HP 15-g018dx Very Affordable Laptop with AMD A6
The HP 15-g018dx is among the least expensive full-size notebooks. That doesn’t automatically mean sluggish performance or crippled feature set. On contrary, the 15-g018dx delivers a decent speed for day-to-day tasks the majority of users do: web surf, Office document work, emailing, and audio and video playback. It’s delivered by the AMD A6-6310 quad-core processor with Radeon R4 integrated graphics. Benchmark results of the A6-6310 show it runs as fast as the more popular Intel Core i3 series and similar to the previous-generation A6-5200. The new version of the chip offers an improved power-efficiency and it generates less heat. The aforementioned Radeon R4 GPU is just another integrated graphics chip, which is not intended for heavy gaming. It’s there to manage the display and occasionally serve for some casual games and eventually modest AAA gaming on the lowest settings.
Other core internal components are 4GB of system memory and a 500GB hard drive. That’s what we are used to see in the budget-to-mid range class notebooks. This setup enables normal functioning of the laptop, but keep in mind that there are other similarly priced notebooks on the market with a 750GB hard drive. 1-Terabyte of storage is still reserved only for more expensive systems. The 15-g018dx does have a DVD burner built-in. The speakers are stereo, while the webcam supports video chats in 720p resolution.
When you open up the notebook, you’re presented with a classic 1366-by-768-pixel panel, a spacious isle-style keyboard with numeric pad, and a trackpad with physical buttons instead of integrated. Keyboard and trackpad are the only ways to interact with the operating system and programs, since the laptop doesn’t have touchscreen.
The 15-g018dx is done up in black plastics, with glossy finish on the keyboard deck and matte on the lid. The laptop sports a brand new 2014 design. It is thinner and lighter than the average 15.6-inch inexpensive notebook from the last year and previous similar HP models. It has a 1″ high profile and weighs 4.8 pounds, down from usual 1.3″ and 5.3 pounds. With that form factor and specs, the machine will directly compete against Dell’s 3000 series.
The simple elegance of the HP doesn’t cripple the device’s connectivity options. There are Wi-Fi and Ethernet LAN network connections, three USB ports, HDMI output, a media card reader, and a combo audio jack.
All factors combined, the 15-g018dx is a very good laptop for its price. It has no premium features such as Full HD display or keyboard backlight, but it can serve home / home & office users and students quite well.
Specifications of the HP 15-g018dx
Here are the specs of the HP 15-g018dx with descriptions of its features. For comparison against other laptops, you can use the "Compare Specs" button.
Brand | HP |
---|---|
Screen Size | 15.6-inch This is by far the most popular laptop screen size. It provides a lot of screen real estate, while avoiding bulkiness of the 17.3" laptops. |
Screen Resolution | 1366x768 pixels HD This is an entry-level screen resolution, oftentimes found on budget laptops. It doesn't deliver picture sharpness and space on the screen like the Full HD or higher resolution laptop displays do. |
Touchscreen | No This laptop doesn't support touchscreen input. |
Other Display Specs | TN type Displays based on the old TN technology lack wide viewing angles you can find on IPS screens. The colors may look washed out or inverted at certain viewing angles. |
Processor (CPU) | AMD A6-6310 (able to complete everyday tasks, but can be sluggish) |
Graphics (GPU) | AMD Radeon R4 integrated graphics (for the lightest games only) |
System Memory (RAM) Size | 4GB RAM 4GB is a small RAM size for computing in 2023. For smooth operation of a laptop during everyday tasks, at least 8GB is recommended. |
Data Storage | 500GB HDD This is a very good capacity, but HDD is a slow type of storage. |
DVD Optical Drive | DVD writer |
Keyboard & Input | Non-backlit keyboard with dedicated number pad The keyboard has a separate numeric pad on the right side of the keyboard, but it has no keyboard backlight. Touchpad with separate physical click buttons The touchpad features physical left and right click buttons, as opposed to click buttons integrated into the touchpad surface. |
Speakers & Audio | Stereo speakers As usual, the device features a pair of built-in stereo speakers. |
Camera | Front-facing web camera Laptops usually feature a frontal webcam located on the display bezel. This laptop is no exception. |
Wi-Fi Wireless | 802.11N 802.11N is an old Wi-Fi standard, precursor of the 802.11AC and the latest 802.11AX with improved data transfer speeds and connectivity. 802.11N is rarely used in modern laptops. |
Ethernet Network Port | Yes This laptop has an Ethernet LAN port for wired internet and networking connectivity. |
Mobile broadband (4G LTE) | No |
Bluetooth | No This laptop has no built-in Bluetooth module. |
USB Ports | 2 x USB 2.0 + 1 x USB 3.0 A total of three full-size Type A USB ports. |
Video Output Ports | 1 x HDMI + 1 x VGA HDMI is a widely used digital video output port. You can find HDMI-in ports on most computer monitors and TVs. VGA is an old analog type of video connectivity used on older computers, monitors, TVs, and projectors. |
Media Card Reader | SD card reader The laptop has a slot for full-size SD memory cards, used in many digital cameras. You can also use microSD cards with a card adapter. |
Battery | 3-cell 2800mAh li-ion |
Weight | 4.8 pounds |
Height | 1" |
Width | 14.9" |
Depth | 10.2" |
Windows Version | Windows 8.1 Windows 8.1 is eligible for free upgrade to Windows 10 Home. Check Windows.com for more info. |
Warranty | 1-year A typical laptop warranty. |
User Reviews and Q&A on the HP 15-g018dx
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