Labs

Given the impressive multimedia performance of mammoths like the Acer Gemstone, we're more than persuaded of the benefits of going large. But the chic styling, high performance and smashing range of features that are packed into the relatively dinky HP dv2750 meant we couldn't help falling for it. Especially since they've also miniaturised the price.

The dv2750 oozes class. Its curvy, gloss-black chassis feels solid, with no flex in the subtly patterned lid. Finished inside in a similarly decorated silver, it seems pretty resistant to the everyday knocks and bumps that are a laptop's lot. The HP may be compact, but it's well supplied with connections; there are only two USB 2 ports, but you also get mini-FireWire to connect your digital camcorder, a choice of PC Card and Express Card slots, and HP's proprietary Expansion Port 3 in case you want to hook up to a desktop docking station. When you want to share films or presentations with a wider audience, there's a choice of S-video, D-Sub or digital HDMI connections to do justice to any PC monitor, projector or HD TV.

At just 14.1 inches across the diagonal, the dv2750's widescreen display is the smallest here. But with a native resolution of 1280x800, it packs in the same number of pixels as the 15.4in screens of the Lenovo and the Sony. Like most of the others, it has a glossy finish that favours DVD playback. We found it evenly lit, with excellent contrast and wide viewing angles. Given its crisp

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image quality, we didn't miss that extra inch, and of course it's an inch of laptop less to carry: at 2.5kg, this is the most portable portable of the seven.

Size constraints mean the battery is relatively small, yet the HP still managed three hours and 20 minutes in our light use test, and only seven minutes short of two hours during DVD playback. If you're after an easily carried machine that will double as a mobile DVD player, the HP fits the bill.

Viewing pleasure

But that's not the end of its talents. Thanks to the inclusion of a digital tuner, which plugs into the Express Card slot on the front edge, the dv2750 also works as a telly. You get two remote controls, one for the Media Center functions built into Windows Vista Home Premium, the other specifically for TV. The tuner proved easy to set up, and while reception was iffy using the tiny plug-in antenna supplied, the picture became crystal clear when we hooked up to a rooftop aerial. PC-based TV tuners like this aren't just about the convenience of watching TV wherever you are; using the bundled HP QuickPlay software, you can record shows and even pause live television while you answer the phone or pop and make a cuppa.

Given the machine's size, we were also pleasantly surprised by the HP's audio capabilities. There's a distinct lack of bass when compared to desktop PC speakers, but the detail offered by HP's built-in stereo set, from Altec Lansing, will impress music lovers.

The HP's processing power put it around the middle of this group, which is not a bad place to be. The Core 2 Duo T8100 processor is one of Intel's mid-range chips, but more than adequate to run any mainstream software - a fact confirmed by a solid result of 179% in our 2D (general) benchmark. A score of 40% in 3D wasn't quite so impressive, but means you'll be able to play quite a few games if you turn down the detail levels.

Combining quality components with a great range of entertainment features, the good-looking HP dv2750 really is a bit of a bargain.