Conclusions
Whether the Pavilion dv2 is classified as a netbook, notebook, or budget ultraportable matters little. The system is certainly small enough, light enough, and thin enough to be considered an ultraportable, in my view. With an optical drive, a proper processor, discrete graphics, and a reasonable display resolution, the dv2 has everything one might expect from a notebook—and a lot more than you get with most netbooks. Compared to the average Eee PC, the dv2 packs two thirds more desktop area, double the hard drive capacity, four times the memory, a faster CPU, and dramatically better graphics. This more robust hardware makes the dv2 more enjoyable to use for basic desktop tasks, and it allows the system to do things most netbooks can't, such as play many recent games and high-definition video, including Blu-ray movies.

All this performance and flexibility comes at a cost, though. HP's $750 asking price for the Pavilion dv2 1030-US is twice what you'll pay for the average netbook. At two and a half to three hours, the system's battery life (on the six-cell) is also a far cry from what you can squeeze from a comparable netbook.

The Pavilion dv2 still involves compromises, as most budget systems do. But it's a different set of trade-offs than your average netbook, and the formula ultimately delivers compelling value. I can't think of another system that's as portable, as flexible, as powerful, and as affordable.

Or as glossy, which is one of the system's few but inescapable flaws. The dv2 would be far better off with at least a matte display and keyboard, if not brushed or matte finishes throughout. Also, AMD would do well to work on getting its Avivo GPU video playback acceleration working with web-based HD video streaming, since even the Athlon Neo doesn't seem up to the task.

Overall, though, the dv2's unique blend of portability, performance, and price elevates the system above its shortcomings and into TR Recommended territory. If you're looking for an affordable ultraportable system with more horsepower than Atom-based netbooks provide, the dv2 should be at the top of your list. And if you're not in the market for an ultraportable today, keep an eye on this new class of budget system. With AMD's Congo platform on the way and Intel pushing "consumer ultra-low-voltage" processors into this space, I expect to see a lot more thin and lights around $700. Look out, netbooks.