Considering an HP from Best Buy

[Gym rat]

New member here, first post. I'm using a six year old Compaq Presario 2286 for email and internet access, and it has been OK, considering. I want to buy something new with digital print and DVD/CD write capabilities. I went to Best Buy and they suggested an HP unit. I've heard good things about Dell and Gateway computers and HP printers but have never heard much about HP computers. The HP I'm looking at has lots of good features but I'm concerned about performance and reliability.

Here are the Specs about the HP setup I'm considering from Best Buy. Should I go this route or look for other brand names elsewhere?

If this question is inappropriate for the forum please let me know. Otherwise, please feel free to just jump all over it. This is a big investment for me and I really need some advice.


HP Pavilion a1020n Desktop PC
Price: $669.99* (after rebate)
You save: 6.9%** As low as $22/mo†

• Intel® Pentium® 4 processor 519J (3.06GHz)
• Windows XP Home
• 512MB PC2-3200 DDR2
• 200GB hard drive
• LightScribe double-layer DVD±R/RW drive with CD writer capabilities, CD-ROM
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 graphics
• 9-in-1 digital media card reader


HP PSC Photosmart 2610 All-in-One PRICE DROP
Price: $234.99* (after rebate)
You save: 9.6%** As low as $20/mo†

• Print, scan, copy, and fax
• Up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi (HP Premium Photo Paper, 1200 x 1200 dpi input)
• Up to 20 pages per minute color, 30 black
• Direct photo printing (PictBridge)
• Memory card slots
• 2.5" color display
• Borderless and panorama printing
• Proof sheet
• Frame-by-frame video clip printing
• Six-ink color (cartridge sold separately)
• Built-in wired networking


HP vs17 17" Flat-Panel LCD Monitor
Price: $299.99* (after rebate)
You save: 14.3%** As low as $20/mo†

• 17" viewable area
• 1280 x 1024 maximum resolution
• .264 mm pixel pitch
• Integrated speakers

[pentachris]

Hi Gym rat, and welcome to http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif forums.

Most of our regulars have a hard time recommending OEM computers. Read post #10 in this thread (http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=34150&highlight=oem+bashing) (by saphalline) for some of the reasons why. The preferred solution is to build your own. If you're not up to that (and not everyone is), find a local computer shop that builds them on site. You're much more likely to get quality parts that conform to industry standards, and your PC will be easier to upgrade in the future.

As for printers, I like Canons. You'll save money on ink in the long run with them. They've got an all-in-one that did very well in this recent review (http://www.tomshardware.com/consumer/200504082/index.html).

[pop pop]

That box is actually pretty nice in terms of its configuration. I can't speak to reliability or upgradeability, what I know about it is what I saw when I brought one back from the dead recently. It was less than a year old and had been killed by spyware and viruses. Shame.

If you don't want to or can't build, that's not a bad choice (and I don't normally recommend OEM). There is one thing about the HP that is a major pain in the rear. Backweb is installed by default to monitor your system, notify you of updates, and generally "enhance" your PC experience. In my book, it's spyware and, on these machines, problematic to remove.

[i an not a nerd]

Ahhh, OEM computers exist purely to be beaten over the heads (or the computer equiv.) by custom rigs.

If you live in the US, i would recommend Newegg (www.newegg.com) for buying a customized system (or the seperate parts).

[saphalline]

Ok, I thought I better chime in since I'm the bad OEM-basher around here! :D

I don't like OEM systems. Dell, HP, Compaq (same as HP now), Sony VAIO, Gateway, whatever. They're all cramped, non-upgradable, under-powered, under-cooled wastes of computing space, IMHO. I do not like OEM systems, and I especially do not like working with OEM systems. But I do realize that OEM systems have their place in the world. They're designed to be all-in-one packages that people can just buy right off the shelf, take home, and be up and running in just a few minutes (now that color-coded cables and posters are standard :D). They're also designed to be throw-away systems, so that when it gets to the point where the whole system is old and bogged down (usually only requiring a RAM upgrade and a reinstallation of Windows to make it zippy again), you can just go to the store and buy another one!

Regardless of what we think here on the forums, the truth is that the above endless-loop scenario is how the vast majority of PC users spend their digital lives. Most people just want to do things with their computers, not to them! :p That's where the OEM systems come in. Buy it once, never worry again!

If you don't have the urge to build your own computer, and if you don't have the patience to work with a custom-build shop to build you a computer, then by all means, buy an OEM system. And at that point, there's very little difference between OEM systems. As long as you stay in the price range of "$699* (after rebates)", it really doesn't matter. I see many areas where that HP you listed isn't optimized, but are you going to notice? Probably not. Are you going to find an OEM system that's optimized for that price? Definitely not.

So for your modest needs and lower budget, that HP looks fine. In fact, quote me any OEM system in that price range. I'll say right now "it's fine".

