Reviews (1)

WOWWY!!!!
I'm so glad to be the first to review this emachines model.

I came here looking for reviews on this model but none were here so I asked around, friends, chat rooms, etc...and finally made my decision. So now I'm giving you all the first review :))

I just purchased this computer. All I can say is that this PC rocks! It's a very fast system.

Before purchasing I was in the whole dilemma about whether one should get an emachines computer or not. So many people kept trying to deter me saying that a PC this cheap with those specs had to be [junk]. Due to comments, I was about to spend something like $400 more bucks just to get a Sony that even had a little less to offer. I took a big "guuulp" and went for it and bought this emachines model and I have never been happier.

Im pretty critical of PCs and I need a fast computer because of all the multi-tasking I do especially with graphics software. This model is very fast.

It shuts down and also loads windows really really quickly. Remember its an Athlon XP 2000 with 512 MB DDRAM (also with good room for expansion). It has a good DVD ROM drive and decent CDRW drive. The DVD I tried on it played very nicely. The graphics card is very good, but there is an AGP slot to upgrade for hardcore gamers (not me. Xbox does me fine! ;)

To get to the point, this model is the truth. It isnt [junk] because of the price!! I'm telling you it's just simply a good deal...nothing more to it. I wouldnt be surprised if Emachines computer prices go up after this model has gone and receives all the great feedback.

To the *minor* details:
The speakers aren't the greatest. If you will be jamming audio in the house on your PC I would invest in a set of speakers.

The keyboard is a regular keyboard and the mouse is a regular mouse. (Some reviews said that this was a con, that the keyboard is plain with no shortcut buttons). This is true, but for me I couldn't understand how this could ever be an issue or even be considered much when purchasing a PC. I'm using the keyboard and will be using it. I already had an intell MM mouse so I installed it a couple of days later, but would have been happy using the mouse that the PC came with (it worked very well the first few days i used the PC). Many brand name models also come with plain keyboards and mouse.

For beginners, the Emachines support will be more than enough. They have good phone support (answer pretty quickly) and they also provide a live chat support at their site. Each representative give you his or her name and ID. For those who know about PC's, you will know that the PC is good and will not need the emachines support much.

Don't be turned off because of peoples' ignorance. Even computer store clerks will try to steer you away from buying an emachines. I really dont know why this is so. I think its that they dont get much commission. Im telling you ASK them why they dont like the Emachines model with all these powerful specs and they will not know what to say. I got the same comment from two computer store clerks of two different stores "it's returned more often, that's all i can tell you." This may have been so with older emachines model but not this one. (do a search at google on emachines past and new company & management changes)

You will not find a deal like this from Dell, Compaq or any of the others. The only way you can beat the deal is if you are one who builds your own computer (even then, its pretty close).

Get yourself this PC and a nice monitor and you'll be set!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Recognized globally for its state-of-the-art image and winning formula, noted Italian-based sports and racecar builder Ferrari doesn't lend its familiar colors and logo out to just anyone. Yet that is precisely what it has done for Acer's new Acer Ferrari mobile computer. Dressed up in gorgeous Ferrari Red/classic gray paint scheme and sporting a prominent Ferrari Prancing Horse logo on its bonnet, the Acer Ferrari 3000LMi Notebook is distinctive and fashionable. More critically, it delivers solid 3-D performance, comprehensive connectivity and a lightweight portable design, thus making it a perfect tool for businesspeople and personal users alike.

The Ferrari 3000LMi is not merely a pretty showpiece. Inside, Acer has installed a formidable system "engine", including a 1.87 GHz AMD Athlon XP-M 2500+ processor, 512 MB main memory, and an ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 graphics controller with 128 MB video memory. With this level of power at their disposal, users will have no trouble operating typical PC and notebook applications and multitasking. Even ardent gamers or 3-D designers should find the system has enough 3-D muscle to efficiently operate all but the most demanding applications.

Though not extremely compact at 13 by 10.7 inches, the Ferrari 3000LMi is just 1.2 inches thin. Furthermore, it weighs a mere 6.5 pounds, thus qualifying it as a true ultra-light. Acer makes good use of all available space, equipping the unit with a 15-inch SXGA+TFT LCD display capable of super-clean 1400 by 1050 resolution, a full-size 84-key keyboard with numerous hotkeys, a roomy 60 GB hard disk, and a DVD-Dual drive that supports CD burning, audio CD playing, and both of today's most popular DVD recording formats, DVD- and DVD+.

The unit is equipped with a number of standard amenities, including an IEEE 1394 FireWire port for fast interaction with external devices such as digital camcorders, four high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play peripheral connections, a 4-in-1 card reader for memory cards from cell phones, digital cameras and the like, and Bluetooth support for no-hassle communication with cordless gadgets such as PDAs. Communication options include a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email, a 10/100 LAN network connector, and integrated 802.11g wireless LAN for cord-free network and e-communication access.

