HP Pavilion dv7

4.0 (3)

3 Critic Reviews

2 Reviews

0 wishlisted

3 saved

Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

Pricing and availability

Store

Reviews

Price

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Videos

Add video

Laptop “Laptop Magazine”

HP Pavilion DV7

Laptop “Laptop Magazine”

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about HP Pavilion dv7.

Software and compatibility

0 0

The HP Pavilion dv7 may face compatibility issues with dual booting Zorin OS due to its legacy mode installation of Windows 10.
Source
0 0

Zorin OS automatically installs necessary drivers, minimizing the need for manual installation for graphics.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The laptop features Intel HD Graphics 3000 and AMD Radeon HD 7400M, which are considered basic for gaming.
Source
0 0

With 8GB DDR3 RAM, the system has limited available memory left (1.89GB) which may constrain performance.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Switching between UEFI and CSM modes might be necessary when attempting to dual boot with Zorin OS.
Source
0 0

Utilizing a swap file instead of a partition is recommended for better performance on older systems with Linux.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Although limited by its age and specs, the Pavilion dv7 can run Zorin OS for users looking to explore Linux without full commitment.
Source
0 0

Running Linux in live mode helps test hardware compatibility, ensuring components like audio and Bluetooth function properly.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Installing an SSD significantly improves boot time and system responsiveness, especially when transitioning from an HDD.
Source

User experience

0 0

Users report that while screen size may be limiting for those with vision issues, desktop scaling in Linux can partially mitigate this concern.
Source

Critic Reviews

HP Pavilion dv7 review: HP Pavilion dv7 - CNET

cnet.com

The HP Pavilion dv7-6b55dx impresses with a robust design and commendable performance for its price. Sporting a sleek, brushed aluminum finish, it offers long battery life and a good component mix, including a second-gen Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, making everyday tasks seamless. However, its low-resolution screen and lackluster integrated graphics detract from its multimedia prowess, limiting its appeal to casual gaming and basic photo/video editing. While its large size and weight make it less portable, it’s a solid choice for those seeking a desktop replacement for home office use and light entertainment. Overall, the dv7 is a competent performer that looks good doing everyday tasks, but it falls short for those needing more graphical power.

neutral

Full Review

HP Pavilion dv7 Review | Laptop Mag

laptopmag.com

The HP Pavilion dv7 shines as a multimedia powerhouse with its sleek design, powerful discrete graphics, and robust wireless performance. Its high-res 17-inch display and Blu-ray drive make it ideal for movie enthusiasts, while the strong speakers enhance the audio experience. The keyboard is comfortable, albeit a bit slippery, and the overall design tends to attract fingerprints. While the built-in TV tuner is a novel feature, its mediocre reception may disappoint. The laptop's performance is impressive, though hindered by slow boot times due to bloatware. Despite some quirks with Windows Vista, the dv7 is a solid choice for users prioritizing multimedia capabilities over portability.

positive

Full Review

HP Pavilion dv7

pocket-lint.com

The HP Pavilion dv7 offers solid performance and a crisp 17-inch display, making it a decent choice for home use, especially if you need more screen real estate. Its design and switchable graphics are commendable, but the requirement to close applications for graphics switching is a hassle. The laptop is notably heavy and runs hot, with battery life trailing behind expectations. While it’s a cost-effective option for its size, the AMD/Radeon combination is less powerful compared to Intel counterparts, and the bundled software can be intrusive. Overall, it’s a mixed bag of value and compromise, suited for desk-bound users who can overlook its bulk and heat issues.

neutral

Full Review