HP Pavilion DV6-2190US 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black)
- Intel Core i7-720QM processor with 1.60GHz with Turbo Boost Technology up to 2.80GHz
- 4GB DDR3 System Reminiscence (2 DIMM) (expandable to 8 GB)
- 500GB (7200RPM) Hard Drive (SATA), LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support
- Real Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, * Up to 3.25 Hours of Battery Life
- 15.6″ Diagonal High-Classification LED HP BrightView Show (1366×768), Nvidia GeForce GT 230M with up to 2815MB
For those who want an all-in-one performance notebook with rich multimedia features, the HP Pavilion dv6 Entertainment series delivers brilliant mobile performance that looks as fantastic as it runs. Powered by the latest processor and graphics technologies, it delivers the features you need to support your digital lifestyle.
Rating: 
(out of 14 reviews)
hp notebook review
This DV6-2190us model is a desktop replacement.
Pros: The i7 processor is very quick, has 8 threads of execution (4 hyper-threaded cores) and the turbo boost kicks in when needed. It boots quickly, and runs applications quickly. I was able to install software and still use the machine without noticing any slowdown. It has a dedicated onboard graphics processor, with 1GB of dedicated graphics reminiscence for gamers, I presume (I do not have any games to test it with).
Cons:
1. The fan runs continuously unless you turn it off in the BIOS. If you turn it off, it cycles, which is even more annoying. It cycles even when the laptop is idling (by very small cpu time). I did not notice the fan noise in anticipation of I worked with it in my silent office.
2. The keyboard layout takes learning. The pgup/dn are in the far upper right. The arrow keys and keypad keys are smaller than the QWERTY keys.
3. The power adapter has 120 watts productivity, and is huge and heavy.
Other:
1. touchpad has a lot of friction, but if you use your fingertips, it glides pretty well.
2. The battery life wasn’t too terrible, but I wasn’t pushing the CPU or graphics.
I exchanged it after a week for the HP DV4-2170us model, which is cheaper and more portable.
Note: since I wrote a few reviews for some very simliar DV6 models Amazon has cross posted all those reviews.
I posted a long review of the current crop of DV6-21xx series of notebooks here: HP Pavilion DV6-2170US. The models are mostly the same with different CPUs (one has a discrete graphics chip). All include the newest mobile processors from Intel which eclipse the older Core2 line in terms of performance. Those with integrated graphics include Intel’s new HD graphics which are also a huge improvement over Intel’s ancient 4500HD graphics (which are still inferior to discrete graphics chips from AMD/ATI and Nvidia when it comes to 3D gaming).
One point thing I want to highlight about this model is that the CPU is the Intel i7-720QM, one of the top performing notebook CPUs on the market. With four cores running two threads each you computer can (if needed) act like a 8 core processor. When not needed the superfluous cores shut down and the frequency goes up (part of what Intel calls “Turbo mode”. The downside is that the amalgamation of this quad core CPU and the discrete graphics chip from nVidia will drain your battery much quicker than a dual core CPU with Intel’s integrated graphics (expect the battery to last 1-2 hours during typical use). Unless you are a 3D gamer this is probably not the notebook for you. If you are a 3D gamer the built-in nVidia 230M graphics chip will make 3D games at lot more playable. For example Fear2 goes from 12FPS on Intel HD to 45FPS on the nVidia 230M at medium settings.
The other thing to note about this model is that it has Gigabit ethernet (10/100/1000) whereas the dual core HPs have standard 10/100 ethernet. Not something that matters to most people but I thought I’d mention it since it’s simple to miss when you are comparing models.
If you are really sold on this model but need better battery life you can buy a HP KS526AA 12-Cell Multi Battery for it and get another 1-2 hours of battery life. It adds another $100 to your hold price. You can order direct from HP with this battery but I’m not sure if that gets you a better price (taxes, shipping, etc…) over Amazon or not. It’s worth pricing out.
Have used now for over a month and have found this to be a fantastic small machine. Only problems I’ve had are related to Win 7 compatability and not the Laptop.
Pros: Fantastic speed
Full keyboard with number pad
Simple volumn adjustment with visible slider
Cons: No separation between touch pad and buttons – too simple to get both fingers on touch pad
This is a Quick machine!! Internet pages are there instantly – the graphics card is brilliant and for that matter the specs on this machine are outstanding.
I bought this to serve primarily: 1) to connect to 50″ plasma and stream Internet TV and 2) as an emergency backup to my work laptop.
Initially had issues with network connectivity. After much time,frustration and effort learned that the HP DV6 would “break” my network each time I tried to access Internet. Turns out the setting in Networking for hardware had IPV6 box check. What does IPV6 mean? Turns out IPV6 is a new IP address machinate and my network router did not recognize IPV6 and would cause it to crash. Since unchecking the IPV6 box, there have been no further Internet connectivity issues. Whew!!
But, some unresolved issues wait with Mediacenter. Now I am unable to setup Netflix through mediacenter, well really Netflix is setup and I see my queue but when I select from my watch instantly list it just shows “loading” and never plays. GRRR. More troubleshooting needed before I criticize. Instead of going through media center for Netflix viewing, I connect to internet, login to Netflix and then am able to play NF movies/progams up to the connected 50″ plasma screen. Not ideal, but a work around for now.
Yesterday I connected a HP USB Hybrid Atsc NTSC QAM Fm High Classification TV Tuner KS523AA#ABA KS523AUSB which allows me to receive digital over-air TV channels. The video quality is very excellent. The HP USB tuner product specs state the TV tuner is compatible with Windows7. Unfortunately, the remote that is built-in with the USB TV tuner does not function as described in the user guide. Number keys do not exchange channels and other remote buttons do not work – another issue to troubleshoot. UGH!! Perhaps just a newer driver is needed for Windows7 OS?
Some of the other mediacenter features I intend to use but have yet to test include playing dvds, recording TV programs, managing photos and editing video. Although I am no computer wizard, and this may possibly account for many of my set-up woes it seems as if there have been a significant number of problems. Yet, I am confident all will be resolved, with more time, effort and yes, frustration!
Excellent:
Core i7 Intel chip
Doesnt have a lot of “Bloatware” to bother you
Snappy and speedy
Excellent amount of space on the harddrive
Relatively silent even when the fans are spinning
Lightweight for the kind of power it punches
Has a num-pad
Screen is very bright thanks to the LED lighting
Terrible:
Fingerprint Magnet on the keyboard, outer shell and even on the handrests
Depending what you do, it can get pretty hot
Also Depending what you use the laptop for, the battery life can get cut small, but thats with any laptop really.
This laptop is a pretty versitile laptop that can appease the gamer, power user, or even a web surfer. It is a really sleek looking laptop and it doesnt scream out like the alienware laptops or dell XPS. The only thing that brings attention to the laptop is the light it has on the outerside lid. It lights up the HP logo, which some people will like or some wont. The laptop keyboard is kind of squished because they added a numpad, but coming from a 17″ laptop with no keypad, this was a welcomed addition. The LED lit screen is incredible. Everything comes out crisp and bright especially since the graphics are being run on a dedicated nvidia m230 card. This card helps out with more of the demanding resources when playing a PC game, and will drop the battery life.