The system's software bundle is not as comprehensive as that of similar notebooks, featuring the Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition operating system and CyberLink's PowerDVD software DVD player. Estimated battery life is estimated up to 3.0 hours under ideal conditions. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent!!
its definately an outstanding laptop.
it's far from expensive for the specifications but there is a lot more than in there...i like it so much...its nicely designed for the portable user and I like the Ferrari design on it. The color is red and is so attractive!!

It's not lite on weight...so sad...
I definately recommend it to anyone out there. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Some consumers don't mind paying a little extra for the privilege of owning the absolute latest state-of-the-art gear. For the rest of us, there's the Compaq Presario 6029US desktop. Fast and powerful, while just a notch or two removed from the cutting edge, the Presario 6029US is an affordable yet proficient machine that should handle all but the most demanding applications.

For this model, Compaq has selected a 1.73 GHz AMD Athlon XP processor with 256 KB of Level 2 cache. This speedy CPU is the brains of a capable processing engine that also features 512 MB of fast DDR DRAM (expandable to 1 GB) and an integrated 32 MB nVidia GeForce2 chip. The system bus speed is a reasonable 266 MHz. In plain English, the Presario 6029US is ready to run virtually any application currently on the market, although ardent gamers or animators may want to add a faster graphics card at a later date.

Sporting a substantial 80 GB hard disk, the unit offers plenty of onboard storage space for all your programs and files. It also features a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive for your smaller applications and a 24x (write) CD-RW drive through which you can record and play audio CDs and transfer and archive your data. Compaq has not included a monitor or speakers, allowing you to select such components separately or perhaps make use of your existing audio-video setup.

The Presario 6029US is packed with amenities to enhance your everyday computing, including six USB ports for plug-and-play peripherals, a serial port and parallel "printer" port, an integrated 56K modem for basic Internet and e-mail access, two free PCI slots for future expansion, and a scroll wheel mouse. The system's Compaq Internet keyboard features several one-touch buttons for convenient access to various Internet and multimedia functions.

To help get you started, Compaq has pre-installed a variety of software applications, including Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system, Microsoft Money 2002, Microsoft Works 6.0, Quicken Financial Center/Quicken New User Edition, Microsoft Encarta Online Deluxe 2001, and plenty of Internet and multimedia tools and utilities. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great buy, Geforce 2 on bard!
This is great computer DVD-R you can store up to 4.7 GB on the disc.
This PC is fully loaded, if you want everything this is it.
Almost perfect.
Runs 24/7 non stop for 3 weeks , and no problems.
Highly addicted PC

Nicely Designed PC for Video Editing
This PC has several things going for it and is an excellent deal.

It has a built in DVD-RW (a Pioneer A04--good choice). You'll be hard-pressed to find a machine with similar specs including a DVD-RW at this price (as of August 2002). It also has a powerful processor for encoding video quickly. It has conveniently placed IEEE1394 and USB1.1 ports up front so you can hook up your camcorder so easily.

I like the mid-size box, and find the silver/black look appealing. I really like the clean front for the optical drives and connectors (no goofy doors like HP/Sony/etc.) It even comes with a reinstall disk (unlike HP labelled products). Even the keyboard is respectable.

The graphic chip set with shared memory helps keep the price reasonable and if you really need high-end game graphics, you can add a graphics board easily enough. For video editing and everything I ever do, the graphics are fully adequate.

Drawbacks: There is only a single open mounting slot for an additional drive inside. I have placed an additional drive just laying inside. Also, the machine includes some persistant Compaq shopping software that takes a couple steps to disable.

Also of note. The PC comes with no speakers. This is not convenient but at least lets you get just the speakers you want since most included speakers are usually disappointing anyway.

Overall, this is a lovely machine for video work and general use. I'm very pleased with mine after a month churning out videos and homemade DVDs.

