Best Reviewed
Netbooks
- Best netbook HP Pavilion dm1z *Est. $430
- Budget netbook Toshiba mini NB505 *Est. $270
- Web-based netbook Samsung Chromebook Series 5 *Est. $430
Get info about new reports and updates
Best netbook
- Top performance among netbook-class computers
- HD video playback complimented by reviewers
- Full-size keyboard
- Priced as high as budget notebooks
- Not for gamers
The HP Pavilion dm1z netbook achieves a difficult task: inspiring consensus among virtually all review sites that report on it while racking up an impressive array of Editors' Choice or Recommended ratings. It's powered by an AMD Fusion processor, and reviewers praise the dm1z's processing power, ability to handle high-definition video and basic 3D gaming, reasonable battery life, multitasking abilities and solid design. Drawbacks noted by more than one reviewer tend to be niggles: The fan is a bit noisy, and the hard drive can be slow. A recent refresh of the series added a charcoal gray color to the case, a much improved touchpad, Beats audio technology and more powerful AMD Fusion processor options.
The dm1z is user configurable if bought directly from HP, but a $450 retail configuration (HP Pavilion dm1-4010us) includes a 1.65 GHz AMD Fusion Dual-Core E-450 processor with "discrete class" Radeon graphics, 4 GB of memory, a 320 GB hard drive, a full-size keyboard and an 11.6-inch display. That's a powerful enough lineup to challenge some full-size laptops when it comes to performance and to clearly outclass most netbooks. Downgrades, such as a smaller hard drive or slightly less powerful processor, can shave a few dollars off the price tag, while upgrades, such as a 128 GB solid-state drive instead of a conventional hard drive, can shoot the price tag right into the stratosphere.
Most reviewers test an older retail configuration that includes a slightly less powerful AMD Fusion processing unit and 1 GB less RAM. However, those who have looked at both report no notable differences in performance, so those older reviews remain relevant. In addition, that older configuration, the HP Pavilion dm1-3210us remains available at retail (*Est. $450) . For those on a tighter budget, the Toshiba Mini NB505 (*Est. $270) can't match the HP Pavilion dm1z in terms of power, but it costs much less and is capable of performing everyday tasks like web browsing, email and basic document editing.
Thus far, CNET and Wired provide the best information on the HP Pavilion dm1z. Both sites contrast the retail configuration with the one each reviewed earlier in 2011 and provide useful insights. Beyond that, there are excellent and still largely relevant reviews of the early 2011 retail version of the dm1z at sites like Engadget.com, NotebookReview.com, PCMag.com, Laptop Magazine, PC World and elsewhere.
| HP Pavilion dm1z 11.6" AMD Dual-Core FUSION Processor E-350+AMD Radeon HD 6310M Discrete-Class Graphics, 3GB DDR3 RAM, 320GB 7200RPM Hard Drive | |
(39 reviews) In Stock. |
|
| Featured Stores | Store Rating | Notes | Total Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  303 store reviews | In Stock. Includes instant rebate of $130 | $809.99 | See It |
| See All Stores | ||||
Our Sources
1. CNET
CNET is one of two professional reviewers to cover the fall 2011 refresh of the HP Pavilion dm1z. Dan Ackerman says the additions to the computer make the already-strong dm1z the netbook to beat. While he loves the new touchpad and Beats audio technology, he says an upgrade to AMD's E-450 Fusion processor and an extra 1 GB of RAM didn't provide much of a performance boost.
Review: HP Pavilion dm1z (Fall 2011), Dan Ackerman, Oct. 6, 2011
Wired contributor Christopher Null is the other professional critic to cover the fall 2011 refresh. Like CNET's Ackerman, he doesn't see much of a performance boost from the switch to AMD's E-450 Fusion processor -- in fact, he sees a 10 percent decrease in app performance (which could be accounted for in normal variation from benchmark test to benchmark test). But he says he appreciates the new touchpad, which fixes his only major complaint with the original version. He notes that the dm1z's screen is now a bit dimmer, but battery life is also a bit longer.
Review: HP's Winning Netbook Gets a Makeover, Christopher Null, Oct. 31, 2011
3. Engadget.com
Joanna Stern tests the HP Pavilion dm1z and finds lots to like. Positives include its 5-hour battery life, HD video playback and multitasking abilities, though she notes some ultraportable laptops give this HP netbook plenty of competition. "The dm1z provides the best balance of performance, graphics and battery life for the price," she writes.
