HP DV6516

The year that went by was an eventful one for HP. It was an year when HP took over the mantle of "the world’s largest manufacturer of laptops". This was made possible by the strong sales of its DV range of multimedia laptops. The range has come to symbolize good VFM at every price point, offering good performance and sterling features.

Does the 6516, which we are reviewing today, live up to the promises of the formidable DV range? Let’s find out…

At first glance it’s easy to see why the DV series of laptops has come to be widely regarded as the machines to emulate. The DV6516, like previous products in this range, sports a silver-and-black chassis, a glossy black LCD panel, a silver accented keyboard area with jet-black keys, and an art-deco finish to the lid.

The generous use of silver and black might seem a bit much, but when you factor in the smooth finish it makes for a very pleasing product. Now if you are wondering why I gave only a fleeting mention of its looks, take a look at the photograph above. It’s difficult to describe the looks of this laptop in words... it’s that good.

Physically the laptop is as sturdy as they come. The materials used, including the hinges, are very strong and there's no discernible flex. Furthermore it's surprisingly lightweight. The machine is a bit thick, but that's not really a problem as the style easily offsets that.

However, this polished look is not without its issues. The art deco finish can be a bit overawing and may not appeal to everyone. It’s also a fingerprint magnet and in dusty settings can begin to look rather bad.

The keyboard of the DV6516 is top-notch. It offers a very comfortable typing experience, thanks to the well-elevated keyboard area and soft finish of the keys. The touchpad is a tad large but there's nothing to complain about as it offers excellent traction and makes using it a pleasure. The same goes for the mouse-keys which offer a surprisingly 'deep-click' experience that's pleasant.