Okay for entry level but the graphics are weak
For an AMD system this one is pretty high end - except for the graphics. Based on the Nvidia Nforce chipset, this system is aimed at entry level users. An otherwise nice machine is hobbled by week graphics. If you even intend to play games, stay away from this machine. Not only is it based on a graphics chipset that is about to be discontinued (can only be found on very low end graphics cards today), but it uses system memory, which is slower than graphics cards with their own integrated memory. So it is slower than your standard GeForce 2! If you are an entry level buyer there are cheaper systems, if you are a power user this isn't for you. Therefore it is hard to reccomend this system to anyone. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The HP Pavilion a700n is a great entry level PC that doesn't sacrifice in power or performance for those on a budget. It has a 2.10 GHz Athlon XP 3000+ processor, 512 MB RAM, and an 80 GB hard drive, and is powered by Windows XP Home Edition. It's bundled with a variety of software, including HP Image Zone Plus digital photography software, aimed to get you online and capturing, editing, and sharing your digital photos, audio, and video.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: The 80 GB Ultra DMA hard drive (7200 RPM) is small in comparison to other desktop PCs in this range, and certainly smaller than you'll need if editing a lot of digital video. It does have more than adequate storage for all your documents and a good-sized library of digital photos and MP3s.
• Processor: The 2.1 GHz AMD Athlon XP 3000+ processor offers a high level of performance--speedy enough for PC gaming, graphic design software, and multimedia creation. It also features a 400 MHz front-side bus (FSB) speed and a 512 KB L2 cache.
• Memory: The A700N comes with a 512 MB built-in memory (1 x 512 MB DDR SDRAM, PC2700)--a good start for power users. It only has a 1 GB maximum memory expansion (2 x 512 MB).
• CD/DVD Drive: The combo CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive can write and read CDs at 48x and rewrite at 32x speeds. It can read DVDs at 16x.
• Keyboard & Mouse: The A700N comes with an HP Internet keyboard and scroller mouse (both with PS/2 connections).

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
For expansion, the A700N has two 5.25-inch external bays (one available), two 3.5-inch bays (one available), three PCI slots (two available), and one AGP 8x slot (available). It comes with a built-in floppy drive and the following external connectors:

• 7 USB 2.0 ports (3 in front, 4 in rear) for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 2 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) ports for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals (1 in front, 1 in rear)
• 1 parallel port for connecting older printers and scanners
• 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
• 1 VGA monitor port
• 1 serial port for older peripherals such as early PDAs
• 1 microphone, 1 headphone, and 1 line-in jack in the front
• 9-in-1 media card reader on the front, compatible with CompactFlash (Type I and II), MicroDrive, Smaredia, Memory Stick/Memory Stick Pro, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digitial, and XD Picture Card

Preloaded System and Software
This system comes with the Windows XP Home Edition operating system, and it also features Microsoft Works (for working with word processing and spreadsheet documents). Other preloaded software includes Quicken New User Edition 2004, Norton Antivirus 2004 (with 60-day LiveUpdate subscription) and Personal Firewall 2003, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Encarta Encyclopedia 2004 Standard Edition, HP Image Zone Plus, RecordNow 7.2 (for burning CDs), WinDVD SE 5.0 (for DVD playback), and Apple iTunes.

The included HP Image Zone Plus photo and imaging software makes it easy to organize, edit, share, print, protect, and store your photos and video clips. Organize and find your photos easily by timeline, keywords, and/or location using the unique photo-globe mapping tool. Remove red eye and fix other common problems. Share your photos quickly via e-mails that include thumbnails with links to the full-sized images--without downloading time-consuming attachments.

Dimensions and Weight
It measures 15.2 x 16.5 x 7.5 (W x D x H).

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion A700N desktop PC, power cable, keyboard, and mouse. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Basics:
Not so large that they’re prohibitively cumbersome or so compact that they’re prohibitively expensive, Gateway’s newest eMachines blend sensible styling with many of today’s most desirable amenities and enough power for typical notebook tasks. This model, the eMachines M2352 Notebook PC, sports a high-end AMD Athlon CPU, wireless connectivity and a movie-friendly widescreen display. Other models in the new eMachines series offer goodies such as DVD recording, enhanced 3D graphic capabilities and futuristic 64-bit CPUs, yet the eMachines M2352 is nevertheless a solid yet very affordable choice for business and personal users alike.

Processor:
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (processor), a massive array of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today’s notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU’s on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. The eMachines M2352 is equipped with an AMD Athlon XP 3000 CPU operating at 2.2 GHz. This is a powerful processor that compares favorably in real world tests to current high-end Intel Pentium 4 CPUs, even though its 2.2 GHz clock speed is not as high as the 3-plus GHz of today’s fastest Pentium 4s. Forward-thinking folks should note that this is a 32-bit processor, not one of the new 64-bit processors found in some state-of-the-art desktops such as the eMachines M6811. Nevertheless, it is quite sufficient for most any application, from business to entertainment and all stops in between.

Memory:
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The eMachines M2352 incorporates 512 MB of RAM of PC2700 DDR RAM, an average allotment and speed for midlevel and high-end notebooks. But unlike many current portables, which allow you to expand your RAM to one or two GB or more, this unit supports a maximum of only 768 MB. This should not be an issue for most users, though anyone who plans to engage in ultra-heavy-duty multitasking or other high-drain procedures such as multi-track audio recording should explore notebooks that support more RAM, such as the eMachines M6810 or M6811.

