Compaq Presario CQ1-1225 All-In-One Desktop PC - Black Review

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(More customer reviews)I already owned a 'power pc' I built myself for heavy-duty graphic design work. That thing is powerful, bulky and noisy and has a messy tangle of about a dozen wires plugged into it.
This is the complete opposite. Basically I needed a hassle-free budget PC for my parents to do web browsing, work with the Office suite and watch multimedia once in a while. The Compaq All-in-One PCs are perfect, perfect, perfect for those purposes. The only wires you need to deal with are those belonging to the mouse, keyboard and power supply. The computer has integrated Wi-Fi with great signal reception. The screen is above average with great viewing angles, and the machine produces almost no noise.
Even with such a weak Atom processor, it boots to Windows in about a minute or two. As long as you don't need to work with stressful processing tasks, this computer will be an absolute pleasure to work with. If you want to play modern games, use powerful resource-intensive professional productivity programs or rip HD video, a single glance at the PC's specs will suffice to deduce it's not for you. But for everyday use, the AIO will handle whatever you throw at it and not break a sweat. Highly recommended.

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HP Compaq CQ1-1225 All-In-One PC. Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit; Intel Atom Processor D525; 1.80GHz; Intel NM10 Express Chipset; 1MB Cache; 2GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM memory (1x2GB) (expandable to 4GB); 320GB 7200RPM Serial ATA hard drive; Slot-load SuperMulti DVD Burner with LightScribe Technology; 8x DVD-R, 8x DVD+RW,6x DVD-RW, 6x DVD+/- R DL, 5x DVD-RAM, 8x DVD-ROM, 24x CDR, 24x CDRW, 24x CD-ROM; Intel GMA 3150 integrated graphics; 10/100Base-T network interface; Wireless LAN 802.11b/g/n; High-performance 2.0 Speakers; 2 SoDIMM (200-pin, DDR3) (one available); 2 PCI-E x 1 mini socket slots (occupied); 18.5 16:9 HD widescreen display; 1366x768;

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Apple iMac MC510LL/A 27-Inch Desktop Review

