HP Compaq nc8430

Notebook specifications

Notebook: HP Compaq nc8430
Processor: Intel Core Duo T2500 (2000 MHz)
Graphics adapter: ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 (128 MB)
Display: 15.4 inch 16:10 (1680x1050 pixels)
Weight: 2.7 kg
Average score: 77.5% - good
Average of 4 scores (from 7 reviews)

Reviews in English

HP Compaq NC8430 Review
Source: OurNotebookReviews
All in all the NC8430 is a great buy. It has enough processing power to run business and CAD applications, and a GPU that runs most games very well. While not billed as a gaming machine, the x1600 puts it up near the top for all HP notebooks (actually, this is an HP Compaq notebook). The cool keyboard and top surface is rare these days, and the quiet fan does not disturb those nearby either. So far, this has been the best balance of performance, battery life, and appearance of any notebook I have seen.
Date: 03/15/2007
Rating: price: 90% performance: 90% display: 100% workmanship: 100%

80%HP Compaq nc8430
Source: PCMag
The HP Compaq nc8430 ($1,680 direct) has a lot of stature for a business laptop. When it comes to meeting work deadlines and taking on various projects, this powerhouse lives up to its reputation. The 15.4-inch widescreen display is a compelling reason to go with the nc8430. It lets you have three windows open at the same time (arranged so that each gets its own space) or gain several more columns on an Excel worksheet. If that isn't enough to meet your business requirements, then check out the system's Intel Core 2 Duo processor and discrete graphics.
Date: 01/12/2007
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 95%

80%Standard Notebooks
Source: Wired Magazine
This is a powerful machine, no bones about it. Though the screen is dim, it chums through productivity apps like few notebooks we've seen. And it'll run for nearly three and a half hours between charges, making it the top pick for taskmasters or anyone who wants to watch a double feature on a long flight. Wired: CPU (2.16-GHz Core Duo) is extreme for this class. Don't tell your boss, but this "business" notebook dealt 71.7 fps on Doom 3. Serial hookup for connecting vintage accessories. Tired: Only three USB ports (most models have four). Smallish 80-gig hard drive.
Date: 11/01/2006
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 85% display: 50%

66%HP Compaq nc8430 Notebook PC
Source: CNet
At first glimpse of the HP Compaq nc8430, you're likely to think it subdued. Like other HP business laptops, its black-and-gray case won't attract any envious stares at the airport, and its performance likewise doesn't necessarily stand out among the crowd of midsize business laptops. But look more closely, and you'll see the kind of features that matter for real productivity on the road: a sizeable display, a comfy keyboard, plenty of ports, and corporate-level security features. Price-wise, the nc8430 is competitive with similar systems, such as the ThinkPad Z61m, without undercutting them. It's neither the flashiest nor the fastest computer around, but if you're looking for a reasonably portable system for business, the HP Compaq nc8430 will help you get the job done.
Date: 10/17/2006
Rating: Total score: 66% performance: 70% features: 70% display: 60%

HP nc8430 with Core 2 Duo and X1600 Review
Source: Notebookreview
Overall, this is a very fine machine that has done much to impress both myself and my co-workers. While it does have its minor flaws, the notebook itself is build business-class touch. It delivers top notch gaming and processing performance while still maintaining a sleek and small profile for a 15.4" notebook. Most of the ports are positioned very well on the notebook, and its functionality is further enhanced with the Basic Docking Station. However, with power there comes great responsibility -- don't put this notebook on your lap and play a couple of high powered games. For general purpose activities the notebook is fine no matter where it sits, so feel free to check your email, play solitaire, and surf the net from your living room couch. And for the amount of power in this notebook, the battery life is also very respectable and can be further enhanced through the secondary battery options provided by HP.
Date: 10/03/2006
Rating: display: 60% workmanship: 95%

HP Compaq nc8430 Review
Source: Notebookreview
The following is a review for the HP Compaq nc8430, a business oriented mainstream notebook with a 15.4" screen. The nc8430 is currently one of HP's best selling business models with its great combination of power and portability. In conclusion the HP Compaq nc8430 is a great notebook. There are so many other mainstream notebooks out on the market today; choosing one is by no means an easy task. If you can afford the price of entry the nc8430 is a great choice. Few can match the combination of business class quality, gaming power, and portability of the nc8430 which makes it a real winner.
Date: 08/01/2006
Rating: price: 50% performance: 100% display: 85%

Reviews in German

84%Test HP Compaq nc8430 Notebook
Source: Notebookcheck
Date: 12/18/2006
Rating: Total score: 84% performance: 87% mobility: 83% workmanship: 86% ergonomy: 93% emissions: 74%

Comment

ATI Mobility Radeon X1600: ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 resembles the desktop X1600 (plus Powerplay 6.0 current saving mechanisms), but is quite slower than the desktop X1600 because of the slower clock speed. It is part of the most powerful third of mobile video cards, is able to represent newest games and without any doubt apt for office applications and surfing.
>> Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.

Intel Core Duo: Intel Core Duo (successor of Pentium M), is a double core processor with a very good relation of performance to current consumption. The 2 MB L2 Cache are used common. The maximum current consumption of 31 Watts is only 4 W more then with Pentium M. Due to the low energy need is Core Duo also suited for subnotebooks. Further now it supports SSE3 orders. The performance can nearly be doubled for applications, which were designed for multiprocessors (compared with Pentium M).

T2500: The strong Core Duo type T2500 is not only suitable for office applications and surfing, but also for games.
>> Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.

15.4": 15 inch display-variants are the standard and are used for more than the half of all notebooks.  15.4 inch display with 16:10 are the standard for notebook displays.
The reason why so many people like displays with medium size is, that this size is not exhausting for the eyes, does not need too much current and the laptops can be kept quite compact.
>> To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.

2.7 kg: This notebook is lighter than the average of all notebooks. It is too heavy for sub-notebooks. 14 inch displays are normal for this class of weight.

HP: Hewlett Packard is one of the biggest international manufacturers according market shares and reviewed models at the German- and English-speaking market. HP notebooks are often in top positions according price/value ratings.
HP Notebook Section

>> Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.