Video:
CPU’s are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen, a duty that falls upon the graphics card (or graphics controller). This system’s graphics controller is an ATI Mobility Radeon IGP 320 with 64 MB of shared video memory. This is not a particularly high-end video controller, as it appropriates up to 64 MB of the system’s main memory rather than providing its own "dedicated" video memory. As such, the system will accurately display 2D and many midlevel 3D tasks, but is not recommended for the latest 3D games or other demanding applications such as 3D animation and 3D graphic design.

Display:
Some of today’s largest notebooks are equipped with massive 17-inch displays, while many super-compact "ultra-lights" sport substantially smaller 12-inch displays. The eMachines M2352 features a midsize 15.4-inch display in the same widescreen format favored by moviemakers.

Hard Disk:
While the integrated 60 GB hard disk isn’t particularly generous by desktop standards, it’s considered quite adequate in a notebook and therefore satisfactory for those who need to operate a broad range of applications and also keep a small library of space-gobbling music and/or multimedia files.

Optical Drive:
An optical drive is essential in today’s computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Most drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system features a CD-RW/DVD drive through which you can play and burn CDs and play DVDs.

Audio:
The eMachines M2352 is equipped with an integrated audio chip, built-in stereo speakers, a microphone jack and headphone/audio out.

Keyboard and Controls:
You’ll control your notebook via a standard mobile keyboard and a touchpad with vertical scroll zone.

Connectivity and Expansion:
The eMachines M2352 offers a wide variety of ways to keep in touch, including a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access, a 10/100Mbps Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, and an integrated 802.11g wireless connection for cord-free e-communication at home, at the office or on the road via a local public hotspot. Other key amenities include four high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders), and an S-Video Out for feeding the display to a television set.

Operating System and Software:
Gateway has fitted the unit with today’s most popular operating system, Microsoft’s Windows XP Home Edition. Other applications include Microsoft’s Works 7.0 productivity suite, Microsoft’s Money 2004 financial center, and an array of multimedia and Internet utilities.

Dimensions and Weight:
Notebook computers are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and weights. Many of today’s most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and therefore too big and bulky for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that generally aren’t as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two lbs and fit comfortably inside a large purse. At 7.5 lbs and 14 by 10.4 by 1.6 inches, the eMachines M2352 is of medium size.

Power:
The unit is equipped with an 8-cell Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

If you’re an evenings-and-weekends warrior shopping for an affordable home office desktop PC that lets you record CD music compilations, the Compaq Presario 6310 will be music to your ears. This tower PC offers value-priced computing crunch, easy expandability and networking, and graphics and multimedia support for diverse home office and gaming needs. It will appeal particularly to consumers who already own a monitor and speakers.

A 1.53 GHz AMD Athlon XP 1800+ processor pumps out impressive, affordable performance across a wide range of productivity applications, multimedia tools, and popular PC games. The integrated ProSavage DDR KM266 graphics chip, plus up to 8 MB of shared video memory, smoothly displays them all. The system’s 40 GB hard drive provides substantial application and data file storage capacity. Its 128 MB of 133 MHz DDR SDRAM--expandable to 1 GB--and 128 KB of primary cache, with 256 KB of secondary cache, let you confidently run several productivity applications simultaneously.

The 14.5-by-16.6-by-6.9-inch Presario 6310 tower includes a 40x/32x/10x CD-RW drive for recording and listening to music or backing up data and application files. The system also includes a 3.5-inch 1.44 MB floppy disk drive, a 10/100Base-T Fast Ethernet port, and an integrated 56K V.90 modem. Expansion options include three PCI slots (two available), two 5.25-inch bays (one available), and one external and two internal 3.5-inch bays (one internal bay available).

The Presario 6310 offers flexible, easy peripheral connection through four USB ports (two front, two rear), an external VGA monitor port, and single serial and parallel ports. The system includes a Compaq PS/2 Internet keyboard and a Compaq PS/2 scroller mouse with its two PS/2 connectors.

Installed software includes Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Works 6.0, Microsoft Money 2002, Microsoft Encarta Online Deluxe, Intuit Quicken Financial Center/Quicken 2002 New User Edition, RecordNow powered by Veritas, Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0, Norton AntiVirus 2002 with six months of free upgrades, and two free Game Channel titles. ... Read more

Amazon Product Description

The Basics:
If you're the type who relishes or requires state-of-the-art computer technology, the Presario 6400NX Desktop PC is definitely not the ideal Compaq for you. Certainly you'll need to perform substantial upgrades to components such as its memory and graphics controller if you plan to go beyond basic tasks such as word processing, home finances or email correspondence. Yet the affordable, no-frills Presario 6400NX is otherwise a good bet for budget-minded individuals needing a very cost-effective entry-level workhorse for home, school or light business duty.

