HP Pavilion dv7-6B55DX
Manufacturer: HP Part number: DV7-6B55DX
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- If you're looking for a lot of screen real estate and enough power for work and play, the HP Pavilion dv7-6b55dx is a good place to start.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Buy |  | See Site | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/23/2012 |
CNET editors' review
HP Pavilion dv7-6B55DX price range: $599.99
- Reviewed by: Joshua Goldman
- Reviewed on: 11/07/2011
The good: The HP Pavilion dv7-6b55dx is a nice-looking big-screen laptop with long battery life and very good performance for the money.
The bad: The dv7's screen is low-resolution for its size and its integrated graphics drag down the performance some.
The bottom line: If you're looking for a lot of screen real estate and enough power for work and play, the HP Pavilion dv7-6b55dx is a good place to start.
There's a lot to like about the HP Pavilion dv7-6b55dx. It's not that it's an extraordinary laptop or anything, and maybe I'm just too used to seeing ugly, cheap-looking Windows laptops at its price, but the dv7 looks and feels much better than its cost would suggest.
Inside is a very good component mix headlined by a second-gen Core i5 processor backed by a plentiful amount of memory that we found made carrying out everyday tasks painless. It has long battery life--somewhat uncommon for a desktop replacement--and all the requisite ports and connections, plus a couple of extras like wireless display and WiMax support.
This dv7's biggest shortcoming is its integrated graphics, which just don't have the power to handle demanding games or complex photo and video editing. If those things aren't on your to-do list and you simply need a desktop replacement for home office stuff and a little entertainment, the HP Pavilion dv7-6b55dx might just be what you're looking for.
| Price as reviewed | $749.99 |
| Processor | 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-2430M |
| Memory | 8GB, 1,333MHz DDR3 |
| Hard drive | 750GB 5,400rpm |
| Chipset | Mobile Intel HM65 Express Chipset |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Operating system | Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) |
| Dimensions (WD) | 16.4x10.8 inches |
| Height | 1.4 inches |
| Screen size (diagonal) | 17.3 inches |
| System weight / Weight with AC adapter | 7.2 pounds / 7.9 pounds |
| Category | Mainstream |
HP's Pavilion dv7 proves you can make a sub-$800 Windows laptop that looks and feels good. Both the lid and keyboard deck are dressed in dark-brown brushed aluminum. Branding is limited and fairly subtle, too; for the most part it's just a backlit logo on the lower right corner of the lid and a tiny one on the speaker bar above the keyboard. I could do without the glossy black plastic around the screen and the matte black plastic bottom, but they only cheapen the overall look slightly. About the only real complaint I have is that the entire thing collects fingerprints, but I'd rather have that than a plastic alternative.
With its 17.3-inch LCD and nine-cell extended-life battery, this laptop is not exactly travel-friendly, and it actually feels heavy when you're working with it on your lap. Then again, you'll probably be keeping a system this large on a table most of the time, so this isn't a huge deal.
The island-style keyboard with full number pad is large, comfortable, quiet, and responsive. It would be even nicer if it were backlit, but it's not. Instead, the touch pad is rimmed in light, which I'm not sure does any real good aside from looking nice; if you don't like it, hitting the Fn key plus the spacebar shuts it off. The touch pad is a good size, large enough for multitouch gestures like pinch zoom and two-finger scrolling, and has separate left and right mouse buttons. Media and volume and mute controls, screen brightness adjustment, and wireless on/off are mapped to function keys instead of extra discrete buttons. There is one small quick-launch button for a Web browser, and there's also a fingerprint reader for use with HP's SimplePass software for password support, but that's it.
The 17.3-inch LED-backlit display has a resolution of 1,600x900 pixels; that's good enough to support 720p HD playback, but not full HD. That's not entirely unexpected at this price, but it hurts its appeal as a multimedia system. However, those simply looking for extra work space will probably be more than satisfied. It gets very bright and has nice color and contrast, and off-angle viewing is pretty good, too. The screen is very reflective, though, so if that bothers you, well, it might be a deal breaker.
