Core 2 Duo T7200 processor 2.16GHz; 1GB RAM

The styling of this laptop makes it one slick machine. However, at just around S$2,500 (US$1,644.01), it's not a case of HP favouring style over substance as the Pavilion dv6500 has a beefy processor and a number of interesting additions including a fingerprint scanner and a row of touch-sensitive media control buttons nestled under the screen.

Design of the HP Pavilion dv6500 Notebook PC

Thanks to some wonderful design elements such as the subtle futuristic pattern on the lid, the hinge mechanism that slopes out at you from the bottom of the screen and the glowing touch buttons across the top of the keyboard, the Pavilion dv6500 is certainly a looker.

It's hard to find much fault with this laptop. One thing that did bug us was the buttons on the trackpad. They feel slightly too spongy to the touch--almost as if they have too much travel. After a while we got used to them, though. This machine is relatively large and at 3kg also quite heavy, so you're not going to want to lug it about too often.

Features of the HP Pavilion dv6500 Notebook PC

The laptop has a decent range of ports including three USB sockets and a mini FireWire connection, and there's some neat extras like the fingerprint scanner you can use to stop unauthorized people from logging onto your computer. We also loved the small Windows Media Center remote, which can be stowed away in the PC Card slot when it's not in use.

Movies look excellent on the glossy widescreen display and there's a Webcam at the top of the screen that you can use in conjunction with the supplied headphones (complete with inline microphone) for making video calls with Skype or Windows Live Messenger.

Performance And Battery Life of the HP Pavilion dv6500 Notebook PC

But this machine isn't just stylish, it's powerful, too. The 2GHz Core 2 Duo processor is backed up by a decent 2GB of RAM and helped the laptop work up a score of 4,243 in PCMark05, which is seriously impressive for a machine in its class.

And despite the fact that it's primarily designed to be used in the home as a desktop replacement, it managed to keeping running for an hour and 10 minutes in our Battery Eater test.

We did not like the Nvidia GeForce 8400M GS graphics chip as it didn't manage to put in a barnstorming 3D performance. In our 3DMark test it clocked up a score of 1,524, which certainly isn't bad for a laptop, but it means you'll have to turn down some of the details when you want to let off steam in the latest first-person shooters.

Nevertheless, this is a classy laptop that we have absolutely no hesitation in recommending. It has a great design and, although 3D games aren't its forte, its overall performance is still top-notch. For around S$2,500 (US$1,644.01), it's an excellent all-rounder for use in the home.

After-Sales Service And Support for the HP Pavilion dv6500 Notebook PC

The HP laptop comes with a one-year international warranty. At HP's support Web site, laptop owners can download the latest drivers and manuals. In the event of a simple malfunction, the company offers an online knowledge database and support forum for troubleshooting. Further diagnosis or repair can be made at the service center, though the owner has to bring the notebook there. Telephone support is available during normal working hours and for current or potential customers who are not sure which HP notebook is right for you, a dedicated number is available for assistance in purchase selection. If more comprehensive coverage is required, you can purchase an extended three-year pick up and return option in which HP will collect the unit and send it back after it's repaired.