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(More customer reviews)First things first: the iMac offered on this page has the dual-core Intel Core i3 processor. A configuration with a quad-core i5 processor is also sold by Amazon. In addition, an even more powerful quad-core processor, the i7, is available as a build-to-order option from the online Apple Store. Be sure you're looking at the configuration you want. Apple makes four 27" Aluminum iMac processor setups in all: an i3, two with the i5, and an i7 (see the Comments on this review for a link to Apple's official tech specs).Now then, on with the show. Many reviewers of the previous release of the 27" Aluminum iMac have already discussed the essential hardware and software features. So, rather than repeating stuff that has already been said, I am going to focus this review on my experience of upgrading from a G4 igloo iMac that was running System 10.5.8 .
Migration Assistant
*I used a Firewire 400 to Firewire 800 cable to move the contents of my old computer to the new machine with Migration Assistant.
*The process was virtually seamless, with only a few minor adjustments necessary to the transferred data. Only four applications required reinstallation: ClamXav, iTunes (due to the Soundflower plugin--in any case, no music was lost or damaged), Microsoft Expression Media 2, and a Juniper Networks remote access program (part of a corporate telecommuting package).
*Rules for Little Snitch, a third party utility, need to be reestablished.
*Customized preferences for Spotlight must be reentered.
Magic Mouse
*iMacs now come with a wireless mouse as standard equipment. The Magic Mouse is a vast improvement over the Apple Mouse (aka Mighty Mouse) because it doesn't have a roller ball that eventually stops working. In fact, there aren't any external moving parts on the Magic Mouse, other than the on/off switch.
*Exposé and Dashboard functions are now on the top row of the keyboard, not on mouse buttons.
*If you're interested in the new Magic Trackpad, you'll have to order it separately. It doesn't come as standard equipment right now.
Keyboard
*The chiclet style keys took me a little while to get used to, but now I prefer them to traditional "long stroke" keys.
*For some reason, Apple has made a compact laptop keyboard the standard iMac keyboard (Steve Jobs must be nostalgic for the original 1984 Mac keyboard). Anybody who relies on Page keys for navigation or on a numeric keypad for data entry is out of luck.
*An extended keyboard with Home/Pg Up/Pg Dn/Delete keys and a number pad is available as a build-to-order option, along with additional memory and other treats, at the online Apple Store.
Audio System
*Optical digital audio input and output requires cables or cable adapters with 3.5mm plugs. Standard size TOSLINK connectors won't work. Also, digital audio I/O is run through the microphone and headphone ports. It is consequently impossible to use headphones or an external mic when the computer is setup for optical digital audio use.
*The speakers are a weak point in the design. They are small, underpowered, and sound tinny. I think the igloo iMacs had much better sound. If I recall correctly, they had a specially tuned amplifier--plus the speakers were fairly large and were not built into the computer housing. Users who use their iMac as their main music source or who work with music and sound will want to buy a separate pair of speakers.
Using the computer: screen, fan noise, heat, Rosetta
*This iMac is all about the gigantic 27" screen. It's incredibly sharp and bright, with better-than-HD resolution. Excel users will love being able to see columns A-AE and rows 1-95 all at once at 100% zoom. No more wasting time scrolling around and splitting windows. Photos, movies, and graphics all look absolutely fabulous.
*I initially thought I would hate the glossy finish on the screen, especially after seeing how much glare demo models at the Apple Store showed. But, as it turns out, the shiny glass isn't distracting at all in my home office. That said, anybody who hasn't ever seen a glossy screen computer in person should go check one out before placing an order.
*Something that I miss from my igloo iMac is the ability to move the screen both from left to right (x-axis) and up and down (y-axis). Aluminum iMac screens can only be swiveled up and down, in a fairly limited range.
*Under most conditions, the computer runs very quietly. Fan noise is normally inaudible.
*The top of the computer can become noticeably hot to the touch. Not hot enough to cook the proverbial egg, but definitely warmer than most other electronic devices (except for the original PlayStation3, otherwise known as the Sony Spaceheater).
*PowerPC applications run well under Rosetta. Once it is downloaded automatically, upon demand, it runs invisibly.Bottom line: it's the screen, the SCREEN, THE SCREEN!! Massive amounts of screen real estate, combined with fast performance, make the 27" Aluminum iMac a true joy to use for both work and play. One star penalty for not making an extended keyboard standard and for the terrible built-in sound system.

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The new iMac is the ultimate all-in-one computer. Its Intel Core i3 processor features an advanced architecture and set new benchmarks for iMac performance. And fast discrete graphics processors now come standard in every iMac. The 27-inch widescreen display is perfect for HD video, and the Apple Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse keep your desktop tidy.
The 27-inch iMac features a brilliant LED-backlit, edge-to-edge glass display (see larger image).

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Acer AX3910-U4022 Desktop (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently bought this computer and was pleasantly surprised. It's smaller than my monitor and is sitting on top of my desk. I love the wi-fi feature but what really shocked me was the noise factor! There is none. There is no sound at all. The only way I can tell that it's on is too look at the blue light on it. My one complaint is that if you want to upgrade your ram you have to move your disk drive to reach the board. I decided against it for now.

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Acer AX3910-U4022 Desktop PC comes with these specs: Intel Pentium Processor E5800, Windows 7 Home Premium, Intel G43 Express Chipset, 4096MB DDR3 Memory, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD, 1TB SATA Hard Drive (Green Product - variable RPM), 16X DVD±R/RW SuperMulti Drive, Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader, 802.11b/g/n Wireless, High Definition Audio with 5.1-Channel Audio Support, 9 - USB 2.0, Keyboard and Mouse, HDMI Port, 12.0 lbs. | 5.4 kg (system unit only), 1 Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty with Toll Free Tech Support, Registration/ Limited Warranty Card, McAfee Internet Security Suite Trial, Microsoft Office Starter 2010,Complete your PC. Buy full-featured Microsoft Office 2010.

