News 

It's not just a pretty face though - it feels sturdy and is reasonably light, weighing 2.4kg. The DV2810 lasted three hours and 22 minutes in our light usage battery test, which is long enough for most European air travel. This is a good result, but we have seen laptops at this price that can run for nearer four hours.

The 14.1in glossy screen has a resolution of 1,280x800 pixels, which is the same resolution found on most 15.4in laptop screens. The difference in size between this and more common 15.4in laptops may not sound like much. But the DV2810's smaller dimensions make using it in cramped

ADVERTISEMENT

conditions, such as on a train or in an economy-class airline seat, rather less awkward.

Like all glossy screens, the DV2810's display easily reflects light from overhead sources. The resulting glare can be distracting. Although colours looked bright and the backlight was even, the viewing angles aren't very wide so you have to be sitting straight in front of it for the most accurate-looking colours.

The touch pad is a bit small, but it is accurate and has a pleasingly smooth texture. The buttons have soft action though, and don't give enough feedback when pressed. The keyboard is large and comfortable to type upon, but the keys aren't as responsive as others we've used.

While the DV2810 is by no means slow, but its Core 2 Duo T5550 processor means it isn't as fast as laptops using one of Intel's new T8000- or T9000-series processors. The 2GB of RAM is plenty for running Windows and several programs simultaneously, but you can't add any more.

HP's DV2810 is a good laptop thanks to its stylish and functional design, responsive touch pad and respectably long battery life. It's available exclusively from Dixons, PC World and Currys for just £649 while stocks last.