Description:
The Basics
Compaq’s new and exceedingly wide-ranging Presario SR1130NX series of desktop PCs targets most every segment of the computer buyer market -- from financially strapped students to high-power business executives. This particular unit, the Presario SR1130NX, sits neatly in the middle of the lineup, delivering strong midlevel computing at a price that won’t empty your pocketbook. Gamers and anyone who dabbles in 3D graphics will want to upgrade the unit’s 3D video capabilities or look at a more upscale Compaq offering, but the unit should otherwise fit perfectly in virtually any computing environment. Of special note is the system’s huge 160 GB hard disk, a rarity at this price point. Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a miracle of miniaturization that houses millions of microscopic transistors and governs the speed and power of the entire unit. For the Presario SR1130NX, Compaq has installed an AMD Athlon XP 3000+ CPU, a competent yet cost effective CPU that’s fast enough for everyone but extreme power users who run the latest ultra-demanding applications. For most any home, home office, scholastic or business situation, this CPU is more than sufficient. Memory
Though computers typically store information on their hard drive, they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM). Data stored in RAM is instantly available to you, thus translating to a more efficient computing experience. More RAM means faster computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The Presario SR1130NX features 512 MB of PC2700 DDR SDRAM main memory (expandable to two full GB), which is considered an average allotment in today’s desktop market. As such, it is perfectly satisfactory for most single task and multitasking assignments. Video
An Intel Extreme Graphics video controller is integrated on the motherboard. This chipset features just 64 MB of shared (not dedicated) video memory. While quite capable of accurately displaying most any 2D application such as word processing, Internet surfing and 2D graphic design, the system will struggle to smoothly display advanced 3D graphics, animations, and many mid-to high-end games. Compaq has not included a display screen, thus allowing you to continue using your current monitor or select from today’s many alternatives. Sound
The Presario SR1130NX produces six-channel sound via an audio chip integrated on the motherboard. This is a typical setup for midlevel PCs, producing satisfying but not earth shaking surround sound. Speakers are not enclosed. Hard Drive
The unit’s internal 160 MB hard drive is considered spacious in any price range, sporting enough storage space for a massive allotment of files and applications and a huge music or multimedia collection too. Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today’s computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can enjoy all of the above plus watch the same big budget DVD movies you watch on your home entertainment system. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can also "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). This system features dual optical drives - a fast 48X CD-ROM drive for playing music and data CDs and a versatile DVD+R/RW drive for all that other fun stuff. Having two optical drives also allows you to copy from one CD to another with much less effort and much more speed than with a single drive. Connectivity and Expansion
With no less than seven high-speed USB 2.0 ports -- two of which are conveniently located on the front of the unit -- you’ll have plenty of room for plug and play gadgets such as digital cameras and printers. Compaq has also included two IEEE 1394 "FireWire" ports (commonly used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders) and a built-in 9-in-1 memory card reader for accessing information stored on a wide variety of removable memory cards. Communication options include an integrated 10/100Base-T networking interface for fast Internet and network communication and a V.92 data/fax modem for low-speed dial-up connections. The system’s two available PCI slots and single available PCI slot may be used for add-on audio cards, video cards, and the like. Operating System and Software
The Presario SR1130NX features an impressive software package headed by Microsoft’s Windows XP Home Edition operating system. Compaq will also pre-install Microsoft’s Works 7.0 word processing and productivity suite, Microsoft Money Standard 2004, Quicken New User Edition 2004, a one-year subscription to the MSN Encarta Plus online information center, and a variety of multimedia and Internet utilities. Keyboard and Mouse
A standard Compaq keyboard and Compaq mouse with convenient scrolling wheel are enclosed.
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