HP Pavilion Media Center a1310n Desktop PC (AMD Athlon 64 3700+ Processor, 1 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Dbl Layer DVD+/-R/RW Drive)

Average customer rating: 3.0

HP a1430n Crashed twice now
HP NEVER AGAIN
Average performance
BEST DEAL!
Best bang for the buck!

HP Pavilion Media Center a1310n Desktop PC (AMD Athlon 64 3700+ Processor, 1 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, Dbl Layer DVD+/-R/RW Drive)

Manufacturer: Hewlett Packard Office
Product Group: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers
ASIN: B000E1VZ7M

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Amazon.com Product Description

The HP Pavilion a1310n comes loaded with the all tools you need to easily create, manage, share, and enjoy your digital photos, home videos, movies, and music. It features a wide range of connectivity options for all your peripherals and preloaded HP Image Zone Plus photo editing and management software. Store more music, videos, and data on the roomy 200 GB hard drive. It comes loaded with 1 GB of RAM, which can be bumped up to 4 GB, an AMD Athlon 64 3700+ 2.2 GHz processor, LightScribe multi-format DVD/CD burner, a 9-in-1 memory card reader that's compatible with today's most popular digital camera formats, Windows Media Center 2005 (with Rollup 2 Update), and a wide assortment of pre-loaded software.

The Basics
<ul>

Hard Drive: The very roomy 200 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (7200 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

Processor: AMD's Athlon 64 3700+ processor is built for tomorrow's 64-bit applications, which will require a processor with significant power. This 2.2 GHz processor offers a system bus with speeds up to a blazing 2000 MHz and 1 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance.) It includes such AMD features as HyperTransport Technology (which increases the communication between integrated circuits) and Cool'n'Quiet Technology that conserves power while also keeping the PC nicely quiet.

Memory: The 1 GB of installed RAM (PC3200) is a very good start, but you'll want to add more RAM to handle today's demanding multimedia and gaming software. This desktop has a very good 4 GB maximum RAM capacity (4 x 1 GB).

CD/DVD Drive: Offering the latest in DVD writing technology, the a1310n's multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 4x DVD-R DL Write Once, 2.4x DVD+R DL Write Once, 16x DVD+R, 4x DVD+RW, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD-RW, 16x DVD-ROM, 40x CD-R, 24x CD-RW, and 40x CD-ROM speeds. It also comes with a second DVD-ROM optical drive, with 16x read speed.

This LightScribe DVD+/-RW drive lets you laser-etch silkscreen quality text and images on to CDs and DVDs . Your software, PC and discs work together for a no-hassle way to burn just the labels you want. After you burn content, just flip the disc over, reinsert and burn your label--anything from a simple title to a full-disc work of art .

Keyboard & Mouse: It comes with an HP multimedia keyboard and scroller mouse (both with PS/2 connections). </ul> Screen, Graphics and Sound
Video is powered by the ATI Radeon XPress 200 IGP video/graphics card, which delivers good, though not high-end, 3D graphics. It delivers up to 128 MB of video RAM shared with the system RAM. ATI's HyperMemory technology allows the chipset to run in either Unified Memory Architecture (UMA) mode or with dedicated frame buffer memory to enhance graphics performance. It also features an integrated audio card with microphone, line-in, and headphone jacks.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
For expansion, the a1310n has three PCI slots (two available), one PCI Express slot (available), two 5.25-inch external bays (one available), two external 3.5-inch bays (one available), and one internal 3.5-inch bay (occupied). It comes with a built-in floppy drive and the following external connectors: <ul>

6 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (2 in front--including 1 in memory card reader--4 in rear)

2 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals (1 in front, 1 in rear)

1 parallel port for connecting older printers and scanners

2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice

1 VGA monitor port

9-in-1 media card reader on the front, compatible with CompactFlash (Type I and II), MicroDrive, SmartMedia, Memory Stick/Memory Stick Pro, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digital, and XD Picture Card

2 headphone (1 front, 1 rear)

2 microphone (1 front, 1 rear)

2 line-in (1 front, 1 rear) </ul> It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

Preloaded System and Software
The pre-installed Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (Update Rollup 2) is essentially Windows XP Professional Edition with a variety of tools to help you to create, organize, and enjoy digital media ranging from music to home movies to photo slide shows. The Update Rollup 2 upgrade offers support for the Windows Media Center Extender technology built into XBox 360 game consoles, which lets you access entertainment from your Media Center PC--whether itÕs live and recorded TV and movies, music, photos or Online Spotlight--on any TV in the house.