[hockey man]

[QUOTE=Gym rat]The HP I'm looking at has lots of good features but I'm concerned about performance and reliability.

OEM's will be fine in theses areas, not great, but not bad. If you are all about performance, then an oem is not for you. But if your like me and finances are tight, and you don't know enough to build, then an OEM would be a good fit. Three things to suggest though:

1. If you are planning to do a lot with digital media, you probably should aim for a gig of ram.

2. HP is not one of the better monitor makers. Look around for a better one. I have a decent ACER and I like it alot. It's a AL1715 17in.

3. Monitor speakers are usually not the best. A cheep pair of stand-alones are probably better.

[Gym rat]

Thank you all for the insightful responses. I envy you your computer knowledge. I could no more build a computer from scratch than I could engineer a space ship. I fall into the category of the user that just wants to 'ride' his computer rather than to 'become intimate' with it. Simply because of the features of this package and what I (we) want to do I think I will go for it.

I will check out different monitors but that might depend on the rebate being offered. I think the computer comes with separate speakers that might be better than the speaker moniters. I have seen monitors that provide a brighter image.

I see preferences between computer manufacturers like the proverbial Ford versus Chevy question. Product loyalty aside, I remember seeing a bumper sticker that said ' I'd rather push a Ford than drive a Chevy'. I don't have those prejudices.

I'm heading to Best buy and will probably buy this unit today.

Also, I will undoubtably have more questions in the future. Hope thats OK.

Thanks again.

[saphalline]

I have seen monitors that provide a brighter image.If you are at all uncertain, I would advise going for a better monitor. What good is a new computer if you get a headache looking at the screen!? I myself have a Viewsonic 19" CRT. This thing is a beast, weighing an easy 65 lbs (and very cumbersome to carry), but the visual experience and larger screen make it an absolute joy to be at my computer.

My general advice: get the best looking display right now, and you won't be kicking yourself later when you have to buy it anyway! :p

And feel free to come back with more questions. Despite the fact that we don't particularly care for OEM systems around here, we nonetheless have a lot of experience working with them!

[i an not a nerd]

Hope thats OK.

Don't ever think that we won't help you, the only way that we wouldn't help is if you insult us...

[Gym rat]

Don't ever think that we won't help you, the only way that we wouldn't help is if you insult us...

I intentionally avoid insulting anyone smarter than me. Which, when translated, means I will tread ever so lightly while on this forum!

[classicsoftware]

The only problem I have with OEM PC's like that is they don;t seem to last and the performance degrades over time.

My sister in law prefred to get an HP system from Best Buy instead of a PC from me. No skin off my nose, she gets it at cost anyway. Now 2 years later she hates her system. Oh well....

As for the monitor, you can do better

Please read this (http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3173-5084364.html) on how to shop for a monitor.

Also this Acer (http://shopper.cnet.com/Acer_AL1715_flat_panel_display_TFT_17/4014-3174_9-31219041.html?tag=pl&q=) is about $50.00 less than the HP. Has a higher contrast ratio, better brightness and a faster response time. And no waiting for someone to send you a rebate.

[PrntRhd]

CS,
Your "Acer" link did not work for me here.
I believe CS was referring to Acer model AL1715.

[r53s]

Beware, Gym:
Intel`s 519 P4 3.06 SL87L has Hyper Threading disable from the
Factory, see for yourself...
http://processorfinder.intel.com/scripts/details.asp?sSpec=SL87L&ProcFam=483&PkgType=ALL&SysBusSpd=ALL&CorSpd=ALL
Good Luck

[classicsoftware]

There is very little software that takes advantage of HT. For most users it does not matter if it's on or off. It's like the average driver getting a Porsche with over drive disabled. They'll go from sero to a speeding ticket fast enough.

PR: The links both worked for me. It is the AL1715 there is a W and B. For black or white. Right now they have nicest monitors for the value.

[PrntRhd]

CS:
Yes,
I just got my wife an Acer AL1714 monitor, she is pleased.
A good value for a nice monitor.
:D :D

I just tried the link again and it worked, go figure.

[saphalline]

Beware, Gym:
Intel`s 519 P4 3.06 SL87L has Hyper Threading disable from the
FactoryWell of course! But who's going to offer an HT-enabled system for that price without sacrificing performance in other areas? What good is an HT-enabled P4 540 if you've only got 256MB of RAM and a 40GB HDD? For that price from an OEM, you won't get HT!

[i an not a nerd]

About HT, most software doesn't support it, but I can multitask (aka. run a ton of programs such as UT 2004, Farcry, Halo, HL2 and iTunes (that is my record)) alot better on HT then on a non-HT pro.

[saphalline]

...run a ton of programs such as UT 2004, Farcry, Halo, HL2 and iTunes (that is my record)...Hahahaa!! That is frickin' hilarious! I'll have to try and find my own "record"! :D