Processor:
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some are equipped with high-end CPU's suitable for any software currently on the market, while others are fast enough only for basic duties. Powered by an affordable yet powerful 1.53 GHz AMD Athlon XP 1800+ processor with Quantispeed architecture, the Presario 6400NX simply does not sport the horsepower needed for some of today's most popular but demanding virtual activities. But for students or home users on tight budgets who don't expect to be running high-end business applications, games, and the like, it should suffice nicely.

Memory:
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The Presario 6400NX is equipped with today's absolute minimum recommended amount of memory, 128 MB. This allotment will theoretically allow you to run Microsoft's Windows XP operating system, but is not sufficient for multitasking or complex applications. Fortunately, the system does permit upgrades to a full 1 GB.

Video:
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller), the finest of which will include their own "dedicated" built-in video memory rather than "sharing" portions of the system's valuable main memory. For the Presario 6400NX, Compaq has installed a ProSavageDDR KM266 graphics chipset with 32 MB of shared memory. This configuration will not handle advanced graphic applications such as 3D games or 3D animation without first being upgraded. Still, general 2D applications should pose little problem.

Display:
The Presario 6400NX does not ship with a display, thus allowing you to utilize your current monitor or custom select a model from the many choices available today.

Hard Disk:
At 40 GB, the integrated hard drive is too small to store a library of space-gobbling games or multimedia files. But that's okay, because this PC isn't really cut out for that sort of stuff anyway. For text files, emails and the like, the smallish hard drive is adequate.

Optical Drive:
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system features a CD-RW drive through which you can burn and play CDs. DVD playing and burning is not supported.

Audio:
The unit is equipped with an entry-level integrated audio chip. Speakers are purchased separately.

Keyboard and Controls:
Compaq will enclose a standard PS/2 Presario keyboard and a two-button mouse with convenient scroll wheel.

Connectivity and Expansion:
The Presario 6400NX features a variety of connectivity options, including serial and parallel ports, a 56K V.90 flex modem, a 10-Mbps/100-Mbps Ethernet connection, and a half-dozen high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play peripherals. A FireWire port (for quick interaction with external devices such as digital camcorders) is not enclosed.

Operating System and Software:
Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system heads up a software bundle that also features Microsoft's Money 2002 Standard, Intuit Quicken Financial Center including Quicken New Users Edition 2003, and Microsoft's Works 7.0 productivity package.

... Read more

Reviews (2)

Slow At First!
First off this computer is very very slow at first.We bought it about one month after it came out.It comes with 128MB of ram which I don't know why they didn't add more since Windows XP at the very least needs 256Mb's.I've added 1GB of ram which makes a tremendous difference to this computer.The 32MB integrated graphic chip will be a horrible experience if you want to play 3-D games.Good thing it has an AGP slot to put in a video card. I've put in a ATI Radeon 9000pro 128MB card which works fine for me.Also the 40GB 5,400rpm Hard Drive is a little slow and will get eaten up fast if you work with multimedia.Which is fine cause you could get another one but then you find yourself doing alot of upgrades for this machine!Anyways I would say that if your not going to upgrade 2-3 hundred dollars worth then invest your money into something better then this system.

Nice computer at a great price
I purchased a Presarrio Athlon 1600+ this summer and was impressed by its speed so I when I saw this one I recommended it to a friend. Computer was easy to set up. Paired it up with roadrunner high speed internet access and web surfing is super fast. Compaq seems to have worked out the kinks with java windows. Compaq has also added some nice desktop themes. Set up was easy without any calls to technical support. The only disappointment was that it came with a black keyboard with grey keys instead of the silver internet ready keyboard with black keys, which much nicer. Also Compaq now requires you to make your own restore disks - however the process was pretty easy (provided you have some blank CD-R disks on hand) and seemed pretty fool proof. Computer also comes with a very readable user's manual. All and all a great computer experience at a nice price. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The HP Pavilion a710n is a great entry level PC that's ready for your multimedia needs. It's powered by Windows XP Home Edition and it features a 2.20 GHz Athlon XP 3100+ processor, 512 MB RAM, and extra-large 160 GB hard drive. It's bundled with a variety of software, including HP Image Zone Plus digital photography software, aimed to get you online and capturing, editing, and sharing your digital photos, audio, and video.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: The extra-large 160 GB Ultra DMA hard drive (7200 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video.
• Processor: The 2.2 GHz AMD Athlon XP 3100+ processor offers a high level of performance--speedy enough for PC gaming, graphic design software, and multimedia creation. It also features an advanced 462 MHz front-side bus (FSB) speed and a 512 KB L2 cache.
• Memory: The A710N comes with a 512 MB built-in memory (1 x 512 MB DDR SDRAM, PC2700)--a good start for power users. It only has a 1 GB maximum memory expansion (2 x 512 MB).
• CD/DVD Drive: The combo CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive can write and read CDs at 48x and rewrite at 32x speeds. It can read DVDs at 16x.
• Keyboard & Mouse: The A710N comes with an HP Internet keyboard and scroller mouse (both with PS/2 connections).

