Digital Trends

The HP dv2000t is a 14.1” 5.5 lb “Thin and Light” notebook. The “Thin and Light” class notebook has become the most popular notebook class on the market today. It’s pretty clear why that’s the case: the laptop is small enough to be portable, yet has a screen large enough for entertainment and multimedia use. In addition, most 14.1” notebooks offer tremendous value. Going to a larger screen means paying extra for the LCD panel. Going to a smaller screen means paying the R&D costs required for developing a system that small.

 

The standout feature of the HP dv2000t is its new high-gloss finish: HP Imprint. This is a sophisticated scratch-resistant coating with an inlaid pattern that was developed by Nissha Printing Co. from Japan. This is the same technology used to produce the faux wood or carbon fiber trim in some mid-luxury cars. Instead of painting over a surface (which can lead to flaking and visible scratches), the pattern is integrated into the resin. The clear resin offers a deep, mirror-like glaze to the surface that hasn’t been seen in any consumer notebook to date. Of course, as with any high-gloss surface, fingerprints and smearing can be a problem. That’s why HP includes a felt cleaning cloth with the notebook. Still, a good premium micro-fiber cloth from the car wash aisle at Wal-Mart or Target will do a better job.

 

HP has achieved the delicate balance on being flashy without being gaudy. This notebook exudes an aura of style and fashion in a way and makes Apple’s MacBook look downright geeky.

 

Build quality on the HP dv2000t is better-than-average for an entry-level notebook. The screen hinge feels sturdy, although there is a small ripple on the screen when the lid is bumped. The lid is latchless, and if it were not for the mild ripple on the LCD screen, the notebook feels superb. As with some of the other notebooks we’ve reviewed recently, the screen only opens to approximately 120 degrees. Like the previous dv1000 class notebook from HP, the battery fits securely and snugly.

 

These days, laptops are becoming more and more similar. To borrow a phrase from my last laptop review, “the specifications are par for the course.” Everything you expect to be there, is there: Firewire 400, three USB 2.0 ports, Wi-Fi, integrated modem, 100 MBps Fast Ethernet, optional Bluetooth, TV-out, and a 5-in-1 media reader (SD, MS, MS Pro, xD, MMC). This is the same list you’ll find with most modern consumer notebooks.

 

1.3 megapixel web cameras are becoming more and more common, and HP includes one with the dv2000t. There’s also an "Instant On" feature that allows you can play MP3s, music CDs, and DVDs without having to booting into Windows, and the ExpressCard 54 slot offering more "future-proof" upgrades than other notebooks only featuring a PC Card slot or an Express 34.

 

 
The HP dv200t Opened