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Review HP Pavilion dv5-1032eg Notebook

Reasonable General-Purpose Computer

The HP Pavilion dv5-1032eg manages to combine low price and good equipment. An nVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT combined with a Core 2 Duo processor by Intel, even promises playable performance. The following article covers whether this multimedia notebook is able to meet the expectations arisen by the notebook specifications.

HP Pavilion dv5-1000 Serie

Case

HP follows today's trend and presents a futuristic notebook with many high-gloss surfaces with chrome effects and imprint patterns. Bevelled edges and corners are an important design element. But, also the central hinge has an important impact on the look. Due to its construction the opening angle is limited. Below the opening mechanism there is a chromed sensor moulding for hot keys.

The hinge can be easily moved and so, the opening angle can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, there is hardly any see-saw afterwards. Furthermore, it seems durable, because it is rather wide. However, a transport hook which allows locking the lid is not available.

The workmanship is besides some uneven gaps good. The used materials appear to be neither cheap nor of special high quality. Because of the price, this is not surprising. The stability of the case is also good. The base unit hardly gives and hardly creaks when handling with this notebook. The display lid, which is made of plastics, is sufficiently flexural rigid and protects the display well. When we applied force at the backside, the display did not change at all.

Peripheral Connectivity

A highlight of the HP dv5-1032 multimedia notebook is its variety on interfaces. We were only missing digital audio outs and a modem port. The eSata port is especially note-worthy. It allows to connect an external drive without loss of speed. Two headphones ports and a docking station port are also advantageous. The integrated IRDA receiver can be used with the provided remote control. We assume that it is only uni-directional, i.e., that it can only receive signals.

Front Side: Infra-red, Microphone, 2x Headphones
Front Side: Infra-red, Microphone, 2x Headphones
Left Side: Express Card 45, Cardreader (SD, MS (Pro), MMC, xD), FireWire 400, USB, eSata (with integrated USB), HDMI, LAN, Docking Station, VGA
Left Side: Express Card 45, Cardreader (SD, MS (Pro), MMC, xD), FireWire 400, USB, eSata (with integrated USB), HDMI, LAN, Docking Station, VGA
Right Side: DVD Drive, 2x USB, Kensington Lock, Power Connector (not implemented: Modem, Antenna)
Right Side: DVD Drive, 2x USB, Kensington Lock, Power Connector (not implemented: Modem, Antenna)
Back Side: No Ports
Back Side: No Ports

Furthermore, the price includes 24 month manufacturer warranty (pick-up and bring-back service, parts and work) and some software. However, only the pre-installed MS Works (reduced Office) and Cyberlinks DVD suite can be utilized for a longer time. Norton Internet Security and MS Office Home and Student 2007 can only be used for 60 days and must be bought afterwards.

Input Devices

HP equipped notebooks of the Pavilion dv5-1000 series with keyboards, which have a standard size and an excellent layout. We especially liked the big cursor keys and the double-spaced enter key during our test. Typing with the silver keyboard is characterized by a sufficienly long key travel and a well recognizable feedback. To summarize, the keyboard left a good mark.

The touchpad is also sufficiently big. Unfortunately, the look was considered more important than the gliding properties of the surface. Using the pad for a long time was rather cumbersome. Furthermore, the silver touchpad surface gets easily soiled.

HP Pavilion dv5 touchpad
Touchpad
HP Pavilion dv5 keyboard
Keyboard

Display

The 15.4 inch BrightView display is unfortunately less bright than its name implies. The average brightness of 158 cd/m² of this reflecting display is only sufficient for indoor operation. The resolution of 1280x800 pixel is also not outstanding high. So, the desktop size is average.

Our personal impression was, that the colours are strong, but cold. The excellent grey level gradients without visible grey level changes are note-worthy.

The viewing angles are typical for a notebook TN. They are horizontally sufficent, but vertically rather limited. Looking top down, the contrast quickly diminishes. It gets too low and the displayed contents get illegible.

155
cd/m²
170
cd/m²
162
cd/m²
168
cd/m²
182
cd/m²
158
cd/m²
149
cd/m²
142
cd/m²
132
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Maximum: 182 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 157.6 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 73 %
Contrast: 143:1 (Black: 1.27 cd/m²)
Reference picture
HP Pavilion dv5-1032eg Viewing Angels
HP Pavilion dv5-1032eg Viewing Angels
HP Pavilion dv5-1032eg Viewing Angels
HP Pavilion dv5-1032eg Viewing Angels
HP Pavilion dv5-1032eg Viewing Angels
HP Pavilion dv5-1032eg Viewing Angels
 

Performance

Regarding performance the HP dv5-1032eg especially convinces by the built-in nVidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics card. Combined with a 2 GHz Core 2 Duo dual core processor (Penryn core in 45 nm technology with 3MB L2 cache) this multimedia  notebook achieves a good performance considering its price category. Although it was a little bit saved on these two core components (least powerful Penryn processor, 9600M GT with slow GDDR2 memory), this combination still allows to smoothly run current games. Older, less demanding games (e.g., F.E.A.R.) can even be played on maximum detail level.

