Custom HP ZV6130

Author's Rating:

Pros: Lightscribe&Bluetooth (both optional), AMD w/ 64 bit processing capability (futureproof), multitude of I/O ports

Cons: heavy @ 8 lbs, BrightView screen coating(optional) is highly reflective of light sources behind you

The Bottom Line: 
Excellent value for the price and it is even cheaper now.

Author's Review
I purchased my customized ZV6130 in Oct 05 for $1030.

I upgraded the machine by adding: Lightscribe capability to the DVD -RW, built in Bluetooth, and switching from (2) 256MB RAM modules to (1) 512MB module (freeing up 1 memory slot).

The laptop is future proof because the CPU is an AMD Athlon 64 3200 which means that it processes at the equivalent of an Intel 3.2Ghz and is capable of running a 64 bit operating system and software. Currently the only 64 bit OS is Windows XP X64, which is not available for shipment on the laptop. However, it is nice to know that this laptop is capable of adapting as 64bit computing becomes the norm. Additionally, the front side bus operates at speeds equivalent to the CPU operating speed (2.0 Ghz).

The I/O ports are also future proof since they've included an ExpressCard/54 slot which will allow compatibility with next generation PC cards. It has a full compliment of I/O ports to include: Type I/II 32 bit card bus(1), USB2.0(4), Firewire(1), microphone(1), headphone(1), S-video(1), Expansion Port 2(1), VGA monitor(1), fax/modem(1), 6 in one media card reader(SD, MS/Pro, MMC, SM, & XD) and Ethernet(1). Wireless b/g is included. It also has an IR port which is capable of being used with a remote control.

The video is powered by an ATI Radeon Xpress 200M IGP video card with 128MB of dedicated video memory which outputs to a 15.4" WXGA display with BrightView. BrightView is an optional glossy coating which gives the screen higher contrast although it is highly susceptible to reflecting light sources.

I love the Altec Lansing speakers which provide loud and clear audio with no distortion.

The factory hard drive is 80GB and maximum RAM is 2GB.

To round things out, the laptop ships with a full suite of software to include Microsoft Works, Money, Office (60 day trial version), iTunes, InterVideo WinDVD & Home Theater, Muvee AutoProducer DVD Edition, and Symantec Norton Internet Security 2005 (60 day update included).

I used to be a huge desktop advocate, but this machine has allowed me to all but abandon my desktop.