The HP Pavilion dv6 is a speedy laptop that won’t break the bank and whose AMD quad-core A8 processor makes it compatible for serious computing like video editing or gaming.
As an AMD Tech Mom, I recently received a dv6-6c35dx featuring Beats Audio and a quad-core 1.6GHz processor with 6 GB of ram. The 1.6GHz model is still available at BestBuy, but you’re more likely to find a newer model sporting processors up to 2.5GHz. Whether you go for the 1.6GHz or a faster model, HP’s dv6 line packs some impressive specs.
The HP dv6 has a 15.6 inch LED backlit screen with a 1366×768 resolution. The screen is bigger than many laptops and probably an ideal size if you crave portability in your laptop. Computers with larger 17.3” screens are great for home use because they tend to be heavy to carry on a regular basis and aren’t well suited for air travel unless you only fly business class.
The dv6 comes with 6 GB of ram, expandable to 16GB. For most people, 6 GB is the right starting point now although 8 GB is nice to have.
For input devices, the HP Pavilion DV6 has a full size keyboard with an integrated keypad. One interesting addition is an integrated fingerprint reader that can be used to unlock your PC instead of using a password. This is a common feature on corporate Windows laptops and not usually seen on home-grade PCs. It comes with HP SimplePass software that serves as a repository for your PC and various online passwords. The system has an integrated HD webcam that is better than many other laptops.
It includes a 4 speaker Beats Audio by Dr. Dre sound system. Four speakers in a laptop is very cool. There are two speakers by the screen hinge and two more in the side of the laptop base, under the wrist-rest.
Built-in to the Pavilion dv6 are 2 high speed USB 3.0 ports and 2 USB 2.0 ports. Having USB 3.0 is beneficial for hooking up a large external hard drive to store video for playback or editing which is a nice touch. For video, the dv6 both a VGA port and an HDMI port, bridging the divide between old and new technology for those who want to connect their computer to their televisions
The case and construction of the dv6 line is attractive and seems well assembled. The lid has a matte-black finish, that is relatively fingerprint free even after much use, and a lit HP logo. When opened, the case reveals a large high-gloss screen, silver speaker grills, and a black surface. It has a ton of ports for expansion.
The AMD A8 processor I tested was the 1.6GHz version but the Windows Experience Index rated it nearly as high as a Dell with an i7 processor. Overall, the HP beat the Dell in the Windows experience metrics (5.9 for HP dv6 vs 5.1 for the Dell) because of the high-powered AMD graphics inside the HP dv6. I bet that the 2.5Ghz model AMD A8 is lightning fast!
Pros:
- Fast AMD A8 processor with AMD graphics
- Beats Audio with 4 speakers
- Fingerprint reader
- HD Webcam
Cons:
- Low end Wifi card. It works but it as fast or any better than other Wifi cards.
Tips:
- Upgrade from the 1.6 GHz model and go for the 2.5GHz processor for $120 more.
Where to buy the HP dv6:
- The unit reviewed with the 1.6GHz processor and AMD A8 is available at BestBuy for $579 or various Amazon retailers.
- For a better machine, upgrade to the HP dv6 with a 2.5GHz processor and featuring AMD A8 from HP Direct for $699.
As an AMD Tech Mom, I received the HP dv6 for review purposes and am compensated for my participation in the program. All opinions are my own. Amazon Affiliate link contained in this post.
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Original post by Tech Savvy Mama
©2012
Wow! I’m going to pass this along to my sister. This sounds like the perfect laptop for her and her husband.
HP Pavilion dv6-6c35dx —> Beats Audio // Music-Audio-Movie // not functioning
I installed the update ver. 6.10.6418.0 Audio Driver and it did not fix the problem.
I think the update ver. 6.10.6481.0 Audio Driver caused the problem.
Please inform me what to do next.
Steve
Hi Steve. Thanks for your comment regarding your problems with your HP Pavilion. I haven’t encountered this problem so unfortunately I’m not the best person to advise about the driver updates. I’d check various HP support forums and reach out to others on the message board to see if anyone who has had a similar problem and can help. Good luck and I hope you’re able to get it fixed soon!