Wednesday, December 23, 2009
HP Introduces All-in-one Desktop PC for Small Business Customers
PALO ALTO, Calif., Dec. 7, 2009 – HP today expanded its all-in-one PC portfolio for small businesses with the HP Pro All-in-one MS200 Business PC. Featuring an integrated design that puts the computing power inside the display, this all-in-one PC provides small businesses a stylish, small-footprint machine with a full set of professional features.
“HP has seen a growing customer demand for all-in-one PCs to simplify set-up and streamline workplace environments,” said Alan Reed, vice president and general manager, business desktops, Personal Systems Group, HP. “The HP Pro All-in-one MS200 is ideal for small businesses that want a space-saving, one-console PC at an affordable price that still offers the performance capabilities needed in business environments.”
The HP Pro All-in-one MS200 Business PC’s slim, elegant profile and simple set-up fits seamlessly into a variety of work environments. Its single console conceals antennas, cables and other peripherals, offering the perfect solution for use in space-constrained cubicles, executive conference rooms, schools, nurse stations and hotel lobbies. With an 18.5-inch diagonal screen, the HP Pro All-in-one MS200 features a 16:9 high-definition(1) LCD display that tilts and swivels, a full-size keyboard and mouse, built-in webcam, Slim Tray SuperMulti DVD burner(2) and a microphone array. Customers can download a 60-day trial of HP Virtual Rooms at no additional cost to host virtual meetings with remote coworkers and for video-enabled chat using the built-in webcam and microphone.(3,4)
The HP Pro All-in-one MS200 delivers efficiency and speed with a 250 gigabyte (GB) hard drive,(5) Microsoft Windows® 7 Professional operating system(6) and an AMD AthlonTM dual-core processor.(7) Its one-year on-site commercial warranty offers small business customers quick response time and reliable onsite service for their investment.
For business users who value quality graphics, the HP Pro All-in-one MS200 includes ATI Radeon™ high-definition 3200 graphics with 256MB graphics memory. Its premium front-facing stereo speakers provide clear, crisp sound and built-in Wireless LAN (802.11b/g) with WLAN antenna for easy online access.(8) It also includes a six-in-one media card slot, six USB ports, headphone input and microphone output jacks for increased multi-media flexibility.
The HP Pro All-in-one MS200 is an ENERGY STAR® 5.0 qualified PC and uses less metal and plastic than traditional desktop PCs and monitors because the monitor and PC are combined. It also consumes less than half the energy of an old PC and LCD display.
HP's New Low Cost All-In-One PC
When the Intel Atom processor was released, a large number of companies started to introduce low cost all-in-one desktops using this inexpensive platform. These systems offered very limited performance, generally only suitable for the most basic of computing. HP has entered into the low cost market with the Pavilion MS214 priced between $600 and $650 but not using the Atom like many other low cost units. Does it have enough performance to set itself apart as an affordable yet functional all-in-one? Find out in my review of the HP Pavilion MS214 all-in-one desktop.
Best Performance Desktop PCs
The past couple of months have had some major changes in the performance market. Intel has release some new Core i7 processors that offer high performance with a lower general price point and ATI has released the first wave of Direct X 11 compatible graphics cards. Even with these releases, many companies are sticking with designs and hardware from six months ago to keep costs down as consumers are focused much more on value than before.
The majority of people looking for a high performance desktop computer are typically using it for PC gaming. There are people looking to use them for tasks like desktop video and the such, but most manufacturers still market them as game machines. With the current economy though, people are not as eager to spend $5000 for such a system as they did in the past. As a result, I've changed the focus of my best performance desktop list to focus more on performance at a value price and breaking out the list based on various features and functions as well as price.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Before You Select a Desktop Computer Systems
Looking to buy a new desktop personal computer system? This guide covers many of the basic items to examine when comparing desktop computer systems so that you can make an informed purchasing decision. Due to the changing nature of the PC Hardware industry, this guide will be periodically updated. Links are provided below each topic for a more detailed discussion on that subject.
