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Review HP Compaq 8710w Notebook

(Office Power)².

The HP Compaq 8710 series is especially designed for graphics and CAD professionals. Being equipped with an Intel Core 2 Duo T9500 CPU with 2.6 GHz and a nVIDIA Quadro FX 1600M graphics card, the 8710w notebook is thereby today's most powerful notebook of this series. Furthermore, the 17 inch WUXGA display ensures due to a resolution of 1920x1200 pixels maximum clarity.

HP Compaq 8710w Logo

In terms of case and keyboard the HP Compaq 8710w is identical to the already reviewed Compaq 8710p (Core 2 Duo T7300, nVIDIA Quadro NVS 320M). Detailed information to case and input devices are available in comprehensive review of the HP Compaq 8710p. The pictures of in this review are except those of the display section pictures of the identically built HP 8710p.

Case

The HP Compaq 8710w has the business look typical for HP, that is black case and robust blue-grey lid and blue-grey palm rest areas. Design and shape are oriented on the function. Despite the main place of operation of this desktop replacement notebook is very likely the desktop, the case's robustness is convincing. The case is indeed very resistant against compressive and bending force.

The same is true for the big display of the HP 8710w, which is very flexural rigid and pressure resistant. Although the two hinges can well support all possible positions, the can not completely avoid a slight see-saw after adjusting the display's position. Furthermore, a double hook transport hook enables locking the display if closed and makes transporting the notebook safe. Further information about the case of the 8710 series by HP are available in the review of the 8710p.

Interface Equipment

Also the interface equipment is identical to the one of the 8710p model. The HP Compaq 8710w has a total of six USB 2.0 ports, audio ports, Firewire, VGA-Out, and a HDMI port. Furthermore, a docking port is available. Depending on the docking station chosen, it enhances the interface equipment by a number of further ports.

However, to our opinion the location of the interfaces is not ideal. This is especially true for the location of the USB ports. All of the six available USB ports are located at the flanks near the front. So, cable spaghetti is likely, but, can be circumvented by a docking station, which moves all ports to the back of the notebook, if the notebook is operated at the desk.

Data communication is possible via Gigabit ethernet by Intel (82566MM) and Wireless 4965AGN module, also by Intel. Furthermore, the 8710w provides Bluetooth 2.0 for communication with mobile phone, PDA, or similar devices. A 56k modem is also built-in.

Furthermore, a number of security features were implemented. These are a built-in fingerprint reader and a built-in Smartcard reader for access control. The data can be secured by a TPM Chip 1.2.

The scope of delivery also includes a short user manual. A recovery DVD is not provided, the data necessary for recovering the system are available at the hard disk. Pressing the F11 key during the boot process launches the recovery process, if needed. However, what if the hard disk crashed…

Input Devices

The keyboard has a clear layout which groups similar keys and separates the groups a little bit from each other. The user-friendly layout includes an extra number pad, which eases inputting numbers for, e.g., CAD applications. The key feedback is somewhat jerky, so, you'll need some time to get used to.

The touch pad works precisely. In addition, also a track point is available, but, due to its form, the blue plastic stick could not convince in practice. The hot keys realized by a touch sensitive bar above the display attracted our attention. It allows to, e.g., deactivate the WLAN module, control the volume or launch the Windows calculator by touching the corresponding icon. Further information regarding the input devices of the HP 8710 series are available here.

HP Compaq 8710w touch pad
Touch pad
HP Compaq 8710w keyboard
Keyboard

Display

Unlike the already reviewed HP Compaq 8710p (WXGA+) the reviewed 8710w was equippped with a high-resolution WUXGA display with a maximum resolution of 1920x1200 pixels. This is the highest resolution currently in use. Especially graphics and CAD professionals will like this, because they likely work with a lot of open windows and tool boxes.
If this resolution is still too low for your needs, you can attach an external high-resolution screen to the HDMI port, which makes it possible to transfer the video data in excellent digital quality.

The matte display surface is obligatory for business notebooks. So, also the display of the 8710w is matte. The brightness of the WUXGA panel is overall average. The maximum brightness was 161.7 cd/m². The brightness diminishes to the upper left corner, where it is only 136 cd/m². So, the illumination is 84.1%. The average brightness of 151.3 cd/m² also conforms about the average of this notebook category - it's maybe already slightly below-average.

