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HP ZD7000 review

post #1 of 16
4/26/04 at 11:46am
Thread Starter 
Okay, I've been playing with my new ZD7000 for a few hours. Here are some initial impressions...

Screen: Resolution is perfect. Definitely easier viewing than my WUXGA. Very bright and vibrant colors. Major drawback is that it's like looking in a mirror. This must be one of those new glossy screens. I've placed the notebook in several different lighting positions, but the reflection is VERY prominent and rather distracting to me.

Build: Not crazy about the construction. The cover can be easily bowed down; much like the Sager 8890. It makes me wonder how well the screen is protected. The ZD has a "plastic-ky" feel to it that's doesn't seem very solid. The keyboard is the best I've ever used on a notebook. This thing is very thick and heavy, but that's to be expected for a desktop replacement notebook. If you travel with a notebook, this one will be quite a lot to carry.

Performance: Very fast. Both the CPU and GPU are great. I played Far Cry at 1024x768, 1280x1024, and even 1680x1050 and it looks/plays terrific at every resolution. The Nvidia 5700 is a great card for notebook gaming. MS Office apps also run very smoothly.

Sound: Speakers are quite good and sound very rich and full.

Overall, I'd give the ZD7000 a 7 out of 10 rating. I'm disappointed with the extreme glossiness of the screen, but the machine is a solid performer. I'm gonna keep testing/playing with it for awhile and see how it does. I'm very much a "first impression" kinda buyer when it comes to expensive products. When I shell out a lot of $$, I need to be "WOW-ed" from the start. Unfortunately, the ZD7000 didn't WOW me, which means in all likelihood I'll end up returning it.
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post #2 of 16
4/26/04 at 11:55am
The only time it is like "looking in a mirror" for me, is when the notebook is completely off with nothing on the screen. Looking directly at the screen right now, moving side to side, I cannot see a reflection of anything.

At least you have 30 days to play with it.
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post #3 of 16
4/26/04 at 1:18pm
jswriter,
can you to compare built quality of ZD7000 to Inspiron8600? I´m considering to buy I9100, but I want to know more about its built quality.

Thanks
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post #4 of 16
4/26/04 at 4:40pm
Thread Starter 
Fradim -- I'd have to say that my 8600 feels a bit sturdier/more solid. The lid is very firm and has no flex/bow to it if you press on it.
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post #5 of 16
4/26/04 at 4:45pm
Wow, to say the 8600 feels sturdier speaks volumes about how flimsy the ZD7000 must feel to you.
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post #6 of 16
4/26/04 at 4:52pm
My ZD7000 just about WOWed everyone that came by my office.

Comments like "WTF is that!?!?" were common
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post #7 of 16
4/26/04 at 5:19pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by kevhuynh
Wow, to say the 8600 feels sturdier speaks volumes about how flimsy the ZD7000 must feel to you.
Hey, Kev! I'm a bit surprised that no one else has commented on the build of the ZD7000. I'm pressing on the cover right now and it's got A LOT of give in it. But, the real trouble I have with the ZD is this mirror-like glossy screen. Flashram isn't bothered by it nearly so much as I am, so it's probably more of a personal preference issue. No question, the ZD is fast and games very well. It's just not THE machine for me.

What kind of thin and light notebook are you gonna buy?
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post #8 of 16
4/26/04 at 7:24pm
If the build quality of the 8600 is the same as the 8500 (from what I read it is), then I have to disagree. I had a 8500 and it was terrible. I just checked and with the lid closed if you press on it, it does bow down slightly on the zd. Just don't press down it!!! That is not something you would be doing with everyday use. Other than that it is rock solid. There is NO give or hollowness to the palm rest areas or keyboard AT ALL like on the Dell's. The 8500/8600 flexes and creaks if you pick it up, type on, breathe on it...

I think the reason no one else has mentioned it in the 7 months the zd7000 has been out is because he's the first to try caving the laptop in with pressure on the lid.

For those in doubt, go to Best Buy or Circuit City and try it out.
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post #9 of 16
4/28/04 at 6:47pm
Interesting. I wonder though if when the 8790 comes out with the new screen if it will be just as glossy though. I guess it all depends on the setting you are using it in.
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post #10 of 16
4/28/04 at 7:36pm
Jswriter: Could I get your opinion on the 1680x1050 screen resolution. Do you find this adequate, or do you think the 1920x1200 would be better? I'm curious if the 1920x1200 would be too much for a 17" screen to handle, while the 1440x900 would be not enough for what I need (which obviously would make the 1680x1050 just right).
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post #11 of 16
5/3/04 at 8:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jswriter
Build: Not crazy about the construction. The cover can be easily bowed down; much like the Sager 8890. It makes me wonder how well the screen is protected. The ZD has a "plastic-ky" feel to it that's doesn't seem very solid. The keyboard is the best I've ever used on a notebook. This thing is very thick and heavy, but that's to be expected for a desktop replacement notebook. If you travel with a notebook, this one will be quite a lot to carry.
I took a spin to J&R to test your cover theory. I decided to try out the bend of the cover, and yes I do have to agree that it can bow a lot. However, I also tried out the bend of the Toshiba 17" and it bowed a lot as well (even worse than the HP). Same with the Sony VIAO 16". The Sony was a bit of a suprise considering that I thought the back cover of all three was the sturdiest out of all of them.

