4.4Windows 7 Experience IndexProcessorCalculations per second6.9Memory (RAM)Memory operations per second6.9GraphicsDesktop performance for Windows Aero4.4Gaming graphics3D business and gaming graphics5.2Primary hard diskDisk data transfer rate6.8 CB10 Rendering Single 32Bit 4213 pointsHP 281233-001

Considering the office orientation of the Satellite R700, the application performance is of course of much greater interest, HP 281234-001 and we tested this using the PCMark Vantage benchmark tests. Achieving 10375 points in the overall score (64 bit), it got a top spot on our ranking list. Thanks to a faster SSD harddrive, it is therefore in the same league as the gaming hotshots like the Alienware M17x (i7 620M, Mobility Radeon HD 4870 X2, 10598 points) in terms of application performance. Comparable small devices with similarly good performance can be found for example in the Vaio VPCZ12M9E/B.G4 (i5 520M, GT 330M, 9491 points or in the somewhat larger Latitude E6410 (i7 620M, GMA HD, 9753 points). HP 281235-001

It should be noted that all over these machines are equipped with faster SSDs. Models with a conventional harddisk wouldn't even come close to the R700's ratings in this test. It is also obvious that the graphic performance doesn't play an important role in the PCMarkVantage. Even the ample RAM configuration doesn't seem to have much influence. The comparable machines with similar scores already mentioned all have to make do with four GB. HP 281766-001

Let's take a look at the mass memory employed in more detail. The installed Toshiba THNSNC128GMLJ offers a gross capacity of 128 GB and has therefore much less capacity than the harddrives typically employed today. On the other hand, it works absolutely quietly and much faster than conventional HDDs. It also stays cooler and is absolutely impact resistant. A disadvantage: the high cost price. You can find more detailed information in our HDD vs. SSD Article. On models with conventional hard drives, a 3D sensor should protect against data loss caused by jarring.

In addition to the fact that the transfer rates are two to three times as high as conventional harddrives,HP 289052-001 the greatest advantage is to be had in the short access time of only 0.3 ms. A HDD typically requires 10-20 ms. The user doesn't even notice this when copying data. Waiting times which are dependent on the access to memory, such as for instance when starting the system, starting programs, searching for data or mails, etc. are sped up and much shorter than would be the case on conventional hard drives. The subjectively felt speed of the notebook could greatly benefit as a result. HP 289053-001

As already mentioned above, the performance of Portégé R700 is geared more toward Internet and office applications. The GMA HD graphic chip also supports the CPU well in decoding videos. If this application remains the main focus, one can be thoroughly pleased by the performance of the graphics. HP 291369-B25

It is quite different when dealing with 3D intensive applications. HP 338669-001 The limits of the integrated graphic chip's performance potential are quickly reached here. The results of the 3DMark tests attest to this. The Portege R700 is on level with the Latitude E6410 (same CPU and graphic chip). It is of course clearly outdone by the Vaio VPCZ12M9E/B (i5 520M, GT 330M). On the lowest setting, most modern 3D games are almost playable, at best. We did without practical gaming tests as test data for the GMA HD has already been sufficiently collected in our databank, and further, because the Portégé R700 is in any event clearly intended for office and Internet applications. HP 4195818-292

Right after arriving in our office, the tester made itself known by a very penetrating, high-frequency level of noise from the fan, HP DG105A even in operation without load. One also notices a frequent up- and down swelling of the noise level, for instance when surfing the Internet or when starting programs. During the first stress test for temperature and volume measurement, the laptop deactivated itself after 20 minutes. This caused problems in further tests. After a short period (around a minute) at idle, without load but on the "high-performance profile", the machine ceased to display any meaningful data on the screen. Though the laptop remains usable in the energy savings mode, switching over the high-performance profile can reproduce the same error. PPB004A

Obviously there was a problem with the tester's cooling of the CPU and we therefore swapped it out right away for a new one. In the meantime, we took photos of the defective laptop and ran tests which anyway required the "energy-savings profile". When it was later switched again to "high-performance", the error did not pop and the laptop ran much quieter. HP 411462-141

Even on the backup device, the constantly running and always-present fan bothered us, even under very little load.HP 411462-261 When the load is increased, the noise pollution increases quickly. The noise can be described as high-frequency and pulsates with the changing load of different programs. Under load (3D/PCMark), an average volume of 42.6 dB(A) was achieved, which is very audible. During the stress test, over several hours using the Furmark and Prime95 tests, in which both GPU and CPU are burdened at 100%, the volume finally rose to a a maximum of 52.5 dB(A) after a few minutes. Here too, the fan now and again switches to a low rotational speed before once again speeding up. HP 411462-321

This scenario is hardly relevant for practical use. Still, for better or worse, even if one runs tasks on the Portégé R700 which are not particularly demanding, one has to put up with a constantly audible, and high-frequency fan which takes quite a bit of getting used to. HP 411462-421


At idle or under minimal office load, the heat development remained in the green zone at all points measured. Due to the battery positioned above, using it on one's lap would be possible but rather unpleasant in terms of heat development. Regrettable: An important opening for the induction of fresh air is found on the underside in the front left area. During operation on ones thighs or on a soft surface, there is a risk of blocking this. HP 411462-442

Its different during operation under load. In the stress test, especially the left back area heated up significantly. On the upper side, the temperatures stayed within reason, at least on the palm rests. The two CPU cores surpass the 95 degrees Ceslius mark. However, no continual throttling of the clocking speed could be discerned. During the stress test, the TMonitor Tool showed just short interruptions in the clocking frequency. The results for the 3DMark tests ran immediately afterwards, do not vary significantly from those of the cool-condition test. HP 411463-251


As on the Satellite R630, both loudspeakers are found left and right above the keyboard. The maximum volume is sufficient for indoors, but the sound is high-pitched, lacking in bass and rather thin. Spoken tracks sound more or less okay, but for the more ambitious playback of music, external speakers or a high-quality headset are highly advisable. The test of the 3.5 mm external loudspeakers ran without any abnormalities. HP 417066-001


loadingThe battery of the test candidate is a large lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 93 Wh. The R700 tested achieved a maximum runtime of over eight and a half hours, determined with the Battery Eater Reader's Test, with wireless modules turned off, minimum brightness and on the energy-savings profile. If one burdens the notebook with a 3D intensive application, turns the display's brightness up to its maximum and turns on all the wireless functions, then one can only work for around three hours without being near an outlet (Battery Eater Classic Test). HP 432306-001

Relatively long runtimes are possible in the practical tests. In the energy-savings profile and on maximum brightness, the internet can be surfed via WiFi-Hotspot for just over 6 hours. A film session on battery power in the high-performance profile and with maximum brightness, but with the wireless modules turned off, will conclude only after more than four and a half hours. HP 436281-141