136
cd/m²
155
cd/m²
154.1
cd/m²
144.2
cd/m²
158.6
cd/m²
161.7
cd/m²
141.9
cd/m²
151.4
cd/m²
158.8
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Maximum: 161.7 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 151.3 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 84 %
Contrast: 587:1 (Black: 0.27 cd/m²)

Due to a very low black value of 0.27 cd/m² we expected a high maximum brightness. Indeed, a contrast ratio of 599:1 ensures a top ranking among comparable screens in this aspect. The subjective impression was also that the picture is always sharp and the colour representation rather neutral.

Despite a matte surface, which would in general support using the notebook outdoors, the moderate brightness makes operating the notebook outdoors a little bit cumbersome. Anyway, the HP 8710w is actually designed for indoor operation, for which the brightness is sufficient.

The viewing angles are horizontally more than sufficient. If the viewing angles get acuter, the colours slightly change and the contrast somewhat diminishes. Vertically, the area of operation is just sufficient, but outside it the picture darkens respectively whitens. Nonetheless, the viewing angles are sufficient for a fixed work place.

HP Compaq 8710w Viewing Angles
HP Compaq 8710w Viewing Angles
HP Compaq 8710w Viewing Angles
HP Compaq 8710w Viewing Angles
HP Compaq 8710w Viewing Angles
HP Compaq 8710w Viewing Angles
HP Compaq 8710w Viewing Angles
HP Compaq 8710w Viewing Angles



Video of Display's Viewing Angles

Performance

At the time of our review the HP Compaq 8710w was the most powerful notebook of HP's business series. HP currently offers two different models called GC124 EA respectively GC125EA, but, specifies a T7700 Merom CPU as most powerful CPU option for both of them. In terms of performance this is not all, because Planet-Notebook.de who provided us with the reviewed notebook, equips this notebook with an up-to-date T9500 Penryn CPU with 2.6 GHz and 6MB L2-Cache if requested. This makes another performance gain possible. Further details about the performance difference of Merom and Penryn processors can be found in our special article.

Video processing is done by a Quadro FX 1600M graphics card by nVIDIA with fast 512MB GDDR3 video memory. The Quadro FX series by nVIDIA optimally supports professional graphics and video applications. Therewith the application performance of the FX 1600M is clearly better than the one of the Geforce 8700M GT, although it is based on the later.

The 8710w is marginally better than the Dell Precision M6300, which is similarly equipped, in the PCMark benchmark comparison. So, it's one of today's top business notebooks in terms of performance. Besides a professional graphics card and an up-to-date Penryn CPU, also the other equipment of the HP Compaq 8710w contributes to the overall good performance.

Benchmark Comparison PCMark
Benchmark Comparison PCMark

Besides the already described CPU and GPU chips our test sample was furthermore equipped with a total of 4GB fast PC6400 800 MHz DDR2 memory modules (2x 2048MB) in dual channel mode. The possible maximum RAM capacity is according to HP 8GB. However, 4GB modules are not available yet and the notebook has only 2 RAM slots, so, you still need to be a little bit patient.

The hard disk inside our test sample was a powerful Scorpio WD3200BEVT by Western Digital with a revolution speed of 5400 rpm and 8MB cache. Although a part of the hard disk capacity is occupied by a recovery partition, a gross capacity of 320GB is quite a lot. Less system data, about 290GB are available for user data. The hard disks transfer rates are above-average and the access times low.

System information CPU
System information CPU
System information CPU
System information CPU
System information GPU
System information HDD
System Informations of the HP Compaq 8710w

This equipment is not only good in benchmarks, also usual office work runs smoothly and fast. But, also the pre-installed Windows XP Professional contributes to the good performance, because it is still better than Windows Vista in terms of performance.

The results in the Cinebench R10 benchmark are also note-worthy.  Due to first-class CPU and GPU the results in this benchmark are again top and it is again slightly better than the Dell Precision M6300 with T9300 CPU.

