Welcome to our ninth InfoHQ Tech Watch Newsletter - Review of $499 Desktop Deals. In this newsletter we review the latest $499 desktop deals from Dell and HP.
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Introduction
Last week, both Dell and HP began a $499 Desktop with 17 inch monitor promotion. Thinking this was to good to be true, we decided to do a head to head comparison of their systems to see if these were truly good deals, or if this was just another example of misleading promotions.
The Comparison
Dell's offering was based on a 2.2 GHz Celeron Dimension, while HP's
offering was powered by a 2.2 GHz Pentium 4 processor.
We detailed the main features of both systems in the table below and
we have highlighted all the differences. Features that we considered
substandard are highlighted in red.
Features that are different, but not necessarily substandard, are highlighted
in purple.
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Review of $499 Desktop System Features
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Company
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Dell
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HP
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Model
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Dimension™ 2400
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Compaq Presario S4000V
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Processors
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2.2 GHz Celeron
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2.2 GHz Pentium 4
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Video Chip
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Intel Extreme Graphics
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Unspecified Integrated
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Upgradeable
Video |
No
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Yes, AGP Port
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Monitor
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17 inch CRT
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17 inch CRT
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Main System RAM
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128MB Shared DDR SDRAM
at 333MHz
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128MB Shared DDR SDRAM
at 333MHz
|
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Cost to Upgrade RAM to 256 MB (InfoHQ recommended
upgrade)
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$60
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$60
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Maximum RAM
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1 GB
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1 GB
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Hard Disk Drive
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40 GB
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40 GB
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Floppy Drive
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No
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Yes
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CD-ROM
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Yes
|
Yes
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Sound
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Integrated Chip
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Integrated Chip
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Speakers
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Altec Lansing® ADA215 Speakers
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Platinum 2.0 Speakers
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Modem
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Yes
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Yes
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Network Interface
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Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
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Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
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Mouse and Keyboard
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Yes
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Yes
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Printer
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No
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Yes
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USB 2.0 Ports
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6
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2 or more
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|
IEEE Port
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No
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Yes
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PCI Slots
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3
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3
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Application Software
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WordPerfect® Productivity
Pack
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Microsoft Works
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Operating Software
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Windows XP Home
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Windows XP Home
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Warranty
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1 Year Limited Warranty plus 1 Year At-Home
Service
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1 Year Limited Warranty
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Free Shipping (Temporary Promotion)
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Yes
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Yes
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Extras
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Free CD-RW Drive (temporary
promotion)
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Free Headphones and Mic
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Extras
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6 Months of America Online Membership Included
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None
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Price before Taxes and Rebates
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$499
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$647.99
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Rebates
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None
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$150 (8-10 weeks to
process)
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Manufacturer's Web Site
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Reviewer's Conclusions
Dell Dimension 2400
The Dell system is a very basic entry level desktop system. It's 2.2 GHz Celeron processor has acceptable speed and the included Intel Extreme Graphics chipset is a nice addition but has slow to mediocre speed in new 3D games. The currently included CD-RW drive is nice to have and so is the free 6 months of AOL service.
However this system does have some drawbacks. I don't like: the fact that an AGP graphics card cannot be added, there is no floppy drive, 128 MB of RAM is just not enough and should be upgraded, and there is no printer included.
If you just want a very basic $499 system that can't be upgraded, and that will put you online for free, then this is the system for you.
Compaq Presario S4000V
Overall I was very surprised by the amount of features this system offers. This is the first Pentium 4 computer bundle I have seen that has sold for $499 after rebates. It's 2.2 GHz Pentium 4 processor is 25%-30% faster than a Celeron, it has a relatively slow graphics chip - but it can be upgraded with an AGP video card, and it even includes a free HP printer.
Of course HP did have to cut some corners to keep the price down. Like
the Dell, you will want to immediately upgrade the 128 MB of system
RAM. You also might want to immediately upgrade to a CD-RW drive for
$30.
Its warranty is a carry in/ship back warranty, so if that sort of thing
bugs you then you might want to buy a better warranty. Lastly, HP is
playing the rebate game, and if waiting 8-10 weeks to recover your $150
bothers you then you might want to buy something else.
In conclusion, I think this is a great entry level system, especially if you are willing to spend a little more to upgrade the system memory and to add a CD-RW drive.
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