 ports, and Wireless-N support. This would make a great student laptop or even a main home computer. What more could you want in the HP Pavilion DV6–2162NR?
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This post was written by...
David – who has written 54 posts on Computer Tips.
David A. Harding is a Linux Professional Institute certified system administrator and freelance writer with over 10 years experience working with Linux. He’s been published in over a dozen magazines and has given over 50 presentations about Linux–including two Software Freedom Day keynotes. Dave always loves to hear from readers and can be reached at dave@dtrt.org.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
David, could you or Mitz please review any good laptop + tablet hybrid? Like, ASUS transformer, or Dell convertible, etc.. I’m looking to buy one but I’m not sure which one to go for.
Jack recently posted..Aspirin For Dogs
HP is also the leader in Quality Laptops and Notebooks just like they are leading printing industry with their printing machines. Excellent Review Thanks for sharing.
Sonia recently posted..Dell Inspiron 17R With 17.3″ Display Makes it Hot Deal Laptop
I have the DV6-1320SD, I have it for over 2 years now and it is starting to get a bit slower and becomes hot a bit faster. But what do you expect of a machine that has been abused for 2 years, most apples would’ve given up already, as they are built to live for 2 years.
I think I will get an hp to replace this one. But I hope I can keep using this one for a bit longer.
Great review. But the coolness of the remote is debatable. I’ve used it once, on a friends similar laptop. To make him think that his went crazy. For the rest Why would I use it? I’m not going to watch a movie on it with the laptop on the other side of the room.
Danny recently posted..Husqvarna 327P5X Pole pruner 25cc 12 inch bar
I am an Hp fan. I love their notebooks. I love that they have a lot of option for customization. I am actually getting myself a DV7 Quad edition, it’s running on 2nd generation core i7. I prefer customizing my PCs, although I will have to wait for it to be built. Although sometimes they will have great deals on quickship models too. Right now they have $500 off of the high performance notebooks like the DV6s, DV7s and the ENVY. You must have the coupon code though. Shouldn’t be hard to find.
Reese recently posted..Catching Up with the American Dream
I’ve always been a fan HP laptops, they’re reliable and totally worth the price which is a little higher than most laptops. But you know what you pay for, and it’s no surprise the Pavilion DV6–2162NR got this far.
Lynn Sanders recently posted..Medical Assistant Career
Thanks for the thorough review. HP do a good job with laptops but have struggled with tablets, both the HP Slate and the HP TouchPad didn’t deliver to expectation. Hopefully they’ll get it together there soon.
Ted recently posted..Blackberry Playbook Tablet PC Review
Your review has immense details. I have no knowledge of laptops. I want to know whether laptops can perform well than desktop computers with same configuration?
Nirmal recently posted..Malaimalar (Maalaimalar) Tamil Newspaper Malaimalar Epaper details
What a great review! You cover almost everything about this laptop! Makes me want to get one of this!
sandraw2580 recently posted..More Home Security Tips
Yes they are very good…My nephew has an apple macbook pro and I have a DV7 HP laptop and they look similar. Mine is just as good as the Mac but his cost $3,000 and mine cost $1,000…
I feel HP are these kinds of a quality products that could compete to all major brand names. Value are realistic. Thank you for the fantastic share you had!
Beth recently posted..What Men Really Want from Women
Very awesome gadgets! I think I it quite expensive.. But I agree that HP products is a very standard.. It can really last long..
Aisheteru recently posted..Chamonix
I think HP are such a quality products that could compete to all leading brands. Price are reasonable.
Janis recently posted..Unable To Get Pregnant
I agree they have improved over the years… I remember the desktops were pretty useless as there was not room inside to add anything…Also taking them appart was a nightmare.
I’m always a big fan of HP and I’ve a HP PC, They have produced some brilliant PCs and this seems seems awesome notebook. I personally feel that HP should concentrate on “Tablet” a lot more because future is about “Tablet” and “Smart-phones”, no one can deny it.
Aarti recently posted..SEO Company
I do like Hp too…I have one of these laptops but a DV7 and I cannot fault it… I also looked at the Hp tablet but I see they have halved in price and had problems with speed and lack of apps…I was still thinking of getting one though as it is only $240 compared to over $400 for others..