Description:
The Basics A strong all-purpose computer that'll efficiently handle most situations, won't break the bank, and is especially well suited to those who consistently use their PC to edit and store their digital photo, digital video or digital music collections, the HP Pavilion a810n is also notable for its 64-bit processing. Featuring an AMD Athlon 64 3300+ CPU running at 2.4 GHz, the Pavilion a810n will not only efficiently run today's 32-bit software, but will also operate the small but growing number of 64-bit applications as well. Other prominent amenities include a double-layer DVD burner, large 160 GB hard drive, and handy memory card reader. Serious gamers will want to upgrade the unit's 3D graphics capabilities, but most other home or home office users will find the Pavilion a810n delivers all they need today and in the future too. 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 Pavilion a810n, HP has opted to move away from traditional 32-bit technology – which is found in the vast majority of today's processors – in favor of the faster, futuristic technology of 64-bit processing. The AMD Athlon 64 3300+ processor installed inside the Pavilion a810n is powerful enough to speed through standard 32-bit applications and operating systems, but also supports the new 64-bit format that will begin to appear in software released over the course of the next few months and years. Thusly, owners of this system should be well prepared for anything the near future will bring. 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 Pavilion a810n features 512 GB of fast PC3200 DDR SDRAM main memory, a typical allotment for today's midlevel and high-end PCs and certainly enough for most multitasking situations. Moreover, the system will accept later RAM upgrades to a stunning total of 2 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). Generally, graphics controllers that incorporate their own dedicated built-in memory are more powerful and more desirable (but definitely more expensive too) than graphics controllers that are integrated on the motherboard and share the system's main memory. The Pavilion a810n strives to offer the best of both worlds by utilizing an integrated SIS Mirage2 graphics chipset with 128 MB of shared video memory. This is a new breed of graphics controller that's comparatively economical because it shares the computer's main memory rather than supplying its own dedicated memory, but is a decent performer too because it appropriates so much of it (in this case, 128 MB). Ultimately, the system is capable of accurately displaying virtually any 2D and many 3D apps, but isn't quite ready for serious gamers who want to play the latest and most demanding 3D titles at the highest possible resolution and the smoothest possible frame rates. Those users will need to upgrade to a video card with 256 or 512 MB of dedicated video memory. Display:
A display screen is not included, thus allowing you to continue using your current monitor or select from today's many alternatives. Sound
The Pavilion a810n produces sound via an integrated audio chipset that delivers acceptable output but will need to be upgraded if you desire high-powered, audiophile-quality surround sound. Hard Drive
At 160 GB, the internal hard drive is substantially smaller than today's largest hard drives and is therefore comparatively cost-efficient. However, because hard drive capacity has grown so much over the past few months, even a midlevel model such as this offers more than double the space and a more favorable price point than midlevel hard drives from just a year ago. With this much storage space at your disposal, you'll have plenty of room for a typical allotment of files and applications and a comprehensive library of multimedia files too. 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 to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). This system features two optical drives -- a CD-ROM drive for playing music and data CDs, and a state-of-the-art Double Layer DVD+R/RW drive through which you can burn music and data CDs, play DVD movies, and record home videos to long-lasting DVD media. The "Double Layer" designation refers to the unit's ability to handle double layer DVDs, each of which offers nearly twice the capacity of traditional DVDs (8.5 GB vs. 4.4 GB). This is a real bonus for those who need to store or archive lots of data. Connectivity and Expansion
With no less than seven high-speed USB 2.0 ports -- 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 digital cameras and printers. HP has also included two IEEE 1394 "FireWire" ports (commonly used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders) and a versatile 9-in-1 front panel card reader for reading memory cards from devices such as digital cameras, PDAs and more. 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. Operating System and Software
The Pavilion a810n incorporates an ample software package headed by Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system. HP will also pre-install Microsoft's new Works 8.0 productivity suite, two finance packages (Microsoft's Money Standard 2005 and Quicken 2005 New User Edition), and an impressive collection of top-notch digital photo, music and imaging utilities. Control
You'll control your Pavilion with an HP Internet keyboard (complete with several convenient one-touch hotkeys), and a super-accurate, no-hassle HP optical mouse.
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