Laptop Suggestions - HP Pavilion Any Good?

rustandstardust on 25/04/2019 - 15:02
Last edited 25/04/2019 - 15:12

Can I get some opinions on either of these laptops?

https://www.harveynorman.com.au/hp-pavilion-15-cs0134tx-15-6…

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HP-Pavilion-15-15-1366x768-Core-…

My Acer of 13 months recently broke; the hinge and the bezel around the screen completely cracked. I tried clamping it shut until I could get another laptop, but I think I kept hitting a wire or something every time I moved the screen. It kept switching off and then eventually wouldn't turn on again.

So I'm laptop hunting. Preferably not Acer and preferably built reasonably strong.

I actually prefer a glossy screen and the larger size of the 1366x758, so I'm not stressed about that in the links above. I am specifically looking for a 15.6" PWM free screen, which is limiting my options greatly.

I'm not a gamer. I run about 100 tabs at once on Firefox with a dozen other things running like Skype, Word, a movie, etc. But that's about it.

Are these HP's built well? I am worried about overheating, as the vent underneath is narrow whereas on other laptops I've owned, it's been bigger and/or has another on the side.

I'm using an old laptop now with a broken space bar, so this slowed down typing is driving me nuts. Hoping to make a purchase asap!

Any feedback is appreciated or other suggestions. Around the $1000 mark budget wise, but can go a few hundred higer if really need be.

Computing Computer HP Laptop

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 25/04/2019 - 15:23

    HP Pavilion's are consumer grade notebooks, HP Elitebooks and Probooks are probably what I'd aim for if you want something with build quality

    That said I'm not a big fan of HP laptops, have one myself and they are always making some sort of compromise year after year, whether it's with the crappy trackpad or the terrible, slow response rate screens.

    check out our polls on laptops here
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/444443
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/444459
    If you haven't already.

    Dell Latitudes / XPS's sourced from the Dell Outlet also another popular choice amongst whirlpoolers.

  • Fishdog on 25/04/2019 - 15:26

    HP and Acer are just crap in general. Go for something from Dell, Lenovo or Asus. The Lenovo thinkpads and Dell latitudes are good to aim for, as they are business models so are built better. My preference is for the thinkpads. Have a look on ebay with the PCLICK20 code to get 20% off, and on the Dell outlet for refurbished Dell Latitudes.

  • Quantumcat on 25/04/2019 - 17:54

    XPS 13 or 15 are nice

  • oscargamer on 25/04/2019 - 18:11

    Have you tried to invoke the ACL on your Acer?

    • [Deactivated] on 25/04/2019 - 19:08

      Sounds like physical damage such as being dropped

  • bengal tiger on 25/04/2019 - 18:22

    I've owned two HP Pavilions and had used them daily - I've found their build quality to be good but they are prone to overheating, they will last if you treat them well by always keeping the air vents clear when in operation.

    My first one died after 2 years due to overheating, motherboard was fried due to heat and I paid for an official HP repair. It then lasted a few years after that when I knew to always keep the air vents clear at all times when in use.

    For my second one I also purchased a 3yr HP Care Pack Warranty - I milked that for every penny. The laptop was good and lasted 6 years total, but I had to submit many warranty claims and received countless replacement parts. It got to the point where they sent me double parts in the 3rd year of warranty after they saw how many claims I had made:

    • a replacement laptop battery every 6-9 months as they couldn't hold a charge after a while

    • a replacement power brick every 3-6 months as it stopped charging the battery (that was my fault, the cable that plugged into my laptop was constantly bent at awkward 90 degree angles when using on planes and travelling)

    If you go with the Harvey Norman laptop, I'd avoid purchasing their in-house Product Care warranty - $599 for 3 years is expensive compared to $149 for the official HP extended warranty for the same laptop.

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