Design
One of the first details that caught my eye with the dv6-6013cl was the updated design, which uses brushed aluminum and a bold dose of color. With so many laptop designs mimicking the bare aluminum look popularized by Apple's MacBook Pro line, it's refreshing to see a metal-clad laptop that has some more interesting visual elements.
One of the first details that caught my eye with the dv6-6013cl was the updated design, which uses brushed aluminum and a bold dose of color. With so many laptop designs mimicking the bare aluminum look popularized by Apple's MacBook Pro line, it's refreshing to see a metal-clad laptop that has some more interesting visual elements.
In addition to the navy blue paint job, the Pavilion dv6-6013cl also uses a vertical "grain," which looks great, and added some subtle yet functional curves to the metal panels as well. On the palm rest, for example, the metal panel curves down into the keyboard, providing a more comfortable surface for your hands. On the lid along the hinge, a curved lip lets you carry the closed laptop more comfortably and with a more secure grip. The metal construction also means this laptop doesn't suffer from the noticeable chassis flexing common to many other budget systems.
The dv6-6013cl measures 10 by 14.8 by 1.6 inches (HWD), though these dimensions are slightly misleading as the laptop is mostly 1.4 inches thick except for the curved lip along the hinge. It weighs 5.6 pounds.The dv6-6013cl has a chiclet-style keyboard done in the same style as previous HP laptops. In addition to the full sized keyboard, HP also squeezed in a numeric pad onto the dv6-6013cl. The buttons of the numeric pad are slightly narrower than the standard keys, but feel no different in actual use. The dv6-6013cl also uses a multitouch trackpad with separate buttons instead of the troubled clickpad HP used on previous Pavilion models. It's distinctive visually as well, highlighted by a white ring of light, which would be awesome if only it were paired with a backlit keyboard. It's not, so when the lights are low, you'll be able to mouse without trouble, but you'll be typing blind.
The 15.6-inch screen has a maximum resolution of 1,366 by 768, which is standard for 15.6-inch screens, and will play 720p video. While the screen isn't big enough for a group to gather around for a movie, it is big enough for one or two people. The widescreen layout is nice for videos, but especially so during productive tasks, as it provides enough visual real-estate to work with two large windows side-by-side.
The dv6-6013cl also sounds better than most laptops in this price range. Where many budget laptops have cheap speakers that sound anemic, the dv6-6103cl includes Beats Audio, a combination of software and hardware that provides a satisfying listening experience. Sound remains clear and undistorted even when turned up, and the only complaint I have is that the lack of any bass response was more noticeable as the volume was increased.
Features
Its selection of ports is fairly average for a budget laptop. It has both VGA and HDMI outputs for connecting to an external monitor or HDTV, and the usual Ethernet port and 802.11n Wi-Fi. While USB 2.0 ports are common, most budget systems provide only two or three--the Pavilion dv6-6013cl has four. In addition to the regular headphone and microphone jacks there's also a second headphone jack, allowing two people to listen with headphones.
The Pavilion dv6-6013cl also includes a generous 500GB 5,400rpm hard drive and the optical drive lets you read and burn CDs and DVDs.
Because this is a Costco configuration, buyers can also take advantage of Costco's extended warranty, which doubles the 1-year warranty provided by HP, covering the laptop for 2 years at no extra expense. In addition to this lengthened warranty period, Costco also provides their Electronics Concierge Services, a free tech support line.
Performance
First, we should note that the dv6-6013cl comes equipped with an Intel second-generation Core processor (The Sandy Bridge). It graphics capabilities weighs even higher than the previous kings (the Acer AS5742-6475 and Sony VPC-EB33FM/BJ)
First, we should note that the dv6-6013cl comes equipped with an Intel second-generation Core processor (The Sandy Bridge). It graphics capabilities weighs even higher than the previous kings (the Acer AS5742-6475 and Sony VPC-EB33FM/BJ)
In a MobileMark 2007 battery rundown test, the dv6-6013cl lasted 5 hours 17 minutes with a 6-cell 55Wh battery. This time is better than both the Lenovo G560-0679AKU, which lasts about 3:49hr, and Acer Aspire AS5742-6475, about 5:01hr. However, both of these laptops use slightly smaller 48Wh battery, which is the more common size among budget laptops.
Even without the new Intel processor and subsequent improvements in graphics capability, the HP Pavilion dv6-6013cl was a strong contender for Editors' Choice. Its sturdy yet stylish design, the extras like a fourth USB port and second headphone jack, the longer lasting battery, and Costco's extended warranty had already pushed this laptop to the head of the budget laptop category. Thanks to the new Intel Core i3 processor and the addition of gaming options, even the Editors' Choice Acer Aspire AS5742-6475 gets left behind. The HP Pavilion dv6-6013cl takes top honors.
Specifications
Processor Name: Intel Core i3-2310M
Operating System Microsoft: Windows 7 Home Premium
Processor Speed: 2.1 GHz, RAM 4 GB
Weight/Screen Size: 5.6 lb/15.6 inches, Widescreen
Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics
Storage Capacity: 500GB
Rotation Speed: 5400 rpm
Networking Options: 802.11n
Primary Optical Drive: DVD+/-RW (Plus Minus)
Battery Type: 55 Whr (Watt hours)
Tech Support 2 year warranty.
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