Description:
The Basics
Compaq’s new and exceedingly comprehensive Presario SR1100NX series of desktop PCs targets most every segment of the computer buyer market -- from financially strapped students to high-power business executives. This particular unit, the Presario SR1170NX, is the flagship model of the series, delivering lots of power and enough features for all but the most demanding power users. Equipped with luxuries such as CD and DVD recording, strong 3D graphics support and a huge 200 GB hard disk, the system is ready for virtually any situation -- from entertainment and gaming center to office hub. Compaq has moderated the price by installing a potent but not quite top-of-the-line CPU, and therefore the unit is not ideal for those seeking absolute cutting-edge performance. But for anyone else, the Presario SR1170NX should suffice quite nicely. 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. For the Presario SR1170NX, Compaq has installed a fast yet comparatively cost-effective Intel Pentium 4 processor 2.80E processor, running at 2.8 GHz and supporting Intel's new Hyper-Threading technology. Hyper-Threading, a recent Intel innovation, allows a single CPU system -- which most are -- to behave at times as a dual CPU system, thus adding substantially more speed to some high-end applications. Sufficient even for challenging tasks, this CPU also delivers solid bang for the buck and is a wise choice for those who need power but don't want to pay for overkill. 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 SR1170NX features 512 MB of fast PC3200 DDR SDRAM memory (expandable to two full GB). An average allotment for today's high-end computers, this RAM module's rated speed is nevertheless faster than that of the majority of RAM chips in today's market. As such, it is more than enough for most single task and multitasking assignments. 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 Presario SR1170NX features an nVidia GeForce FX5100XT AGP 8x graphics card with 128 MB of dedicated video memory (preferable to the "shared" memory found on many video cards). This card is capable of accurately displaying virtually any 2D application and delivering smooth frame rates and immersive, lifelike visuals to the 3D animations found in industry leading computer games and 3D animation packages. Compaq has not included a monitor, thus allowing you to continue using your current display screen or select from today’s many alternatives. Sound
The Presario SR1170NX produces six-channel sound via an audio chip integrated on the motherboard. This is a typical configuration, producing satisfying surround sound for DVD movies and traditional stereo for music. Users may wish to add a dedicated sound card if audiophile-level output is a priority. Speakers are not enclosed. Hard Drive
The system's 200 GB hard drive is considered generous in any price range, sporting enough storage space for a massive allotment of files and applications and a huge music or multimedia collection too. Most users will have a hard time ever filling this hard drive. 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 enjoy all of the above plus watch the same big budget DVD movies you watch on your home entertainment system. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can also "write" home movies and archive files to durable DVD discs (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). The Presario SR1170NX features dual optical drives - a 48X CD-ROM drive for playing music and data CDs, and a fast DVD+R/RW drive for all that other fun stuff. Having two optical drives also allows you to copy from one CD to another with much less effort and much more speed than with a single drive. Connectivity and Expansion
With no less than seven high-speed USB 2.0 ports at your disposal -- three of which are conveniently located on the front of the unit -- you’ll have plenty of room for plug and play gadgets such as printers, scanners and joysticks. The system also includes two IEEE 1394 "FireWire" ports (commonly used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders) and a built-in 9-in-1 memory card reader for accessing information stored on a wide variety of removable memory cards. Communication options include an integrated 10/100Base-T networking interface for fast Internet and network communication and a V.92 data/fax modem for low-speed dial-up connections. Two available PCI slots may be used for add-on audio cards, video cards, and the like. Operating System and Software
The Presario SR1170NX features an impressive software package headed by Microsoft’s Windows XP Home Edition operating system. Compaq will also pre-install Microsoft’s Works 7.0 word processing and productivity suite, Microsoft Money Standard 2004, Quicken New User Edition 2004, and an assortment of multimedia and Internet utilities. Keyboard and Mouse
A Compaq multimedia keyboard and accurate, hassle-free optical mouse are enclosed.
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