HP releases Pavilion dv3500t, its first 13.3-inch laptop

We're all about milestones here at Engadget, so today we'd like to congratulate HP on releasing its first 13.3-inch laptop, the Pavilion dv3500t. Yes, it's been a struggle for the company, missing just high and low of this (apparent?) sweet-spot, which strikes a good blend between power and portability with Core 2 Duo processors ranging from 2.0 to 2.53 GHz, RAM up to 8GB, and up to 400GB worth of disk space if you want it, backed up by an 8X, dual-layer, Super Multi DVD writer. Gigabit Ethernet is on the back, while ports for USB (3), HDMI, and a 5-in-1 card reader occupy the sides, all in a package that weighs in at just over 4 pounds. That new screen delivers a respectable 1280 x 800 resolution and, if you're willing to cough up $100 extra over the $999.99 starting price, you can opt for an LED backlight. If only you could opt out of that garish "Intersect Imprint" exterior.

[Via Laptoping]

Gallery: HP Pavilion dv3500t hands-on

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[Homeboy @ Oct 1st 2008 10:57AM]

What's with HP and all these new stupid laptop sizes. Finding a sleeve or bag for either of them will prove to be an impossibility.

[Hey Ya @ Oct 1st 2008 11:00AM]

Since when was 13.3 an odd laptop size?

[Ashwin @ Oct 1st 2008 11:01AM]

It's not an odd size. It's just that before 2006, only Sony and Apple sold notebooks of this size.

[Big Bad Bun-gee Cord @ Oct 1st 2008 11:05AM]

Its not that its odd, its just 13 POINT 3 is a confusing number.
i mean how big is .3? point three what?
There is no identification as to the measurement after that highly disturbing number...

.3 Miles?

.3 Chickens?

.3 Picas?

[tom @ Oct 1st 2008 11:13AM]

To keep the aspect ratio at 16:9 (widescreen)

[Michael LaFramboise @ Oct 1st 2008 11:15AM]

Big Bad Bun-gee Cord,

thirteen point three

[Nex @ Oct 1st 2008 12:41PM]

Uh bungee..

Not sure, but it may be point three "inches" which is a unit of "measurement".

[Big Bad Bun-gee Cord @ Oct 1st 2008 12:08PM]

Michael LaFramboise,

It was met too be sarcastic. The original question posed was so ridiculous i gave an equally ridiculous response.

[nickbr00tality @ Oct 1st 2008 12:11PM]

Big Bad Bun-gee Cord,

Inches. Thirteen-point-three inches...

[Daniel @ Oct 1st 2008 12:58PM]

@tom

the aspect ratio is 16:10

[Big Bad Bun-gee Cord @ Oct 1st 2008 11:00AM]

What's with the color? HP is freaking me out here. Is this thing fashion accessory or a machine? A man-machine! For men! HELL YEAH! Men that like to eat steak! And sit naked! and grunt! and buy things that are black and silver and titanium and can be dropped form a 80 story building with no damage after impact.

Other then that, the HDMI is mega-sweet and its got decent specs. Does it come with a can of spray paint?

[Byrdman @ Oct 1st 2008 11:05AM]

hahahaha. best. comment. EVER!

[Hey Ya @ Oct 1st 2008 11:20AM]

Agreed. The pattern/colors look like hell.

[Josh @ Oct 1st 2008 7:20PM]

In person, the design/color is actually very nice. It's quite elegant and regal. Its a bronze and goldish finish and looks nice.

[Big Bad Bun-gee Cord @ Oct 2nd 2008 11:58AM]

elegant and regal? So is my new golden-bronzed toilet, but we all know how i treat that.

[Hey Ya @ Oct 1st 2008 11:00AM]

It seems like this is about a month too late. Wouldn't it have made sense to release a machine like this for back-to-school time?

[Flashpoint @ Oct 1st 2008 11:00AM]

Another brilliant HP design. $1000 isn't bad at all for this much: fast CPU and up to 8 GB of RAM !


I'm sure this model will sell best with 2 ~4 GB of RAM and a 250GB HDD. On a 13.3" screen, I doubt you'd really be doing more than Web browsing and webchat or using Microsoft Office.

[Flashpoint @ Oct 1st 2008 11:02AM]

-1

HP's laptop lineup is fantastic. That computer does everything my dv6835 does yet, its smaler so its easier for a student to use in a classroom.

[landru28 @ Oct 1st 2008 11:25AM]

HP has been selling a 13.3 inch screen laptop in Japan since the spring:

http://h50146.www5.hp.com/products/portables/personal/dv3000/?jumpid=ex_hphqapjp_JPdt/JP553000199531/vc_partner-per/ptb

I have to say that when it comes to price, performance and design HP is hard to match.

[Jason @ Oct 1st 2008 11:43AM]

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/au/en/ho/WF05a/321957-321957-3329744-64354-64354-3739825.html

For at least 6 months.

"its first 13.3" laptop" my arse!

Seriously engadget, you can do better.

[David @ Oct 1st 2008 1:34PM]

I am not a fan of HP products, but as I wait for mew Macbook Pros, I realize Apple could learn a few things from the connections on this thing. HDMI, eSATA, etc. Looks like a lot of nice features for < $1000.