Processors (CPUs)
Processor choices are a bit more difficult now than they were before. It is still really a choice between an AMD and an Intel processor. The difference really comes in how many cores there are in the processor and its relative speed. Each company now has a performance rating system that isn't really easy to compare. Due to the complexity, its best to refer to my links below for a more detailed explanation of CPUs for budget and uses.Memory (RAM)
Most desktop computers now use a type of memory called DDR3. DDR2 is now only found in less expensive budget classed systems. In terms of amount, it is best to have at least 4GB of memory for the smoothest operation. Memory speeds can impact performance as well. The faster the memory, the better the performance should be. When buying memory, try to buy as few DIMMs as possible to allow for future memory upgrades if needed.Hard Drives
Hard drives really boil down to size and speed. The larger the drive and the faster, the better the performance and capacity. In a desktop, it is best to have at least 500GB or more of storage space these days. In terms of speed, they are pretty much all running at 7200rpm now. A few high performance 10,000rpm drives are available. Most drives use the Serial ATA interface now for ease of installation.Optical Drives (CD/DVD/Blu-ray)
Most systems sold now feature DVD burners, even the budget systems. It is best to make sure that you get a multiformat DVD burner that can support both the +R/RW and -R/RW formats. Speeds should be at least 16x for the recordable speed. Dual or Double Layer media support is also a common feature although less likely to be used due to media cost. Options also include LightScribe or Labelflash support for burning labels directly to compatible media. Blu-ray is an option for those wanting to use their PC for the high definition video format.Video Cards
Video card technology seems to change every three to six months. If you aren't really doing any 3D graphics at all, then integrated graphics may be just fine. Beyond this, there are a wide selection of cards. Things to consider include performance, the amount of memory on the card, output connectors and the version of Direct X supported. Those looking to do any gaming should really consider a Direct X 10 card with at least 512MB of memory onboard.Extrenal Connectors
Many upgrades and peripherals to computers now connect through external interfaces instead of internal cards. Check to see how many and what type of external ports are available on the computer for use with future peripherals. Look for systems that have both USB 2.0 and IEEE 1394 or FireWire ports. It should have at least six USB 2.0 connectors and one FireWire ports. eSATA is useful for anyone hoping to use high speed external storage. Many times media card readers that support various different flash memory cards for peripherals are also included.Monitors
What good is a desktop PC unless it also has a monitor? Previously users would need to choose between a CRT or LCD monitor, but LCDs are pretty much the standard now because of their reduced size and power consumption. The real issue is more about size and cost of the LCDs. The price difference between 19-inch and 22-inch models make 22-inch the best overall value although 24-inch models are quickly dropping in price. Most all screens use the wider 16:10 format but some are now being released with a near 2:1 ratio best suited for movie watching.Dell Inspiron 530s Desktop Computer (Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200, 320GB HDD, 2GB)
The $500 Dell I530S-119B is a refresh of Dell's Inspiron "S" line of low-end, low-budget desktop PCs with a slim chassis. This model has many of the same basic specifications as the Inspiron I530S-114B that we reviewed a few months ago, but this time around, Dell speeds up the processor and adds a larger hard drive for the same decent price. Although competitors, such as Acer, sell a comparable system with more features and an even bigger hard-drive capacity, if you don't need the extra fluff, you'll appreciate the Dell's capability to multitask quickly and efficiently across a wider spectrum of applications.
Dell using the space-saving chassis in the I530S-119B isn't surprising if you consider the success of its predecessors. The classy silver and white tower can disappear comfortably in tight spaces across many decors thanks to its small size (14.2 inches high by 3.9 inches wide by 17.1 inches deep), and although you sacrifice a bit of expandability and horsepower, the desktop's versatile shape is a testament to its efficient, intelligent design.
However, Dell isn't the only desktop vendor to offer a desktop on a diet; last year we looked at the HP Pavilion Slimline s3500f and Acer just added the Acer Aspire X1700-U3700A, its Aspire AX3200, and the lower end Aspire X1200. For our purposes, let's compare the I530S-119B with Acer's latest addition to its small form factor lineup, the X1700-U3700A.