Below the screen at the top of the keyboard deck are the system's stereo speakers; a triple bass subwoofer is in the laptop's bottom side. They sound good, and get a decent boost from the onboard Beats Audio processing, but they're not going to blow you away. On the other hand, paired with a decent set of headphones or external speakers, Beats Audio does noticeably pump up output.
| HP Pavilion dv7-6b55dx | Average for category [mainstream] | |
|---|---|---|
| Video | VGA, HDMI | VGA plus HDMI or DisplayPort |
| Audio | Stereo speakers with subwoofer, 2 headphone,1 microphone jacks | Stereo speakers, headphone/microphone jacks |
| Data | 2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.0, SD card reader | 2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.0, SD card reader, eSATA |
| Networking | Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11n Wi-Fi, optional 4G WiMax mobile broadband, Intel WiDi-ready | Ethernet, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, optional mobile broadband |
| Optical drive | DVD burner | DVD burner |
There are no real extras or surprises in the connection pack on this HP. Well, that's not entirely true. There are two headphone jacks and it is ready for 4G WiMax mobile broadband access should you want to pay for service. You can also wirelessly send content to an HDTV with its Intel Wireless Display (WiDi) support, though you'll need to buy an adapter. But, otherwise, things are pretty standard.
The Pavilion dv7 is available in multiple component configurations and you can always head to HP's site and build one out to meet your needs. For the money, what's in the dv7-6b55dx is solid, but not extraordinary. The 750GB hard drive offers a lot of storage, though it spins at a slow 5,400rpm so it doesn't really offer any performance benefits. The 8GB of system memory, however, does seem to help the Core i5 processor and integrated graphics perform a little better on certain tasks.
Unsurprisingly, similarly priced laptops with quad-core i7 processors did better in our multitasking lab tests. For most home office tasks, though, the i5 processor in the dv7-6b55dx did fine in anecdotal tests with almost no slowdown when simultaneously streaming music and running word-processing software along with IM and e-mail clients and a Web browser. If you need to do anything more than basic photo or video editing, you'll probably want to shut a couple things down first, but otherwise you should be good for average day-to-day stuff. The integrated graphics were sufficient for streaming video and casual gaming.
 Juice box |
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| HP Pavilion dv7-6b55dx | Average watts per hour | ||
| Off (60 percent) | 0.42 | ||
| Sleep (10 percent) | 0.8 | ||
| Idle (25 percent) | 8.93 | ||
| Load (5 percent) | 49.38 | ||
| Raw kWh | 44.09 | ||
| Annual energy cost | $5.00 | ||
The dv7-6b55dx's battery life is great, running for 8 hours and 33 minutes in our video playback battery drain test. With some power management and under more typical use, you could probably stretch that out to about 9 hours. Of course, it does use a bulky nine-cell battery to get there. That's something to keep in mind when you're looking at comparable laptops that use a more standard six-cell pack.
The HP Pavilion dv7-6b55dx includes a one-year warranty on parts and labor. If you purchase a dv7 direct from HP, you will get two years of protection, but a similar configuration will be more expensive and you can't get this exact combination of features.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a big-screen laptop for home office use that won't die shortly after being unplugged, the HP Pavilion dv7-6b55dx is a good starting point. It offers enough performance muscle for everyday tasks and looks good doing it, too.
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
Find out more about how we test laptops.
User reviews
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Sorry I went HP.
by whitetailestate on January 18, 2012
Pros: They did not honor terms of sale
Cons: Lied to us about in home repairs and warranty.
Summary: Mrs MegWhitman,
In 2009 we purchased a new desktop pc from your online sales. It arived DOA and we repeatedly requested a repairman to come and fix it while we ...Summary: Mrs MegWhitman,
In 2009 we purchased a new desktop pc from your online sales. It arived DOA and we repeatedly requested a repairman to come and fix it while we made payments for 5 months we waited. So ,to stay on line we purchased a DELL and we finally quit making payments on the HP DOA computor.Finally got your attention You recalled the DOA desktop VIA FedEX and J Hannon "your employee" signed for it ,and that's the last we saw of it.. Since we were treated in such a mannor by HP, we told you to keep the PC as we no longer needed it ,Since we had to Purchase the DELL to do the job.Seems only fair that you would want to return our $360.we paid for a DOA HP that you recalled,but instead we were to be harassed night and day for the next 3 years by your company s collection department . Your actions have caused damage to my wifes credit records, and increased premiums charges on car insurance,house insurance ,and refusals on loan applications. Your companies actions have caused us mental anguish as well as health issues. Since your company refuses to be fair with its customers, I feel it has become necessary to write our customer experiance in syndicated articles on family websites for all to read and it will be backed up by proof as we have saved all emails,phone records , and tech conversations detailing that the way to fix a DOA PC is to clean the printer ink heads or reinstall the OP system...In short, Im looking to settle this one way or another,and I'm tired of the run around by your company. First, I want my wifes credit repaired by your company.Second , I want the $360. paid in on the DOA PC returned. Third some form of restitution for all the crap we've had to put up with and the harassment by your company,the choice is yours there what do you think would be fair. Then when this is all over , I never again want to hear from your company.
