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HP Laptop PC Feature Glossary

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Introduction

A great way to select the HP or Compaq laptop that’s right for you is to look at their available features and match them to your needs.

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Weight and size

HP and Compaq laptop PCs range from 3.37 to 8.82 pounds1 and from approximately 1.00 to 1.72 inches thin.

  • Less than 5.5 pounds—If you’re highly mobile and need a laptop that’s easy to carry wherever you go, choose a model that weighs less than 5.5 pounds.
  • 5.5 to 6.5 pounds—If you need day-to-day mobility but use your laptop primarily in one place, consider one that weighs between 5.5 to 6.5 pounds.
  • 6.5 pounds and up—If you’re looking to replace a desktop PC with a laptop PC that will remain stationary most of the time, look for a model that weighs 6.5 pounds and up.
Always protect your laptop while you’re on the go with a case designed specifically for the model you choose.

Screen options

Screen Options
There are two important factors in choosing a laptop display: screen size and resolution. The size of the display directly affects resolution. The same pixel resolution is sharper on a smaller monitor than on a larger one because the same number of pixels is spread out over a larger number of inches.

Screen size: HP and Compaq laptops feature widescreen LCD displays from 12.1 to 18.4 inches. The screen size is measured diagonally from inside the beveled edge, and does not include the laptop’s frame.

Resolution: HP and Compaq laptops offer WXGA, WSXGA and HD screen technologies—all with a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio. The higher the resolution of the display, the greater the high-definition clarity.

  • Thin and light laptops—Highly mobile HP and Compaq laptops with 12.1- and 13.3-inch screens come standard with WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution.
  • Laptops with balanced mobility and performance HP and Compaq laptops balancing mobility with performance are available in three different resolutions:
    - WXGA (1280 x 800)
    - WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050)
    - Widescreen HD 1080i (1366 x 768)
  • High-performance laptops Desktop-replacement and multimedia-optimized HP and Compaq laptops offer a range of screen resolutions:
    - WXGA+ (1440 x 900)
    - WXSGA+ (1680 x 1050)
    - Widescreen HD 1080i (1366 x 768)
    - Widescreen HD+ (1600 x 900)
    - Widescreen Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) for the sharpest images possible

HP BrightView and Ultra BrightView displays: All HP and Compaq laptops offer BrightView displays for improved contrast and clarity, brighter colors and more lifelike images. Some models use HP’s Ultra BrightView technology to provide even greater color saturation, brightness and clarity.

HP Infinity displays: Offered to enhance HP’s industry-leading product designs, HP Infinity displays extend to the edges of the display bezels to provide a frameless look.

Processor

HP and Compaq Mini and laptop PCs offer a variety of processor options, each designed to enhance mobility and performance. Processors are distinguished by the number of cores, clock speed, front side bus and level 2 cache.

Number of cores: Multi-core processors contain two or more processors in the same circuit, which gives them the ability to work independently or together for larger tasks.
  • Dual core—For exceptional multitasking, look for a laptop with dual-core processors to quickly and efficiently handle numerous programs and applications at once.
  • Quad core—For graphics-intensive gaming and media, look for a laptop with quad-core processors that can smoothly handle the latest entertainment.
Clock speed: Clock speed measures how fast a processor performs an activity. Clock speeds are measured in gigahertz (GHz), which is a billion cycles per second. When selecting a processor for your laptop, it’s important to consider the activities you’ll be performing and the clock speed they require.

  • 1.6 to 1.9 GHz—If you’re into watching movies and digital videos, listening to music and organizing photos or activities like word processing, e-mail and Web browsing,2 a processor with speeds ranging from 1.6 to 1.9 GHz would be suitable.
  • 1.8 to 2.2 GHz—If you work with large digital media files, intensive spreadsheets and presentation software, look for processors with mid-range speeds, from 1.8 to 2.2 GHz.
  • The fastest available speeds—If you’ll be editing digital movies and music or are involved in multimedia production, look for the fastest available options—including quad processors. Gaming also requires faster processors to keep the action moving smoothly.
Front side bus: Your computer’s front side bus (FSB) is like the main transit system in a large city. It connects your computer’s memory (RAM) to the processor, and quickly transfers data to meet the demands of any given task.

