Type: General Purpose, Media, Value
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo T7500
Processor Speed: 2.2 GHz
Weight: 5.3 lb
Screen Size: 14.1 inches
Screen Size Type: widesreen
Graphics Card: nVidia GeForce 8400M GS
Storage Capacity: 250 GB
Networking Options: 802.12n
Primary Optical Drive: Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW
The HP Pavilion dv6500t comes standard with a 1.3-megapixel webcam and a built-in fingerprint reader. An upgrade (from 80GB) to a 120GB hard drive is free, although the Sony NR160 gives you 160GB worth of storage space as part of its $830 package. The dv6500t also comes standard with a dual-layer DVD burner that has LightScribe capabilities. LightScribe is an HP technology that uses a laser instead of ink to print labels onto a DVD or CD. You'll need to buy proprietary LightScribe media, which is pricier than regular media. As with all Hp pavilion laptops, you get two headphone ports, a wireless on/off switch, touch-sensitive media keys, and a dedicated button to disable the touchpad.
The HP Pavilion dv6500t's 5.8-pound frame is not heavy at all considering it includes a 15.4-inch screen. The Sony NR160, with a similar screen, is almost half a pound heavier. And then there's the Acer Aspire 4710-2013, which shaves off some weight (at 5.5 pounds), screen real estate (at 14.1 inches), and dollars ($600 versus the 6500t's $899). All three systems boast brilliant screens; it's hard to determine which one is brighter. Movies, videos, and photos will look terrific on any of them. The HP Pavilion dv6500t's keyboard is a treat to type on and the mouse buttons are as quiet as those on the Dell Inspiron 1420. The processing parts are very similar to the Dell Inspiron 1420's in that you get a 1.67-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB of RAM. The only difference is that the dv6500t comes with integrated graphics, instead of the nVidia GeForce 8400M GS card found on the Inspiron 1420. That's not to say you can't upgrade. For $79, you can opt for the same card as the Dell's. The 8400M GS will let you play the latest 3D gaming titles. By virtue of its position as the world's number one PC maker, Hewlett-Packard is able to design gorgeous-looking laptops, include the latest processing parts, and be super-aggressive in setting low prices. An example of this market dominance is the Hp pavilion dv6500t, a 15.4-inch media laptop that can be customized the way you like it. And like it I do. In the configuration I tested, for $899 (direct) you get an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM, and a 120GB hard drive. Other features, such as the integrated 1.3-megapixel webcam, gorgeous white imprints, and fingerprint reader, come standard on all HP laptops, whether it's a budget system like the dv6500t or a $2,000 model.
