Starter Laptops - HP 620

Finding an entry-level laptop can be a daunting task. There are many out there. Therefore, for our Starter Laptops series, I shall be reviews some models that I feel you can choose.

Today we start with a HP 620
Below are standard specs you should expect to find.

•  Intel Core 2 Duo T6670 (2.20GHz ◊ 1333MHz ◊ 2 MB L2 cache) Processor

•  4096MB DDR3 Memory (32bit) or 8192MB (64bit)

•  320GB HDD;

•  SuperMulti Dual Layer (fixed) DVD+/RW

•  15.6" LED HD Bright View display;

•  WEBCAM 2.0MP; Realtek 802.11b/g/n; Bluetooth 2.1; 10/100 NIC;

•  Windows 7 Professional 32bit or 64bit,

•  Office Ready,

The HP 620 is a relatively cheap entry-level business laptop, starting at prices of about USD350. However, you still get a machine with decent power and performance.From the windows ratings below, obviously graphics will not do too well on this laptop.

The HP 620 looks very business like so don't expect a lot of gloss and stuff.

I like:

• the connectivity options for the HP 620: 3 USB2.0 ports, SD.MMC card reader, Bluetooth 2.1, wireless, 10/100 NIC (no gigabit ethernet :( ) and even HDMI! 
• The price :)
• The gesture enabled  touch-pad, though you need to learn how to make it work. It has moods.
• The comfortable, firm keyboard (though as you will see below I have major issues with the keys themselves, not the board)
• Depending on how you look at it, literally, the business grey colors and the sturdy material used to make the chassis.
• Decent battery life.

I don't like:

• The wireless KEY! I prefer laptops with a wireless switch not a key. Many users end up inadvertently switching the wireless off.
• No keypad? Like in the HP 4510s? Why?
• Similarly the position of the Media keys i.e. Vol up and down etc. Many times you can end up turning your volume down when trying to press CTRL.

Anyway, these are my opinions