**The HP Pavilion DV4000 is a great laptop. It does not overheat if you keep the vents cleaned  by using a mini brush. I have had mine for a year now and I love it. It doesn't have all the features that the DV9000 does but, it is sufficient.**

kcoleyjohnson

Norfolk, VA

While this particular model of the HP Pavilion (dv4000) is a rather sturdy model--it is weighty, large, and rather good at holding up during rough and tumultuous moves--its heft and cumbersome presence may not make it all-too ideal for those who just want a laptop they can take everywhere.  As a film fanatic and avid DVD lover, I really appreciate the excessively large monitor/screen, which makes watching various formats of DVDs--from widescreen to full screen and any other kind of format--quite a treat.  In fact, I'd dare to say that the quality of films viewed on my laptop are more than ideal and can compete alongside any regular/standard-sized television.  On the other hand, and as a serious student enrolled in a graduate program, I find that the primary reason as to why I have a laptop actually requires something that travels a lot better.  Not only is this laptop rather heavy, but it's oversized shape makes it quite cumbersome to haul.  I'm always trying to find ways to avoid the hassle of bringing this laptop anywhere, even though I'd love to be able to take it to the library with me!  Add some books, notebooks, and so forth to your computer bag, and you're probably going to haul somewhere between 10 and 20 pounds, when all is said and done! If you're an academic who finds more time to spend in the library than the gym, though, perhaps this computer is ideal for you! In another sense, an additional problem I have with this computer is that the plastic surrounding the monitor (i.e. the "frame") cracks quite easily.  In fact, when I first received my computer and was taking it out of its box/styfroam-lined container, I found that a piece of the plastic had already chipped off!  I think the finger-pad and the keyboard keys, too, wear off way too easily.   (My keyboard especially must take the daily and constant pounding of the keys, and I need something that will last a lot longer--like something that does not have an "o" key that never stays in place!) Suffice to say, I would have never selected this kind/size of laptop for myself.  I DO like the HP brand (my HP Inkjet Printer has been faring pretty well for the past eight years, at least), but since this laptop was a gift, and I had no other option for affording a computer on my own, I really ahd to keep it.  About the software: this computer came with all the basics necessary for a scholar (i.e. the Microsoft XP Professional package).  I really care about the ease of Internet access and the success in operating Microsoft Word, so that's all I truly care about.  That said--the operating system *is* slow at times; on the other hand, I probably use the computer a lot more than most people, so anyone else is more likely to have more success and less wear and tear during the daily use of their laptop.  I'd recommend HP laptops--just not this particularly one, with so many other, less bulky models to choose from.  Seriously--this one is so cumbersome, as aforementioned, that it's almost the equivalent to buying a desktop, stationary computer system.

tinobee83

Bronx, NY

I have had my HP Pavilion dv4000 for over 5 years now and it has been a great computing machine. I have used it for everything from high-demand video editing, photo management, entertainment, gaming, music storage, video streaming, powerpoint creating, dvd burning, email, and word-processing. I can't offer any major complaints. It has handled just about everything that I have thrown at it.  I sent the computer in for warranty covered repair due to overheating. HP was great working with me and getting the fan and PC board replaced. Since then it has worked well. It has slowed down. There are going to be better, newer laptops available, but at the time for the price this was a great purchase. It served me well through college and into grad-school. I have transitioned to using a netbook on the road and using the Pavilion as a "desk-top" computer. The large harddrive has allowed it to perform well in this capacity. 

jaybark

Amberg, WI