Review: HP Pavilion dm1z (with AMD Fusion) Review, Joanna Stern, Jan. 17, 2011
The HP Pavilion dm1z "delivers good value with strong performance and decent battery life for a low price," says Jerry Jackson. He considers the dm1z to have "the best video and gaming performance in the price range," and he likes the keyboard, the battery life and the price. He finds occasional touchpad glitches and the lack of a USB 3.0 port to be drawbacks, and he adds that HP's battery life estimates are very generous. Still there are enough positives to earn the HP dm1z, tested in its early 2011 retail configuration, an Editor's Choice award.
Review: HP Pavilion dm1z Review, Jerry Jackson, Jan. 13, 2011
Cisco Cheng gives the HP Pavilion dm1z 4.5 out of 5 stars and an Editor's Choice designation, calling it "the next step in netbook evolution." He finds the price a good value and the processor fast. He also compliments the dm1z's HD playback abilities, full-size keyboard and 7 hours of battery life. The biggest negative at the time of the review is the lack of 3G connectivity, though HP now offers that as an option (*Est. $75).
Review: HP Pavilion dm1z, Cisco Cheng, Jan. 14, 2011
6. Laptop MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Calling the HP Pavilion dm1z "a low-cost ultraportable that performs," based on the magazine's exhaustive benchmark tests, Michael A. Prospero gives it 4 out of 5 stars and an Editor's Choice award. "This 3.4-pound machine blows past Atom-based netbooks while providing enough endurance to see you through the day," he writes, calling it "a remarkable value." His only complaints are fan noise and a slow hard drive.
Review: HP Pavilion dm1z Review, Michael A. Prospero, Jan. 6, 2011
MobileTechReview.com's Lisa Gade compliments the HP Pavilion dm1z's "beautiful design," calling it "the better-than-a-netbook, netbook." Gade notes that the dm1z falls into the gray area between netbooks and cheap ultraportable laptops, and she compares it favorably to similar machines. It's still not a full laptop, she warns, and comments that the fan is noisy, giving it 3.5 of 5 stars. A short video review offers a good overview.
Review: HP Pavilion dm1z, Lisa Gade, Feb. 1, 2011
HotHardware.com puts the HP Pavilion dm1z through its paces on numerous benchmarks, finding that it outperforms most previous machines. Intense multitasking can slow things up a bit, Ray Willington notes, but everyday use speeds are above average for a machine at this price. "For a netbook-sized machine, it offers ultraportable-level performance," Willington writes, complimenting the dm1z's design, keyboard and trackpad (since upgraded), and awarding it a Recommended rating.
Review: HP Pavilion dm1z Fusion Ultralight Notebook Review, Ray Willington, April 28, 2011
Liliputing.com tests the HP Pavilion dm1z and says it offers "an excellent graphics experience and decent processing power," hampered by "an awful touchpad and middle-of-the-road battery life." Brad Linder compliments the keyboard, but explains he found the touchpad to be positioned right where he wanted his wrists to go, creating unexpected movement (it's been relocated). Still, "The HP Pavilion dm1z is probably one of the best thin and light laptops you can find for under $450," he writes.
Review: HP Pavilion dm1z Review, Brad Linder, April 3, 2011
10. MaximumPC.comDetails/Subscribe
Katherine Stevenson headlines her article about the HP Pavilion dm1z with "What netbooks were meant to be," and her review indicates she thinks the dm1z is just that, giving it a Kick Ass! verdict and a 9 out of 10 score. The netbook scores well on the site's benchmark tests, edging out the Asus Eee PC 1215N in all but a couple of measures.
Review: HP Pavilion dm1z Review, Katherine Stevenson, June 8, 2011
Jason Cross and PC World give the HP Pavilion dm1z 3 out of 5 stars, saying that while it has "great performance and features for the money," as well as decent battery life, it compares poorly to true ultraportables. But, "as a netbook, it's fantastic and avoids the usual netbook compromises," he notes.
Review: HP Pavilion dm1z, Jason Cross, Jan. 14, 2011
Netbooks Runners Up:
6 picks including: About.com, Laptop Magazine…
4 picks including: Engadget.com, Laptop Magazine…
