HP Pavilion Elite m9250f - Core 2 Quad Q6700 2.66 GHz

Description: The HP Pavilion Elite m9250f - Core 2 Quad Q6700 2.66 GHz is a Core 2 quad-based, general-purpose computer. Compared to other consumer level desktop computers on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $1,055. This PC comes with 4 GB RAM, and a 500GB hard drive.

Pros: Has a nVidia GeForce 8600 GT 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, which is more preferable than some similarly priced desktop computers. The roomy 500GB hard disk installed on this machine will supply oodles of room for storing thousands of applications and files. Also, this machine's Core 2 quad based processor is zippy enough to handle demanding applications, such as graphics and multimedia.

Cons: None noted, given available product data.

Suitability: A general-purpose desktop computer, suited for basic computing, plus digital photo sorting, audio appreciation, and entertainment applications. Comes with a DVD writer, allowing you to convert home movies from your digital Handycam onto DVDs. You can archive videos, pictures, audio clips, and all the email from your Aunt Wilma onto CDs for easy storage with the included CD burner.

Value: In view of its relatively inexpensive price, this desktop computer has great features for the money. However, this PC combines hearty processing power with plenty of 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).