Last June we published the
first part of our review of the Blu-ray-equipped ultraportable computer, the
HP dv2, testing its general and multimedia capabilities. Now we have taken the dv2 to the road and see if it has the right stuff. In general, we have liked it a lot, with only some slight reservations.
To be fair, Blu-ray playback didn't get much use during our time abroad. It was useful when buying discs, because then it was possible to put new purchases in the drive and checking if they load and play back without errors, just in case one of them needs returning. However, watching a full-length movie on that small player seemed a waste, when you can watch them on your home setup when you come back home. Moreover, the TV set where I was vacationing had no HDMI input, so I couldn't use it as an external source.
I can't help thinking that I would have used the optical disc unit more if I didn't have to go through the hassle of getting the disc drive and plugging it in. Just like I didn't like the idea of a separate disc reader for the Xbox 360, I don't really like the idea of an external disc
So it is the other features of the computer that got the most use. Thanks to the dv2, I could access the web and log on to blu-ray.com to post news whenever I wanted, without having to go to cybercafés.
When you go on vacation with a laptop or ultraportable, in many countries you can purchase a prepaid USB wireless modem, but rates are often extortionate. For example, with Vodafone Spain you can purchase one gigabyte for 59 euros (over $80!). And you can't imagine how much of that is swallowed by things as routine for me as opening an issue of the digital edition of Home Media Magazine. It is then much better to get an unlimited weekly, forthnightly or monthly voucher. Other internet providers offer daily fares of about €3 a day. Alternately, you can just go to a WiFi-equipped bar and use those three euros to order a cold one and type away. That's what I did.
WiFi performance was excellent, and it had no problem finding and establishing connections. Battery life was impacted by wireless usage - when using WiFi, you couldn't get more than three hours without recharging.
The screen had an excellent quality, both in resolution and contrast, with only one problem - it is very very reflective. Whenever you are outdoors, it is a bit uncomfortable to use the computer because your reflection and everything behind you is prominently visible on screen. This is something that should be worked on. The unit also becomes very hot, and quickly becomes impossible to use while sitting on your lap.
The increased power of the dv2 was evident when multitasking, something I require when drafting news posts. It was possible to have multiple browsing windows, video playback and the word processor without any hiccups. That is a definite plus over your average netbook.
Overall, I was very satisfied with the performance of the dv2. Its compact size meant I could take it with me more easily than your typical 16" laptop, and it was much more powerful than a vanilla laptop. Only the heat and screen issues were a bit distracting, and I'd like a builtin disc drive - but I know many don't need that.
As before, our deepest thanks to HP and Ivy Worldwide (ex Buzz Corps) for their cooperation, and especially to Halley Bass for taking care of the logistics and communication.