HP Pavilion dm1z [Laptop Preview]

Manufacturers: Hewlett-Packard

Class: Pavilion

Model: dm1z

Price: Rs. 54,000 approx

Specs Overview:

• Operating System: Win 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Processor: AMD Dual Core 1.6Ghz
• RAM: 4 GB DDR3
• Hard Drive: 500 GB @ 7200 RPM
• Graphics Card: ATI Radeon HD 6310M Discrete Class Graphics
• Battery: 6 cell Lithium-Ion, 9.5 hours max
• Display: 11.6” LED Display
• DVD-ROM: External DVD R/W with Double layer Support
• Webcam: HP TrueVision Webcam with MIC
• Wireless: Wireless Network Card 802.11b/g/n
• Bluetooth: HP Bluetooth

This laptop was released on 9^th Jan 2011, and would be available in the Pakistani markets in March 2011.

External DVD R/W:

This machine lacks an in built DVD R/W. Although you can have a portable HP DVD-ROM, but in some cases people do prefer to not carry around a lot of equipment.

An external DVD ROM is beneficial because it can be connected to any machine if it’s built in DVD malfunctions but it is certainly not desirable to plug in a DVD ROM each time you want to use it. It is actually done by HP to reduce the weight of the system and make it more portable.

Graphics Card:

The system boasts a considerable graphics card. Its not meant for the high tech gaming but it isn’t a disappointment like Intel as well. Apart from that, it is pretty difficult to get a good graphics card into a 0.8” thick and 3.8lbs heavy machine. So as compared to the size and weight, the graphics card is pretty good.

Bluetooth Issues:

Although this system has the Bluetooth in it, which was missing in previous dm series but it also comes with some software issues. You can transfer data to or from the system easily using the Bluetooth but for some weird reason you cannot keep a device synchronized for long.

If you are using Bluetooth headphones or Bluetooth mouse, you will have to synchronize it again and again. Even the HP Bluetooth mouse faces this problem. This is very irritating because it causes a repeated disruption if you are working. Also, there is no solution for this problem.

Irritating Touch Pad:

The touchpad of the machine is on the same level as the keyboard. So when you type you have to be careful about not touching the key pad. Experienced user who are habitual of facing this problem but novice users often find it a bit problematic.

The best suggestion regarding this is that you can deactivate the keypad if you aim to type for long periods of time and activate it once you are done. With regular use, you will get accustomed to placing your hands properly while typing.

Almost a Netbook:

Some users call this machine a laptop, other a netbook. The small screen size of 11.6’ and a weight of 3.8lbs almost makes it look like a typical netbook. But most of the features that it has to offer are far superior than the netbook. So users who want their system to be small like the netbook but more powerful can certainly go for this system.

Official Rating: 3.8/5

Underline: Considerable power packed in the smallest device possible.