The systems share a similar set of components and a slimline shape, but several additions sway our favor toward the Acer's features. First, the Acer is cheaper because of a slightly slower CPU than the Dell (both run on Intel Pentium dual-core processors), but Acer packs in a more spacious hard drive. At the end of the race, Acer pulls ahead with a strong set of added features including a 14-in-1 multimedia card reader, 9 USB ports, an HDMI, and an eSATA port--the Dell has none of the above. Next, the Acer can potentially give media editors and home theater enthusiasts a solid workhorse with a few additional interior modifications, while the Dell Inspiron has limited room to upgrade. Inside, you get a slot for an optional video card, another standard PCI slot, and a single PCI express slot along with an open hard-drive bay. Finally, four single 1GB DIMMS occupy each of the four memory slots inside the Dell, so you can expect to toss out at least one 1GB of memory if you ever want more RAM, although Acer is worse with a pair of 2GB DIMMs slots already occupying the only two slots.
Desktop buying guide
Finding the right desktop specs
Like most consumers, you probably have an idea of how much you want to spend on a desktop. But how do you ensure that you get exactly what you need? The different shapes and sizes, the wide range of configurations, and the seemingly constant arrival of new and faster technology all make for a difficult decision. To help you find the right mix, we've outlined the four basic types of PC user.
General purpose user
These days, $500 to $1,500 will net you a desktop with a dual-core CPU and enough power to run productivity apps, view and edit vacation photos, manage MP3s and videos, and even play many of today's games--the core activities most common to families, students, and the general purpose PC user. At $1,000 and up, you should easily be able to perform those tasks. Spend around $500, and in most cases you'll still be able to run common tasks without delay, although 3D gaming becomes a stretch. You will definitely find a dual-core chip in a $500 PC (you should insist on a dual-core chip these days, unless your budget keeps you under the $500 mark), but Vista could still give you trouble. Be sure the PC is equipped with at least 1GB of memory, and it's a good bet that you'll be able to smoothly run Vista. Add in a 128MB graphics card, and you'll get the Aero effects with little to no performance loss.
If you're leaning towards Apple, you should keep in mind that Apple's OS X operating system is due for an update in October. We recommend waiting until then to purchase a new Mac, so you don't have to worry about updating the operating system yourself later on. We also wouldn't be surprised if Apple came out with a new desktop between now and then. We can't say what it might look like, but any Mac mini or iMac will get the job done for most of today's day-to-day users. We have no reason to doubt that Apple will continue to offer relatively affordable, capable home systems
Key features: AMD Athlon 64 X2, or Intel Core 2 Duo processor 1GB of DDR2 memory 250GB to 500GB hard drive 128MB, DirectX 9-capable graphics card from ATI or Nvidia DVD burner 17- to 19-inch LCD 2-piece or 2.1 speaker set Windows Vista Home Premium or Apple OS X Leopard (when it becomes available) Apple iLife or Microsoft Works Suite 2006 (students might want full-blown Office 2007 or iWork '06)
Power user
It's easy for the price to get out of hand with a power PC. Take, for instance, any of these quad-core PCs. If you shop around, you should be able to find a more than adequate gaming or digital design box for between $2,500 and $3,500. Look for an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU and up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM.You'll also need a large, fast hard drive--perhaps two or more if you plan to transfer and edit movie files--and of course, a DVD burner or, if you have an HD display, a Blu-ray or HD DVD drive. If your goal is digital design, Apple's Mac Pro continues to shine in this arena. We still won't recommend an Apple for gaming, though, so if that's your aim, it's Windows for you.
The graphics card issue is a bit stickier. Right now, we recommend either of Nvidia's GeForce 8800 GTX or 8800 GTS cards, or one of ATI's newer Radeon HD 2900 XT cards. Each shows promise in current generation games. Which one will be better for next-gen DirectX 10 games we can't say, because the games with which to properly test them aren't here yet. If gaming is your chief concern and you can put off your purchase for a little while, you might wait until the shooter Crysis comes out (allegedly this September). That game represents the next leap forward in PC 3D graphics, and while it won't be the only game that matters, most performance junkies will rely on it to determine which graphics card is the most advanced.