Like the processor, FSB speed is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). The faster the FSB speed, the faster data moves to the processor, and the faster the processor can perform.

Most computers’ processors run faster than their FSBs, so the FSB speed is typically a ratio of processor speed. The smaller the ratio, the more efficiently the processor runs.

So if you’re looking for a fast, responsive laptop, be sure to choose a front side bus speed that’s compatible with the laptop’s processor speed.

Level 2 cache: Level 2, or L2, cache is a set of memory circuits designed to give you fast access to frequently used data on your computer. More L2 cache helps speed up performance.

Memory

Along with your processor, the amount of random access memory (RAM) greatly affects your laptop’s performance.

Most HP and Compaq laptops are expandable to 8GB RAM. With a greater amount of RAM, you can run more applications simultaneously and run them faster. Plus, you’ll enjoy increased performance for tasks like digital video editing, downloading music2 and gaming.

When deciding on how much memory your laptop needs, consider the following.
  • 1GB RAM—If you enjoy watching movies, listening to music, organizing photos and performing activities like word processing, e-mail or Web browsing.2
  • 2GB RAM—If you want to run multiple applications simultaneously and work with larger digital media files such as video files, desktop publishing, graphic design software, intensive spreadsheets and presentation software.
  • 3 to 4GB RAM—For memory-intensive activities such as gaming, digital video editing, producing DVDs and running graphic design software.
  • 8GB RAM—For graphics and engineering professionals, serious gamers and anyone who expects to use 64-bit applications or games.

Hard drive

Your laptop’s hard disk drive (HDD) is where all data is stored—from programs and drivers to digital photos and music. The more gigabytes (GB) on your hard drive, the more applications and files you can store. HDDs vary by speed or revolutions per minute (RPM). Higher RPM translates directly to higher overall system performance. HP and Compaq laptops start with 5400 RPM and many scale to 7200 RPM.

Several thin and light HP and Compaq laptop models offer a solid state drive (SSD) alternative to standard HDDs. SSDs improve on HDD technology in three key areas.
    1. Reliability—SSD drives have no moving parts and are not affected by vibration like traditional hard disk drives.
    2. Performance—Mechanical improvements mean the SSD performs better.
    3. Power savings—An SSD drive requires less power.
When you select hard drive size, consider the amount of data you have now and what you will be adding in the future. It’s a good idea to buy the largest hard drive you can afford.
  • 250GB—If you plan to carry select photos, videos and applications with you but want to keep most of your content on your home PC or server.
  • 250-400GB—If you plan to store documents, spreadsheets and data related to business or home finances, and you’ll be installing productivity-related programs.
  • 320GB—If you have a growing music, photo and video library, and plan to install games and more intensive design software.
  • 1TB (1,000GB)—If you routinely record your favorite programs and want to create a digital archive of your personal videos, etc.

Wireless networking

All HP and Compaq laptops offer built-in high-speed wireless LAN (WiFi)3 and/or Bluetooth® wireless technology. Thin-and-light class laptops offer WWAN4 for even greater wireless range.
  • Wireless 802.11 a/b/g/n5 connects to wireless Internet networks wherever they’re available—on campus, the office, the coffee shop, the airport, even within certain cities. With wireless you get the most mobility out of your laptop, so you can choose where you work or play. Extend the convenience of your wireless lifestyle with an HP wireless printer.
  • Bluetooth® technology allows you to connect to a variety of other Bluetooth®-enabled devices including printers, cell phones, PDAs and digital cameras. Through this technology you can also access and back up important data on your wireless devices, and print wirelessly6 with a Bluetooth®-enabled printer from up to 30 feet away.
  • HP broadband wireless supports Internet connections wherever cell phone service is available. This option requires a service agreement with a qualified cell phone broadband carrier.

