Build and Design
HP updated the Pavilion dm3 series late last year with a new low-voltage Intel Core i3 processor and a fresh design with a new cooling system designed to make the notebook more "lap friendly." Not only is this 13-inch laptop coolerf to the touch, but it looks cooler than the previous generation of the dm3. In short order this notebook became the trend setter for HP's consumer notebook line as the HP Pavilion dm1z and the the HP Mini line of netbooks were designed with a similar external appearance.

Build quality is on par with what we've seen from the rest of the HP Pavilion notebooks and HP mini netbooks. The plastics used in the chassis are durable and thick enough to prevent flex or cracking under pressure. The plastic screen lid does an okay job protecting the screen but the middle of the lid does bend inward under firm pressure. The lid also features a rubber-like matte black paint job which is great for avoiding those fingerprints that show up on glossy notebooks. The screen hinges offer enough tension to hold the screen in place but are loose enough so you can open the laptop with one hand.