Key features:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600, E6750, or E6850; Core 2 Quad Q6600 or Q6700, Core 2 Extreme QX6700, QX6800 or QX6850
2GB to 4GB of 800MHz or 1,066MHz DDR2 memory
500GB to 1TB 7,200rpm hard drive(s)
512MB ATI Radeon HD 2900 XT, 768MB Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTX, 640MB or 320MB GeForce 8800 GTS
Blu-ray, HD DVD, or DVD+/-RW drive
19- to 21-inch LCD
Digital 5.1 speakers
Windows Vista Ultimate or Home Premium
Microsoft Office 2007, DVD-authoring program
Good-bye, rabbit ears? Not so fast
Congratulations! You've successfully made the switch from analog to digital TV. So is it good-bye to rabbit ears? Not quite!
Retro rabbit ears may not bring in a perfect picture, but they can bring back some great memories.
Whatever your view of television, be it couch potato casual or flat-screen fanatic, Friday was a special occasion. And even if you didn't give it the kind of warm reception some Chicago students did on Friday night, complete with champagne toasts, you knew it was the end of an era, if for no other reason than all those incessant reminders we've been giving you, like "The Big Switch From Analog To Digital TV" or "Flipping The Switch To Digital TV".
In these days of cable and satellite, you probably thought it was time for a requiem for the old rabbit ears. Not so fast.
"The antenna is alive and well," said Michael Godar, who runs one of the nation's few handmade antenna companies out of a TV repair shop in Gilbert, Ariz.
And he says that, even at the dawn of the Digital Age, there's plenty of life in that old antenna.
"There was almost a sport (in) adjusting your antenna on your TV," Sieberg said.
"Oh yeah, battling it--you know, especially when you had a remote control," Godar laughed. "You'd change the channel and then get up, adjust the antenna!"
Antennas are as old as television itself. Their limitations were spoofed in the very first episode of Jackie Gleason's "The Honeymooners."
The antenna is the sole survivor of our analog past. And while it just receives over-the-air channels, digital is the reason there's more of them.
"An antenna will still work," Godar said. "Even some of these antiques here will actually pick up a digital signal."
Of course, some things never change. You still need to be in a place where it's possible to get good reception. In fact, unlike an analog signal, with its fuzzy picture, a weak digital signal can leave you seeing, well, nothing at all.
Henry Langan and his son Steven are the "Antenna Kings." Their company has installed thousands all around New York.
Steven estimates that anywhere between 10 percent and 15 percent of people who receive their primary signal from broadcasters use antennas. "A lot of them are in metropolitan areas (and) don't have the extra money to spend $25 or $50 a month on cable TV, or more."
Langan says the TV antenna has stood the test of time.
"I mean, I get calls from people all the time saying, 'You put this up, you did my antenna 20 years ago. You know, is it time to change?' I say, 'Well, if it's working, no. But if it isn't, then, you know, it's time to change.'"
But let's say you do go for that new antenna. What to do with those rabbit ears? Well, the one thing you shouldn't do is throw them out.
Larry Jones is a connoisseur of all things old TV, which may explain his day job: president of the cable television network TV Land. He says he looks at rabbit ears as pieces of art.
"I mean, initially, when I saw one, I thought they were very sculptural," Jones said. "They looked like sculptures to me. They reminded me of Calder sculptures in many ways. Some of them are very, very intricate and very twisted. (I also see them) as a pure representation of American pop culture.
While functional--they brought television signals into your house--rabbit ears were major decorative items as well. Jones said rabbit ears "really defined an era, defined a point of time, and defined a generation, in many ways."
The rarest find in Jones' collection doesn't even resemble rabbit ears ("poodle ears" might be more appropriate).
Jones says digital be damned; those fuzzy analog pictures were something special. He admired the texture of the broadcast signal: "Sometimes, they're a little bit grainy, and then they come in clear. And you're able to change that sound just by moving the ears just a little bit. It's really warming and feels really good to conjure up those kinds of very, very, very strong memories."
