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.
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 Windows Vista Capable PC includes at least:- 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.
| Specs HP Compaq Presario V3000z | |
| Screen Size | 14.1" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280 x 800) |
| Processor Type | AMD Turion 64 X2 Mobile TL-52 (1.60GHz/512KB) |
| Processor Speed | 1.60GHz |
| FSB | 200Mhz |
| Cache | 2X512KB L2 cache |
| Hard Drive Capacity | 60 GB 5400 RPM Serial ATA Hard Drive |
| Installed Memory | 512MB DDR2 SDRAM (2x256MB) |
| Maximum Supported RAM | 4GB DDR2 SDRAM |
| Optical Storage | Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support |
| RAM Type | DDR2 SDRAM |
| Resolution | 1280 x 800 |
| Video Card Type | NVIDIA GeForce Go 6150 |
| Bundled Os | Windows XP Home Edition |
| Weight / Size | 6.2lb / 2.8 Kg 13.15" (L) x 9.33" (W) x 1" (min H)/1.54" (max H) |
| Memory Card Slots | 5-in-1 memory card reader |
| Port | S Video Out, VGA, HP proprietary Expansion Port, Ethernet, 1 USB, 4 pin Firewire, 5 in 1 media card reader and an Expresscard slot), Infra Red, microphone and external speaker/headphone port |
| Networking Connection | 802.11a/b/g, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 56Kbps modem |
| Average Battery Life | 12 cell Battery (Wi-Fi On/Off) 5:57/ 5:30 |
| Wireless Performance (15/50 feet) | 12.6 Mbps/ 12.2 Mbps |
| Price When Reviewed: | About $ 1000 |
HP Compaq Presario V3000z Part II
HP Compaq Presario V3000z Screen:
Our Presario V3000 test unit had a 14.1-inch wide-screen display with a standard 1,280×800 native resolution. Configured with HP’s BrightView technology, which is just a glossy coating that overlays the display, the Presario V3000 delivered acceptable video quality; while the screen was considerably brighter than the ThinkPad Z60t’s, the picture wasn’t as crisp as we would have liked. The leakage is only visible in the bottom of the screen and is only apparent when looking at a screen with black background. Do remember that light leakage is individual to a particular screen and some others might not have the same amount as mine.
The screen is almost perfect, I had no issues with any dead or stuck pixels. It has good horizontal viewing angle but the vertical angles could be better (this is typical of most notebook screens). The 14" widescreen is a very popular format and is perfect for everyday use. The text looks clear and sharp and the screen viewing area is perfect for surfing and typing documents. The only negative against the screen would be the light leakage. Some amount of leakage is to be almost expected in any laptop and the v3000 isn't any different.
The Presario V3000’s keyboard has relatively large keys that are comfortable enough to type on for extended periods, though the ThinkPad Z60t’s keyboard, which is a bit less jammed together, remains our favorite in this class. The Presario V3000’s touch pad and mouse buttons are sizable, but the glossy touch pad felt a bit slippery for our taste. That said, we appreciate the touch pad’s vertical and horizontal scrolling functionality, and we approve of the Presario V3000’s touch pad on/off button, which eliminates rogue cursor movement when working with an external mouse. The Altec Lansing stereo speakers, located above the keyboard, deliver audio that’s moderately loud and of decent quality, though lacking on the low end; unfortunately, the sound becomes hopelessly muffled when you close the laptop lid. The Inpsiron E1405, whose speakers sit along its front edge, delivers superior audio whether its lid is open or closed. While we like the Presario V3000’s new light-touch multimedia controls, which offer audible feedback similar to the iPod’s clickwheel, we prefer the Inspiron E1405’s more complete set of controls, which, again, are conveniently placed along the front edge for closed-lid access.
Our Presario V3000 test unit had a 14.1-inch wide-screen display with a standard 1,280×800 native resolution. Configured with HP’s BrightView technology, which is just a glossy coating that overlays the display, the Presario V3000 delivered acceptable video quality; while the screen was considerably brighter than the ThinkPad Z60t’s, the picture wasn’t as crisp as we would have liked.
HP Compaq Presario V3000z Processor and Performance:
The Presario v3000Z came equipped with the AMD Turion 64 X2 TL52 running at 1.6GHz. This is the new range of dual core processors by AMD aimed squarely at the Intel Core Duo's. It has one distinct advantage of being able to run 64-bit operating systems and applications. Of course currently this is not of much use to the general public since there are hardly any mainstream 64-bit operating systems and applications. But the future of computing seems to be headed towards 64-bit and it is nice to have a processor which is capable of handling such instructions. Being dual core it performs best when multitasking and I was able to run my antivirus in the background and not notice any slowdowns as I was surfing the web, typing this review and also listening to streaming music.
HP Compaq Presario V3000z Quickplay:
Quickplay is possibly the only software pre-installed which is worth keeping. Quickplay or QP for short is HP's take on the media center and unlike the media center QP can run without booting into windows and play DVD's, video, pictures and movies located in the shared documents folder. It is a nice tool if you watch movies or just play music on the laptop. It has a dedicated button which can launch QP from within Windows and even when the laptop is turned off. The optional remote might be worth buying as it is capable of controlling the Quickplay controls and will be useful when watching a DVD.
Our test unit was configured with Microsoft Windows XP Professional, but you can also opt for XP Home; with the Inspiron E1405, you can get both of those or XP Media Center Edition. With the Presario V3000, HP also throws in a decent bundle of software, including the basic productivity Microsoft Works suite; a few disc playing and burning apps; its own QuickPlay multimedia program, which can play CDs and DVDs whether or not Windows is booted; and a handful of wireless and tech support utilities.
HP backs the Presario V3000 with an industry-standard one-year warranty; however, for a reasonable fee, you can extend the term to three years. HP will also cover the cost of returning the system for repairs throughout your warranty. The company’s toll-free telephone-support lines are open 24/7 and offer free help during your warranty period. The HP support Web site includes one of our favorite support features–real-time chat with a tech rep–though the company limits your free chat time to just one hour. After that, you can try to troubleshoot problems yourself by searching through the site’s FAQ database.