[0megapart!cle @ Oct 1st 2008 11:56AM]

How could you mention one of the coolest things about this notebook? Backlit keyboard for $25!!! HP's first notebook one, too, if I'm not mistaken! Hopefully HP will move this keyboard into their other laptops, pronto.

[rtdunham @ Oct 1st 2008 12:01PM]

looks like a nice challenger to my macbook, with the exception of the OS. Yeah, i like that backlit keyboard--had it on my MBP and miss it on my MB.

[0megapart!cle @ Oct 2nd 2008 11:23PM]

Remember this notebook is 4.1 lbs, with decent dedicated graphics, and the macbook is 5 lbs, with integrated graphics. The macbook's weight has been embarrassing since it debuted, with 14.1 inch laptops (with dedicated graphics) being lighter for years, but the dv3500t just exemplifies the issue.

[schmitty338 @ Oct 1st 2008 11:58AM]

Is it just me, or is this pretty much identical to the Dell XPS M1330, except you have actually get sleek, solid colours that look good on the Dell and the Dell has been out for a LONG time?

[Dr Zoidberg @ Oct 1st 2008 12:44PM]

It's just you.

[schmitty338 @ Oct 1st 2008 12:55PM]

Ahhh..good to know...Thanks Zoidberg!

WHOOP-WHOOP-WHOOOP

[TRAFFICBLOWS @ Oct 1st 2008 8:18PM]

Unlike the M1130, stupid HP designers once again put the touchpad off center from the space bar... it's almost impossible type without having the mouse put the cursor somewhere else, close out the screen on you, or scroll randomly. STUPID, STUPID, HP!

[Nick @ Oct 1st 2008 12:07PM]

Wow, Its small and cute :P I woulden't mind a small little laptop to use while on the go. I like the overall design of it though, reminds me of the Dell XPS for some odd reason. With the big hard drive space, lots of ram and a cool backlight keyboard, for under a grand? Not bad at all. I might look further in getting this laptop. Since I need one really bad, but I am still looking at Lenovos though.

[TommyTheGun @ Oct 1st 2008 12:16PM]

What kind of gpu does it have?

[salbucks @ Oct 1st 2008 12:31PM]

The GPU is a 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9300M G - add CUDA drivers and you have a nice little F@H GPU setup lol.

P.S.: It's already on the HP site for customization.

[Verbatim47 @ Oct 1st 2008 12:41PM]

It comes with a 9300m gs, not bad for a dedicated card.

[KJN260 @ Oct 1st 2008 12:57PM]

1280x800?

where are the high res screens 1440x900 or 1600x900?

[Daniel @ Oct 1st 2008 1:00PM]

yeah i was wondering why it was a "respectable 1280x800" when it should read more like a "very standard, underwhelming 1280x800."

[TheHyena @ Oct 1st 2008 2:05PM]

I never understand why anyone would want a resoloution bigger than 1280*800 on a 13.3 inch screen. Do you have eagle eyes? Not mentioning the strain it puts on the fairly tame GPU, if you want native resoloution.

[linuxamp @ Oct 2nd 2008 12:04AM]

@TheHyena
You don't have to use 1:1 pixels. You could have a very high pixel density on-screen but have your video card output in a usable resolution by employing upscaling of some sort. This would give you smoother graphics, especially diagonal lines, without the use of subpixel rendering (cleartype etc.).

[Big Bad Bun-gee Cord @ Oct 1st 2008 1:15PM]

i cant keep up with you swift fella's. I am wrong, you are right. I'm melting like a Compaq running Windows ME.

[LJKelley @ Oct 1st 2008 1:29PM]

And this computer should last what 8 months until the WiFi fails and nothing can bring it back... (not even motherboard, WiFi card changes)

[soulsaber @ Oct 1st 2008 3:15PM]

yes just like my crap dv2000 something or other. wireless is crapping out, fan seems to only stay on one speed now and my left palm rest nearly burned me

hp has the worst quality ever....recalls galore!!

[Poom @ Oct 1st 2008 1:59PM]

SHIT! This thing has very nice spec and well-priced too!! I kinda regret buying the vaio-z now... -_-" This is so much cheaper...

[boogie @ Oct 1st 2008 2:55PM]

"Intersect Imprint"....hmm. Sounds like a perfect name for the next Ubuntu release.

[:) @ Oct 1st 2008 4:01PM]

Me want! :)

[linuxamp @ Oct 1st 2008 9:02PM]

Isn't the Envy 133 technically HP's first 13.3 incher?

[HP Laptop Accessories @ Oct 31st 2008 1:17AM]

HP Pavilion dv3500t is good, I like its color and screen 13.3 inches laptop good for my work.

Have a look to more accessories of HP.......
HP laptop Accessories

[Tim @ Nov 18th 2008 8:33PM]

I recieved my dv3500t a couple weeks ago. I have not had a chance to use it much yet. I purchased it for traveling to replace my bulky 17-Inch laptop. A word of warning though, DO NOT OPT OUT ON THE BACKLIT KEYBOARD! The keys are totally unreadable without the backlit feature. I didn't purchase it because I don't do too much work in the dark and figured it was an unneeded drain on the battery. I had no idea you would not be able to read the keys without it.