I think the problem more or less afflicts the larger screens in general. When comparing the bow of the HP ZT3000 15.4" it barely even gave in. Same with all the other 15.4" widescreens. I'm assuming that the 8790 has this same bow as the HP, however if anyone is out there to correct me on this one please feel free to (and if you can, try comparing it to other 17", not just because it feels sturdy because it is a Sager).

I guess it's more of a tradeoff of having the larger screen. Even Sony, which seemed to use heavier plastic in their build for their 16", bowed a lot. With the exception of the cover, the rest of the ZD7000 is very sturdy.

Just a comparison I thought I would add.
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post #12 of 16
5/3/04 at 8:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jswriter
Hey, Kev! I'm a bit surprised that no one else has commented on the build of the ZD7000. I'm pressing on the cover right now and it's got A LOT of give in it. But, the real trouble I have with the ZD is this mirror-like glossy screen. Flashram isn't bothered by it nearly so much as I am, so it's probably more of a personal preference issue. No question, the ZD is fast and games very well. It's just not THE machine for me.

What kind of thin and light notebook are you gonna buy?
Hehe, I'm not sure man. On a whim, I picked up a used Acer 800lci from the Anandtech forums for $850 shipped. It has the following:
1.3 Centrino
40 gb/512 Ram
ATI 9000
15.1" SXGA
DVD/CD-RW

I must say I am VERY VERY VERY impressed with the build on the Acer. It's so much sturdier than the Dell it's ridiculous. It's not uber thin or lite but it's footprint and "feel" are much lighter at 1.3" thick and 5.9 lbs with weightsaver. This will tide me over until I can think of which thin/lite to get. I've actually been considering a T41 (I have a T20 in the closet somewhere) or if I go even lighter one of the tiny Fujitsu books.

BTW - Is the screen glossy ala the MVA, CASV or XBrite type screens? If so, I'm a big fan and the gloss doesn't bother me at all.

GL on u're quest bud!
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post #13 of 16
5/3/04 at 8:44pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by NuttyIrishman
Jswriter: Could I get your opinion on the 1680x1050 screen resolution. Do you find this adequate, or do you think the 1920x1200 would be better? I'm curious if the 1920x1200 would be too much for a 17" screen to handle, while the 1440x900 would be not enough for what I need (which obviously would make the 1680x1050 just right).
I think the 1680x1050 resolution is perfect! I've got the 1920x1200 on my Dell 8600. I loved it at first, and am hooked on widescreen computing, but I've grown VERY tired of squinting and leaning close to read everything. If I get another notebook, it'll definitely be 1680x1050.

Don't get me wrong, that ZD7000 screen is beautiful. I just didn't like the hi-gloss, mirror-like aspect. I'm sure my opinion is in the minority, although I've read some reviews of the Sager 4080's glossy screen that reflect my thoughts as well. I'm hoping that the new 8790 screen isn't as glossy, although Laura has indicated that it's the same as the ZD. I'm looking forward to reading the reviews once these new 8790s ship out.
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post #14 of 16
5/3/04 at 8:46pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by NuttyIrishman
I took a spin to J&R to test your cover theory. I decided to try out the bend of the cover, and yes I do have to agree that it can bow a lot. However, I also tried out the bend of the Toshiba 17" and it bowed a lot as well (even worse than the HP). Same with the Sony VIAO 16". The Sony was a bit of a suprise considering that I thought the back cover of all three was the sturdiest out of all of them.

I think the problem more or less afflicts the larger screens in general. When comparing the bow of the HP ZT3000 15.4" it barely even gave in. Same with all the other 15.4" widescreens. I'm assuming that the 8790 has this same bow as the HP, however if anyone is out there to correct me on this one please feel free to (and if you can, try comparing it to other 17", not just because it feels sturdy because it is a Sager).

I guess it's more of a tradeoff of having the larger screen. Even Sony, which seemed to use heavier plastic in their build for their 16", bowed a lot. With the exception of the cover, the rest of the ZD7000 is very sturdy.

Just a comparison I thought I would add.
Actually, I found the lid of the Sager 4780 to be very solid, having almost a metallic feel to it. I expect the same of the 8790.
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post #15 of 16
5/3/04 at 8:51pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by kevhuynh

BTW - Is the screen glossy ala the MVA, CASV or XBrite type screens? If so, I'm a big fan and the gloss doesn't bother me at all.

GL on u're quest bud!
I haven't seen those screens, Kev. I'd compare the gloss to that on the Sager 4080. If gloss doesn't bother you, you'll LOVE that ZD7000 screen!!

I'm looking into putting together a hi-end desktop, now. ViciousPC has some fantastic deals on AMD 64 rigs. If I can find the right monitor, I'm gonna make a move on such a system.
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post #16 of 16
5/3/04 at 9:06pm
OOh nice. Hehe, if you're going to put together a high-end desktop, you should hold off on the video card purchase til the ATI X800s and the NVidia 6800's come full steam. Expect 5 days for the vanilla versions of their respective cards to be out.
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