Zacate 11.6" laptop now available from HP

[BrandonT]

I used an unaltered MSDN ISO that I . . . err acquired. Had to activate via the automated phone system, but it worked fine.

So the phone system gave you a new key, or just cleared an existing one? I'm assuming the Os version you used had to be the exact same version as what the laptop came with?

 

[Eyeless Blond]

I must not be following what you are suggesting, why would I go through the trouble of doing a fresh install just to put HP's garbage back on? I'm not changing hard drive, just trying to get fresh install without all the HP crap.

Follow the link: the program basically backs up your registration key so you can restore it after you wipe out the HD. No need to type in the Product Key during the reinstall, no need to call MS for their Mother-May-I, nada.

BTW, it is a good idea to reinstall some of the HP software. Most of the drivers, of course. The Software Assistant gives you the Thermal Assistant (fan control), which is good, but it will schedule a monthly defrag so be sure to disable that part if you're installing an SSD. The 3D Drive Guard is a good idea if you're sticking with a HD, too.

 

[BrandonT]

By Jove that's what I need! One more question, when you say no need to call MS, do you mean that I could just as well install a fresh Win7, input the HP key, and if doesn't authenticate call MS and have them clear it for me? So they don't hassle you about doing this? I figured since I bought a license when I bought the laptop I was well within my right to install a fresh OS and use that key, but wasn't sure if the companies actually made it easy to do.

 

[Zap]

I must not be following what you are suggesting, why would I go through the trouble of doing a fresh install just to put HP's garbage back on? I'm not changing hard drive, just trying to get fresh install without all the HP crap.

That way you won't have to activate Windows.

One more question, when you say no need to call MS, do you mean that I could just as well install a fresh Win7, input the HP key, and if doesn't authenticate call MS and have them clear it for me?

No, if you go to the link provided earlier and do what it says (with the program offered) you do not have to enter the HP key when you do your fresh install and you do not have to phone MS.

STEP 1 Go to that link to get the software/instructions. Use the software/instructions to BACK UP WINDOWS ACTIVATION. This has nothing to do with backing up Windows itself, only the two files that tells Windows it is already activated.

STEP 2 Install fresh copy of Windows 7. While doing this, do not enter any key. This fresh copy probably must match what was on there (Home Premium).

STEP 3 Install all drivers, plus HP Software Assist (to allow fan control).

STEP 4 Use the software/instructions from the link to RESTORE WINDOWS ACTIVATION. Once you have done that, Windows is now activated. No need to type in the product key. No need to phone MS and transcribe long strings of characters.

 

[MadScientist]

Engadget likes it. Review: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/17/hp-pavilion-dm1z-with-amd-fusion-review/

 

[Bateluer]

So the phone system gave you a new key, or just cleared an existing one? I'm assuming the Os version you used had to be the exact same version as what the laptop came with?

Not how it works.

Install Win7 with an unaltered ISO, using the key from HP. Its under the bottom panel, covered earlier in this thread. The key will let you get you through the install, but it will fail to activate over the Internet. You'll get an 800 number to call and a series of numeric codes to enter into the automated system. It will then give you a difference sequence of codes to enter and Windows will activate. Whole process takes about 5 minutes from beginning to end.

 

[M0RPH]

What do you guys think of the LCD on these? It got low marks here in the AT review.

 

[Zap]

What do you guys think of the LCD on these? It got low marks here in the AT review.

Cheap disposable consumer level notebooks almost never get anything better than crap screens.

 

[Eyeless Blond]

Cheap disposable consumer level notebooks almost never get anything better than crap screens.

I do rather wish Anand had compared the dm1z to other netbook screens. I did notice that the other screens it was being compared with were from much more expensive notebooks with IPS screens, which was especially noticeable considering the processor itself was being compared with Atom.

Then again, I suppose most netbook screens are roughly equivalent?

 

[hans007]

I do rather wish Anand had compared the dm1z to other netbook screens. I did notice that the other screens it was being compared with were from much more expensive notebooks with IPS screens, which was especially noticeable considering the processor itself was being compared with Atom.

Then again, I suppose most netbook screens are roughly equivalent?

most netbook screens ARE roughly equivalent.

i personally think the fact that anand and them compare the screens with instrumentation is not exactly the smartest idea.

most of these commodity cheap notebook vendors source frommultiple screen companies. i repaired a lot of laptops in college (maybe 8 years ago ) that were hp actually and most models had usually 2 or maybe even 3 brands of screen.

so you could have a samsung panel in one a chung hwa panel in another or an AU optronics in the next. so its not consistant enough to just say "oh the TN screen is bad" on model X.

only a really high end units that have some sort of noteable screen have a consistant screen like say an IPS apple or a dream color hp or something.

i mean grading the screen on a laptop is like grading the hard drive on a laptop or oem desktop. every oem uses multiple sources of hard drives and ram as well.

 

[JoJoBoy]

Im looking to buy a Dm1z to supplement my desktop pc for school and light mobile office work. How have these systems held up so far for the people that have bought them? Does it handle light photo editing (just cropping, changing brightness etc) of 10m pics. I have tried using single core atoms for this before but hated waiting forever for it too even rotate pictures.

 

[MadScientist]

I just recently purchased one for my wife to replace her Dell mini 10v. She uses Adobe Photoshop. Runs great. Cool and great battery life.

$30. off coupon:
http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/hp-dm1-laptop-coupon/15078.aspx

SAVE30HP code also works.

You can also get 5% off if you link to HP through ShopDiscover. It's a big YMMV if they will honor it if you use a coupon.
http://www.discovercard.com/customer-service/rewards/browse-all-partners-cb.html

Or you can link to HP through ebates and get 5% off and use the coupon.
http://www.ebates.com/stores/hp.com.htm