HP Pavilion TX2120US 12.1" Laptop (AMD Turion 64 X 2 Dual Core TL-64 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive, Vista Premium) Reviews

• Best product for the money... read more to see why...

  
  By A3MKEIRB9TJ0WJ on 2008-04-28
  DISCLAIMER:
  
  Normally, I steer clear of HP's (and Compaq's) sub-par products with risible quality-control, as well as its outrageously-detestable practice of filling the hard drive with cloggware that forces the customer to spend the first hour clearing out unwanted garbage with a plunger in hand, and to add to the outrage, the cloggware RESIST uninstall attempts.
  
  FEATURES:
  
  With the said caveat in mind, this particular product is magnificent! Albeit, it is a bit heavy (the DVD player can be removed to make lighter) and a tad warm, but perfectly smooth running Vista Home Premium, Office 2007 Premium, Matlab 2007, Photoshop CS3 and Visual Studio 2008. Looks beautiful (though a fingerprint magnet), has all the bells and whistles needed on a portable / tablet, and is dirt cheap compared to all other convertibles in its class. The only con is that it is not using the faster/cooler Intel Core 2 Duo chip, preferably the T8300 (2.4GHz), but that would have increased the price by a few hundred bucks. The graphics controller is built-in, but works very well for attaching high-resolution 22"-30" monitors. Those who are looking for a great GPU for gaming should not be looking at a tablet/convertible anyway.
  
  If you're wondering, a "convertible" is the same as a tablet PC, but has a built-in keyboard / glider pad.
  
  The stylus functionality is good, though it does require some calibration and some getting used to, the media remote stows in in the unit, the built-in camera, mic and speakers are also very good. The mic with software boost is adequate for Skype or recording lectures, but not for voice-command. The glider pad is the best I've seen on a laptop (it is slightly offset/indented to avoid accidental touching, and has perforations to allow for better finger adhesion/control). The screen resolution is nice, crisp and bright, but the digitizer overlay makes it a tad grainy and certainly shiny--but you'll stop minding by the first week of use. The included 6-cell battery lasts me ~1.5 under medium-heavy use, but an 8-cell version is available now and possibly a 12-cell may be available in the future.
  
  COMPARISON:
  
  The tx2110us is preferred over other tx2000z models, particularly the HP tx2120usbecause: (1) Vista 64 has compatibility issues, and may overall be an overkill for the current Turion chips (hence, slowing things down); (2) there is no noticeable benefit in having the extra 1GB of Ram under normal use, especially in a laptop (Vista x32 will only recognize up to 3GB); (3) No noticeable benefit in an extra 0.1 GHz in speed, but the trade off is probably more heat output / shorter battery life; and (4) Cost!! This one is ~$120 cheaper, which can go towards a second battery, or a nice case and accessories.
  
  The unit is available at AMAZON, which means free shipping, no additional sales tax, and you can actually have it in your hands in less than a week (and return it if you don't absolutely love it)!
  
  Preferred over Gateway C-141/142XL: (1) Gateway is flimsy, and at this rate, may not be around in the near future due to terrible customer service and business practices, and non-existent support (I ordered the C-141XL mid April: first they delayed my order without informing me, then they canceled my order without informing me or ever explaining why after I called twice, being transferred 6 times, and spending approx. 2 hours with customer service/sales/parts(!) and dealing with RUDE and UNHELPFUL employees, and they would refuse to ship my order unless I went to my bank and wire-transferred funds into Gateway's account first!! I figure the reason Gateway canceled my order (and probably many others) was because it was selling the unit too cheaply ($200 off base price, plus $50 coupon), so it introduced the "new" 142XL as of May 1st, which is identical to 141XL in all respect, but costs $150-$200 more (no coupons/incentives when I last checked); (2) C-142XL does have a larger screen (though with a worse resolution than the HP), as well as the much faster Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz and a dedicated GPU, but it does not have the latest wireless adapter (802.11N), nor the very useful remote control that comes with the HP, and is much heavier, almost too large to be ultra portable, only has the active digitizer but no touch-screen capability, and costs $300-$400 more (add another $50 for shipping and $100-120 for tax), that's IF you ever get one... (see blogs for Gateway's massive delivery delays on this product).
  
