HP Pavilion 15-d038dx
The HP Pavilion 15-d038dx is an average budget-class laptop PC. For under $400, the 15.6-inch 15-d038dx offers decent performance provided by the Intel Core i3-3110M dual-core processor and 4GB of RAM memory. This setup is sufficient for all the daily computing tasks and the laptop can play 1080p videos flawlessly. The only downside when it comes to the CPU is that it belongs to the 2012 “Ivy Bridge” lineup and isn’t an ultra-low voltage part, so it isn’t as power efficient as the common 2013 “Haswell” ULV chips. As an advantage over similar competitors, this model has a larger hard drive of 750GB, noticeably more than usual 500GB. The screen resolution is expected and ordinary: 1366×768 pixels. The laptop sports an admirable feature set including a built-in DVD burner, stereo speakers, webcam, three USB ports, Wi-Fi and Ethernet LAN connections, three USBs, media card reader, and HDMI video output. What’s missing are Bluetooth and the old VGA video output port. It isn’t touchscreen-enabled, so for data input and interaction with Windows 8 OS you’ll have to rely on the keyboard with a numeric pad and multi-touch trackpad with physical buttons.
The components are encased in a 1.1″ thin chassis with glossy black plastic finish and a total weight of five pounds.
Here are the specs of the 15-d038dx 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) | Intel Core i3-3110M 3rd Gen dual-core 2.4GHz 3MB cache (User Benchmark CPU score: 33) |
| Graphics (GPU) | Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics |
| 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 | 750GB HDD This is an excellent 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. |
| 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 HDMI is a widely used digital video output port. You can find HDMI-in ports on most computer monitors and TVs. |
| 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 Li-Polymer |
| Weight | 5 pounds |
| Height | 1.1" |
| 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
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orlando –
Thanks Danijel, but warranty aside though; is it possible to simple open up the unit and change the screen to one that is touch enabled. I opened mine to upgrade the memory and to see the hdd and saw an empty connector near to where the screen is connected and was wondering if this might be where the digitizer for the touch screen would connect.
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Danijel Z –
Honestly, I don’t know about the screen upgrade. I was trying to find the service manual for the Pavilion 15-d038dx, but had no luck. Given that touch and non touch versions of the Pavilion 15 are basically the same I can assume the screen is upgradeable, but really can’t tell for sure. Please let us know if you find out that.
Danijel Z –
Thanks Orlando for pointing this out. The model you saw on HP.com with 15-d038dx SKU, touchscreen, and 2.6GHz speed is actually different than the one which was sold through Best Buy under the same SKU. However, the touch model is from the TouchSmart series, while non-touch is from the Pavilion series. Therefore, they are different notebooks and it’s really weird that HP put the same SKU on different laptops. The display isn’t upgradeable to touch, at least not easily and without voiding the warranty.
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orlando –
I like this laptop, it does have a vga port and the processor speed is actually 2.60 GHz. However, when i go on HP’s site it is listed as a touchscreen laptop, which is how i ended up here seeking clarification. My question is; can the screen be upgraded to touch?
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Danijel Z –
You can compare them via the Compare buttons beside images, but here’s my opinion: In short, the HP has a faster processor (3050 vs 2300 Passmark test points), larger hard drive, and cheaper price. The Asus has touchscreen and generally much nicer design. So, if performance is your main concern and want bigger storage space, go for HP. Otherwise, the Asus.
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Anonymous –
I’m torn between this one and the Asus – 15.6″ Touch-Screen Laptop – Intel Core i3 – 4GB Memory – 500GB Hard Drive – Gray Model: X550CA-SI30304R. Which one do you suggest?
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