The prevalence of widescreen laptops, exemplified by the HP Pavilion 15, is diminishing in higher-end models, where 16:10 or 3:2 aspect ratios are gaining popularity for their increased vertical workspace. However, the Pavilion 15, featuring a 15.6-inch 16:9 display, stands out as a solid choice for home use, offering a blend of strong everyday performance, decent battery life, and a slim yet robust design.
Affordable Pricing and Configuration Options HP Pavilion 15t-eg300
While the regular price of $1,010 may seem steep, the Pavilion 15 is currently available at a substantial Black Friday discount, starting at $530 for a commendable configuration, with the caveat of a subpar base display. Fortunately, for a minimal $10 upgrade, you can opt for a better display, mitigating the primary drawback.
For budget-conscious buyers, the AMD-powered variant (15z-eh300) starts at an attractive $650, with Black Friday pricing dipping to $350. Similar to the Intel model (15t-eg300), it’s advisable to skip the base display by investing an additional $30. The Pavilion 15 shines in its configurability, allowing upgrades to processors, memory (particularly for the AMD model), storage, and even a basic Nvidia GPU, providing flexibility and customization. Multiple color options add a touch of personalization.
In the UK, non-configurable models start at £419, while in Australia, 12th-gen Intel Pavilion 15 configurations, beginning at AU$1,055, present an opportunity to acquire enhanced specifications. Performance tests indicate a modest gap between Intel’s 12th- and 13th-gen chips in this range.
Multitasking Capabilities and Performance
Ideal for multitasking in a home office or academic setting, the Pavilion 15 exhibits comparable or slightly superior performance to similar 15-inch laptops. Notably, the tested configuration represents the base Intel model, but with top-tier components, including the Nvidia GeForce MX550 discrete graphics, the laptop demonstrates ample power for basic photo and video editing and casual gaming—all under $1,000.
It’s essential to note that despite the listed 65-watt power supply, the tested model features a 45-watt adapter. Battery life, around 6 hours in a streaming video test, coupled with a nearly 4-pound weight, positions the Pavilion 15 as more suitable for home use than commuting or all-day campus carrying. For a more portable option, the HP Aero 13, with a taller 16:10 aspect ratio, offers comparable performance, weighs less than 2.2 pounds, and boasts over 10 hours of battery life.
Design and Build Quality
The Pavilion 15’s design combines plastic and metal, presenting a slim and sturdy profile, available in various colors. A backlit full-size keyboard, lacking flex, enhances usability, while the touchpad provides firm clicks. The base display, however, is subpar, exhibiting dull colors, low brightness, and poor off-angle viewing. The 720p webcam above the display performs adequately with good lighting, and the audio quality from downward-firing speakers surpasses expectations, making it suitable for casual entertainment without headphones.
In conclusion, the HP Pavilion 15t-eg300 is a viable choice for those seeking a larger, home-centric laptop. While battery life may vary, and the base display falls short, the widescreen display serves well for work and entertainment. Opting for one of the alternative displays is recommended, and securing the laptop during a sale is advisable, as the full price of $1,010 might not offer the best value.
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