Benchmark Comparison Cinebench R10
Benchmark Comparison Cinebench R10
3DMark 2001SE Standard
35509 points
3DMark 03 Standard
15216 points
3DMark 05 Standard
9873 points
3DMark 06 Standard Score
4798 points
Help
PCMark 05 Standard
6140 points
Help
Cinebench R10
 SettingsValue
 Shading 32Bit5226 Points
 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit5417 Points
 Rendering Single 32Bit2950 Points
320 GB - 5400 rpm
Transfer Rate Minimum: 30 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 67.1 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 51.9 MB/s
Access Time: 17.1 ms
Burst Rate: 77 MB/s
CPU Usage: 2.2 %

Game Performance

Of course there is no doubt that the HP Compaq 8710w is indeed a genuine business notebook. Nonetheless, also the one or other game is possible if you need a break. In the 3D Mark benchmark comparison it is a middle-ranking notebook, but, clearly outperformed by typical gaming notebook like, e.g., the Dell XPS M1730.

Benchmarkvergleich 3D Mark
Benchmarkvergleich 3D Mark

Regarding game performance we had a closer look at current games like, e.g., Crysis. The Crysis benchmark proves that the overall good performance is overshadowed as soon as the demands on graphical details increases or DirectX 10 support is needed. Crysis only reaches useful frame-rates up to medium details and a  resolution of 1024x768 pixels.

Benchmarks Crysis
Crysis
Benchmarks World in Conflict
World in Conflict

Similarly, the same is true for the real-time strategy game 'World in Conflict' . Whilst the results are up to resolutions of 1440x900 quite good with medium details (DirectX 9), the average frame-rate diminishes already at a resolution of 1024x768 pixels down to 23fps with high details (DirectX 10). If this game should run smoothly, you need to be satisfied with medium details.

Older games, like Doom 3 (OpenGL) or also FEAR ran quite well. It should be possible to run them even with high details and resolutions.

Emissions

Loudness

Although the performance of the HP Compaq 8710w is excellent, low noise emissions are another pro. In idle mode and under low to usual office load (Internet, Mails, Word,…) the fan stays deactivated or very quite and the notebook's silent rustling at a noise level of 33.4 dB(A) is hardly audible.

If the load for CPU and GPU is sufficiently high, the fan starts to speed up and causes a noise level of up to 41.9 dB(A). Under full load we measured a maximum noise level of 44.7 dB(A). But even here, the noise of the fan and the air is not really annoying. Furthermore, after the load falls again, also the noise level drops again down to its standard level of 33.4 dB(A) and the notebooks is user-friendly quiet again.

Noise Level

Idle
33.4 / 33.4 / 33.4 dB(A)
HDD
34.4 dB(A)
DVD
37.2 / dB(A)
Load
41.9 / 44.7 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light    (15 cm distance)

Temperature

Let's start with the positive aspects. The maximum temperature at the top side is 38.3°C, which is alright. If you use this laptop at the desk, you'll hardly notice that it gets warmer than comfortable.

However, the bottom side of the HP 8710w is different. After all we measured a maximum temperature of 48.6°C next to the fan and in the middle of the bottom side. But, as long as the notebook is operated on a hard surface and one is, therefore, not exposed to the temperatures on the bottom side for a longer time, this should not be a problem.

Max. Load
 37.1 °C
99 F
37 °C
99 F
34.7 °C
94 F
 
 37.7 °C
100 F
38.3 °C
101 F
34.2 °C
94 F
 
 34.1 °C
93 F
33.7 °C
93 F
31.9 °C
89 F
 
Maximum: 38.3 °C = 101 F
Average: 35.4 °C = 96 F
36 °C
97 F
41 °C
106 F
42.3 °C
108 F
37.1 °C
99 F
48.6 °C
119 F
46.2 °C
115 F
42.4 °C
108 F
47.2 °C
117 F
46.4 °C
116 F
Maximum: 48.6 °C = 119 F
Average: 43 °C = 109 F
Room Temperature 21.5 °C = 71 F
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 35.4 °C / 96 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F for the devices in the class Gaming.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 38.3 °C / 101 F, compared to the average of 40.4 °C / 105 F, ranging from 21.2 to 68.8 °C for the class Gaming.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 48.6 °C / 119 F, compared to the average of 43.2 °C / 110 F
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (34.1 °C / 93.4 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.9 °C / 84 F (-5.2 °C / -9.4 F).