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
For expansion, the A710N has two 5.25-inch external bays (one available), two 3.5-inch bays (one available), three PCI slots (two available), and one AGP 8x slot (available). It comes with a built-in floppy drive and the following external connectors:

• 7 USB 2.0 ports (3 in front, 4 in rear) for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 2 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) ports for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals (1 in front, 1 in rear)
• 1 parallel port for connecting older printers and scanners
• 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
• 1 VGA monitor port
• 1 serial port for older peripherals such as early PDAs
• 1 microphone, 1 headphone, and 1 line-in jack in the front
• 9-in-1 media card reader on the front, compatible with CompactFlash (Type I and II), MicroDrive, Smaredia, Memory Stick/Memory Stick Pro, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digitial, and XD Picture Card

Preloaded System and Software
This system comes with the Windows XP Home Edition operating system, and it also features Microsoft Works (for working with word processing and spreadsheet documents). Other preloaded software includes Quicken New User Edition 2004, Norton Antivirus 2004 (with 60-day LiveUpdate subscription) and Personal Firewall 2003, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Encarta Encyclopedia 2004 Standard Edition, HP Image Zone Plus, RecordNow 7.2 (for burning CDs), WinDVD SE 5.0 (for DVD playback), and Apple iTunes.

The included HP Image Zone Plus photo and imaging software makes it easy to organize, edit, share, print, protect, and store your photos and video clips. Organize and find your photos easily by timeline, keywords, and/or location using the unique photo-globe mapping tool. Remove red eye and fix other common problems. Share your photos quickly via e-mails that include thumbnails with links to the full-sized images--without downloading time-consuming attachments.

Dimensions and Weight
It measures 15.2 x 16.5 x 7.5 (W x D x H).

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion A710N desktop PC, power cable, keyboard, and mouse. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Designed to appeal to users who appreciate good value, Compaq's Presario 2100US series of notebooks features budget-conscious processors such as AMD's Athlon and Intel's Celeron. These lower cost processors, however, do not necessarily translate to a lack of power. The affordable Presario 2175US Notebook PC is one such example, a fast and capable mobile computer that's ready to handle most any business or leisure activity.

At the heart of the unit lies an AMD Athlon XP-M 2400+ CPU running at a respectable 1.8 GHz and packing 512 KB Level 2 cache. Compaq has complemented this processor with a generous allotment of 512 MB DDR SDRAM (expandable to 1024 MB) and an ATI Mobility Radeon 4X AGP graphics chipset with 64 MB shared (not dedicated) memory. As such, the unit will efficiently run most common applications but may have problems with complex 3-D games and animation or drawing packages. Sharing the data storage duties is an adequate 40 GB Hard disk and a DVD/CD-RW combo drive through which you can burn and play audio CDs, archive data and watch your favorite movies. In its stock setup, the system will not allow you to record to DVD media.

At 12.96 by 10.72 by 1.62 inches and 7.25 pounds, the Presario 2175US is slightly below average size and therefore comfortably portable. The unit is equipped with a large XGA TFT 15-inch display screen capable of crystal clear 1024 by 768 resolution. Other features include two conventional USB 1.1 ports for plug and play peripheral connections (high-speed USB 2.0 ports are not enclosed), an IEEE 1394 FireWire port for fast interaction with devices such as digital camcorders, an 88-key keyboard, a Touch Pad with on/off and dedicated up/down scroll surface, and a pair of internal stereo speakers. Communication options include a 56K modem for low-speed Internet and email access, a high-speed RJ-45 LAN connector and integrated 54g wireless LAN for those times you can't plug in. The bundled software package features Microsoft Works 7.0, Microsoft Money 2003 and Intervideo's Win DVD DVD player. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

An excellent buy
I bought my 2175US six months ago and I don't have any complaints. It performs excellent and the wireless function is flawless. I would recommend this computer to anyone, don't be afraid.