Optical disk drive

Optical disk drive
Most HP and Compaq laptop PCs give you a variety of disk drive options to choose from. Some thin and light HP Pavilion laptops have configurations that exclude a disk drive to enhance portability.
  • SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with double-layer support7 allows you to view and burn both DVDs and CDs. This option also supports double-layer DVD media, which means you can fit almost twice the amount of data on a DVD. If you plan to edit digital video and create DVDs, or need greater storage capacity for your data, this is the option for you.
  • LightScribe8 SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with double-layer support 7 gives you all the capabilities of the previous option, with one major enhancement: LightScribe technology
    LightScribe allows you to create silk-screen-quality laser-etched labels on CDs and DVDs right in your laptop—no more markers or stickers needed.
  • Blu-ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW double-layer support 7 provides ultra-realistic high-def playback of Blu-ray discs, plus the ability to read and write to CDs and DVDs.
  • Lightscribe8 Blu-ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW double-layer support7 delivers all of the features in the previous option with the addition of LightScribe capability.

Operating system

HP and Compaq laptop PCs provide a choice of Windows Vista® operating systems9 to meet your needs.
  • Windows Vista® Home Basic is great for everyday home computing activities such as browsing the Internet,2 e-mailing and viewing photos.
  • Windows Vista® Home Premium delivers more ease of use, plus a whole new level of security and entertainment to your PC.
  • Windows Vista® Business empowers your business to work more efficiently with a stunning and simple new user interface, easy-to-use search, and powerful safety features such as automatic data backup.
  • Windows Vista® Ultimate is the most complete edition of Windows Vista. It has the power, security and mobility features you need for work and the entertainment and ease you want for fun.

Extra storage options

Extra storage options
When it comes to data—whether getting to it or keeping it safe—HP and Compaq laptop PCs give you flexible storage options to do it all.
  • HP SimpleSave external hard drive is the easiest way to back up your information, allowing up to 2TB of storage. Just plug the USB cord into your computer and the backup software on the drive automatically finds all your data and begins backing it up.
  • Memory card reader slots are included in HP and Compaq laptops for easy access to photos from your digital camera, camera phone, PDA and other devices.10
  • The HP Pocket Media Drive allows you to take your data and files with you wherever you go—without your laptop. Its small wallet size offers up to 500GB of portable storage.
  • The HP Personal Media Drive is another highly mobile storage solution that allows you to store entire media libraries with up to 1TB capacity, plus conveniently access your files on other PCs via USB connectivity.
  • The HP Media Vault, available in 300GB and 500GB capacities, provides an ideal personal solution for safeguarding, distributing, streamlining and enjoying all your digital files at home. Add the expansion bay for optional additional storage of up to up to 1.2TB.11
  • An external hard drive kept at your home, office or dorm can be used to back up the data on your laptop and protect your critical files.
  • A USB flash drive is a fast and convenient way to keep important files at your fingertips when you’re on the go and share them between computers.

Docking stations

Docking stations
If you want the portability of a laptop but also plan to frequently use your HP or Compaq laptop in one location, consider an HP laptop docking solution.

The HP Media Docking Station—Enjoy the best of both worlds: the comfort of a desktop PC setup and the portability of a laptop. Add this docking station to your home office, workplace or dorm to recharge your laptop’s battery, back up data on the integrated HP Media Drive storage bay,12 expand your connectivity with up to six USB inputs, improve ergonomics with the adjustable screen height and much more.

The HP Notebook QuickDock—When you’re on the go and need to connect to various devices, consider the HP Laptop QuickDock. This handy docking station allows you to easily connect peripherals via Ethernet, serial, USB, VGA and more. You can also quickly connect joysticks, mice and keyboards for additional comfort and convenience.

To learn more about HP’s innovative docking solutions, click here

Graphics card

Whether you’ll be using your laptop for entertainment, school, work or home, you want the best graphics possible. HP and Compaq laptops give you the option to choose graphics cards from industry leaders so you get the performance you want.
  • Up to 256MB—To watch movies and view photos, you’ll need a graphics card with up to 256MB of memory. You’ll need additional video processing power to deliver greater detail and color in the images you view.
  • Up to 512MB—For graphic design and video editing, choose a high-quality graphics card with up to 512MB of memory.
  • 512MB to 1GB—For 3-D gaming, choose graphics cards and/or graphics accelerators with 512MB to 1GB of memory. These graphics cards are designed specifically for gaming and provide the more realistic 3-D renderings that hardcore gamers demand.

