Compare Prices : HP Compaq 8710p

Review summary: The Compaq puts form ahead of function, with square lines and conservative black and grey plastic

Pros: Great screen ; Strong graphics performance

Cons: Dull design ; Less storage than much of the competition

Verdict: The conservative design and TFT display won't suit everybody, but the Compaq 8710p is a great tool for designers or corporate users wanting a desktop replacement machine

Award: Recommended!

Review summary: A huge 17in widescreen, which manages to pack in an expansive 1,680 x 1,050 pixels, means this HP 8710p is a very large laptop. But though its hulking dimensions make it unwieldy and uncomfortable to carry about, they're exactly what makes it so ...

Verdict: Portability isn't the HP's strong point, but as a business-focussed desktop replacement, its one of the best.

Pros: High-quality 17in. screen Nvidia Quadro NVS 320M graphics Full-sized keyboard and separate number pad Windows Vista or Windows XP available Fingerprint sensor and SmartCard reader

Cons: Too large and heavy to be truly portable Almost impossible to use all six USB ports at once

Verdict: If a large desktop replacement notebook is what you're after, the HP Compaq 8710p has an excellent 17in. display, a powerful discrete graphics module, plenty of connectivity and a spacious keyboard.

Review summary: If you're after a large desktop replacement laptop, the HP Compaq 8710p could be just the ticket. With its excellent 17-inch display and a spacious keyboard, plus powerful discrete graphics mode and plenty of connectivity options, this laptop ticks ...

Pros: High-quality, large screen ; graphics ; full-sized keyboard and separate number pad ; Windows Vista or Windows XP available ; fingerprint sensor and SmartCard reader

Cons: Too large and heavy to be truly portable ; almost impossible to use all six USB ports at once

Verdict: If a large desktop replacement laptop is what you're after, the HP Compaq 8710p has an excellent 17-inch display, a powerful discrete graphics module, plenty of connectivity and a spacious keyboard