Very Good for Price, Not so good in 3D Gaming
Those who are migrating from a desktop to a laptop might notice that simple things like loading up a picture might take a little longer because of the limitations on the speed of the hard drive (4200RPM compared to 7200RPM for most desktop h/ds)(Hard drive included in laptop is 40gig)

The Athlon XP-M 2400+ (Running at 1.79ghz) processor is remarkable. It stands up to a 2.4Ghz Pentium 4 and it flys encoding Mp3s and video. It has PowerNow! technology with adjusts the clock speed acording to the processes. (530mhz idle to 1.79ghz max) You can have it set to 1.79ghz even while idle by changing the power settings to Always On (know that keeping it at this speed increases heat and decreases Battery time)

Battery life is average. 3.5 hours idle (running at 530mhz), 1:45 watching a DVD, 1:20 playing games (running at 1.79ghz)

The integrated ATI IGP 320M graphics card with up to 128mb shared memory (configarble from 8-128mb in the bios) preforms easily in older games but lacks in todays high-power 3D games. If you look at the recomended specs for a game you want to buy, make sure it doesnt say more than 32mb of video memory recommended. Even though it can have up to 128mb shared video memory it cant make much use of that much memory because of the relativly old and under powered chip. Comes with a VGA port for connecting an external moniter and an S-Video port for connecting to a TV.

(NOTE: because of ATI PowerPlay Technology it limits the power of the graphics chip while on battery power, therefore for optimal preformance you must have the laptop connected to AC power. I have tried various stragties to disable to powerplay but have not succedded.)

Games playble: (tested by me)
Unreal Tournament
Quake III
Red Alert 2
Mechwarrior 3&4
Operation Flashpoint (not very good)
Unreal Tournament 2003 (remarkably this game can play adaquatly with some tweaking as long is the laptop is connected to AC power)

Sound is great from these speakers and very clear. It is powered by a Conexant Audio chip. Laptop has headphone and microphone ports and a external volume button.

The Tobisha CD-RW/DVD combo drive preformes adquatly. It is rated at 24x read, 8x write, 8x rewrite, 8x read (DVD). But if you open up Easy CD Creator 5 (included with laptop) you will see supported speeds up to 24x write. If you select 24x write it will write at an average at 15x (flucates between 7x and 21x). CD read speed is more like 17x. DVD read speed and CD Re-write untested.

Keyboard is OK, keys are large enough for comfort but are not very sensitive, i constanly find my self exerting pressure on the keys.

Comes with 2 USB 1.1 ports and 1 IEEE 1394 (firewire) 4-pin port. Serial and parrell ports as well as a PS/2 port are included as well. An intergrated V.92 56K modem and 100mbps network card are inculded. What makes this laptop stand out is the integradted 54g wireless lan (WLAN)

Overall this laptop is a remarkable buy, it has great sound and power, but if you want to use this laptop for tommorrows 3D games, get a laptop with a more powerful graphics card.

My first Notebook
I'm really in love with this Notebook, I've purchased this computer about 2 weeks ago and so far no problem at all, It's fast and reliable something I did'nt expect from a Notebook, I'm a very satisfied customer.

Great Value for Money Paid
I purchased this computer one week ago. It took me two days to set up the computer the way I wanted, but after that it has been great. I have migrated from a P2-350 to an AMD 2400+. Remember even though it is marked as 1.8GHz, according to AMD it will really perform like a 2.4GHz computer. I have had no problems with the computer. I felt that this product is the right combination of money and technology. For just over a [money amount]you are getting a machine that is relatively up to date, yet inexpensive in comparison. The great thing is that with the money you save you can pay for the Compaq Accident Protection Plan, 3-years=[money amount]. That way you have a great computer and insurance.

For those of you who are leary of Compaq computers because of the particular battery quirk with the Evo. That problem is not present here. I have unplugged my computer and then replugged it in and the battery is not charging which means that the battery did not discharge while the computer was off. This was a common problem with the Evo.

I would suggest this computer to anyone. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

hp pavilion bundled software(software bundle)
hp was given to be for x-mas and buy the time I opened it and set it up the 30day software coverage was over and the 15day return to store was over,and I reg the computer with hp but forgot(didnt see)the small box the reg it with microsoft,and never saw it again,and found that the key code didnt match,for me none of the few booklets about the software or hardware matched and were of little help,and the rebate had expired dec31,I was not at all happy that the windows xp preloaded didnt come with the cd,no recover cd,no back software,and it was anything but easy to sign up for internet unless it was the one preinstalled,I can not get dsl,and loading your cd from a provider doesnt work,or is very difficult,so I would just say relly look into whats installed really installed and look to see everything in the box,cables,speakers,booklets,cds,warranty,most of all the languge and country you want to use it in,and the speed is not what its says

(...) special
I bought this system (...) with a MX70 17" monitor. Its's a good system for what I want it for. I will upgrade the Ram and get more probably 512 because of the pictures I want to keep. I am learning a lot about the XP and how it is not linked to many programs and how you need to download a lot of stuff to use it with the computer. I have a laptop too and tried to download the Microsoft office upgrade but it wouldn't recogize it because it had Works and not Word. Mostly software problems.