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HP Pavilion p6720f PC (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Ordered this from Amazon, and I have to say, I'm really liking this computer!
I had it for about a month, using it every day. I left it on at times and I did several tests to make sure everything worked. I'll break it down with my experience, maybe it'll help some people out.*Processor: Phenom x4 840T
This is a newer AMD processor, an OEM only processor. So far it has handled everything I've thrown at it. I can run multiple things a once without a slowdown. It's not silent, I always hear the faint fan sound, but it's not loud. I love this processor! I get a 7.3 in the Windows Experience Index.
*Hard Drive: Hitachi HDS721010CLA332
1 Terabytes is more than enough for me. Lots of space! I read reviews online about this hard drive, and they have been on the positive side. I am happy HP used a good hard drive. The sound is on the lower end, not a loud hard drive at all. It gives me a 5.9 in the Windows Experience Index.
*Optical Drive: Samsung TS-H65SR
I could not find any reviews about this DVD drive. It is a basic drive on the cheap end. It is not noisy at all, except for when installing programs or running at top speed, which is normal. I have experienced bad DVD drives before from Dell that sounded like a helicopter when they were in use, and that is no exaggeration! So I am happy to recieve a "normal" DVD drive. Programs install faster than on my older XP computer, I haven't done too much burning yet, but speed times are equally good.
*Memory: 6 gigabytes
I wasn't able to see the maker of the memory. 6 gigabytes is more than enough for me. It gives me a 7.4 in the Windows Experience Index.
*Wireless Lan Card: Ralink
I won't be using the wireless at all for the moment. I did test the Ralink lan card out, and it worked like it should. An antenna is also included. I can't speak for using it for long periods of time.
*Power Supply: 250 Watts
This is a very cheap low wattage power supply. If you want to add more drives or a video card, you'll want to get a new power supply. It makes a low buzzing sound when it's fan is running on low, but you can only hear it if you are close to the computer. At full speed the fan sounds normal.
*Integrated Video: Radeon 4200
Not very good. While it's good for basic usage, you'll need a new video card if you want to do anything involving high detailed graphics. This thing barely runs graphics from 5 years ago. Graphics and Gaming were low in the Windows Experience Index, I only got a 4.3 and 5.4 on it.
*Keyboard and Mouse: HP
Both are wired and are the basic cheap kind. The keyboard is the new flat style, with the keys being more flat than sticking out like on the old keyboards. The optical mouse is a regular 2 button with a wheel. I prefer the old keyboards, but these both are just fine for basic use. I do like the look of the mouse, looks stylish!
*Software included:
People usually call extra programs installed with new computers "bloatware", it usually involves programs most people don't want. This does have some programs already installed, but it is not much at all. Only a few e-readers, 60 days free of Norton, Cyberlink to help you burn disc's, and a few extra games from Wildtagent.
If any of the programs are not wanted, they can be uninstalled within a few minutes, then can be forgotten about. They are however very good for a new computer user.
I have to mention the software HP included. I have been using Windows since Windows 95, and I have never, not once, ever used the "Help and Support" that's been included with Windows. However, looking at this one, it is truly wonderful how they have it. They have a link that goes directly to the product page on their web site with lots of useful details, I can run some diagnostic tests on the computer, and it has other useful tools and information. I really like the programs HP has included, I find them very useful.~Note!
You can only create 1 set of recovery discs. Make sure to do it soon after you first turn on your computer. Once you create them, store them in a safe place. You can always order them from HP too if it's ever needed. I'd rather get a set of discs with the computer like they use to come with, but to be honest, I really don't mind creating a set like this.~UPGRADES!
I bought a power supply and video card seperately to go with this computer. I got this power supply OCZ OCZ500MXSP ModXStream Pro 500 Watt Power Supply and this video card Sapphire Radeon HD5770 Vapor-X 1 GB DDR5 2DVI/HDMI/DisplayPort PCI-Express Video Card 100283VX-2L.
Installing them both was very easy. HP is great when it comes to having user friendliness in adding more components to the computer, I just discovered this and I love it. They have many guides and pictures on their web site showing how to add new hardware, even in the case it has little diagrams to show you how to remove something. If I compare removing a power supply from this HP, and from a new Dell, HP wins big! I love how the case is designed too, much nicer than the typcial computer cases you'd find today.
After adding the new video card, my Windows Experience Index in the graphics section jumped up from 4.3 and 5.4, to 7.4. A big jump! A video card was definitly needed for me.With my new power supply and video card added to the computer, I am very happy with this purchase. If it lasts a long time without breaking down(oh I do hope it doesn't, please don't break), then this will be ones of the best computer purchases I have made in quite some time.