  OTHER REMARKS:
  
  Preferred over all the other ones I researched: Lenovo (cheap-looking IBM legacy laptops with the red "zit" in the middle of the keyboard + made by a Chinese manufacture who insists on installing Vista, but only includes 1 GB of RAM = NOT a winner), Toshiba (generally nice products, but unnecessarily expensive), Dell (great products and wonderful customer service, but the current convertibles are not fast enough for my use and too expensive), Apple (does not make a convertible, yet), Panasonic (excellent products, surreal prices), Gateway (forget about it!), Sony ($$$), ASUS ($$$), etc.
  
  

• A Vista Computer that Just Works!

  
  By ABTKGDJ7C2Y8L on 2008-05-14
  This is a quick review of the TX2110US. I've had this for over a month now and I couldn't be more satisfied with this purchase. I'm glad to report that this computer "just works" -- everything was as advertised and it certainly doesn't have the "cheap" feel and subpar assembly quality of other computer manufacturers. The keyboard is ergonomically designed (full size keys with nice response), it doesn't get hot (the TL-62 runs cooler than other AMD processors), the finger print reader, bluetooth, wi-fi just works flawlessly. I can't even stress how cool the active tablet mode works -- my handwriting on the tablet looks exactly like what I have on paper... and windows journal recognizes it! Really cool!
  
  I've also had a few pleasant surprises: A full version (with license and all) of Microsoft OneNote 2007 and Corel Painter Essentials 4 comes free with this computer. Another surprise was the screen quality; I was expecting it to be subpar because of the tablet feature, but it isn't. The text, graphics, and video quality is as crisp as any LCD at the same price range.
  
  There are also a couple of negatives: the GeForce 6150 card is a couple of generations older (why was this not updated?), because of this most modern games will almost be unplayable. The viewing angle of the screen (while comparable or slightly better than an entry-level Macbook, Toshiba, or Dell), could use further improvement. The weight is also rather heavy for its 12" frame.
  
  For the price, a great value oveall. The pros outweighs the cons by magnitudes. Highly recommended especially for casual, academic, and business use.
  
  
  

• I like it

  
  By A1Q08H4B9QGT2N on 2008-05-18
  I have had this computer for a couple of weeks now and I am happy with it. It looks like there are some detailed reviews already so I will try to keep this one brief. The good: computer works well, the pen and touch screen are neat (it remains to be seen if I use the features all that much). The keyboard feels nice. The one tiny hinge for the screen actually feels pretty solid. We just set up skype and the camera and microphone appear to be just fine. I have not yet noticed any compatibility issues with Vista64, but I don't have a lot of extras installed.
  The bad: The computer does stay pretty warm. I got a Belkin laptop cooler (Amazon, 20 bucks) and I think it helps. With the cooler the computer fan usually stays in the off or low mode. When the fan in the laptop goes to high speed it is pretty noticeable. It does seem like the fan doesn't run as much when I am holding the computer vertically in tablet mode with the exhaust at the top of the computer. Now here are a couple of nitpicky ones: Where my right hand rests on the computer for typing (right above the wireless switch), there is a creak in the case, this might just be my computer. The power switch on the front of the computer is an odd and cheap feeling slider, but not a big deal.
  
  I got a screen protector from a company called strong engineering, it wasn't all that expensive and I don't have to worry about the screen. One of the reviewers mentioned that a full version of OneNote came with the computer, on my computer it appears to just be a trial version. Also, one of the reviewers said they think this computer with 3G RAM, Vista32, and the slightly slower processor might be better, if that is your preference check out Costco, they were selling that computer for a little less than this and it came with a bit longer warranty. Once the various taxes, fees, and rebates were figured in I elected to pay 50 bucks more for one more gig of ram and the slightly faster processor.
  Overall I like this product and would recommend it. Good luck with your computer shopping!
  
