New HP Computer- any opinions?

[Chris]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.hp.hardware (More info?)

Hello,

The HP Media Center M7070N was just released about 2 weeks ago. This
model has the Intel Pentium 4 640 chip 3.2 Ghz with 2 MB of L2 Cache.
It also has 1 GB Ram, a 250 GB hard drive, 2 DVD drives, and an ATI
Radeon X300 PCI-E graphics card. It also has a 9 in one media card
reader installed.

I thought these sounded like pretty impressive specs. So, I was just
wondering if this would be a good model to buy? The system retailed
at 1249.99 at Comp USA. This system seems to do quite a bit.
Although, I do question how much I'd actually use some of the
features. It has the XP Media Center version, which I haven't heard
too much about..

So, I was just posting to get some feedback. I wasn't sure if HP was
the way to go... or if I should go for a Dell or E-machine.

Thanks,

Chris

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.hp.hardware (More info?)

Ive had serious problems with HP cd writers and ac power pins in
laptops. If you do decide to buy the computer make sure you get the
three year warranty. If you dont know if you need the media center and
card reader, then check the price on a comparable dell. HP customer
support is insulting.

 

[ken]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.hp.hardware (More info?)

Chris wrote:
> The HP Media Center M7070N was just released about 2 weeks ago. This
> model has the Intel Pentium 4 640 chip 3.2 Ghz with 2 MB of L2 Cache.
> It also has 1 GB Ram, a 250 GB hard drive, 2 DVD drives, and an ATI
> Radeon X300 PCI-E graphics card. It also has a 9 in one media card
> reader installed.
>
> I thought these sounded like pretty impressive specs. So, I was just
> wondering if this would be a good model to buy? The system retailed
> at 1249.99 at Comp USA. This system seems to do quite a bit.
> Although, I do question how much I'd actually use some of the
> features. It has the XP Media Center version, which I haven't heard
> too much about..

On the most basic level XP Media Center is simply Windows XP but has an
added Media Center application that you can use when you want for
Tivo-like functions and to view/manage other media. The Media Center
program's menus are well suited for viewing on a TV if desired.

That actaully looks to me like a pretty nice model overall, and
comparatively future-proof (if there is such a thing anymore). I'd
like to see a slightly better graphics card offered, perhaps the Radeon
X600 (or better) or a GeForce 6600. The X300 is a bit weak if you
intend to play the latest 3D games but it's quite a nice
general-purpose card, and _much_ better than integrated graphics. Of
course, upgrading the graphics card later might be an option if needed.
You might want to check Circuit City and hpshopping.com, etc sometimes
prices vary a bit and perhaps there are rebates and such if you're into
that sort of thing.

> So, I was just posting to get some feedback. I wasn't sure if HP was
> the way to go... or if I should go for a Dell or E-machine.

I've personally heard just as many support "horror stories" about other
consumer PC vendors (including Dell, Gateway and others) as I have
about HP. They all have plenty of satisfied customers as well. If I
remember correctly, Consumer Reports most recently rated Apple support
far above the others in the Very Good to Excellent categores and Dell,
Gateway/E-machines, and HP all ranked pretty close together in the Good
category. Strangely Compaq trailed a bit but also just made the Good
category.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.hp.hardware (More info?)

The m7070n is basically a combination of the m1270n and the m1280n with
new packaging, meaning the new silver case which has replaced the older
shiny black case of the HP Media Center PC line. I've seen both cases
in person and I prefer the new silver one.

The m7070n has this in common with the higher-end m1280n system:

- same 3.2 GHz Intel Pentium 4 Processor 640 with HT technology
- L2 Cache of 2 MB
- DVD-ROM drive (instead of CD-ROM drive for 2nd optical drive)

However, unlike the m1280n, it doesn't have have a 300 GB hard drive,
or the Radeon X600 Pro graphics card, or a wireless keyboard & mouse,
instead opting for a 250 GB hard drive, the Radeon X300 (like ken
mentioned), and a wired keyboard & mouse, all of which are also found
on the m1270n.

The m1270n and m1280n are being phased out (discontinued) and have so
far been replaced by the the m7060n and m7070n. My concern with the
m7070n is that it's lacking in a few areas when compared to the m1280n
(as noted above), and a newer top-of-the-line HP Media Center PC hasn't
yet been announced. However, my sources tell me that one is on the way
that should equal or exceed the m1280n. I believe the model number
will be the m7087n (although m7080n or m7090n makes more sense to me).
I'm going to wait for this newer model because I prefer the silver case
and maybe there will be some other upgrades when compared to the
m1280n. Hopefully this newer model will make its presence known in the
next couple of months.

If you want HP's current top-of-the-line Media Center PC right now, and
don't mind the shiny black case, the m1280n is the one to get, and for
those retailers that still have it in stock, some are selling it for
$200-300 cheaper than just a few weeks ago.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.hp.hardware (More info?)

I neglected to mention that both the m7060n and the m7070n come with
DDR2 SDRAM as opposed to the older DDR SDRAM available in the m1270n
and m1280n.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.hp.hardware (More info?)

That new HP Media Center PC ( m7087 ) should be on their site as of
next week. The model may be listed as the m7087c instead of the m7087n
("c" instead of "n" at the end). Also, you can customize your own HP
Media Center PC m7000 series on the hpshopping.com site now.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.hp.hardware (More info?)

I have a feeling this m7087c model will only be available at Sam's Club
in the U.S. We should know more in the next week or two.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: comp.sys.hp.hardware (More info?)

The m7087c is a bundled PC (with monitor) sold at Sam's Club. Watch
for the m7170n coming out soon.