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Multitask with ease with the stylish HP Pavilion p6720f PC—this desktop computer supports two or three monitors so you can e-mail, research, chat, browse the Web, edit photos and watch videos simultaneously, and you can also easily transfer photos, music, and other files to and from your digital camera and other peripheral devices with the front-panel 15-in-1 memory card reader. The HP Pavilion p6720f PC has an AMD Phenom II 840T Quad-Core Processor, a 1TB hard drive, Wireless LAN 802.11b/g/n and comes with Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit and HP MediaSmart Software Suite pre-installed. With HP MediaSmart Software Suite, you can share and browse your photos via Snapfish by HP, burn music, slideshows and playlists to DVDs for sharing or saving and add your favorite music as background to your photo slideshows. This HP desktop computer also lets you create custom, silkscreen-quality labels and artwork directly onto LightScribe-enabled CD and DVD discs. A top-positioned power button and front-access USB ports are within easy reach.

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Toshiba Satellite L655-S5158 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)After my overpriced, underperforming, Vista disabled HP laptop died on me, I shopped around for a good deal on a budget priced, reliable laptop. Asus is the only laptop brand that has better reliability than Toshiba (see [...]). When I checked the Toshibas, this is the model they were pushing (and apparently, still are). It's got an even bigger screen than I expected. It has a full size keyboard with a number pad on the right. It's a little large for carting around, but it is incredibly high performing with a great display. When I put a tumb drive in to copy some folders and files, I wondered why it wasn't working. I was used to watching the little folder transfer icons on my HP. Well, I was wrong - it did work. It just worked so quickly I didn't even see it. It transferred a ton of data in the blink of an eye. I've only had it a month, so I can't speak to longevity. But the battery life is reasonably good, and it's a great computer - especially at the price!

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Toshiba Satellite L655: Fashionable, Affordable and Portable with 15.6-Inch Screen
Offering plenty of mobile computing power plus room to multitask, study, and play, the Toshiba Satellite L655 (model L655-S5158) offers a generous 15.6-inch display that's great for doing more things at once--handling business at home or in the field, watching movies or playing online RPG games. The L655 is perfect for handling computing essentials at home, school or work--from surfing the Web and downloading video to managing household finances or studying for finals. And its high-gloss Fusion Finish in Helios Black will be sure to raise a few eyebrows.
Enjoy added screen real estate with the L655's 15.6-inch screen (see larger image).

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HP TouchSmart 600-1350 All-in-One Desktop PC (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Arrived quickly and in perfect condition. I'm so glad I sprang for the 23" screen. I can have several sites up at the same time, and there is plenty of room to see them all. The picture is excellent, the sound not so much but I could always get external speakers if I wanted. It's nice to have the foot room where a tower used to be. Plus the computer is light enough to easily move to other locations...just one cord, wireless keyboard and mouse. No fuss, no muss.

