HP Pavilion G60-230US 16.0-Inch Laptop Review | Laptop Computer Customer Reviews

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HP Pavilion G60-230US 16.0-Inch Laptop Review

Saturday, October 24, 2009 | Posted by dear

HP Pavilion G60-230US 16.0-Inch Laptop
HP Pavilion G60-230US 16.0-Inch Laptop
Brand : Hewlett-Packard Model : G60-230US

Overall Rating :
From : 61 Reviews
Color : / Size :


Technical Details
  • 2.0 GHz Intel Pentium T4200 Dual-Core Processor
  • 3 GB RAM (4 GB max)
  • 320 GB Hard Drive, LightScribe dual-layer DVD Drive
  • Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit, SP1)
  • 16-inch screen, Intel GMA 4500M graphics (up to 1319 MB total)

Product Description

Pared down to the essentials, the new G60-230US is defined by minimalist lines. High-gloss reflective top cover and palm rest area surfaces contrast cleanly with matte everywhere else. HP Imprint finish in piano black on the top cover with silver across the palm rest and touchpad provides greater durability than traditional painted surfaces. The streamlined look is enhanced with a color-matched keyboard and touchpad. The HP G60-230US delivers easy-to-use entertainment. Enjoy full-screen DVD playback on the crystal-clear 16:9 16.0-inch diagonal HP Brightview display. Burn audio CDs and DVDs to share your favorite songs and video clips with friends and family. Built-in Altec Lansing speakers bring your entertainment to life. And the 5:1 digital media reader enables photo transfer in seconds. For those who want technology to connect and manage everyday computing tasks in a stunning design that balances performance and mobility, the HP G60-230US Notebook PC delivers. Its elegant piano black and silver Imprint finish helps protect your system. The G60-230US ships with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1, Intel Pentium Dual-Core Processor T4200, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M (shared) with up to 1309MB total available graphics memory, 3072MB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm), 320GB (5400RPM) Hard Drive (SATA), LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support, Wireless LAN 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN. Dimensions: 14.88 (L) x 9.90 (D) x 13.80 (min H) approx., weight: 6.57 lbs. approx.

Eliminate the black bars that appear when you're watching DVD movies or HDTV content when you view them on the HP Pavilion g60-230us notebook PC, which has a 16-inch screen with a true 16:9 aspect ratio. Pared down to the essentials, HP's G60 series is defined by minimalist lines. High-gloss reflective top cover and palm rest area surfaces contrast cleanly with matte surface everywhere else, and the streamlined look is enhanced with a color-matched keyboard and touchpad.

Chat face to face, or take pictures and video clips with the webcam and integrated digital microphone. Play games and enhance multimedia with the Intel GMA 4500M with up to 1309 MB of total available graphics memory. And enjoy movies or music in seconds with the external DVD or music buttons to launch HP QuickPlay (which bypasses the boot process).

It offers dual-core productivity from its 2.0 GHz Intel Pentium T4200 processor for excellent multitasking. Other features include a 320 GB hard drive, 3 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum capacity), dual-layer DVD±RW drive (which also burns CDs), quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), 5-in-1 memory card reader, and pre-installed Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1).

Spec Check
  • 16-inch LCD screen (16:9 aspect ratio)
  • 2.0 GHz Intel Pentium T4200 dual-core processor
  • 320 GB hard drive
  • 3 GB RAM (4 GB maximum)
  • Dual-layer Lightscribe DVD±R drive
  • Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
  • Intel GMA 4500M graphics (up to 1319 MB total)
  • Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit, SP1)
  • Weighs 6.06 pounds