Three years , THREE YEARS! we have put up with this mess your company caused... Still I have Not
heard the words " We have straightened the mess out." Our insurance rates are
going up due to the negative reports your company posted on my wifes credit
report ,and thats just the start of it . Loss of sleep ,nerve problems medical bills due to
the stress you have caused us. You still have NOT refunded every cent I paid on
that DOA computor that you took back and tried to bill my wife for! You want to
know what the serial number and that kind of info , ASK J Hannon HE SIGNED FOR
IT!
You were NOT fair with us , Your salesman lied to us
about in home repairs. The thing was DOA for the first 5 months out of the box.
YOU REFUSED TO HONOR TERMS OF THE SALE . Then you STILL expect people to pay for
that kind of junk.
I'm going to make
it my mission to cost your company all the sales I can , untill you make
amens,and straighten out all the damage you have done to us. I'm posting the
story on every web page that I can for ALL to read every day. If any one needs
proof of the story, I'll release it to TV news as well . Alan W Duckworth (Husband)
(12-17-2011)
(HP Home & Office Store)
Asset Recovery Solutions
FBCS Inc.
2200 Byberry RD.STE 120
Hatboro,PA 19040-3738
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Your company failed to provide a usable ,working product ,and after numerous requests for repair ,and notices to your company,and finance dept., HP took posession Via FedEx call tag #427137811148461. No one seems to know where it is after J Hannon signed for it.I further request that you fully refund all monies I paid you in good faith on the DOA defective product ,and repair my credit report.
In further;
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S.C. 1692 et seq., this letter serves notice that you CEASE & DESIST any further contact with me in regards to the billing of (7946970100271416).(0000668224)
I do not owe the debt in connection with that account. Let it be understood that any further contact from you regarding collection of this account will result in legal action against you ,your company,and or agencys or subsiderary.
Sincerely,
Sandy Duckworth
Since no one ever gets anything finished at your company ,I'll repost this letter on the internet untill youe CEO takes notice . I tried to get Mark Hurds attention, but we all know what he was interested in .2 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Mine: Quad Core AMD Blu-Ray Fingerprint Security Loaded
by RBCCO on March 20, 2012
Pros: My Pavilion dv7-6b57nr: AMD Quad Core A6-3400M,17.3" HD+ LED Display,750GB HD, 8192MB DDR3 SDRAM, Blu-Ray Drive, Windows 7 64-bit (included), Wireless N/A/B/G LAN & Wired, Beats Audio, and Fingerprint Security. I bought the laptop last week for $550.
Cons: The only issue was that the 750GB Drive was 5,400 RPM. However, with the $350+ saved not considering the next system that came somewhat close in features, I have no issues replacing the drive w/a 750GB 7,200 RPM unit I just purchased for $99 (new).
Summary: Top of the line system, with all the "Goodies." The Hard Drive I will replace tomorrow I find to be a non issue. I will use the original 750GB 5,...
Summary: Top of the line system, with all the "Goodies." The Hard Drive I will replace tomorrow I find to be a non issue. I will use the original 750GB 5,400 RPM as a secondary drive. Not only do I come out way ahead in the financial part of this scenario, even with the $99 spent on the new 7,200 RPM Hard Drive, the top line specs was the biggest draw. AMD has always been my processor of choice. Not only because of the price difference, but I have purchased and used both Intel and AMD systems over the past ten years. Not only in desktops and laptops I have purchased, but also in systems I personally built myself..choosing each end every piece of equipment, from the processors, memory and cases, down to the actual screws and thermal grease I would use in my systems.
While the price of this system undoubtedly had a cost advantage due to the processor brand, I have always found AMD to work as well, if not better, in all the systems I have both used and built. Intel markets their products exceptionally well. Ask a novice about a processor and they will probably say Intel. AMD does not have the advertising budget as Intel does. Yet, their products are as good, if not better, and definitly lower priced. My system has an AMD Quad Core CPU, and it runs like a champ! On the HP front, when is the last time you saw a laptop for sale with 8-megs of memory? This is the first one I've seen...I believe ever. When it comes right down to it, this system has no eaqual at the moment, and nothing close at this price. And I have to say, this system is not just a good looking piece of equipment, which it very well is, but it will blow the doors off of anything that tries to come close at this unbelievable price. -
very sleek looking and powerful.
by manny_stevens on January 4, 2012
Pros: Its processor speed is awesome and I like the sleek design and the speaker sound quality is outstanding. This computer was not built for hardcore gaming.Its was built for more important stuffs.
