Desktop PC Reviews

BY: J.R., DesktopReview.com Editor
Intel released their latest microarchitecture, the Nehalem-based Core i7 platform, in November of last year.  It’s taken until now, however, for some manufacturers to jump into the game and this time it’s HP, with their new Pavilion Elite m9600t.  Competitors like Dell and Gateway both released their own i7 systems last fall; is HP too late or right on time?  Read on for our full review.

Specifications

• Processor: Intel Core i7 920 @ 2.66GHz
• Memory: 6GB DDR3 RAM @ 1066 MHz
• Hard drive: 750GB SATA @ 7200RPM
• Optical drive: Blu-ray readable / DVD+/-RW
• Sound: Integrated 7.1 audio
• Video card: ATI Radeon HD4850 1GB
• Networking: Gigabit Ethernet
• Wireless networking: 802.11n
• Operating system: Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
• Power supply: Delta Electronics 460W
• Warranty: 1 year limited warranty

The HP Pavilion Elite m9600t has a starting price of $949.  In this configuration, it carries a suggested retail price of $1429.99.
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BY: J.R., DesktopReview.com Editor
Apple recently upgraded their entire desktop line, including the oft-forgotten Mac Mini.  Almost two full years since the last update, Apple finally upgraded almost every aspect of the “most affordable Mac ever”, including the processor, chipset, RAM, hard drive and graphics system.  With a starting cost of $599, can the Mac Mini really compare to its more expensive Apple brethren or even their PC equivalents?  Read on for our full review.

Specifications

• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P7350 @ 2.0GHz (3MB L2 cache)
• Memory: 1 GB DDR3 SDRAM @ 1066MHz
• Hard drive: 120GB SATA @ 5400RPM
• Optical drive: DVD+/-RW SuperDrive
• Sound: Integrated audio
• Video card: NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics with 128MB shared memory
• Networking: Gigabit Ethernet
• Wireless networking: 802.11a/b/g/draft-n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Operating system: OS X 10.5.6 Leopard
• Power supply: 110 watt external
• Warranty: 1 year limited hardware warranty with 90 days phone support

As configured, the Mac Mini carries a suggested retail price of $599.
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BY: Kevin, DesktopReview.com Editor

The Lenovo L2440P widescreen LCD is one of the new Eco-friendly displays coming out of the business computer maker. From the ground up these monitors have the environment in mind, which is reflected even in the packaging, made up of 65% recycled material. This LCD sports light booster technology to have 33% less mercury content while also saving you up to 50% of the energy cost with lower power consumption.  With WUXGA resolution, HDCP support for HD movie content and multiple video inputs is there anything this monitor cant do?

Specifications

• 24.0-inch (609.6 mm) viewable image size
• Native resolution: 1920 x 1200
• Brightness: 300cd/m2
• Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
• TN Panel, 5ms response time
• 170 Degree Horizontal Viewing, 160 Degree Vertical Viewing
• Supports High Definition Content Protection (HDCP)
• VGA and DVI inputs
• Compliance with ENERGY STAR 4.1 requirements
• 35W Typical Power Usage/50W Max
• Four USB ports
• Dual input allows attachment to two systems
• Meets 100 mm VESA standard for mounting
• Detachable base for wall or arm mounting (other mounts sold separately)
• Optional sound bar
• Available in business black
• Kensington Lock slot for security
• MSRP: $349
• 3-Year limited warranty

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BY: J.R., DesktopReview.com Editor

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