The Basics

  • Processor: The 2.0 GHz Intel Pentium T4200 dual-core processor delivers additional computing resources and help expand the PC's capabilities by providing higher throughput and simultaneous computing. You'll be able to perform multiple tasks such as digital rendering and gaming all while running virus scan or other background tasks seamlessly. And its Intel 64 architecture is also ready for tomorrow's 64-bit applications, and offers enhanced performance through improved virtual memory. Each core shares 1 MB of L2 cache (for a 2 MB total), and they have an 800 MHz front-side bus. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
  • Hard Drive: The generous 320 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (7200 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive has a 3Gb/s interface speed that enables up to 300MB/s data transfer rates (double the speed of the current SATA interface of 1.5Gb/s).
  • Memory: The 3 GB of installed RAM (PC6400, 1 x 2 GB, 2 x 1 GB) helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. It also offers a fast 800 MHz speed. This notebook has a 4 GB maximum RAM capacity (2 x 2 GB). To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.
  • DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 4x DVD-R DL Write Once, 2.4x DVD+R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R, 4x DVD+RW, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD-RW, 16x DVD-ROM, 40x CD-R, 24x CD-RW, and 40x CD-ROM speeds.

    This LightScribe DVD±RW drive lets you laser-etch silkscreen quality text and images on to CDs and DVDs . Your software, PC and discs work together for a no-hassle way to burn just the labels you want. After you burn content, just flip the disc over, reinsert and burn your label--anything from a simple title to a full-disc work of art.

  • Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a 101-key keyboard and a touchpad with on/off button and dedicated vertical/horizontal Scroll Up/Down pad. It also includes two quick-launch buttons (HP QuickPlay Music and DVD).
Screen, Video & Audio
You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 16-inch WXGA high-definition screen, which has a widescreen resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels--perfect for watching DVD movies the way they were meant to be seen. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M, which uses shared video memory (up to 1309 MB allocated from the system memory). This graphics card is built with Intel Clear Video technology, which delivers clearer, more detailed images by eliminating many of the jagged edges and video artifacts seen when viewing interlaced content and features powerful color control to ensure videos are not too dark, overly bright, or washed out. The Altec Lansing speakers provide exceptional sound.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and Wi-Fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). It comes with the following external connectors:

  • 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
  • 1 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
  • Analog video output: 1 VGA
  • 1 headphone jack
  • 1 microphone jack
  • 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)
  • 10/100 Fast Ethernet networking
  • 56K modem (V.90)

Operating System
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1 (32-bit) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software

  • HP MediaSmart Software Suite: Your one-stop multimedia and entertainment center to create photo slideshows, share personal videos, listen to your favorite music playlists and watch DVD movies.
  • muvee autoProducer Basic: Automatically create professional looking home videos and burn to DVD.
  • Cyberlink DVD Suite Deluxe: Automatically fix and edit videos and create CDs and DVDs. Edit, burn and archive data to discs.
  • Microsoft Works 9: Includes a word processor, spreadsheet, database and calendar.
  • Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition 2007 (60-day trial version).
  • Adobe Reader 8: Read and print PDF files.
  • Norton Internet Security 2009 protects your PC and your identity when you email, bank and shop online; 60 days of protection updates included.

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook PC measures 14.88 x 9.9 x 1.72 inches and weighs 6.06 pounds.

Power
It's powered by a 6-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of up to 2 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion g60-230us notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance for one year. Software is also covered for 30 days from date of purchase.

Reduce your impact on the environment with this Energy Star-certified system and HP's innovative take-back options, including trade-in, recycling and donation.



Customer Reviews (see all-reviews)

Luis Guifarro ( Tegucigalpa, Honduras )
Good value for money
I've bought this refurbished laptop and until now i haven't had a single problem with it, everything works. The only thing i changed was the os, i downgraded it to XP. It was a necessity.
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Karen ( California, USA )
Do not buy an HP laptop
I bought 2 HP laptops and have had nothing but trouble. 1 laptop had to go back to the shop three times: once because the bracket connecting the screen to the keyboard broke, once because the hard drive was defective and once because the sound card was defective. One time I sent it to HP and they returned my computer still broken. My other laptop had to be returned to the factory because the hard drive was defective. I have had to do so many system restores (and in fact did one last night) and lost programs that I had to buy (Word Perfect). Even though it was supposed to have been repaired, my itunes library still doesn't play right. The music will skip. This computer is a huge disappointment. I don't even use the computer anymore because it is so annoying. Vista makes it even worse (although I think hp finally realized this.)
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Stan Tomberg ( Hendersonville, NC )
HP has no suport
No support, October 9, 2009
By Stan Tomberg (Hendersonville, NC) - See all my reviews