Cons: No bluray drive, lacks full HD (1080p)
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This laptop is good when not charging.
by PapaSmurf3C on December 21, 2011
Pros: This laptop is fast when gaming and runs smoothly.
Cons: The things I said in 'Pros' is only true when not charging. If the computer is charging, the frame rate drops severely (meaning it freezes up a lot) and I have to unplug the computer to make it stop lagging
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Want 17" laptop. Very good value for $729.
by GeekyGranny on December 19, 2011
Pros: Everything
Cons: HP's 3-hour conversations, usually with Indians (NOT American ones) for even a small problem with one of their mice! You better be exactly to the hour IN WARRANTY.
Summary: I do not want a smaller monitor and most laptops aren't an i6 processor. I am amazed how fast, cool, and quiet it runs. Bonus is the excellent speaker ...
Summary: I do not want a smaller monitor and most laptops aren't an i6 processor. I am amazed how fast, cool, and quiet it runs. Bonus is the excellent speaker system. Nothing more annoying than a tinney sound or not loud enough. This one will amaze even the most discerning music lover or computer owner. I do not favor HP's customer service and go out of my way not to buy HP products because of this, but this laptop made me put this prejudice aside.
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good laptop but lot's of other laptop's are better
by slikhyani on November 8, 2011
Pros: Is a Good-looking big-screen laptop with
a long battery life and
very good performance for the money.Cons: bigger screen which did not matches the graphics performance
the price is not so good because there is lot's of other laptops better than this because in range of 500-600$ we get good laptops like the Samsung QX411-W01UBSummary: All n All a good Laptop if somebody wants a big desktop replacement in less money
Better they check this.Summary: All n All a good Laptop if somebody wants a big desktop replacement in less money
Better they check this.0 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: HP
- Part number: DV7-6B55DX
- Bottom Line: If you're looking for a lot of screen real estate and enough power for work and play, the HP Pavilion dv7-6b55dx is a good place to start.
General
- Notebook type Desktop replacement ,
Budget Processor / Chipset
- Processor Intel 2nd Gen Core i5 i5-2430M
Memory
- RAM 8 GB
Storage
- Hard Drive 750 GB
Display
- Type 17 in
Sustainability
- Greenpeace policy rating (Nov 2011) 5.9
Accessories
- A-Data Classic Series C008 - USB flash drive - 4 GB (34637987)9.69
- A-Data Classic Series C008 - USB flash drive - 64 GB (34581520)64.99
- A-Data Classic Series C008 - USB flash drive - 64 GB (34581564)62.99
- Cyborg R.A.T. 9 Gaming Mouse for PC (34150179)128.70 - 156.99
- Logitech Performance Mouse MX (33769469)73.69 - 113.25
- Belkin Compact Mouse M100 mouse (35145329)7.99
- Cisco Linksys E4200 v2 Maximum Performance Dual-Band N900 router (35098697)164.99 - 199.99
- Asus RT-N56U Dual-Band Gigabit Wireless-N Router (34200558)114.79 - 135.00
- Belkin N150 Wireless Router - wireless router - 802.11b/g/n - desktop (34859948)28.99 - 34.99
- Belkin N300 Wireless N Router - wireless router - 802.11b/g/n - desktop (35263578)39.99 - 48.99
- Belkin N600 DB Wireless Dual-Band N+ Router - wireless router - 802.11 a/b/g/n - desktop (35190484)66.57 - 104.73
- Belkin N900 Dual-Band Wireless Router - wireless router - 802.11n - desktop (35262637)194.99 - 292.17
- Buffalo AirStation Nfiniti HighPower Giga WZR-HP-G450H - wireless router - none - 802.11b/g/n - desktop (34859675)82.11 - 95.99
- Cisco 881 Fast Ethernet Security Router supporting EVDO/1xRTT - router - cellular modem - 802.11b/g/n (draft 2.0) - desktop (35026157)
- Cisco 892F Gigabit Ethernet Security Router - wireless router - ISDN - 802.11 a/b/g/n (draft 2.0) - desktop (34693849)
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse HP products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:HP
- Address:
3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1185