Speakers

The HP Compaq 8710w has two speakers, which are located at the front edge of the notebook. Their maximum volume is good and the quality of the sound is also alright at maximum volume. Considering it is a business notebook the sound is in general convincing. The sound output via 3.5mm stereo port is also alright.

Battery Runtime

Maximum Runtime measured by BatteryEater Readers Test
Readers Test
Minimum Runtime measured by BatteryEater Classic Test
Classic Test

Alike the 8710p the reviewed Compaq 8710w was also equipped with a 73 Wh main battery. The runtime measured by the BatteryEater Readers test  was 238 minutes, which is very good. This is about the maximum runtime (energy saving mode, WLAN off, minimum display brightness).
After all we still measured a runtime of 104 minutes with the BatteryEater Classic test under load.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0 / 0 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 23 / 35 / 45 Watt
Load midlight 90 / 102 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
3h 58min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 44min

Furthermore, alike the HP 8710w, a supplement battery can be attached at the bottom side of the 8710p via a separate port, which is hidden behind a small cover. E.g., a 12-cells high-capacity battery and a small battery are offered. After installing either of them, the notebook is slightly slanted. A special feature of the high-capacity battery is that it can be recharged outside of the notebook, solely by a power adapter (identical to the system power adapter).

Optional Supplement Battery
Optional Supplement Battery
Optional Supplement Batteries for the HP Compaq 8710w (Source: HP)

Verdict

HP Compaq 8710w
HP Compaq 8710w

Similar to the HP 8710p also the HP Compaq 8710w convinced in our review. First of all the robust business case made of high-quality materials is a solid base of daily intensive use. Furthermore, due to the business-like design there is not doubt that the HP 8710w is actually designed for professional 3D and CAD.

For this purpose this DTR notebook is equipped with a lot of interfaces, among others six USB Ports and a HDMI port. Furthermore, a docking option provides a number of further interfaces and helps to avoid cable spaghetti.
Also the input devices are ready for professionals. They have a spacious layout which includes an extra numerical pad.

The display in WUXGA format provides a clear desktop which is big enough for a couple of windows and toolboxes. Whilst the brightness of 150 cd/m²  in average is rather moderate, the panel has a good contrast of nearly 600:1. If you use this notebook indoors, it is indeed a good panel.

The performance of the HP 8710w also convinces. Intel's most powerful T9500 Penryn CPU and a Quadro FX 1600M by nVIDIA provide excellent performance. Still, the noise emissions are alright. When running office applications with low performance demands (Internet, Mail,…) the fan stays very quiet and hardly audible. Under load this notebook gets louder, but, it is not annoying, because of the noise characteristics. If the performance demand fall, the fan is turned down again, and calm is restored.

After all the battery runtime is due to a powerful battery despite good performance, passable. Furthermore, the battery runtime can be enhanced by a number of different supplement batteries.

 

Many thanks to the company Planet Notebook, who kindly provided us with the reviewed notebook. Here you can configure and also buy this notebook.

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HP Compaq 8710w
Reviewed: HP Compaq 8710w, provided by:

Specifications

HP Compaq 8710w
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA Quadro FX 1600M - 512 MB VRAM, Core: 625 MHz, Memory: 800 MHz, GDDR3, 8.14.11.0163 (Forceware 101.63)
Memory
4 GB 
, DDR2 PC6400 800 MHz, 2x2048MB, max. 8192MB
Display
17.10 inch 16:10, 1920 x 1200 pixel, WUXGA TFT, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel PM965
Storage
320 GB - 5400 rpm, 320 GB 
, 5400 rpm, WDC WD3200BEVT
Soundcard
Analog Devices AD1981 HD Audio
Connections
1 PC-Card, 6 USB 2.0, 1 Firewire, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 56k Modem, 1 Infrared, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: Mikrofon, Kopfhörer, Card Reader: 6in1
Networking
Intel 82566MM Gigabit Network Connection (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 2.0
Optical drive
Optiarc DVD RW AD-7543A
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 33 x 275 x 393 ( = 1.3 x 10.83 x 15.47 in)
Battery
73 Wh Lithium-Ion, 14.4V
Operating System
Microsoft Windows XP Professional 32 Bit
Additional features
36 Months Warranty
Weight
3.379 kg ( = 119.19 oz / 7.45 pounds), Power Supply: 500 g ( = 17.64 oz / 1.1 pounds)
Price
2663 Euro

