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 Location:  Home » Computers » Notebooks » HP Pavilion DV9812US 17" Laptop (AMD Turion 64 X 2 Dual Core TL-60 Processor, 3 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, Vista Premium)July 7, 2008  
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HP Pavilion DV9812US 17" Laptop (AMD Turion 64 X 2 Dual Core TL-60 Processor, 3 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, Vista Premium)
HP Pavilion DV9812US 17 Laptop (AMD Turion 64 X 2 Dual Core TL-60 Processor, 3 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, Vista Premium)
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List Price: $1,187.00
Buy New: $949.99
You Save: $237.01 (20%)
Buy New from $949.99

Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars(based on 21 reviews)
Sales Rank: 450
Category: Personal Computer

Publisher: Hewlett Packard
Studio: Hewlett Packard
Brand: Hewlett-Packard
Label: Hewlett Packard
Color: Black/ Silver
Media: Personal Computers
Batteries Included: 1
CPU Manufacturer: AMD
CPU Speed: 2
CPU Type: AMD Turion 64
Processors: 2
System Bus Speed: 800
System Memory: 3000
Memory Type: DDR2 SDRAM
Hard Drive Size: 250
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Modem: Fax / modem
Display Size: 17
Warranty: 1 year warranty
Shipping Weight (lbs): 10.8
Dimensions (in): 11.2 x 6.7 x 1.7

MPN: KN876UA#ABA
Model: DV9812US
UPC: 883585931040
EAN: 0883585931040
ASIN: B0015L8NEI

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Features:
  • Entertainment-centric notebook PC with widescreen 17-inch LCD and stylish high-gloss finish with wave imprint, integrated webcam
  • 64-bit 2.0 GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-60 dual-core processor, 250 GB hard drive, 3 GB RAM (4 GB max), LightScribe dual-layer DVD drive
  • Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n); 10/100 Ethernet; Nvidia GeForce Go 7150M graphics (up to 1071 MB of available memory)
  • Connectivity: 4 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 VGA, 1 S-Video, ExpressCard 54/34, 5-in-1 memory card reader
  • Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (Service Pack 1); includes remote control

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  • Windows Vista Ultimate with SP1 Upgrade

Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com Product Description
Balance your need for productivity with great multimedia performance with the HP Pavilion dv9812us notebook PC, which features an amazingly bright, widescreen 17-inch BrightView display--perfect for multitasking between document windows and watching movies in their native aspect ratio. Enjoy movies or music in seconds with the external DVD or music buttons to launch HP QuickPlay (which bypasses the boot process). Control playback settings from up to 10 feet away with the included remote control, which stores conveniently in the ExpressCard slot. It also has an integrated 1.3-megapixel WebCam (and integrated microphone), enabling easy video conferencing via VoIP and video IM chats. This stylish laptop also features a high-gloss, durable HP Imprint finish with the Radiance pattern of concentric waves, as well as a subtle blue backlit media control panel that responds to the slightest touch.

Optimized for mobile performance, it's powered by the 2.0 GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-60 dual-core processor, which offers 64-bit computing capability and higher throughput for simultaneous computing tasks. You can easily burn your home video productions to DVD for friends and family with the dual-layer, multi-format DVD/CD burner, which also includes LightScribe technology for personalized silkscreen-quality, laser-etched CD/DVD labels. Other hardware features include a 250 GB hard drive, 3 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), an integrated Nvidia GeForce Go 7150M video/graphics card with up to 1071 MB of total allocated video memory, quad-mode Wi-Fi LAN (802.11a/b/g/n), and multi-format memory card reader.

This laptop also comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (Service Pack 1), which includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

  • Processor: The 2.0 GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-60 processor offers a dual-core architecture, which delivers additional computing resources to help expand your PCa€™s capabilities by providing higher throughput and simultaneous computing--increasing your performance by up to 80 percent. You'll be able to perform multiple tasks such as digital rendering and gaming all while running virus scan or other background tasks seamlessly thanks to the innovative Direct Connect Architecture. And it's designed to handle simultaneous 32- and 64-bit computing with no degradation in performance. You'll enjoy long battery life thanks to the AMD PowerNow! power management technology, which delivers performance on demand and can extend system battery life up to 65 percent. And the AMD Digital Media XPress technology delivers stellar multimedia performance and playback on digital entertainment such as games, streaming video and audio, DVDs, and music.

    Each processing core has a 512 KB L2 cache (for a 1 MB total), and this processor can deliver up to a 1600 MHz system bus for lightning quick computing reflexes. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  • Hard Drive: The extra-large 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) provides more than enough capacity for storing a large audio and video library, as well as extra space required for video editing. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

  • Memory: The 3 GB of installed RAM (PC5300, 1 x 2 GB, 2 x 1 GB) helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. This notebook has a 4 GB maximum RAM capacity (2 x 2 GB). To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

  • DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 4x DVD-R DL Write Once, 2.4x DVD+R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R, 4x DVD+RW, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD-RW, 16x DVD-ROM, 40x CD-R, 24x CD-RW, and 40x CD-ROM speeds.

