Being the world’s number one PC maker has some perks, including the ability to design attractive, powerful laptops that sell for less than the competition. Case in point: HP and its Pavilion dv6500t, a 15.4-inch media notebook. HP supplies a dual-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and a 120GB hard drive, all for less than $1,000. Not to mention all the handy extra features that comes standard on all HP units, whether a budget system likes the dv6500t or a $2,000 model.

I’m used to reviewing HP Pavilion laptops with piano-black finishes, so it was a real treat to test the dv6500t. It gleams in glossy white, and is imprinted with a series of short parallel bars resembling the results of a DNA test.

The dv6500t’s 5.8-pound frame isn’t heavy, considering that it features a brilliant 15.4-inch screen. The system also comes standard with a 1.3- megapixel webcam and a built-in fingerprint reader. The included dual-layer DVD burner supports LightScribe, an HP technology that uses a laser instead of ink to print labels onto a DVD or CD. Other features include two headphone ports, a wireless on/off switch, touch-sensitive media keys, and a dedicated button to disable the touchpad.

The notebook is powerful, thanks to its Intel processor, but integrated graphics hold it back on 3D performance. For an extra $79, you can upgrade to a discrete graphics card that will let you play the latest 3D gaming titles. The dv6500t’s Overall score on the SYSmark 2007 Preview test edged out the competition, though video-encoding and Photoshop scores fell slightly short. Its 44-Wh battery cranked out 3 hours 13 minutes of life, but I highly recommend upgrading to the 12-cell battery for an extra $20, although it will increase the system’s weight by about half a pound.

Even in this age of terrific deals, the dv6500t is easily a top-tier budget laptop. It’s loaded with features, provides a comfortable user experience, and packs performance parts that can tackle some of today’s toughest tasks.

HP Pavilion dv6500t Review
Price Range: $899 direct
Specs: 1.67-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5450; 2GB DDR2 SDRAM; 120GB, 5,400-rpm hard drive; 358MB Intel Graphics Media Accelerator integrated graphics; 15.4-inch, 1,280-by-800 LCD; 5.8 pounds system weight (6.6 pounds travel weight); 44-Wh, 4.4-Ah lithium ion battery; Windows Vista Home Premium.

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