 

The 8710w is currently HP's most powerful business notebook,...
The 8710w is currently HP's most powerful business notebook,...
Super feature: Touch-sensitive hot-keys above the keyboard allow controlling the volume and other options.
Super feature: Touch-sensitive hot-keys above the keyboard allow controlling the volume and other options.
The WUXGA display has a first-class resolution of 1920x1200 pixels and an excellent contrast.
The WUXGA display has a first-class resolution of 1920x1200 pixels and an excellent contrast.
The most important advantage of the HP 8710w is its brilliant performance:
The most important advantage of the HP 8710w is its brilliant performance:
Quadro FX 1600M and Core 2 Duo T9500 CPU ensure top performance for standard office applications and 3D applications.
Quadro FX 1600M and Core 2 Duo T9500 CPU ensure top performance for standard office applications and 3D applications.
The noise emissions are especially in idle mode and under low load low.
The noise emissions are especially in idle mode and under low load low.
The temperature emissions are alright at the top side of this notebook, but the bottom side gets clearly hotter.
The temperature emissions are alright at the top side of this notebook, but the bottom side gets clearly hotter.
Also the sound of the speakers was convincing.
Also the sound of the speakers was convincing.
The battery runtime is good.
The battery runtime is good.
The keyboard has a clear layout and is spacious and provides an separate numerical pad.
The keyboard has a clear layout and is spacious and provides an separate numerical pad.
A fingerprint readers and SmartCard make it possible to organize access control.
A fingerprint readers and SmartCard make it possible to organize access control.
...and especially designed for professional 3D and CAD users.
...and especially designed for professional 3D and CAD users.
Alike the 8710p, the 8710w's design is business-like...
Alike the 8710p, the 8710w's design is business-like...
...and convinces by high-quality materials and haptics.
...and convinces by high-quality materials and haptics.
The stability of the case is still very good.
The stability of the case is still very good.
Pressure resistance and flexural rigidity are alright.
Pressure resistance and flexural rigidity are alright.
The interface equipment is generous and includes among others 6 USB ports an HDMI port, and a docking port.
The interface equipment is generous and includes among others 6 USB ports an HDMI port, and a docking port.
Unfortunately, the interfaces are near the front on both flanks, which can lead to disturbing cable spaghetti.
Unfortunately, the interfaces are near the front on both flanks, which can lead to disturbing cable spaghetti.
The docking port enables connecting all peripherals via docking port behind the notebook.
The docking port enables connecting all peripherals via docking port behind the notebook.
If needed, also supplement batteries are available.
If needed, also supplement batteries are available.

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Price Comparison

HP Compaq 8710w on Ciao

Pricerunner.de

Pros

+High-quality materials,
+Robust Case, good workmanship
+Docking option, 6 USB ports, HDMI port
+Many security features
+Good input devices, with clear layout and of good quality
+Non-reflecting display
+Big desktop size due to high resolution
+First-class performance for applications and 3D
+Low noise emissions, if the load is low
+Passable battery runtime and supplement battery available
 

Cons

-Disadvantageously located USB ports
-Track point needs time to get used to
-The bottom side gets partly very hot

Rating

HP Compaq 8710w - 09/23/2007
J. Simon Leitner

Chassis
86%
Keyboard
92%
Pointing Device
86%
Connectivity
92%
Weight
66%
Battery
81%
Display
88%
Games Performance
91%
Application Performance
94%
Temperature
76%
Noise
84%
Add Points
92%
Average
86%
89%
Gaming - Weighted Average
J. Simon Leitner, 2008-04-11 (Update: 2012-05-26)