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From the elegant design to the advanced features to the incredibly powerful suite of built-for-touch applications, the HP TouchSmart PC redefines what touch can do for you - and what you can do with a touch. Use your fingers to immerse yourself into your work and play. With natural, intuitive movements everything you can do will be faster, easier, and way more fun. Built-in HP TouchSmart apps let you experience your music, photos, and video in a whole new way. Touchable calendar and browser help you stay organized. You can also play games, video chat, and more. HP Beats Audio puts your PC in the center of your musical world. Engineered to allow your PC to reproduce the sound quality found in music studios, Beats Audio lets you hear all the music - the highs, lows, and crystal clear midranges. Beats Audio is a digital music playback system designed to let you hear what you've been missing.Touch-enabled 23 diagonal Full HD 1080p LCD Display with BrightView technology (1920 x 1080) Adjustable webcam and built-in microphone array Intel HD Graphics Slot-loading SuperMulti DL DVD+-R/RW Burner with LightScribe Built in HDTV Tuner - watch, pause, rewind, and record live TV 802.11b/g/n Wireless LAN10/100/1000 BaseT LAN 6-in-1 card reader - SD, SDHC, MMC, MS, MS Pro Beats Audio Studio Quality Sound - Hear music the way the artist intended High-performance 2.0 Speakers Ports -6 x USB 2.0 (4 side, 1 back - 5 ports available), Headphone (side), SPDIF Out (rear), Line-in (side), Line-out (back), S/PDIF out (back), Audio Input (rear), IR blaster jack (rear), S-Video Input (rear), RF Input (rear), RJ-45 (LAN) Expansion slots -2 x PCI Express mini x1 (occupied), 1 MXM Graphics Module PCI Express Slot (available) Approximate Unit Dimensions -5.12 (W) x 23.00 (L/D) x 17.84 (H) Approximate Unit Weight -33.07 pounds

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HP Pavilion Slimline s5730f PC (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Was purchased as a home entertainment center for TV, DVD player and *light* (non-3d) gaming. Haven't fully tested, but have done enough to know it will work fine for that purpose. Only dual core but fast cores, which is perfectly fine for a media player that isn't running multiple apps. Disabled junk apps via uninstall or Spybot - Search and Destroy, installed Media Player Classic 64bit instead. As long as you know the limitations, it is fine for what it is designed for: lower power, good performance media center. That or an email/facebook machine. Keep in mind the video uses some of the regular DRAM, as it has no dedicated video ram. Again, as long as you never intend to upgrade this system (no slots of any kind can be used without removing features) and use it for limited purposes, it's a decent box.
Pros: Small, quiet, reasonably fast (4.4 Win experience, 5.2 if you drop Aero). Not for serious crunching, but for a home media player with no heavy 3D gaming, should be perfectly fine. Price was good as a closeout. Dual core limits multitasking, but 3.4ghz means that one or two apps run faster than a 2.9ghz quad. Three separate fans (cpu, power, box) that usually run quietly.
Cons: NO RE-INSTALL MEDIA! Came installed with tons of crapware / bloatware. Was stuck on italic fonts (Windows update finally fixed, was a common HP problem). Forget the description, there are NO PCI-X ports that can be used. One has the wifi, the other one is blocked by the power supply, can't upgrade the video, ever. HP's initial "welcome" software is a pain designed for complete idiots and is very obtrusive. Takes a couple of hours to update, cleanup and get "right" enough for a serious user, although all HP's systems are this bloated.


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Save on space but don\'t skimp on performance with the HP Pavilion Slimline s5730f PC—this sleek desktop computer handles all of your essential computing needs like word processing, digital music and photos and e-mail, and it lets you easily transfer photos, music, and other files to and from your digital camera and other peripheral devices with the front-panel 6-in-1 memory card reader. The HP Pavilion Slimline s5730f PC has an AMD Phenom II 511 Dual-Core Processor, a 750GB hard drive and comes with Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit and HP MediaSmart Software Suite pre-installed. With HP MediaSmart Software Suite, you can share and browse your photos via Snapfish by HP, burn music, slideshows and playlists to DVDs for sharing or saving and add your favorite music as background to your photo slideshows. Front-access USB ports are within easy reach, and this stylish desktop PC also lets you create custom, silkscreen-quality labels and artwork directly onto LightScribe-enabled CD and DVD discs.

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