    This LightScribe DVDRW drive lets you laser-etch silkscreen quality text and images on to CDs and DVDs . Your software, PC and discs work together for a no-hassle way to burn just the labels you want. After you burn content, just flip the disc over, reinsert and burn your label--anything from a simple title to a full-disc work of art.

  • Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a 101-key keyboard (with integrated numeric keypad) and a touchpad with on/off button and dedicated vertical/horizontal Scroll Up/Down pad. It also includes two quick-launch buttons (HP QuickPlay Music and DVD).
Screen, Video & Audio
The 17-inch WXGA+ high-definition BrightView widescreen (1440 x 900 resolution) provides a 45 percent larger picture for DVD movies than a 15-inch screen. Video is powered by the integrated Nvidia GeForce Go 7150M graphics/video card, which provides up to 1071 MB of total graphics memory as allocated by Windows Vista. It features NVidia's PureVideo technology--which provides great picture clarity, smooth video, accurate color, and precise image scaling for video content--and full support for Microsoft DirectX 9.0 for stunningly realistic cinematic effects for all DirectX-compatible applications.

The Altec Lansing speakers provide exceptional sound, and a pair of stereo earbud headphones with volume controls is included. You'll be able to privately share enjoyment of multimedia with a friend via the dual headphone jacks.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54/34 card slot (replacing the PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. You get a very good offering of connectivity options, which does include super-fast USB 2.0 and Firewire:

  • 4 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
  • 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
  • Analog video out: 1 VGA monitor port and 1 S-Video port for connecting to a TV or projector
  • 1 ExpressCard/54 Slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)
  • 2 headphone jacks, 1 microphone jack
  • 1 Expansion Port 3 connector (for use with the HP xb3000 Expansion Base or the HP Notebook QuickDock)
  • 1 IR receiver
  • 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MMC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)
  • 10/100 Fast Ethernet
  • 56K modem (V.90)

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office 2007 Student and Teacher Edition (60-day trial), Muvee Autoproducer, Cyberlink DVD Suite, PC Recovery, HP PhotoSmart Essentials, and Symantec Norton Internet Security 2008 (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 15.16 x 11.22 x 1.65 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 7.7 pounds.

Power
It's powered by a 8-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of up to 2.5 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion dv9812us notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, IR remote control, earphones, and operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance for one year. Software is also covered for 30 days from date of purchase.

Reduce your impact on the environment with this Energy Star-certified system and HP's innovative take-back options, including trade-in, recycling and donation.

Product Description
HP Pavilion dv9800 Entertainment Notebook PC series is an ultra-stylish notebook PC powerful enough to take on the most demanding of challenges. A widescreen display and leading edge mobile processors make this notebook an entertainment powerhouse.


Customer Reviews:   Read 16 more reviews...

2 out of 5 stars Poor Ergonomic Design, Other Problems   July 5, 2008
After months of research, I bought this computer when the price seemed right ($700), mostly based on its good reviews, because it seemed to incorporate all the features I needed for a semi-replacement to my aging desktop.

I have had several laptops and this rates lowest, despite its sleek look and large screen.

I had hoped the unit would double as a DVD viewer at times, the main reason I went with the 17" screen. However, the sound set at highest volume is not loud enough to be heard from more than about 4 feet away, and even then, the audio quality if poor.

The DVD tray vibrates alarmingly when started and takes a lo-o-o-ong time to load.

The weight does not seem an obstacle in the beginning. That is, until you pack your padded computer bag -- vital especially with such a large screen surface -- with the hefty charger, much less a spare battery. This puts the total weight at about 10 lbs., which should keep your chiropractor busy if you choose to carry it on your shoulder. (Even if you are young and in good shape, this will come back to haunt you in later years when you are surprised to learn that your rotator cuff is shot.)

The mouse has a mind of its own, the cursor mysteriously disappearing and reappearing elsewhere on the screen during use.

But most bewildering of all is the placement of the pad-mouse itself, toward the left side of the unit. Since most people are right-handed, it would only make sense to place the mouse to the right side of the machine, or at the very least, in the middle. Its placement on the left makes balancing the large and heavy machine on a lap challenging, plus one's hands feel crowded to the one side. The opportunity to provide a roomier feel, as in a desktop, was sadly lost.

I would never purchase this computer again, even at a much lower price.



5 out of 5 stars HP Pavilion dv9812us   July 3, 2008
  1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This has been a great notebook computer for me. Some reviewers complained about it being heavier than others, but duh! It is a bigger notebook with a wide screen. The wide screen has worked great for doing my graphic design work on with lots of room for windows and palettes. Its fast with plenty of memory.


1 out of 5 stars No la compres   July 3, 2008
Es la peor lap que he comprado!!!
Tiene un problema en la pantalla... se pone blanca... claro que tiene garantia HP... pero ya la he regresado 3 veces... si... escuchaste bien... 3 veces... y la respuesta de HP siempre es la misma... disculpe senor ahora si la vamos a reparar...