  

• Looking at it from "Price / Feature" perspective

  
  By ATSZ1AGKHR01V on 2008-05-09
  I'll start with the good part first --- Fingerprint reader makes it easier to login to windows, keys are tactile, screen is really bright and touch sensors have improved drastically over the previous model(the tx1000us which i've used before)..this one is touch sensitive. The good part is that it can tell that you're using a pen while your hand is still on the screen which gives a close to real experience in note taking. Browsing with fingers instead of the tablet was a great experience over the last model -- You don't have to dig you finger all the way in the screen like you would in tx1000. The pen that comes with it is really cool..use one end to take notes, flip it and voila..it can now erase.
  
  On the negative side..there are about 70-80 processes running to support all the functionalities of the tablet (although it doesn't take up more than 40% of 4GB RAM..its stills bugs me big time)...next it heats up so much that the fan is continuously on..makes a whirr sound which may not go unnoticed if you're in a quite environment. Talking about heat..the charger heats up too...i think this product significantly contributes to global warming ;). The graphics card has only 64MB dedicated memory which is a big disappointment for hardcore gamers. And finally, it is NOT intel..would have made things cooler from inside.
  
  If you go for this one..get a battery with higher capacity...i have 6 cell and it doesn't last more than 1.5-2 hours. It has lightscribe dvd burner on it..but i haven't used it by far. There is tiny media control remote which is fun to use for a day or so..but atleast for me..the remote just stays in the slot. In-built card reader, camera and mic are good to have even if i don't use them much. Speakers are nice.
  
  Overall its a good notebook/tablet for "price over feature" factor. The only concern I have is the screen..if something happens to it i would end up paying a lot..so am going for the full protection which includes the replacement clause. That's brings it to $11?? + $2?? = $14?? with features that I am sure to use and peace of mind just in case something happens to my screen.
  
  

• Good Hardware, Bad Software

  
  By A3PG7G8VOWPSTN on 2008-04-30
  I bought this as a replacement to a Windows XP machine that I have been using for over 4 years and is about to fall apart. Over the years I have collected a number of applications on my machine so I was anxious about transferring all my applications over. I did some research and found out that Microsoft has a couple of utilities to help with the migration from XP to Vista. I went ahead and bought this machine instead of the tx2110us which uses the 32bit Vista because I read that 64 bit Vista works better.
  
  What I did not realize was that the transfer utilities from Microsoft only works on 32bit Vista. I tried calling Microsoft Support and the only recommendations I got was to buy a 32 bit Windows, transfer the applications, then upgrade to 64 bit Windows - and even then they have no idea whether it would work.
  
  I will most likely install Ubuntu on this machine and forget about Vista.
  
  Otherwise the machine appears solidly built. The pen works very well. But the touch pad has too much resistance for my liking. But since I cannot do much with it so far, I have not had much chance to really test out the other parts. Maybe I will update this later.
  
  
• A very solid performer for the price
  By A2ZV5QQGX2FSPP on 2008-05-16
  This is my first Tablet PC. I mainly bought this unit for that capability, but I was also purchasing it because it advertised itself as a completely loaded Vista experience, usable in everyday computing and more equipped than it's competitors.
  
  I've been very pleased with the purchase. Not only does the unit have excellent versatility in tablet usage, but it is indeed loaded with small extras both in function and in software. It's comfortable to use as an everyday laptop, but capable of performing in tablet and touch mode in seconds.
  
  Running Vista is no effort with the extreme amount of ram and sufficient processor. ReadyBoost is at hand to make the machine even quicker. While it is true it's not primarily a gaming machine, within the BIOS the video card is easily set to 128mb, which is not cutting edge but superior to any convertible tablets I was shopping for.
  
  The laptop runs very hot. I find that it can become uncomfortable on the lap or in the arm in convertible mode, if you are not conscious of airflow. Luckily there is more than one vent, so I didn't fear for the innards.
  
  Battery life is so-so. I prefer to use at least balanced setting in the power options, and I'm lucky to get 3 hours, 2 1/3 being far more likely. Again, HP offers a better battery which I will probably purchase for trips, etc.
  
  Tablet and touch usage is fantastic, and frankly better than I thought it would be for such a hybrid. I love the option of interface here, and putting the laptop into different positions for writing, drawing, or watching media is great. The only difficulty for me was remembering that the touch is active when the pen is not near the screen. I've adjusted to this new (to me) feature.
  
