HP G71-340US 17.3-Inch Black/Silver Laptop – Up to 4 Hours of Battery Life

5 comments

1. 

   Seth Thomas on December 6, 2009 at 10:23 am

   Runs like a graped ape. Not real sure of the SD slot. Got my files to download but module didn’t seem to seat too well. AC plug protudes from the right side, contrary to my living arrangement. Why dont they come up with a flush a/c plug. I’ve had to replace 2 for my Dell. Love the display. My pix look real good. Sound is ok, but it’s never loud enough for me, anyway.

2. 

   Kevin D. Miller on December 6, 2009 at 10:45 am

   Nice laptop. Performs exceptionally well. Pleanty of horsepower. However, typical HP came loaded with a ton of bloatware.

3. 

   Fdgdfd on December 6, 2009 at 12:02 pm

   After 2 days of using it and while playing a game, the laptop stopped working, had power but it would not turn on, after calling HP I have to send it in for servicing already…. just 2 days!!

4. 

   Aerosynth929 on December 6, 2009 at 2:04 pm

   I’m a Mac guy normally, but my mother is PC all the way. I got this computer for her as a gift, and spent a few hours setting it up for her. Paid $650 for this before tax at Sam’s Club. It’s worth it. You get what you pay for. Windows 7 is impressive. I suppose W7 is Microsoft’s answer to Mac OSX. They have done a great job at making all of Windows more aesthetically pleasing. It is simple and functional, and seems to run smoothly. Of course, my experience with Windows is that you can’t really judge how quick it is for at least 6 months, so who knows. The processor and memory on this computer are a great value for what you pay… kudos on that.

   My problem with this computer, first of all, is that it doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth… I guess I was thinking that BT was sort-of standard already on notebook computers nowadays. Makes it a little inconvenient for someone like me that prefers to do everything wirelessly. Another issue I have with this notebook is that it is VERY bulky and VERY heavy. I appreciate the large widescreen, and the full numeric keypad, but the moment I opened the box I was deflated by the sheer size of this monstrosity. It is not something that a normal-sized person can comfortably fit on their lap (OMG I could not imagine trying to use this thing on an airplane). It is so large that the first two notebook bags I bought my mother would not accommodate it. The placement of buttons and control keys on the unit itself, for some reason, also seems a little confusing to me… lacking intuitiveness… but that may just be me.

   This computer, despite its problems, did impress me overall. It’s a cut above the expectations I had for a $650 PC laptop. I am looking to purchase an actual Windows PC to use in addition to my two Macs… I would consider HP based on my experience with this notebook, but I would not consider THIS MODEL. I travel several months out of the year… and honestly this thing is just too bulky and heavy to comfortably carry through airports. I would suggest to seriously consider the size and weight of this computer before purchasing it, and weigh the cons of those things against your intentions for this computer… if you travel a lot with your notebook, I doubt this model will make you happy camper. But if you want a portable home computer, or something to keep in your dorm… something that won’t be moving around a lot… this might be a good option.

   Impressive, very impressive… but not enough to turn this old Mac guru into a PC-All-The-Way guy.

5. 

   Larry Diamond on December 6, 2009 at 2:36 pm

   I bought this to replace an older 15.6 inch laptop to be my main home computer. I just could not see investing half or more of the cost of this in a netbook. Boy am I glad I did. The 17.3 inch screen is simply incredible.

   These are the ways the 17.3 inch screen helps. First the screen itself is really nice. My photos look fantastic and DVDs look superb. Netflix streaming and Hulu are so-so but that is more the limitations of software than of the screen itself. Many websites take advantage of the larger screen as well and it just feels right. It feels like my work desktop screen. Second and possibly of more value is the keyboard. BY FAR the best laptop keyboard I have ever used. It is even better than my stand alone keyboard at work. Finally a true full size, large key, awesome to type with laptop keyboard. And what I thought was a bad design aesthetically, the large blank space beneath the keyboard with just the mouse controls. Guess what? It is perfect for laying your hands down as you type. I know keyboard is not the first thing that comes to mind when buying a computer and it probably shouldn’t be the first thing. BUT it should not be under-rated either.

   As for the computer itself. I am really digging Windows 7. I bought this on Black Friday and so far no problems whatsoever. 4 GB is nice. The 6600 processors are nice solid performers. There are better in laptops but for me doing multimedia activities and home office activities this computer more than meets my needs. Everything worked great right out of the box. Webcam works great and not too much installed software. The student and home Office trial means if you end up buying it (Amazon usually has the best price around) it is already installed you just need the key. That was kind of nice. The 60 days of Norton gives you some time to try it, be protected, and make a decision on the security software you like so that is also helpful.

   But ultimately what should make you choose this over the numerous other configurations HP offers is the screen size. Any slight added bulkiness and weight (around 6.5 odd pounds) is more than made up for me with how much fun it is to have a large laptop screen and a real full-sized comfortable, fantastic keyboard. Let others have their 10 inch products…17.3 for me from now on.