He recalled his parents and grandparents testing out the TV antenna days before the anticipated first lunar landing in 1969. "I remember a lot of conversation prior to that happening: 'What happens if the TV antenna doesn't work?' And so there were a lot of precautions that were made--testing the TV at that time in the afternoon, days before, to make sure it wouldn't be on the fritz that day. So that is my one specific memory when they landed on the moon!"
That was then. This is now.
Jones says we still don't know if the digital era will represent one small step or a giant leap for television technology. Still, he's certain that it's a step in the right direction.
"A lot of times, people ask me about the 'Golden Age of television,'" Jones said. "You know, I think the Golden Age of television is right now. You have never had more selection, better quality, almost anywhere you go. You can have it in your house, you can have it in your car, and you can have it in a lot of different forms, you can have it on DVD. There's scripted, there's unscripted.
"This is the best time ever for television. And if we keep down going down this path, then it should be better 2 years from now, 5 years from now, and 10 years from now. So I would say, as far as technology getting better, how could I possibly think that it was a bad thing? I mean, technology getting better is a great thing. It just means more TV to watch."
How to survive the digital TV transition
The impending switch to all-digital broadcast TV will be a step forward, but it could be bumpy for many
Over the next year or so, you'll be hearing a lot about the digital TV transition. Here's what you need to know: On Feb. 17, 2009, broadcasters must shut down their analog systems and transmit only digital TV signals to comply with the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act. (For more information, see our Digital TV Transition information center online.)
While that sounds cataclysmic, the change will affect only the way free TV will be broadcast over the air, to a rooftop or indoor antenna. All TVs (no matter what type) connected to cable, satellite, or one of the new telephone company fiber-optic services should continue to function (though you might have to get a set-top box for cable; see below).
A TV connected to an antenna might or might not work after Feb. 17, 2009. That depends on the type of TV.
Which TVs will still work with an over-the-air antenna?
A TV with a built-in digital tuner (called an ATSC tuner) will be able to get free over-the-air digital programming, with no action on your part. Your TV probably has a digital tuner if it falls into one of the following categories:
* It's a big-screen, high-definition TV bought within the last few years. The government has required sets with screens 35 inches and larger to have a digital tuner since July 2005, and sets 25 inches and larger since March 2006. Those sets are sometimes called integrated HDTVs.
* It's a new TV purchased this year. Since March of this year, all new TVs regardless of size have been required to have a digital tuner. Most TVs bought within the last few months should be OK, whether they're high-definition sets or the new digital standard-definition TVs. (Retailers are allowed to sell off their existing inventory of analog TVs that do not have a digital tuner. They should be clearly marked as analog sets, but ask the salesperson to be sure.)
Which TVs will no longer work with an over-the-air antenna?
A TV that has only an analog tuner, called an NTSC tuner, will not be able to get free over-the-air digital programming. Your TV does not have a digital tuner if it is one of the following:
* An older picture-tube TV that is not a high-definition set.
* An HD-ready TV purchased several years ago.
* A new type of set, called a monitor, that has no built-in tuner of any kind.
(If you're unsure as to whether or not your TV contains a digital tuner, consult the product manual or call the manufacturer's customer service line.)
How can you make those TVs work?
To use any of those TVs to get free TV via antenna, you will have to attach an external device that contains a digital ATSC tuner. (Keep that in mind if, at some point, you disconnect cable or satellite from an older set to use it in your bedroom or basement with an antenna connection.) There are two ways to do this:
* You can buy a digital converter box that will accept the digital feed from the antenna and convert it into analog signals your TV can accept. That would enable you to receive digital broadcasts, but they will be converted to lower-quality analog signals—even if your TV is an HD-ready set or an HD monitor. Those converters are starting to show up in stores now, at costs ranging from $40 to $70. Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart, RadioShack, Sam's Club, Sears, Target, and Wal-Mart are among the retailers that will be offering the boxes and participating in a government coupon program to defray the cost (see below).
* You can also buy a new VCR, DVD recorder, or digital hard-disk recorder (sometimes called a DVR) that contains a digital tuner and route signals from the antenna through that device to your TV. A number of such recorders are already available from various brands, many selling in the $200 range. As with TVs, verify with a salesperson that the model you've selected contains an ATSC tuner. You would have to keep the recorder turned on in order to watch TV. An HD-ready set or HD monitor would then be able to display HD, but a standard-definition set would downgrade the signal to analog quality.
