HP Pavilion dm1z: some questions

[Carbo]

Looking to buy a light, ultra portable laptop, (11" is ideal size), as a Christmas gift. The lucky recipient travels often and needs a small laptop to take on her trips. She isn't the slightest computer savvy and only needs it for surfing the 'net, emails, maybe some Skype.
I've never had an HP, but I see the reviews on this model are very positive. I went to hp.com and configured one as such:

Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
AMD Dual-Core Processor E-450(1.65GHz, 1MB L2 Cache) + AMD Radeon HD 6320M Discrete-Class Graphics
FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR3 System Memory (1 Dimm)
500GB 7200 rpm Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (over-sized)
11.6" diagonal High Definition HP BrightView LED Display (1366 x 768)
Webcam with Integrated Digital Microphone
802.11b/g/n WLAN and Bluetooth(R)
Standard Keyboard

Subtotal, $455. Throw in $27 tax and my total price is $482.
Any opinions on this model, configuration? Good deal? Coupons available? Thank you!

 

[edit1754]

An alternate laptop to consider is the similarly-spec'd Lenovo Thinkpad X120e.

http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/c...906FFA72CB90D5

Also, are you comfortable upgrading the memory yourself? It should cost around $12 to stick another 2GB DIMM in there yourself, so you don't have to pay the absurd $80 Lenovo charges.

 

[Carbo]

I was looking at that Lenovo, but comparing specs I prefer the HP. Faster hard drive, slightly upgraded processor, and it can handle 8GB of memory.

 

[podspi]

Speaking from personal experience, I love my DM1z, although I have an older model with an E-350. While it is a little too big to be called a netbook (I have an HP Mini 110 and the difference is noticeable) it is definitely in ultra portable territory, and is fast enough to do almost all productivity tasks.

Great little machine, works with Skype just fine. Word of warning though, it can't handle HD Netflix, only SD. This isn't that big of a deal due to the small screen anyway, and it is my understanding that this won't be an issue once Silverlight 5 is released and Netflix updates their streamin gapp. But I've been waiting for SL5 for like a year, so it is something to consider.

 

[Carbo]

podspi, appreciate the reply, thank you.
Not overly concerned about the Netflix as this will be used mainly for the activites I mentioned above, really basic stuff. It can handle up to 8GB of memory, so I might max it out once it arrives. For $20 or so, I think that might be a cheap, (but probably unnecessary), upgrade.
Any problems with it running noticeably hot?

 

[blckgrffn]

Bought one for my wife last week, pretty much same specs (320GB 5400RPM drive) but it was ~$400.

I also bought a Samsung 830 64GB SSD for it...

Just sharing that it sounds like we are in nearly the same situation.

Shop Discover for 10% back...

 

[Sheep]

I wanted something I could throw in my backpack that wouldn't be bulky or heavy. After a bit of research I bought the newest dm1z as soon as it was released a few months ago. It's fine for the types of tasks you mentioned along with basic MS Office tasks. I haven't stress tested it with very complex, CPU-intensive activities yet.

IMO, the biggest weakness is the screen. While perfectly acceptable and usable, the dm1z's screen is the definition of "nothing special"--probably has to do with the relatively low resolution. I haven't used many laptops this size so I don't know if the dm1z's screen is typical of a machine in this class/price range or how it compares to its competitors.

I was wondering if I would have buyer's remorse when the ultrabooks started showing up, but from what I've read those have been pretty mediocre which makes the dm1z is a fine choice given its cost if the hardware meets your needs.

 

[AoS810]

I've been using the HP DM1Z for a month or so and I'm lovin it, I got roughly the same config with the E-450 but I only got a 320GB hd. I like the size and weight, fits nicely in my jansport backpack with this case which fits like a glove, and has lots of padding:

http://www.amazon.com/Case-Logic-QNS...2768209&sr=8-1

I only have one complaint, and one concern with the laptop which I'm hoping someone can help me out with..

First, this thing is a FINGERPRINT magnet, all the reviews on this newer HP DM1Z were showcasing HP's so-called "rubber" finish which hides fingerprints. The finish I received however is definitely not this, and I felt kind of mislead.. but what can I do.

Second, for those of you who are already using this revised HP DM1Z with an E-450.. when you guys ctrl+alt+dlt, show all processes, and go down to "System" - "NT Kernel & System".. mine never stays at 0 cpu usage? Mine just fluctuates between 5 to 15-ish.. is this normal at all? I'm pretty sure I don't have a virus as I've done multiple scans with Avira Free, Spybot, and Malwareantibytes, the comp also doesn't feel like I have a virus so.. any input is greatly appreciated!

-James

 

[Pardus]

The majority of laptops on the market are 14", 15" and 17" which are nice for a desktop replacement, but like the op said, for real portability.. you don't want a dvd drive and you want something under 13" that is lightweight and portable.

Aside from the HP DM1z, the only other choices are:

Acer 11.6 Aspire One 722-BZ197: Was $197 at Target
•AMD Dual-Core C-50 processor - 1.0GHz, 1MB Cache
•ATI Radeon HD 6250 (256MB dedicated memory)
•2GB of DDR3 SDRAM system memory
•250GB SATA hard drive.
•Sent mine back to Acer for repair and still had the same problems when it came back. Acer tech support is horrible.