  The machine is loaded with software, some good, some bloat, as with most Windows machines. I'm a tweak-happy user, so no issue there. The licensed copy of OneNote was a great surprise. I'm also more of a fan than I thought I would be of HP's resources and the fingerprint reader utility.
  
  I love having the USB ports, card reader, camera and DVDROM drive available on a good tablet (the DVD is removable for weight if you so desire.) Truly it's an everyday machine. The keyboard is quite sufficient, but I feel it pales in comparison to my Macbook. The display is fine, if a bit finicky about viewing angles. Still, like all the features on the machine I find it quite changeable on the software side. You can tweak the feeling of all tablet and display methods quite nicely.
  
  So a solid machine that largely hits the target of jack of all trades that so many laptops miss. It would not be my first choice without tablet/touch capability, but the fact that it performs that function so measurably and accomplishes the others with few drawbacks makes it a great purchase. I'd highly recommend it to someone looking for a mid sized convertible tablet pc, with a bit of ooomph inside. If you want all the tools included, it makes the least sacrifice.
  
  +
  Very nice tablet / touchscreen usage.
  Nice power and media options for convertible laptop.
  Many features in hardware and software.
  Very competitive pricing.
  The design isn't horrid for portable pc ;)
  
  -
  Runs quite hot.
  Viewing angles are suspect at times.
  Typical Windows tweaking/bloatware issues.
  64bit gives with one hand (ram) and takes with the other (driver compatiblity)
  
  Recommended Purchase.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• HP Tablet Notebook tx2120us
  By A2F6MACNHVG7AC on 2008-05-25
  So far I am very impressed with my new HP tablet notebook. Many other reviews highlight all the positive features. There are a couple of negative features though. One is Vista 64bit. If you have older software you will run into compatibility issues and if the software works it will run significantly slower than when running under Vista 32bit. I have an Avertech Notebook which has a slower processor and less memory, but is running Vista 32bit and it runs circles around my new HP tablet notebook on a lot of the software I use. I purchased and returned an older model of HP's tablet notebook. The tablet screen was a joke. However this model has a Wacom touch screen which is unbelievably more impressive. The only other negative is the screen is grainy. You get used to it, but when you see another screen next to it you are reminded of how bad it is. Saying all this I would still highly recommend this product and am giving it five stars. Most people aren't going to have the older software so this won't affect them. As far as the screen it is a trade off of having a touch screen tablet.
  
  
• Love it
  By A1CT21XQ0NJ3IY on 2008-05-21
  I personally love this computer. It's small and light enough to be carried around well, especially if you're a college student walking around campus. Most other comments have been covered, but the other reviews were right--it does get warm. I usually sit with a book under it on my lap. My boyfriend has an HP DVsomething model, and his gets warm too, so maybe it's an HP thing. I'm going to invest in a cooler to help with that problem.
  
  Also, if you're wanting to get a laptop sleeve to keep the computer in, note that the battery sticks out the back about another 3/4 an inch. I have a Built NY 12" laptop sleeve, and it's pretty tight to get it in, but it can be done.
  
  
• The fingerprint reader is difficult to find!...
  By A3N1GWTCMGKAXJ on 2008-05-27
  Okay, at first I wrote a review saying they were sending me the wrong model. I'm updating now because, after receiving TWO laptops, I finally gave up on Amazon and called HP. They explained to me that: 1) the tx2110 will, indeed, have tx2000 written all over it, and 2) the fingerprint reader is NOT where the tutorial shows - it's actually on the lefthand side of the screen (the little gold rectangle). The tutorial shows it on the keyboard, so I kept thinking I had an older model! I showed it to half a dozen people (all very computer literate), and none of them noticed it either!
  
  Also, the keyboard is rather flimsy. I've had this laptop for only ONE week, and I've already detected weakness and squeaking in the area where my right wrist rests. That's also where the Wireless antenna is housed, so I'm hoping it holds up under the stress.
  