Other options for getting TV programming
Alternatively, you could use one of those TVs with cable, satellite, or telephone company video service. Plans start at about $15 to $20 a month for the most basic level of programming, and a digital set-top box typically rents for about $5 to $10 a month.
Satellite and phone company TV are already all-digital, so subscribers won't have to make any changes. TVs connected to those services should continue to function as they do now.
Cable companies must continue to provide service to analog TVs at least through 2012. But if the cable is plugged directly into an analog set, you might have to get a set-top box at some point to continue receiving programming. Contact your cable company to find out if they're planning to switch to all-digital service during that time and whether you'll have to pay for a box.
FEDERAL COUPONS MIGHT HELP U.S. CONSUMERS
Because the federal government is requiring the transition, Uncle Sam will foot part of the bill for the purchase of digital converter boxes. Households with analog TVs connected to an antenna are eligible to receive two $40 coupons to buy two converter boxes (two coupons cannot be combined to purchase one box). Consumers must request the coupons from Jan. 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009. The coupons will expire three months after they're issued. Coupons will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until federal funding is exhausted.
Federal legislation has allocated up to $1.5 billion to this program. Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, finds little to applaud in this plan, which senior policy analyst Jeannine Kenney describes as "under funded" and "intentionally difficult for consumers to use." "Unless Congress revisits the structure and funding of the coupon program," she said, "the digital transition will be not just an annoyance to consumers, it will be a financial burden as well, undermining the likelihood that the 2009 transition deadline will be met."
For more information on the coupon program, visit the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's web site for the TV converter box coupon program: www.dtv2009.gov. You can phone in questions about DTV to the FCC's toll-free Consumer Center at 888-CALL-FCC (888-225-5322). Other useful online resources: www.dtvtransition.org, a site sponsored by the Digital TV Transition Coalition, a diverse group of TV and consumer electronics industry associations dedicated to educating consumers, and the official Web site of the National Association of Broadcasters' digital television (DTV) transition campaign. You can also check out www.HearUsNow.org, a consumer advocacy Web site managed by Consumers Union for public policy issues such as the transition to digital TV.
ANTENNAS: YOUR LINK TO FREE DTV
The impending transition from analog to digital for local broadcasts has put a whole new spin on over-the-air reception, which lost favor when cable and satellite became widely available. Here's what you need to know about using an antenna to get digital TV broadcasts.
More channels, better quality. Digital over-the-air broadcasts can provide very high-quality picture and sound—including high-definition programming and surround sound—free of charge. You might even get more channels than you did with analog broadcasts, because many networks broadcast several subchannels with different programming than the main station. (You won't pull in cable- and satellite-only stations such as ESPN and CNN.)
What you'll get. The number of stations you can receive digitally, and whether you can receive them, will vary depending on your locale. To find out about digital TV stations in your area, visit http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/files/dtvonair.html.You'll have the best shot at receiving digital transmissions if there's a clear path to a station's transmitter. Tall buildings, mountains, or trees can block the signal. To gauge the potential strength of the HD signal in your area, check out AntennaWeb.
Antenna choices. Rabbit ears and indoor antennas might work, but a larger roof-mounted antenna is generally more effective at pulling in signals. Larger antennas can also be mounted in attics. You'll find antenna advice at the AntennaWeb. Web site and the HDTV Antenna Labs Web site, an enthusiast site dedicated to reviews of DTV antennas and technical articles.
Installation options. Although professional antenna installation was once a common service, finding an installer today might not be as easy as finding someone to wire a home computer network. None of the major electronics chains our reporter called (BestBuy, Circuit City, and Sears) install outdoor antennas.
AntennasDirect provides a listing of resellers and installers around the country. The do-it-yourselfer can download a useful guide on installing an outdoor TV antenna. You might also find a professional antenna installer in your area on the Homeblue Contractor Network site, or at Craigslist.
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