I purchased this laptop about a month ago to be used primarily at home, but needed something that was highly portable for trips, as well as something I could use for remote work logins. Since it is a Vista unit, we've not yet gotten all of the RDP/VPN kinks worked out, but it's just a matter or time.
THE GOOD:
The size and weight of the unit is perfect for portability, and while the color (white) is not my all-time favorite, it is not an unappealing color scheme. The built-in mic and camera work flawlessly with any of the messenger-type applications I've tried. Goodbye, plug-in webcams! The image, too, is better than I thought it would be. I was also concerned that the battery would jut out in the back, as many of the newer laptops do--this one does not. I actually use it as a lap top PC--it rests on my lap as I type--so I did not want a battery configuration that would prove to be uncomfortable. Plus, it came with *almost* all of the features I was looking for--a wealth of USB ports, webcam and mic, DVD player (with lightscribe). Slingbox software also comes preinstalled on this unit, though you will have to purchase a slingbox if you want to use that functionality. It also runs DVDs well. If desired, you can use it with the included remote control (I have not).
THE BAD:
The biggest drawback to this unit is its battery life. I charged the battery up fully before disconnecting the power supply initially, and have run it down fully before recharging each time, and even on "power saver" mode, the battery life does not reach 3 hours, though it is rated for 5+. That is pretty disappointing, but I recognize that using the Internet with multiple applications open simultaneously does drain the battery faster. The other thing I had hoped to find on the unit was a full version of MS Office 2007. It, like many, comes with a trial version--though there are units out there now with full versions of this product at comparable price points.
THE UGLY:
Aside from the issues of Vista compatibility (particularly with the RDP/VPN issue above and the "run as administrator" idiocy), there's not much about this laptop that falls in this category. Plus, since this unit came with a free upgrade to Windows 7, it is hoped that that sordid Vista tale will have a happy ending.
CONCLUSION:
This is a compact, full-featured laptop that is very well priced.Get more detail about HP Pavilion DV4-1430US 14.1-Inch Entertainment Laptop.
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