The system is easy to put together. The hard drive is a bit noisy the fan noise.
The USB ports are convenient in front.
The CDrom drive is hard to open, a straight bar across got to push it just right.
For the price I like it. I'm hoping the Athlon will perform well.

Performs OK But No Windows XP CD
My Pavilion seems to perform fine and I would recommend buying it unless you are concerned that it ships with Windows XP preloaded. That means you don't get a CD with XP on it and you don't get a Recovery CD and you don't get the MS Backup software that is shipped on the Windows XP CD.

What you get from other manufacturers on CDs is instead put in a hidden (recovery) partition by HP. This reduces the useable size of your hard disk by about 7 GB. It isn't much of an issue unless your hard drive crashes. If it does, you have to return the hard drive to HP who will send you another preloaded hard drive. If this happens after the warranty expires, HP will charge for replacing the hard drive, but I have not been able to find out the cost. If you want to replace your working hard drive with a bigger one, you can but it is not as simple as it used to be. You have to buy a program like Norton Ghost (...) and it may or may not work.

You also have to buy your own backup software since none is preloaded by HP (even though it is included on the Windows XP CD if you were to buy your own copy.)

In fairness to HP, there may be some advantages to shipping the Pavilion with XP preloaded, but I have not been able to find out what they might be. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The affordably priced Compaq Presario 5420US desktop is well equipped tohandle any level of business or task-oriented computing. At the heart of thesystem is one of the best combinations of value and high-end performance inAMD's processor lineup, the Athlon XP 1700+ CPU. This translates into extremelysnappy access to commonly accessed data and enough power for even the mostdemanding applications. To further ensure you won't get bogged down by continualhard drive accesses, Compaq has also included an enormous 512 MB of RAM.

With the 5420US, data storage, movement, and backup should never be a problem.Its huge 80 GB UltraDMA hard drive offers more than enough space for all theprograms and files most users will ever need. Its 16x CD-RW drive permits fastburning of audio, data backup, or data transferal CDs. Its 3.5-inch floppy drivesupports any programs or files you might still store on a floppy disk, and its16x DVD drive smoothly and accurately plays your favorite movies.

Clearly, the unit's weakest link is its support for 3-D gaming graphics.Although the integrated Savage4 AGP graphics card is fine for business andnon-entertainment 2-D applications and most games made prior to the turn of themillennium, its 8 MB of video memory simply isn't enough for today's mostdesirable titles. Some users may also see its lack of a monitor as a negative,though others will find the freedom of selecting their own monitor or using onefrom a previously owned system to be a distinct advantage. One thing iscertain--you must furnish your own set of speakers to enjoy the system's 3-Daudio capability.

Despite these potential drawbacks, the 5420US is packed with a variety of perksto enhance your computing environment. A built-in 56K modem supplies basicInternet connection speed. A 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connection permits multiplecomputer networking and high-speed Internet potential. The system's Compaq USBInternet keyboard sports an assortment of convenient one-touch multimedia,Internet, and e-mail controls, and its mouse features a scroll wheel. Otherimportant amenities include four USB ports (two of which are handily positionedat the front of the case), a serial port for older mice and external modems, aparallel "printer" port, and two spare drive bays for future expansion.

To help get you started, Compaq has installed the Home Edition of the Windows XPoperating system and an assortment of useful software applications, such asMicrosoft Money 2001, Microsoft Works 6.0, Quicken Financial Center/Quicken NewUser Edition, Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0, America Online 6.0, InterVideoWinDVD, Netscape Navigator 6.1, and a one-year subscription to Microsoft EncartaOnline Deluxe Encyclopedia. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Too good to be true
I bought the computer at circuit city and it was a nightmare. it freezes up constantly. not very good for games,microsoft office, typing papers,or watching dvd's and on a fast network in college it freezess constantly. I wouldnt recomend it to anyone except and older person who uses the computer for really simple tasks not for college or home users. It will bring headaches and you will only have to buy another computer anyway. i have to buy another computer now. if u are a colege student stay away from it.

Compaq computer review
The computer was nice, however I was shocked that the price only contained a hard drive but the set up was easy and the programs included are really great. It's a kick-a-- hard drive.

Another big step forward.
The 3rd in the 5400 line, this model doubles the RAM and hard drive size of the 5410 and like that model, includes a NIC (network interface card) to make networking and fast access connections to the Internet more simple. It also features a CD burner that's twice as fast (16x). More importantly, the Athlon CPU (Central Processing Unit, or 'the brain') is much better than the Celeron CPU found in the lower end models. This will allow for better gaming graphics and faster overall function. Few users would find this machine inadequate. ... Read more