If you’re like many college students, you’re getting ready for the new semester. New semester means organizing and buying your supplies. Perhaps you’re looking for a computer to handle your classwork and is easy enough to carry.

If so, you may be interested in HP’s companion bundle of a powerful laptop and portable netbook. I’ve been loaned an HP dv6 and an HP mini to complete a long term review to see how this can be a big benefit to all of you college students and new graduates.

I wanted to share a few thoughts of the computers with you. I’m not a technical person, so my review is just based on first impressions, not a battery of tests. As I work on several projects ,I’m hoping to test the computers in real world situations.

I have included some technical specs below for those that are interested.

Some Great Features of the HP Pavillion dv6

First off, it’s a powerful laptop that can replace my own desktop with its features. As you can see with the pictures, it’s very sleek looking.

Microsoft Vista Ultimate: I’ve been using Windows XP for my desktop, which is about 4-5 years old, and had not thought about upgrading. Trying out Vista has been fun and I really like some of the improvements. I found the Start menu a lot easier to find programs, the transparency of the windows, and I love how the windows allow you to preview the programs before clicking on them.

Touch Sensitive Volume and Wireless Access Controls: I found the volume control to be very useful. Please be aware that they are very sensitive, as I accidentally turned off access to the wireless network in our apartment and lost the majority of the original post of the review. Oops!

Portable Yet Comfortable: The HP dv6 has a keyboard and numeric keypad, yet it doesn’t seem like it takes up much space. It’s much lighter than our current laptop, but more powerful.

Syncables: Something that will be a huge asset for busy students and graduates is the Syncables software. You can run around campus with your netbook, taking notes in class, working with your group on projects, and then organize them at home, without a skipping a beat. I’m really going to try this feature out this weekend as I work on the blog while I’m out of town for the wedding.

Software for the HP Pavillion dv6

Here are some of the software that is included with the HP Pavillion dv6:

• Microsoft® Works
• Microsoft® Office 2007 Home and Student Trial Edition
• Symantec® Norton Internet Security™ 2009 (including 60 days complimentary live update)
• HP MediaSmart
• Muvee Reveal
• Cyberlink DVD Suite

Tech Specs for the HP dv6

• Intel® Centrino® 2 Processor Technology featuring Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor
• Genuine Windows Vista® Ultimate 64-bit
• 16.0″ Diagonal HD Display
• ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 4650
• 4096MB DDR2 System Memory
• 500GB  Hard Drive
• LightScribe Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD±R/RW Double Layer
• HP Webcam with integrated digital microphone
• Intel® WiFi Link 5100AGN
• 6-Cell Lithium-Ion battery
• 1-Year Free Hardware Technical Support

HP Back to School: Better Together Giveaway

If you’re looking at getting this beautiful and powerful laptop, then I got some great news.  I’m happy to announce that HP is having the Back to School: Better Together Giveaway. This massive events has 25 blogs giving away the following bundle:

• a brand new HP dv6
• an HP Mini 110
• Syncables software that will connect your computers and share your school projects, academic papers, and personal stuff like photos and videos
• a customized Green Panda Treehouse Timbuk2 bag (each site has it own bag)

Entering for all contests means you have 25 chances to win a free laptop!

I’ll announce more details of the contest in my next post. If you want to make sure you’re in the loop, please subscribe to Green Panda Treehouse to have the latest posts sent your inbox automatically. If you want to get tweets on the contest, then please feel free to follow me.

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