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Rating: 
Summary: Alot Of Computer For The Money!
Review: I purchased the Compaq SR1030NX after looking at a number of other computers. I decided on this computer because it has a large 160GB Ultra DMA Hard Drive, a relitively fast AMD Athlon XP Processor (3000 + (2.16Hz), 512 MB RAM, DVD Writer/CD-Writer Combo, floppy disc drive and built in front access 9-in-1 memory card reader, USB 2.0 & Firewire Ports plus the ability to upgrade. The SR1030NX is a handsome unit and performed flawlessy for me. The CD Writer is a bit slow as it took about 8 minutes to make an exact copy of an 80 minute cd. Files and folders can be recorded on CDR's and CDRW's with ease. The DVD section of the SR1030NX performed flawlessly and the picture quality playing DVD's is outstanding (using the 7550 Compaq monitor). The only complaint I have is that you must create your own recovery discs (6 CDR's are needed or 1 DVD) as Compaq does not supply them for you in the box. It took me about 45 minutes to create the discs! There's also an abundance of software downloaded such as Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Record Now for creating your own music or data cd's and dvd's, InterVideo Win DVD Creator for editing digital home movies and recording them to DVD, Microsoft Works, Microsoft Money 2004 and Microsoft Encarta Online with a 1-year trial subscription. You also get a 60 day trial of Microsoft's Office 2003 which I felt should have been given to you with the trial two months. Kinda cheap on Compaq's part! For the money you get alot of computer and I highly recommend this unit.
Rating: 
Summary: Compaq see's the light
Review: This is the first new computer I have bought from a manufacturer in all the years since the IBM PS/2 systems first arrived. I have always upgraded or built my own from components. Why the change you may ask. Its due to the fact that this machine has two unusual features .First off it has completely standard hardware and the case is among the simplest to access. The interior is well organized and cleanly laid out. All the expansions slots are easy to use and the case can be entered without even a screwdriver. This is a major change for Compaq. A large number of their previous systems had little modifications to the ATX form that made hardware changes difficult for the end user. The second reason is that the included hardware has a great price to power ratio. Nothing in it is unworkable or even truly bargain basement in quality. The included DVD writer truly closed the deal for me. Also of note is the software bundle. It includes a few standard applications and some media management software. Nothing to special it would seem. And that to is a plus as Compaq used to install a plague of customized software that caused endless issues for me in the past. Small bits of custom software remain but are now easily uninstalled or disabled. The systems includes every port needed for easy device connection except a standard joystick connector. This isn't much of a fault in this age of USB devices. For the devoted non-Microsoft crowd I can proudly say that after a little bit of effort I managed to resize the NTFS partition on the installed 160 gig hard drive. This system now gladly dual boots mandrake Linux 9.2 without any issues. I would suggest only two affordable changes depending on your needs. One is if you are going to do any gaming add a AGP video card. The integrated savage video will serve the email and video watching crowd well. But gaming seems to be very limited on it. The addition of a left over Geforce 5200 turned my system into a acceptable games station . Also the on-board audio is good but not great. Add a SoundBlaster live value if you have one laying around its easy and well worth it. One last design feature to mention is the fact that it has front ports for most any device. This truly comes in handy for those who love their USB cameras and joysticks. As well as any devotees of 1394 fire wire and the various flash memory card standards. It even includes microphone and headphone jacks.
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