Lenovo Thinkpad X120E 11.6-Inch Laptop: $360.00
•AMD Fusion Processor E-240 (1.5Ghz, 512KB L2, 1.0GHz FSB) 2.0GT/s
•AMD Radeon HD 6310 Graphics, AMD Fusion Processor E-240
•2 GB DDR3 - 1333MHz (1 DIMM)
•320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
Never dealt with Levano, cant say how good there products are

There is also the Sony Vaio VPC-YB15KX/S costing over $500 with same specs as the dm1z and Samsung Series 9 NP900X1A-A01US costing over $1000 but with a crappy Core i3 cpu.

The DM1z was revised on October now has rubber exterior-no fingerprints, beats audio, new touchpad layout and upgrades to 8gb in a pinch. Dm1z Video Review

Use coupon code SAVE15HP to drop the op's config to $439.99 before tax.

 

[Silverforce11]

I own a DM1z with E-350 for work and light gaming. Using BrazosTweaker to undervolt, it runs very cool with no fan noise and battery lasts a good 9 hours with MS office work and net surfing. You can set it to not go above 800mhz on battery and it just keeps going for ages, awesome stuff.

This laptop runs at native resolution: Starcraft 2 (low/medium ~30fps, World of Warcraft (on medium, very good fps ~50-60), Modern Warfare 2 (low ~35fps), havent tried many others yet. One cool thing with this compared to previous dm1z I own (neo x2), on battery you can set it to run at 100% spec and it plays games great.

Very happy with this ultralight notebook, with its HDMI out and iGPU (with audio over hdmi) to accelerate videos, it acts as my HTPC as well.

 

[podspi]

The only downside to the DM1z I think is the fan is a bit loud (and HP is overly cautious by default about when to spin it up). The machine itself doesn't really get warm. I haven't had any problems with the machine overheating, even when playing games or abusing the CPU.

Also, HP has (basic) software to adjust the fan speed, so if you set it to quiet mode and undervolt it like Silverforce11 says, the machime runs really well. Honestly undervolting it isn't even neccessary, but it does decrease temps a bit.

 

[Silverforce11]

Update the bios to fix the high fan speed, it will now not spin up until 65C+, which is fine because it rarely gets that hot anyway (with undervolting).

 

[Carbo]

For those of us not too tech savvy, what does undervolting involve?

 

[podspi]

Update the bios to fix the high fan speed, it will now not spin up until 65C+, which is fine because it rarely gets that hot anyway (with undervolting).

Interesting info. Thanks!

For those of us not too tech savvy, what does undervolting involve?

Basically, you're lowering the voltage supplied to the CPU. The downside is that it could become unstable (although many seem to work just fine). The upside is that heat and energy usage go down.

 

[Carbo]

Basically, you're lowering the voltage supplied to the CPU. The downside is that it could become unstable (although many seem to work just fine). The upside is that heat and energy usage go down.

Thanks. Mechanically, is it a difficult tweak?

 

[erikistired]

i have the e350 dm1z and i still love it. the only thing that it has issues with is silverlight stuff, which will supposedly be fixed, eventually. i am play WoW on it, which it handles quite well. it's nice and light, portable, good stuff.

 

[Carbo]

So I'm ready to order this little lapper, but I am trying to find out if I will receive the earlier charcoal finish model, which is usually described as a fingerprint magnet, or the newer soft touch ash black model. When I contacted HP, the rep was bewildered and unaware the soft touch model even existed.

 

[AoS810]

I recall reading someone posting that HP isn't going to release the soft-touch till other competitors come out with their E-450 offerings.. i think it was in that notebookreview link a few posts up.. whether or not thats a credible source.. WELL!! heh.

I'd guess they're still only shipping the charcoal version.

*EDIT* whoever posted that notebookreview link took it out of their post

 

[ThatsABigOne]

I recall reading someone posting that HP isn't going to release the soft-touch till other competitors come out with their E-450 offerings.. i think it was in that notebookreview link a few posts up.. whether or not thats a credible source.. WELL!! heh.

I'd guess they're still only shipping the charcoal version.

*EDIT* whoever posted that notebookreview link took it out of their post

Why wait? Better release it first so you can be on top of competition..

 

[DavidMarie]

The DM1z, and its predecessor, have gotten uniformly excellent reviews. The Lenovo 120e is similar achitecture but has Lenovo quality behind it. I'm not sure about this, but the Lenovo may have a matte screen (vs glossy on the Hp) and that is easily worth $100 more - if you can afford it.

The best deals around will be the now-discontinued models with the A-350 cpus. They should soon start appearing for $300-$350 and, if your needs are modest, may well be the single best value around. Then again, the new Hp G4 - if you want a 14" screen will run circles around any of the 11..6" models we're discussing.

The $400 price barrier for excellent entry level laptops has been broken, and you can't go wrong with any of them. Again, I would suggest you seek out the best deal you can find on the outgoing models. For a 25% savings vs current models, it's a steal of a deal.