It also comes preloaded with Microsoft Works 8 (for working with word processing and spreadsheet documents), Symantec Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware Edition (with 60 days of LiveUpdate), PC Doctor, Encarta Encyclopedia 2005, Quicken New User Edition 2005, Microsoft Money 2005, WinDVD Player, Sonic DigitalMedia Plus, Sonic MyDVD Plus, Sonic DigitalMedia Archive, muvee AutoProducer, iTunes.

The included HP Image Zone 5 photo and imaging software makes it easy to organize, edit, share, print, protect, and store your photos and video clips. Organize and find your photos easily by timeline, keywords, and/or location using the unique photo-globe mapping tool. Remove red eye and fix other common problems. Share your photos quickly via e-mails that include thumbnails with links to the full-sized images--without downloading time-consuming attachments.

Dimensions and Weight
This desktop PC measures 15.2 x 7.2 x 17 inches (HxWxD) and weighs approximately 24 pounds.

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion a1310n desktop PC, power cable, keyboard, and mouse. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance for one year. Software is also covered for 90 days from date of purchase.

Product Description

The HP Pavilion Media Center a1310n PC provides the ease of use you need to get more from your digital life. This incredible new PC features everything you need for better enjoyment of your discs and digital photos. Its LightScribe DVD+/-RW drive lets you laser-etch text and images onto your CDs and DVDs, while delivering all the capabilities of a CD and DVD player and recorder. Downloading your digital images is easier too -- the front-accessible 9-in-1 reader lets you transfer your photos. Don't worry, the 160GB hard drive should be able to hold them all. Manage your multimedia more easily with the XP Media Center tools, and the host of included software. ATI Radeon XPress 200 graphics card with up to 256MB shared memory Integrated 10/100Base-T network interface 4 184-pin DDR DIMM slots (two available) Built-in 56K modem Expansion slots - 3 PCI (2 available), 1 PCI Express (avail.) Expansion bays - 1 external 5.25, 1 ext. 3.5 avail. Front panel 9-in-1 memory card reader - supports Smart Media, xD, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digital (SD), CF types I and II, Micro Drive, Memory Stick & Memory Stick PRO 7 USB 2.0 ports -- 3 front, 4 back 2 FireWire ports -- 1 front, 1 back Other ports - 1 parallel, 2 PS/2, 1 mic line-in/line-out Operating System - Windows XP Media Center Lifestyle Software - HP ImageZone, Sonic DigitalMedia Plus, Sonic MyDVD, RealPlayer, InterVideo WinDVD 5, Encarta Standard Online -- plus trial offers for AOL, MSN, MSN Premium, Netscape Internet Service, EarthLink and PeoplePC Online Productivity Software - Microsoft Works 8, Office Student and Teacher Edition 2003 (60-day trial), Adobe Reader 7.0, Quicken 2006 New User Edition, Microsoft Money 2005, Norton Internet Security 2005 AntiSpyware edition Dimensions(HxWxD) - 15 x 7.17 x 17 Weight - 24 lbs. unpackaged; 33 lbs. in box Monitor is not included

Customer Reviews:

HP a1430n Crashed twice now.......2006-08-21

I bought this computer in May, it crashed 17 days later. Sent it in under warranty, got it back and it crashed one week later. I don't have any idea what is wrong but I have never had problems like this. It's very frustrating

HP NEVER AGAIN.......2006-04-13

FIrst lets start buy saying this is the second hp.

a1310n
now for the pc had it since febuary 1st 2006, today is april 13th, 2006 has broken down twice.

