HP Pavilion Elite m9350f - Phenom X4 9850 2.5 GHz

Description: The HP Pavilion Elite m9350f - Phenom X4 9850 2.5 GHz is a phenom X4-based, general-purpose computer. Compared to other mainstream desktop computers on the market, it is midpriced at around $1,180. This system comes with 6 GB RAM, and a 750GB hard disk.

Pros: Has a nVidia GeForce 9800 GTX graphics chip, which is considerably better performing than some similarly priced desktop computers. Also, this desktop computer has a DVD? RW(? R DL) / DVD-RAM disc drive. Also, the 750GB hard disk installed on this machine is rather large when compared to the average desktop. However, the phenom X4 based CPU installed on this machine is fast enough to handle demanding applications, such as digital video.

Cons: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: Suited for those who want to balance price with performance. The nVidia GeForce 9800 GTX graphics installed on this computer is reasonably fast when it comes to handling 3-D graphics. Comes with a DVD writer, allowing you to convert home movies from your digital camcorder onto DVD's. You can compile mp3 CDs with this desktop’s CD recorder.

Value: Overall, this desktop computer's features are as expected for this price. This desktop manages to combine class-leading processing power with ample storage.

Suggestions: (1) Using this PC's Firewire (1394) port, you can connect to many digital camcorders and other equipment and rapidly upload data to the computer's hard drive. (2) If you plan to be playing the latest 3-D games, you may want to invest in a more powerful video card from NVidia or ATI, which are popular with the gaming community (requires an open AGP or PCIe slot).