Notebook review: HP Compaq nx6125 (EK157ET)

The HP Compaq nx6125 is a business-oriented notebook using AMD’s Turion 64 processor.

It’s the only machine to use an ML-32 version, which runs at 1.8GHz. There’s not much difference between ML and MT processors, apart from the wattage; MLs are rated at 35w, while the MT uses 25w.

Like the other notebooks in this group test, the nx6125 has no dedicated graphics chip.

Instead it uses ATI’s Radeon Xpress 200M chipset, which scored 512 in 3Dmark and 11.21fps in Far Cry, better than most, and impressive considering the target market.

There is 512MB of Ram to play with, which may sound stingy when compared to the Elonex, but what the HP lacks in Ram it makes up for in other areas.

Scores in Sysmark and PCmark were 119 and 1,871 respectively. An extra 512MB of Ram could have provided more headroom for demanding applications.

Like the Hi-Grade Notino C5515-1700, the HP Compaq only stretches to a 60GB hard disk, which shouldn’t be too much of an issue for business types, but start adding media files and it will soon fill up.

If space is looking a little short, the dual-layer DVD writer can archive multiple gigabytes worth of files.

This notebook has some great security features. There’s a biometric fingerprint reader on the front and HP’s Protect Tools software built into the Bios.

It’s the only notebook here with Windows XP Professional, and has a wealth of pre-installed software, including HP One-Touch Button Software, the HP Wireless Assistant, Sonic Recordnow, Intervideo WinDVD player and Norton Antivirus.

There’s also a software CD with Intervideo WinDVD Creator for basic DVD authoring.

The 15in XGA screen is acceptable for basic Windows tasks, and Bluetooth and 802.11g Wifi networking is built in. Other sockets include a PCI Express Card slot and a 6-in-1 card reader.

This article is part of a group test on £699 notebooks. Others are:
Intro and Editor's Choice
Acer Aspire 9503EWSMi 
AJP M551G-E
Elonex Prowire 153
Evesham Voyager A215
Fujitsu Siemens Amilo M 6450G
Hi-Grade Notino C5515-1700
HP Compaq nx6125 (EK157ET)
Mesh Pegasus 3070
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