Due to 3072 MB RAM (unfortunately also DDR2) the performance is sufficient for demanding picture processing. Of course office and Internet application can also be run without problems.

PCMark 05 Standard
5192 points
Help

The built-in nVidia GeForce 9600M GT with 400 MHz 'fast' GDDR2 is about as powerful as its predecessor, the 8600M GT with GDDR3. The 3DMark 06 benchmark result is, e.g., more or less identical to the one of the older Dell XPS M1530. Current games like Unreal Tournament 3, Call of Duty 4, or Race Driver Grid run therewith smoothly on medium to high details. Today there are no faster notebooks available in this price category.

3DMark 06 1280x800 Score
4390 points
Help
F.E.A.R.
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1024x768GPU: max, CPU: max, 0xAA, 0xAF38 fps
 640x480GPU min, CPU min, 0xAA, 0xAF271 fps

The new Core 2 Duo P7350 is based on the Penryn refresh (Centrino 2) and is at the time of writing the slowest Core 2 Duo processor with FSB1066. According to Intel this processor has a maximum energy demand of only 25 Watt and should so run relatively economically. In terms of performance the P7350, which is equipped with a 1066 MHz fast frontsidebus, can even catch up with the T8100, whose clock rate is 100 MHz faster.

Cinebench R10
 SettingsValue
 Shading 32Bit601 Points
 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit3257 Points
 Rendering Single 32Bit1760 Points

The built-in Hitachi HTS542525K9a serial ATA hard disk with 250 GB is an averagely fast notebook hard disk. For applications which demand a higher hard disk performance it should be replaced by a faster hard disk.

Hitachi Travelstar 5K250 HTS542525K9SA00
Transfer Rate Minimum: 23.6 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 55.4 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 43 MB/s
Access Time: 17.6 ms
Burst Rate: 100 MB/s
CPU Usage: 3.6 %

Emissions

System Noise

Our measurements of the system noise could only be done with limitations. The test was run in an air-conditioned room. The noise level in there was above 38 dB. So, we cannot say much about the minimum noise level.

In general the dv5 was clearly quieter than the also reviewed HP dv7, which is equipped with similar hardware. The measured maximum noise level of 40.7 dB(A) was tolerable. However, the fans ran also without load all the time, but, clearly quieter. We did not recognize any annoying rising or falling. To summarize, the noise emissions of the fan are not disturbing.

Temperature

The average temperature of the HP Pavilion dv5-1032eg's case was 36°C at the top side respectively 39°C at the underside. These values were measured after a long-time full load period in a constantly warm environment, whereas the ambient temperature was 22°C. So, the notebook can get hotter in warmer environments.

Max. Load
 36.5 °C
98 F
40.3 °C
105 F
35.8 °C
96 F
 
 36.7 °C
98 F
36.6 °C
98 F
31.2 °C
88 F
 
 37.5 °C
100 F
35.5 °C
96 F
31.2 °C
88 F
 
Maximum: 40.3 °C = 105 F
Average: 35.7 °C = 96 F
42 °C
108 F
42 °C
108 F
37.5 °C
100 F
37.7 °C
100 F
42.7 °C
109 F
35.4 °C
96 F
37.3 °C
99 F
39.3 °C
103 F
35.7 °C
96 F
Maximum: 42.7 °C = 109 F
Average: 38.8 °C = 102 F
Room Temperature 22 °C = 72 F
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 35.7 °C / 96 F, compared to the average of 31.2 °C / 88 F for the devices in the class Multimedia.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 40.3 °C / 105 F, compared to the average of 36.9 °C / 98 F, ranging from 21.1 to 71 °C for the class Multimedia.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 42.7 °C / 109 F, compared to the average of 39.1 °C / 102 F
(±) The palmrests and touchpad can get very hot to the touch with a maximum of 37.5 °C / 99.5 F.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.8 °C / 83.8 F (-8.7 °C / -15.7 F).

Speakers

Compared to the bigger dv7 series, which has a built-in subwoofer, basses are clearly missing. Furthermore, the maximum volume is rather low. However, the speakers are sufficient for undemanding music. Compared to other notebooks without subwoofer the sound is even good.

Battery Life

Equipped with a 55 Wh lithium ions battery, the HP Pavilion dv5-1032eg has a minimum runtime of nearly 1.5 hours under full load (BatteryEater Classic test). This is a good runtime considering that the battery is small. Without load a battery runtime of about 3 hours should be possible. With standard load the battery life should be somewhere in between.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0 / 0 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 26 / 0 / 31 Watt
Load midlight 61 / 64 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
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 28min

Verdict

The modern designed HP Pavilion dv5-1032eg, which costs between 800 and 850 Euro at the time of writing, is an interesting combination of playable hardware and a solid case. Furthermore, the keyboard is very good and so is the provided connectivity. The average hard disk and the GDDR2 memory of the graphics card should keep the price low. However, the biggest disadvantage of this notebook is its sticky touchpad. So, using an external mouse is recommended.

