HP Compaq Presario V3000z Part I

The launch of this laptop also coincided with HP's new marketing initiative of "Making the computer personal again" and with its new design philosophy, HP aims to transform the computer from being just an electronic utility item to more of a personal tool. The HP Compaq Presario V3000 inaugurates a new look and feel for HP’s Presario line of laptops. Departing from the familiar silvery design of previous Presario models, the V3000 is dark gray (and subtly pinstriped), with a high-gloss finish that HP says is particularly scratch resistant. Looks aside, however, the Presario V3000 sticks to the same basic script as previous Presario models (including the V2000 that it will replace): you get a strong set of components and most of the features that a basic home user will want for a competitive price (it starts at $950).

The V3000z is available in custom build to order and also pre-configured versions should be available in retail stores soon. Since I ordered mine custom built from HP, the specifications will vary.

• AMD Turion 64 X2 Mobile TL-52 (1.60GHz/512KB)
• 14.1" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280 x 800)
• NVIDIA GeForce Go 6150
• 512MB DDR2 SDRAM (2x256MB)
• 60 GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA Hard Drive
• Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support
• 802.11b/g WLAN
• 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• 1-yr Standard Warranty
• Dimensions: 13.15" (L) x 9.33" (W) x 1" (min H)/1.54" (max H)
• Weight (6 cell): 5.5lb

HP has upped the ante with the V3000’s processor options, however: you can configure it with either an Intel Core Solo or Core Duo or, when it debuts, AMD’s dual-core processor. If you’re looking for a slightly stronger set of multimedia features for a similar price, check out the Dell Inspiron E1405, which starts at $700 (we haven’t tested the E1405 yet, but we have reviewed the very similar XPS M140). The Compaq Presario v3000 series is one of the newest in HP's lineup of consumer notebooks. It features dual core power and is primarily aimed at being a good all-round mobile solution. It weighs around 5.3lbs with the 6 cell battery and has a 14" widescreen display. It is also available with a choice of both AMD Turion 64 X2/Sempron and Intel Core Duo/Solo microprocessors. The laptop is currently available at HPShopping.com with a base price of $699* for the AMD based version and $899* for the Intel based version. The launch of this laptop also coincided with HP's new marketing initiative of "Making the computer personal again" and with its new design philosophy, HP aims to transform the computer from being just an electronic utility item to more of a personal tool.

• A modern processor (at least 800MHz).
• 512 MB of system memory.
• A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable.

HP Compaq Presario V3000z Vista Capable

The laptop ships with a Windows Vista Capable' sticker. This means that the laptop should be capable of running Vista given the correct drivers are available. Unfortunately there are some missing drivers which do not allow the full features of Vista to work. With 32 bit Vista, almost all drivers are available except for the graphics card and the wireless. There was another driver missing but I couldn't figure out what it was given the time constraints. The graphics card and the wireless can be made to work by using the regular XP drivers but since the graphics drivers aren't WDDM signed Aero would not run. It was similar situation with 64 bit Vista as well. The computer itself is quite capable of running Vista, but currently at this stage Vista 32 bit is what I would recommend. 64 bit Vista probably over the next few months as more drivers become available and hopefully HP will offer drivers for Vista as and when it is released.

HP Compaq Presario V3000z Build & Design:

Measuring slightly more than 13 inches wide, 9.5 inches deep, and just shy of 1.5 inches thick, and weighing in at 5.5 pounds (6.3 pounds with its compact AC adapter), the thin-and-light Presario V3000 is portable enough for regular travel and is one of the more compact models in HP’s portfolio. Competitive models with 14.1-inch wide-screen displays, such as the Inspiron E1405, the ThinkPad z60t, and the VAIO FJ, are roughly the same size and weight.

The build quality is very good for a laptop in this price range. There aren't any little squeaks or creeks when the laptop is picked up from any corner, but the screen produces some ripples when the lid is pressed hard from behind. The hinges are covered in plastic and I am not sure if it runs through the entire length of the laptop, but overall the hinges do feel solid and there is no movement in the screen when typing and it holds its position even when shaken a bit hard. Having used a Compaq v2000 series laptop, I must say the v3000 is a definite improvement in the build quality department.

The laptop is colored with a combination of grey and black with imprinted lines all over the visible surface. It looks conservative and yet comes off as being an extremely stylish looking laptop. The screen which is surrounded by a high gloss black surface is more prone to fingerprints. Most of the laptop is built of polycarbonate with an imprint finish developed by Nissha Film Products. The imprint can be seen clearly and is protected by a coating of clear plastic material which helps in avoiding scratch marks.