Buying a new HP computer - Any thoughts on this one?

Hey folks,

I am going to buy a new PC in the next couple of weeks. I have decided on this one

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...1655&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

The graphics chipset is Nvidia 6800 w/128MB dedicated RAM.

It comes with a 20" Wide Screen Monitor

Anyone have any thoughts on quality, service, etc?

Thanks in advance

Mitch

 

Hey Mitchell,

What will you be using the computer for?

Have you checked to see if there is a local repair depot?

It does have a separate PCI-E slot so you do have future video card expansion.

Wil

 

The only game I'll be playing is Solitaire and Monopoly. The computer will be used mostly for email and web browsinig. My daughter will be draining my checking account on Itunes and burning CDs and she'll spend a lot of time on her MySpace.

The only graphics "intense" program in use will be Corel Draw.

It's just time to replace my aging 400mhz system, although it is doing what I want it to do.

Thanks Wilber and Pete for your replies. I welcome as many as I can get.

Mitch

Edit: Pete, I will get rid of Norton as soon as the PC is hooked up. Just upgraded to AVG 8.0 but not sure if I'll keep it (though AVG has always done me right). SpybotS&D and Adaware will be definite additions.

 

Yeah that PC is more then qualified for doing those things, plus if you want to expand it and add some things to it, there is plenty of room free in the case. Nice screen too that comes with it, though I myself are not fond of built-in speakers.

 

I will hate to see Sygate go. Will add Comodo since I don't necessarily like the "built in" firewalls. I do understand Vista's is much better then XP's but still......

 

I think built-in speakers are a bit cheesey, but no matter, I have a good set of speakers to hook up.

 

Looks pretty good to me Mitchell.

I agree with Pete. Get rid of Norton.

Otherwise, all good.

Good luck with your purchase!

Wil

 

You'd still need a monitor, some more memory and an OS, but this might be easier on your pocketbook while giving you a little more horsepower. Yes, its a de-badged refurb but don't expect much on your HP warranty either.

 

Rockster,

Don't know what system you were looking at but this one is new out of the box. Comes with 3gb RAM, 20" Wide Screen Monitor, Vista Home Premium, and many other goodies. I'll check my link to make sure I haven't sent yall to the wrong item......

Mitch

graphics is GeForce 6150SE nForce 430

 

The 4400+ AM2 you posted.

I just wanted to show you a $339 alternative that you might want to consider. If you add a bigger monitor to this along with an OS and some more memory, you'll be in the $700 - $850 range. Now, you have a basis of comparison. Your proposed purchase vs something with more horsepower.

As to new vs debranded refurb - I don't know how familiar you are with HP support and I'll leave it at that.

As to your 3 gigs of memory. While it sounds impressive, the question it begs is why isn't the machine setup to run dual channel memory? This is a red flag to me and its worth your investigating further.

You have selected a machine that is one step removed from the "latest and greatest" technology and I consider that to be a very smart move because it should be quite cost effective. Your selection should serve you very well. I was only trying to give you another alternative that might save you a couple of bucks.

 

"Service" as Rockster mentioned, how long is the warranty? HP repairs do not tend to be cheap. Is the first repair going to cost you more than you paid for it?

Does it offer a full version of Windows or is it a "restore" disk that loses all data when you need to reinstall?

The specifications seem great, they always do. It's what they don't tell you that you can't find any information about...like how "big" is the power supply?

Can it be upgraded easily?

Does it offer full adjustment in the BIOS settings? Doubt it.

Does HP offer continually driver and BIOS updates? Usually until the end of extended warranty, then you find they are unavailable elsewhere.

It is what they don't need to tell you.
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HP have a great support website, most probably only because of the influence of corporate business, but it is still good.
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For personal use I would not buy one. I have too many people asking me to repair or replace "HP only" equipment or wonder why their "new hardware" can't run because they are not made to be upgradable.

MITCH you have a good idea about hardware. Why don't you build your own computer? It may cost a little more, but if nothing else you will get the satisfaction of choosing the parts and putting them together yourself.

Matt

 

Warranty is two years. Any major repairs I have to send the machine to them but they pay for shipping there and back.

Restore disk - but, they provide replacements during the full period of the warranty

Can it be upgraded easily?

Does it offer full adjustment in the BIOS settings? Doubt it.

Does HP offer continually driver and BIOS updates? Usually until the end of extended warranty, then you find they are unavailable elsewhere.

It is what they don't need to tell you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
HP have a great support website, most probably only because of the influence of corporate business, but it is still good.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
For personal use I would not buy one. I have too many people asking me to repair or replace "HP only" equipment or wonder why their "new hardware" can't run because they are not made to be upgradable.

MITCH you have a good idea about hardware. Why don't you build your own computer? It may cost a little more, but if nothing else you will get the satisfaction of choosing the parts and putting them together yourself.

Matt[/QUOTE]

 

Warranty is two years. Any major repairs I have to send the machine to them but they pay for shipping there and back.

Restore disk - but, they provide replacements during the full period of the warranty

350 watt

All components can be upgraded after the warranty expires

Forgot to ask

Drivers and updates will be available for several years since this is a newly introduced system (24 Mar 08)

Matt, I appreciate the vote of confidence. And I would like nothing other than to shop arround for all the components and build it myself - I would then have exactly what I want; however, I have spent the past few days pricing all the components I would need to build a similar or better system than this one .... the cost is just too far above my meager budget. I could spend the next several months buying items here and there until I have them all but in the interim something newer and better would emerge and I would kick myself for not waiting.

I am only in the position to buy a new system now because of the Tax Rebates. If that money were not on the near horizon I wouldn't even be looking for a new computer.

One of the major selling points for getting this particular system is no tax and no shipping and my wife gets a ten percent discount at the military exchange. I could easily buy a Dell since the company I work for has an employee discount program with Dell but even with the employee discount I can't beat the price on the HP.

Thanks for giving me questions to ask HP. I think they were supprised someone was asking those kinds of questions. And I will followup on the BIOS settings question.

I invite anyone to jump in an provide more insight.

Thanks

Mitch

 

Well, I got it.

Pretty nice system. I think I am quite happy with it. It is a whole lot faster than my PII 400mHz system. And the 20 flat panel monitor puts my 19" CRT to shame. Vista will be a learning curve I will enjoy.

Hard drive is a SCSI ST336032 - googled it but came up with nothing definitive - don't know who the manufacturer is.

have a happy

Mitch

 

I have 3x Seagate drives (3x different computers). "ST" in front of the numeric is how Seagate assigns model numbers. When you Google "ST336032 ", you will observe Seagate hits. It would appear this drive was not deployed in North American Continent.

 

Thanks Dennis,

I emailed Seagate (probably won't get a reply) looking for more information on the drive.

I tried Everest and Belarc and they couldn't glean any info about it.

vista system info only says st336032 0AS SCSI Device

I tried Seagates website and found nothing even with adding the 0AS at the end of the model number.

 

you should see if this system comes in XP...almost every1 i know wants to downgrade from vista to XP...VISTA HAS WAY TO MANY PROBLEMS...i work for a computer repair store and all i hear all day is people complaining about vista...but if you do decide to buy it...then the best of luck...

 

I assume you have the computer in your possession since you are running the above programs. Shut computer off, pull power cord plug from back of computer. Now remove the side cover (be sure NOT to remove, peel, or damage any telltale labels which may VOID your warranty.
With flash light in hand, locate your drive and look for any brand names and / or model numbers. This may require a mix of contorted actions on your part to find/see this info.