On 1/01/09 I called customer service (that is what they call it). I told the tech my internal lightscribe drive would not burn label's. I am not a not a novice and I went through all the steps - uninstalling the drive and reinstalling the drive, etc. I told the the tech that my external lightscribe drive was working fine so it had to be the drive. He had me duplicate all the steps I Had already done and after 1:05 he said he would send me a new drive it was under warranty got my credit card info and he put me on hold. After 10 minutes (1:15 total time) I hung up.

I called back after I cooled down and got a tech who saw what was done, bur insisted to let him take over my PC. He assured me it take only 20 minutes and I agreed. An hour and 35 minutes later I told him just take of ordering the drive (it seems the first tech did not it. Hr agreed and then after being on hold for 5 minutes he told me the system was down and I would have to call back on 11/2/09.

Both techs had bad attitudes and treated me like a dummy. I wasted two hours and 40 minutes of being insulted and talked down to!

Price can not overcome lack of service
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PC Herman ( SJ CA )
PC Herman
Good product overall. Box was a bit banged up when I got it so I was apprehensive but there was no damage I could see. Love the full keyboard and the feel of it. Other PC's I've had didn't have the same good feel when stroking the keys. My only complaint is the USB ports, there's 3 of them, aren't easily usable. Very difficult to use one in particular so I don't use it. It just doesn't feel like it's to the specs it should be. Other than that very happy with it.
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W. Newsom ( USA )
Nice laptop, bright screen, fast
I bought this for a client. I set it up and she bought from me. It is bright LCD. I like the keyboard with the 10-key. IT has no PCMCIA/PC Card or Expresscard slots. THE STUPID THING HAS NO GIGABIT Network. That's ridiculous. Besides that, the video cam is nice to have. As with all laptops, it needs a backlit keyboard, but Macbook Pros are one of the few that have it. This does have a modem, which she needed. The Pentium Processor is like a Core 2 Duo with a little less cache... almost the same. Comes with Vista 32-bit SP1 and 3GB. There is no latch for the case lid. They could have at least put a magnetic catch on it. I don't like the fat power connector, but it works.

The video cam software has a bug. Needed to update it and other miscellaneous software with HP updates. Not a lot of junk programs to uninstall (bloatware) -- I only removed 2 programs that sit on the Start Menu. I spent 3 hours or so updating this to SP2, latest Windows update, and getting a lot of updated HP software installed for customer. Almost all went smooth. The HP stupid BIOS updating software is stupid... it updates the BIOS but locks up. You have to manually power cycle while in Vista. I called HP on a screen that said "DO NOT TURN OFF COMPUTER" but I had a thumb's up. Eventually, they closed the case and said good luck. Call us back if it won't boot back up. It did of course. I did 2 BIOS updates with same issue. It is called InsydeFlash or Insyde BIOS Flash, and it is terrible.

Anything missing? Yeah, well, a lot of the direct access buttons. I like a button or better a dial for volume. This laptop doesn't have dedicated keys for stuff like that. You have to get up really close and read the function keys.

Overall, this is a decent machine and rates 5 stars even with my nitpicking. Its Vista rating was about 3.6 or 3.7 I think with a low for the gaming performance. It came with Norton antivirus trial and Office 2007 trial. Another downer is that you have to make your own backup DVDs, but the D drive is only about 10 GB, which is fine for a 300 GB drive.

Should be getting the upgrade to Windows 7 with this machine.

There was a rebate offered for this, I think. "Purchase an HP Pavilion notebook PC with a model number ending in "us" or "se" and receive $50 (U.S.) cash back." which is at [...] and I hope it works. Amazon doesn't list it on this page.
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