A really non-tech... non geek review of my new HP Pavilion dv6000 Laptop running Window Vista instead of Windows XP.

How much do I love my new laptop? Let me count the ways...

1. I'm mobile! I can now work (yes it's still working) outside on my back patio. I have been working for several years in what my husband calls the "bat cave". My office is my sanctuary... it's filled with everything I need to keep up with my online and off line projects.

Hewlett Packard Pavilion 15.4" Notebook Computer - DV6626US

But... I have days where I feel unconnected with the outside world. I don't listen to news or read the papers. I often don't get phone calls or watch any TV. That's the life for internet marketers. Oh... I go on monthly vacations, where my computer is not allowed. But... I am loving the freedom that my new laptop has given me. Now, I can have my first cup of coffee and check my email with the sunrise and the birds instead of in my dark little office.

2. I am so mobile... I can work from Starbucks. Yep... I can write product reviews and answer customer questions with a fresh Starbucks Latte' and also get in some great people watching. Sometimes my mental road blocks just need a jump start from a fresh environment.

3. This laptop has all the bells and whistles I wanted.

• Webcam with 2 good built in speakers.

• A pop out remote for controlling sound and video. While I was sick on the couch last month... I could watch videos and listen to my iTunes all by using this cute little remote.

• Plug in space for Microphones and Earphones.

• A Big Wide Screen
  
• A nice keyboard that was easy to use. My husbands laptop is so small... that I couldn't write a complete sentence without hitting a button that turned something on or off. Yikes.
• I wasn't sure I wanted to use Windows Vista, but I really like it. It's not that hard to get used too and I found buttons to change some areas into a Windows XP like view which made navigation easier. It does have extra security features that can be annoying... but I know they are their for a reason. I've included a video showing all the new features on Vista:
  

• 3 USB ports... I use one for my wireless mouse. I just can't seem to get the hang of using that little mouse pad... with the finger thingy. I use one to hook up my new flip camcorder which downloads through USB.
• This laptop comes with a 5 in 1 card reader for some Digital Cameras. My Canon Rebel XT uses a card that doesn't fit... but I have a handy firewire cord that uses the Firewire port and slick as a whistle I can download hundreds of photos.
  
• The battery life isn't the longest, but if you don't download a bunch of stuff all in one sitting.... It should last about 3 hours. I keep mine plugged in most of the time. The thing about recharging batteries... it shortens their life every time you recharge. Batteries are expensive.
• The case is shiny white. It also comes in black, but the pearl white is really pretty. Doesn't make it work any better, but fashion is fashion. :)
• The display is very shiny... so I have to adjust where I sit sometimes to compensate for the glare. If you keep it plugged in the screen is much brighter. When you use the bright screen with battery power it shortens your usage time on the battery.
• Graphics show up razor sharp and the speakers sound really good.

• I have read that this laptop has a problem with wireless connections dropping. I use it wireless everyday and have not had any problems. Well... I did have one problem, but it was an operator problem. The button for wireless connection is on the front of the laptop and if you are using the laptop in your lap... it can be switched to the off position when you shift position in your chair.
  
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This Entertainment Notebook PC has a neat extra tool bar above the keyboard. Easy to use controls for audio and video. Just in case you don't have your remote handy. ;)

I have heard that the buttons have an annoying beep, but this version is silent and peaceful. Great when you are trying to work in stealth mode... which is either in public or when every one else is sleeping.

I don't use this laptop for lots of picture storage or video gaming. This laptop is great for checking email, browsing the internet, word processing and playing music/ video. I can do it all... anywhere!