  
• Good and bad
  By A1JEG5YUW101M2 on 2008-05-26
  Pro:
  
  Vista is nice and easy to get used to. Runs pretty smoothly. Neat multimedia, and great combination of features (bluetooth, a/b/g/n network, 250gb hdd, fingerprint reader.
  OneNote software! Cool and useful! I give it an A
  
  Con:
  
  Battery life is a bit lacking. I'd figure with new technology, I'd be able to get 3 hours off of one charge... I'm falling off a bit before that with the included battery. The included battery is bulky and sticks out further than I would have liked, it sticks out of the unit. Fingerprint software isn't as great for web applications, either needs tweaking, or doesn't work at all (amazon)
  
  Also, can't seem to get a time on battery life, I've cycled it a few times, but all I get is a percentage.
  
  Windows media center lags, and crashes regularly. For shame, microsoft.
  
  Also, afternote: Do not purchase this item from OfficeDepot, do not do any business with them. I was misled by a salesperson saying that there would be a $500 rebate on this item for memorial day sale.
  
  It turns out that the same was for the tx2100z model, and they would not only not match the price, they would not take the return, 4 days later.
  
  I wish I had purchased from amazon.
  
  
• Unusable as a tablet
  By A22LK3BV5N25CM on 2008-06-09
  I don't understand how HP can make a product so poorly usable. The thing is extremely hot and unusable as a tablet because when you try to take notes with it over your lap it becomes so hot you can't even touch it.
  
  As a laptop it works decently, after formatting it and make a clean install of Vista 64 to get rid of all the crapware it comes with.
  
  The screen is not the best in terms of brightness and sharpness.
  
  IMHO, If you're looking for a cheap, small form laptop that already comes with 4Gb RAM, this may be a good choice. If you're looking for a tablet PC, look for other options.
  
  
  
• This is a Great Laptop that does more than most at a great price
  By A23QLQ7E7YM06F on 2008-05-30
  I have owned many touch screen laptops starting with Fujitsu's B series and P series starting 8 years ago and loved it but with one drawback there was no optical drive and very slow but everything else I loved. Then I went to the HP tx1000 Model and was very disappointed the touch screen wasnt really a touch screen it was more like a punch screen you had to push very so for the monitor to recognise your touch and the pen wasnt anything like a tablet it was only touch and was impossible to write on. Now I am writing on a tx2000 model that I got at Costco and I really do love it the touch screen is wonderful and very sensitive not to mention the pen is a true tablet pen that senses the pen without even touching the screen and writes amazingly well. For the money you can beat this laptop and if you look hard you can find it for under $1000 pretty much fully loaded and it does so much more than a normal laptop that costs the same. You really wont be disappointed this laptop does everything you would want it to and more at a cost that will make you smile. I love it.
  
  
• Upgrade to XP!!
  By A36BWX3AAYDQWZ on 2008-06-03
  Screen is not that great, Vista is worse than terrible. I went through the long process of finding the needed drivers and "Upgraded" to XP. Not a bad PC for the money though. Works much better now with XP. I run several control applications that will not work with vista. HP & MS were no help at all. Other than the screen and the OS, not too bad if you have the time & OS to put into it!
  
  
• Good looking laptop but a very slow one.
  By AHPXFX7AX4B00 on 2008-06-08
  Vista is worse than terrible. The laptop is great but even with 3gig ram runs a little bit slow for me. The features are great and the tablet pc even better. However, I don't like it. I mean,the laptop is great but I had the Hp Pavilon special edition and it was running faster than this one with just 2 gig of ram and 1.6(with xp). It also makes very noise and it gets hot very easy. I bought this laptop couse the size is great and its very portable. However, thats the only good think that this laptop has, its portable and is a good tablet pc...nothing more.
  
  
• TX2120US Beautiful Laptop.
  By A1W9HDBSC8J0R7 on 2008-06-18
  Coputer is great, good size, fast and battery lasts a good 2 hours +. The only thing I've noticed so fat is that sometimes when the computer comes out of the screen saver the screen flickers some some time and until you push a key the screen goes back to normal. Probably with a new video driver will fix this but the one installed is up to date. You really make an impresion with your friends with the touch screen, everybody loves it.