If do not mind this and do not want to use your laptop outdoors, you should definitely take the HP dv5 into consideration.

HP Pavilion dv5 Series
HP Pavilion dv5 Series

 

Many thanks to the company MediaMarkt Wels, who kindly provided us with the test sample. You can buy this notebook there.

 

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Under Review: HP Pavilion dv5-1032eg
Under Review: HP Pavilion dv5-1032eg

Specifications

HP Pavilion dv5-1032eg (Pavilion dv5-1000 Series)
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT - 512 (bis 1791 MB mit TurboCache) MB VRAM, Core: 500 / 800 MHz, Memory: 400 MHz, GDDR 2, 175.86
Memory
3 GB 
, 1024 + 2048 MB PC2-6400 Elpida
Display
15.40 inch 16:10, 1280 x 800 pixel, BrightView, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel PM45
Storage
Soundcard
Intel IDT 92HD71B7 HD Audio (ICH9)
Connections
1 Express Card 54mm, 4 USB 2.0, 1 Firewire, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 Infrared, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 eSata, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: microphone, 2 x headphones, Card Reader: SD, MS (Pro), MMC, xD, eSATA
Optical drive
TSSTcorp CDDVDW TS-L633L
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 41.9 x 259 x 357 ( = 1.65 x 10.2 x 14.06 in)
Battery
55 Wh Lithium-Ion, 10.8 V
Operating System
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 32 Bit
Additional features
remote control (can be transported in Express slot), MS Works, MS Office Home 60 day trial version, Cyberlink DVD suite, Symantec Internet Security 2008 (60 days updates), 24 Months Warranty
Weight
2.65 kg ( = 93.48 oz / 5.84 pounds), Power Supply: 0 g ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)
Price
830 Euro

 

The HP Pavilion dv5-1032 is a reasonable Centrino 2 multimedia laptop.
The HP Pavilion dv5-1032 is a reasonable Centrino 2 multimedia laptop.
Because of the powerful components, the fans run always, but the noise level stays alright.
Because of the powerful components, the fans run always, but the noise level stays alright.
Due to the fast graphics card and the Centrino 2 platform the performance is sufficient for games.
Due to the fast graphics card and the Centrino 2 platform the performance is sufficient for games.
This notebook provides a special feature at the front side: two headphones ports.
This notebook provides a special feature at the front side: two headphones ports.
Design caused the basses of the speakers are weak. Nevertheless, we liked the speakers.
Design caused the basses of the speakers are weak. Nevertheless, we liked the speakers.
The moulding above the keyboard provides some hot keys to multimedia functions and looks good.
The moulding above the keyboard provides some hot keys to multimedia functions and looks good.
The keyboard is very good. The touch pad only sufficient, because it has a sticky surface.
The keyboard is very good. The touch pad only sufficient, because it has a sticky surface.
At the top of the wide-screen display there is a web-cam.
At the top of the wide-screen display there is a web-cam.
Although the picture of the reflecting display looks good, it is not ideal in terms of brightness, illumination, and viewing angles.
Although the picture of the reflecting display looks good, it is not ideal in terms of brightness, illumination, and viewing angles.
... and white indicator LEDs.
... and white indicator LEDs.
Similar to current Apple products, HP uses a foldaway hinge...
Similar to current Apple products, HP uses a foldaway hinge...
Unfortunately this high-gloss surfaces are very sensitive to fingerprints.
Unfortunately this high-gloss surfaces are very sensitive to fingerprints.
... and on top part.
... and on top part.
... because of the imprint patterns on lid ...
... because of the imprint patterns on lid ...
The design of the notebook looks good, ....
The design of the notebook looks good, ....
The same is true for the surface temperatures. So, this notebook is recommendable for price-concious gamers.
The same is true for the surface temperatures. So, this notebook is recommendable for price-concious gamers.

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Price Comparison

Pricerunner.de

Pros

+Modern design
+Good price/performance ratio
+Good Connectivity
 

Cons

-Surface of the touchpad

Rating

HP Pavilion dv5-1032eg - 08/09/2008
Klaus Hinum

Chassis
87%
Keyboard
91%
Pointing Device
62%
Connectivity
88%
Weight
80%
Battery
74%
Display
70%
Games Performance
88%
Application Performance
86%
Temperature
81%
Noise
82%
Add Points
85%
Average
81%
82%
Multimedia - Weighted Average
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Archive of our own reviews > Short Review HP Pavilion dv5-1032eg Entertainment Notebook
Klaus Hinum, 2008-08-15 (Update: 2012-05-26)