4 out of 5 stars Great laptop, can't say much for the OS   July 3, 2008
The only bad thing about this laptop is the fact that Microsoft has once again shoved an inferior OS down our throat by the name of Vista. Too bad HP is not allowed to upgrade this from Vista to XP or Win2000 would be even better!


3 out of 5 stars The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly   July 1, 2008
  6 out of 6 found this review helpful

OVERVIEW:
I purchased this laptop because it has a large amount of memory and hard drive space (4GB memory, 320GB hard drive), it has a dual core Pentium processor, and also important is a separate graphic system (NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS) that doesn't suck performance like on other laptops.

It comes installed with Vista Home Premium, which is the basics + multimedia (similar to XP Multimedia Edition in product positioning), and it comes with a folder of installers and drivers, should you want to back that up and install your own clean version of Vista without the fluff or junk.

Some nice things about the laptop is that is sports 4 USB ports and a firewire port for access to external devices, and has the newer PC Card expansion slot. It has a DVD recorder with BlueRay playback (haven't tried it yet), decent speakers (Altec Lansing), memory card reader, HDMI port, S-Video, and the standard modem and ethernet port. The coolest thing, should you need it to store all your music and videos, is a secondary drive bay to hold another hard drive, so you can get another 320 GB drive should you need that.

PERFORMANCE:

Overall, the performance is reasonable, but I know I could get more mileage with Windows XP, as lesser powered systems are more responsive. Vista has some nice features, but is not as responsive as XP. Many times, at least 2-3 times a week, I have stuff crash. Explorer (clicking on Start Menu) and Internet Explorer have crashed, and some programs seem to lock up and choke the system of resources, making other programs unresponsive. Programs requiring administrative access, sometimes take 30 seconds before you get a dialog to "allow" the program to run.

The worst problem I've had is when the video driver bugs out frequently when using programs that use full screen (DirectX) like 3D video games. Windows notes the NVIDIA driver at fault. I updated the driver, but still have these problems, where the screen goes completely black, is unresponsive, until Vista resets the driver, and I get a display again.

Another major problem, is that the multimedia controls, like sound volume, lock up my programs. In addition to raising/lowering the volume, it draws a graphic to show feedback of settings, but in doing so, my program is momentarily frozen. When playing an online video game like Warcraft during an intense moment, this well, was frustrating.

OTHER NOTES:

I think there are two design issues with the laptop: the keyboard and speaker grill:

The speaker grill has tendency to not stay attached. Inspect your model carefully to make sure there are no flaws, and purchase an extended warranty in case a portion of the grill cover pops up in the future. I had to exchange my first laptop immediately at Fry's because of this.

The keyboard keys have open spaces between the keys and sharp edges. Thus it is easy to pop the keys off and destroy the keyboard. If you had this laptop in a bag with papers and folders for instance, the flat thin object could rip out the keys. So, I recommend keeping the black cloth that came with the box, and place it above the keyboard when transporting as well as keep the laptop in a separate cover or bag if placed in bigger luggage (such as large computer bag) to protect the delicate keys.

INSTALLING XP or OTHER OSes:

HP doesn't support installing Windows XP, and so the Windows XP drivers are not available. In order to install XP, you'll have to be really computer savvy. You'll need to identify the devices (use device manager), and get the Windows XP drivers from the chipset vendors.

If that sounds complicated, well, it gets worse. Even after grabbing the needed drivers, you'll find that Windows XP will not recognize the hard drive during installation. There's a new serial ATA chipset from Intel, so you'll need to get drivers on a floppy disk and use the F6 option when installing XP. Even worse, is that it wasn't easy to find, I have to scour the internet, and what I have I'm not sure will work.

I wouldn't recommend destroying existing OS, as you'll need it for support calls if there is something wrong with hardware. You'll have to create partitions for XP (Vista has limitations, so I used Linux live CD). After you get XP installed on another partition, you will have to get some utility to boot between Vista and XP, or install Linux to help juggle all the OSes.

As for Linux and other OSes, I notice at least one problem chipset from RICOH, which is well known for not supporting non-Windows OSes. Thus, some or many components of the laptop may not work under Linux.

For installing your own Vista, HP does not give you your own install CD, so you'll either have to buy a full retail version, or purchase an OEM install CD w/o license key, which may be accessible through dealer channels (talk to your local small computer shop). As Vista Home Premium is limited, I would recommend upgrading to Ultimate if you can afford the added expense. Ultimate is business + multimedia essentially.

If that sounds complex, well, it unfortunately is quite involved. I tried my best to keep the technical side simple, but HP lack of support for XP and Vista woes makes this difficult.

LAST WORDS:

Overall, I think the laptop is a good deal for the price tag. The unfortunate circumstance with Vista is a problem with other pre-installed-Windows laptops as well. We're all forced to go that direction, as that's whats is sold from big companies (except Apple naturally).

The multimedia features is a nice bonus, but not a major selling point for my casual usage. The biggest selling point for me on this laptop, is the separate video card for increased performance (increased performance just perhaps not under Vista), and the secondary drive bay is nice for media collectors.


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