Review: HP Pavilion Laptop DV2899EA Artist Edition – All Pimped Out

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Overview

It seems HP have taken a ‘Pimp My Ride’ approach with its new range of laptops by getting MTV to design the case for its DV2899 range of laptops. Known as the Artist Edition this laptop takes the bland black and grey style casing we are used to on laptops and have styled it with a cool and stylish look. Is it any good though, or is it the case of beauty and the beast? Read on to find out more.

Review

This laptop has a rather impressive spec. With a rather hefty 2.5 GHz Dual Core processor, 4GB of RAM and a NVIDIA® GeForceâ„¢ 8400M GS 128MB, this laptop will be able to handle most office and entertainment packages with ease.

It’s graphics card is a 8400M GS, which means it will be able to run all DirectX 10 games on the market as well as giving Vista a bit of a boost. Also, with the amount of RAM on this laptop it should have no problems running all those memory intensive gaming applications as well.

The screen is a nice size as well, while not being too big, it’s not to small either and with the screen incorporating High Definition and BrightView it produces not only a clear image but one that is easy to see in all light conditions.

Those of us that are more techie minded however might feel that it’s a tad silly to have 4GB of RAM running on a 32-bit operating system. This is due to the fact that 32-bit operating systems which being the most compatible with current software, does not support more than 3GB of RAM so the other 1GB of RAM will be sitting on this laptop kicking its heels.

Now I can understand why they have put a 32-bit operating system on the laptop, as like I have said, it is the most compatible version of the operating system to date and the average home user would not known the difference between these two version, which would cause a bit of a problem if the user ever decided to try a bit of DIY driver updating.

So those of you who wish to get the most out of the RAM would be wise to ask the dealer if they would upgrade the operating system to a 64-bit version but this will only ever happen at places like laptopsdirect or CCL.

All in all, this is a very nice laptop and with the case having a distinctive look around it, it will definitely be one that is spotted in the crowd, even my girlfriend like this laptop, which is a first in our relationship. I just hope they do not release a pink version otherwise I am not taking it out of the house.

The Gaj-It Verdict

Design 10/10
Usability: 10/10
Features: 9/10
Value: 9/10

We Say

This is a definite system for all the gamers out there, its just a shame that it uses a 32-bit operating system and they charge you for a GB you will never use, my advice would be to barter with the sales person to lower the price or see if they would install a 64-bit operating system.

Full System Spec

• Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium 32-bit
• Intel Core 2 Duo processor T9300 2.50 GHz
• 4GB DDR2
• 320 GB
• 14.1″ 1280×800
• 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader for Secure Digital cards, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards
• Lightscribe Super Multi DVD Writer (+/-R +/-RW) with Double Layer support
• NVIDIA® GeForceâ„¢ 8400M GS 128MB
• 23.70 cm (L) x 33.40 cm (W) x 2.60 cm (min) H / 3.90 cm (max) H
• 2.50 kg (5.59 lbs)
• Ethernet 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN , Wireless 802.11b/g/n WLAN, High speed 56K modem, Bluetooth
• 3D Sound Blaster Pro compatible sound
• 2 USB 2.0, 1 HDMI connector, 1 VGA port, 1 RJ11 modem connector, 1 RJ45 ethernet connector, S-video TV out, 2 headphones-out, 1 mic-in, 1 IEEE 1394, remote control infrared port (remote optional), cable docking connector
• Webcam with integrated microphone, HP Mobile Remote Control

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