HP Compaq 8510w Reviewed

Here is a review on the HP Compaq 8510w notebook PC from Notebook Reivew. HP Compaq 8510w is powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 2.2GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, a 100GB hard drive and NVIDIA Quadro FX 570M Workstation GPU.

The 8510w comes with a Blu-ray or DVD Multi Burner, WiFi, Bluetooth, and a 15.4-inch LCD display.

NotebookReview says:

The HP 8510w is one of the lightest and thinnest 15.4-inch notebooks out there, and with this much power in such a thin case (and only one fan!) it is surprising that the laptop can keep itself cool.  But it does, and this laptop definitely does any job asked of it.  It laughs at current games and processor intensive applications, and as long as you aren’t a hardcore gamer you will be fine.

While the laptop does have its flaws, this is indeed a business class machine with a business class build.  However, laptops equipped with a workstation class graphics card are always more expensive (due to required certifications for industrial applications) and unless you need the workstation card I would recommend the similarly built and similarly equipped 8510p with the ATI 2600 GPU, which will be released soon and with (hopefully) a more attractive price for consumers. If you need the workstation card though, this laptop must be one on the short list of choices.

Pros

* One of the thinnest and lightest 15.4-inch notebooks.
* Extreme graphics power, top notch overall horsepower.
* Extreme screen resolution with better than average vertical viewing angles.
* BluRay drive is available on the more expensive models.
* Good range of connectivity ports available, with more legacy ports available via a docking station. All 8510w’s feature an HDMI port!
* Options are available to extend the battery life via a 2nd battery port.
* Base of laptop built extremely sturdy, with a shock protected HDD too.
* Useful library of software included.
* Attractive and sleek look.

Cons

* Pricey because of the workstation GPU, look into the 8510p to spare your wallet from certain doom.
* Screen housing needs some improvement, as it is about average now for a consumer laptop.
* Keyboard is not as good as predecessor, and is only a little above average for a consumer laptop now.
* No built in ExpressCard (though one is available in a dock).
* Below average maximum screen brightness, below average horizontal viewing angles (read: Samsung LCD).
* Fan can run loud, and laptop can run fairly hot but only with gaming and 3D rendering.  Recommend an external laptop cooler!