Description:
There was a time not so very long ago that a desktop computer in this price range was incapable of anything other than absolute basic tasks. But with the new Presario SR1010NX-B Desktop PC, Compaq proves those days are over. Virtually identical to the entry-level Presario SR1010NX but with the important additions of a display screen and speakers, the Presario SR1011NX-B won't suit demanding business environments or dedicated gaming studios but will fit right in to most home, home office or school dorm environments. Driven by a cost-efficient Intel Celeron processor running at 2.7 GHz, a minimal allotment of 256 MB PC2100 DDR SDRAM main memory and an integrated Intel Extreme Graphics video controller with up to 64 MB shared (not dedicated) video memory, the Presario SR1011NX-B is definitely not a world-class speed machine or a 3D powerhouse. However, for basic computer duties such as word processing, spreadsheets, electronic communication and homework, it is more than adequate. Those who frequently multitask will need to double the system's memory, and anyone who stores large libraries of files will want to upgrade the enclosed hard disk, which at just 40 GB is comparatively smallish. Compaq has installed a 3.5-inch diskette drive for small backups and older applications and a CD-RW optical drive through which you can load applications, play audio CDs and backup important data. In its stock configuration, the system does not support DVD playing or writing. Nor does it include an IEEE 1394 "FireWire" port (normally used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders), though it does feature a half dozen high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play peripherals and gadgets such as USB-capable digital cameras and printers. Other desirable amenities include an integrated 10/100Base-T networking interface for fast Internet and network communication, a low-speed dial-up 56K modem, a Compaq keyboard and scrolling Compaq mouse, and two free PCI slots for adding devices such as high-powered video and audio cards and additional connections. Unlike many of today's name brand computer packages, the Presario SR1011NX-B bundle also includes a monitor and desktop speaker system. The monitor, a standard 17-inch flat-screen CRT model -- not to be confused with much slimmer flat-panel LCD displays -- delivers 16 viewable inches and a dot pitch rating of .25 for clean, smooth images. The speaker system features two entry-level desktop speakers and appropriate wiring. The bundled software package includes Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system, the Microsoft Works productivity suite and Intuit's Quicken New User's Edition 2004 financial center.
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