Batteries

If your goal is maximum mobility, and you’ll be spending most of your time away from power sources, you should consider a high-capacity battery13 for your HP or Compaq Mini or laptop PC.

The longer your battery lasts, the more mobile you can be. HP offers a complete line of high-capacity batteries for HP and Compaq laptops. Whether you’re watching a movie or working on a proposal, you’ll be sure to have the battery life to get you through.

To learn more about high-capacity laptop batteries, click here

HP technologies

HP offers exclusive technologies to make mobile computing fun and efficient. With these innovative technologies and HP’s renowned reliability and support, you can always feel confident about choosing an HP or Compaq laptop PC. Read below to learn more.

  • HP MediaSmart software—Bring your favorite music, photos, TV programs and movies to life with the touch of a button. Easy-to-use HP MediaSmart software gives you dedicated media control keys for instant access to the digital content you love.
  • HP Infinity displays14—Get the elegant, frameless look of the future with a screen that extends to the very edges of the laptop display’s bezel.
  • HP LightScribe8—Easily create affordable silk-screen-quality disc labels without a printer. LightScribe technology burns labels directly onto your CDs and DVDs with laser-etched precision to produce beautiful, professional-looking, gray-scale images similar to black-and-white photography.
  • HP Triple Bass Reflex Subwoofer14—Enjoy pounding bass for your music, movies and games with a built-in subwoofer.
  • HP Imprint finish14—Make a statement with the polished, sophisticated Imprint finish pioneered by HP. Select from a wide range of soothing neutrals, vivid colors and inspiring, durable designs.
  • HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection—Get extra protection from everyday bumps and accidental drops with this accelerometer that locks the hard drive into place when the system detects sudden movements.
  • HP Smart Bay14—Lose up to half a pound of laptop weight to make traveling easier by temporarily replacing the optical drive with the included HP Smart Bay cover.
  • HP Total Care—Experience peace of mind with a 2-, 3- or 4-year extended service plan with optional accidental damage protection. For more information, click here
1Weight will vary by configuration.
2Internet access required; sold separately.
3Wireless access point and Internet service required and not included.
4Broadband use requires separately purchased service contract. Check with service provider for coverage and availability in your area.
5The specifications for the 802.11n WLAN are draft specifications and are not final. If the final specifications differ from the draft specifications, it may affect the ability of the notebook to communicate with other 802.11n WLAN devices.
6Wireless performance depends on physical environment and distance from access point.
7Actual speeds may vary. Don’t copy copyright-protected materials. Double Layer is a new technology. Double Layer media compatibility will widely vary with some home DVD players and DVD-ROM drives. Note that DVD-RAM cannot read or write to 2.6GB Single Sided/5.2 GB Double Sided – Version 1.0 media.
8The LightScribe-enabled DVD drive and software come pre-installed on certain HP PCs; LightScribe media is sold separately.
9Certain Windows® Vista product features require advanced or additional hardware. See www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/hardwarereqs.mspx and www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/capable.mspx for details. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor can help you determine which features of Windows Vista will run on your computer. To download the tool, visit www.windowsvista.com/upgradeadvisor.
10Check the laptop to ensure your camera’s memory card format is supported. If it is not supported, you may still upload photos using the USB cable included with your digital camera.
11Maximum capacity of 1.2 terabytes requires the purchase of additional storage capacity, sold separately.
12Requires an HP Personal Media Drive or HP Pocket Media Drive and the HP Pocket Media Drive Adapter Kit, sold separately.
13Battery life varies depending on product configuration and model, applications loaded on the product, power management settings of the product and the product features used. The maximum capacity of a battery decreases with time and use.
14Available on select models only.
This system may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows 7 software and take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. See
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/ for details.