The lightscribe drive broke in less than 2 weeks they replaced it lost the pc from home 1 week

second time the heat seak fan housing broke
called hp took they 48 to return a call to say they want my business

then had to wait another 48 for them to decide rather they should replace a 2 month old lemon they sold me.

after 5 days they replaced it with another they could not give my money back with out another 2 days of waiting. thats all the review they need the pc is junk and there customer service doesnt' exist its all pass the buck and use up the warranty so we can go to the next pigieon

PLEASE PROTECT YOUR SELF AND DO NOT BUY FROM COMPAQ OR HP THEY ARE THE SAME COMPANY AND DO NOT SUPPORT THERE PRODUCTS. THEY DO SAY THEY ARE SORRY FROM COSTA RICA AND INDIA ALOT BUT DO NOTHING THEY REPLACED THIS PC WITH ONE NOT MUCH BETTER HASN"T ARRIVED YET DIDN"T EVEN SEND IT NEXT DAY SHIPPING AFTER 5 DAYS OF DEALING WITH THEM. REMEMBER YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

Average performance.......2006-03-02

This model's performance is below from the HP standard I come to expect. Its riddle with more than average trial software that only takes disk space. It started to crash after I loaded some of my own utilities software, which performs just fine on my other HP processors (m7160n).

BEST DEAL!.......2006-02-15

This is the best deal on a desktop PC! I was in search for a desktop pc that performs well and also under $700. Was originally going to purchase a Dell with their dollar off coupons, but luckily I found this deal! As of Feb 06, any P4 or AMD 64 with 1GB RAM, 200GB, DVD+RW will run above $700 on any online retail store, then you have add shipping($0-$99) and sales tax($100+ where I live). The only thing I didn't like about the HP was the case's material and color. The front face plate is made entirely out of plastic and is secured by 6 thin plastic clips. One of the clip was broken straight out the box. The other five are barely hanging on and can be easily broken off if not careful. The inside is a bit cluttered if you want to install another hard drive (I had to install the hd from the front of the case). The PCI express and PCI ports are easily accessible and I had no problem installing my PCI-Express graphics card. I do like how easy it is to open the case on the side (one screw opens the case). Now on to the color, I really wish the entire case was in silver color instead of the grayish blue color, but that's just being picky. As for another reviewer's comment about recovery CD and OS cd, most pc retailers stopped including those cds about a year or two ago to cut cost, so regardless of what brand of pc u get u probably won't be getting the os cd unless you pay extra for it. I had no problem with hp using an 8GB partition on the hd for the os and recovery files. It still had about 178GB on C drive so didn't really need to do any partitioning. Overall, best deal ever on a desktop PC. I guarantee you won't be able to find a similar speced named-brand PC at this low out-the-door price.

Best bang for the buck!.......2006-02-14

This is a powerhouse of a PC and it is priced less than the Intel P4 varient - which is not even 64 bit. I don't know where HP is making money on this one...you can't purchase the individual parts and build your own for this price.

The case is an attractive unit and easy to open for upgrades. A single thumbscrew opens the side of the case and reveals a relatively roomy case for it's small size. Memory sockets and expansion slots are easy to access.

A previous review mentioned that the expansion slots were inaccessible or blocked, however I did not experience this on my PC. I installed an ATI X550 PCI Express video card to connect my dual 19" LCD monitors and the card fit effortlessly into the corresponding socket. I wasn't impressed by the onboard sound as I do some audio and video work as a hobby. I installed a SoundBlaster Audigy PCI sound card in one of the open PCI slots. Again this was effortless. I also installed a Hauppauge 250 Tuner card in the slot that had the modem (because I have broadband) and wanted to leave a space between the graphics card and the next card for cooling.

My final upgrade was adding (4) 1GB sticks of RAM. Sure it's overkill, but I like the bragging rights - a true geek.

The same review that mentioned the expansion issues complained about not having system disks or being able to change partions. This has been common by many vendors for several years. I haven't had the media for a new computer in a long time. If he would have read the manuals for the computer, he would have known to make system restore disks by using the utility in the programs list. Ahh...ignorance is bliss.

I have been very happy with the PC so far. My last *new* PC was a Compaq Presario in 2000 which has been flawless to date. I recommend this PC for the price. You can't go wrong - good looks, great options, awesome power.

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