HP Pavilion a815n Desktop PC (Intel Pentium 4, 512 MB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive)

by HP

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 38 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000793JQG
• Item model number: PS512AA#ABA
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 5, 2005

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

HP makes multimedia easy for the whole family with the a815n desktop PC, featuring a wide range of connectivity options for all your peripherals, preloaded HP Image Zone photo editing and management software, and a dual-layer, multiformat DVD/CD burner. It comes loaded with 512 MB of RAM, which can be bumped up to an amazing 4 GB. It also features an extra-large 160 GB hard drive, and a multiformat memory card reader that's compatible with today's most popular digital camera formats.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: The extra-large 160 GB Ultra DMA hard drive (7200 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video.
• Processor: The 3.06 GHz Intel Pentium 4 519J processor is more than fast enough for the vast majority of home office and business applications as well as basic multimedia needs, from digital photo editing to PC gaming. However, if you plan on editing video or playing today's high-end, intensive 3D games, you might want to look into a faster processor. It also features a 533 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and 1 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance.)
• Memory: The 512 MB of installed RAM (PC2700) is adequate for running office productivity and audio software, but you'll want to take advantage of the ultra-roomy 4 GB of total RAM capacity (2 x 2 GB) for such multimedia needs as video editing and immersive 3D gaming.
• CD/DVD Drive: Offering the latest in DVD writing technology, the a815n multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer DVD+R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 16x DVD+R, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD+/-RW, 2.4x DVD+R DL, 16x DVD-ROM, 40x CDR, 24x CDRW, and 40x CD-ROM ROM speeds.
• Keyboard & Mouse: The a815n comes with an HP Internet keyboard and scroller mouse (both with PS/2 connections).

Graphics and Sound
The integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 (with up to 128 MB of shared video memory) provides versatile display options and great 3D performance. You'll get incredible visual quality with native 16x9 formats for wide screen flat panels, motion compensation for smooth DVD playback and support for popular HDTV display formats. It also features the integrated Intel High Definition audio chip (Azalia), featuring THX certification and 8 channels for full Dolby 5.1/6.1/7.2 surround sound with Dolby Pro Logic IIx.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
For expansion, the a805n has two 5.25-inch external bays (both occupied), two external 3.5-inch bays (one available), and three PCI slots (two available). It comes with a built-in floppy drive and the following external connectors:

• 7 USB 2.0 ports (3 in front, 4 in rear) for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 parallel port for connecting older printers and scanners
• 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
• 1 VGA monitor port
• 1 microphone, 1 headphone
• 1 line-out, and 1 line-in jack
• 9-in-1 media card reader on the front, compatible with CompactFlash (Type I and II), MicroDrive, SmartMedia, Memory Stick/Memory Stick Pro, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digital, and XD Picture Card

It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

Preloaded System and Software
This system comes with the Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 operating system with Advanced Security Technologies, which helps to reduce unwanted downloads and pop-ups while surfing the Web. It also comes preloaded with Microsoft Works (for working with word processing and spreadsheet documents), Symantec Norton Antivirus 2005 (with 60 days of LiveUpdate), Norton Personal Firewall 2004 (60-day security update subscription), Encarta Encyclopedia 2005, Quicken New User Edition 2005, Microsoft Money 2005, RecordNow, WinDVD Player, iTunes, PC Doctor, and SpySubtract.

The included HP Image Zone Plus photo and imaging software makes it easy to organize, edit, share, print, protect, and store your photos and video clips. Organize and find your photos easily by timeline, keywords, and/or location using the unique photo-globe mapping tool. Remove red eye and fix other common problems. Share your photos quickly via e-mails that include thumbnails with links to the full-sized images--without downloading time-consuming attachments.

Dimensions and Weight
This desktop PC measures 15.2 x 7.5 x 16.5 inches (HxWxD) and weighs approximately 34 pounds.

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion a815n desktop PC, power cable, keyboard, and mouse. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance for one year.

Product Description

Can't wait to lose yourself in digital video, experiment with photos, and experience the delights of good movies and music? This PC marries powerful performance and multimedia functionality to provide you with all the right tools. Bring details to life with the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 graphics (up to 128MB of shared video memory) Boost performance with 512MB of memory plus expandability for two additional memory sockets (maximum PC3200 DDR capacity = 4GB) Explore the Internet via a Broadband Internet connection such as DSL or cable using the 10/100 Ethernet adapter Optimize your peripheral connectivity with the seven USB 2.0 ports (three in front, four in back) Feast your ears on unbelievable sound with Intel High Definition Audio, plus the option to configure up to eight speakers (speakers sold separately) Watch movies with the DVD-ROM drive and InterVideo WinDVD 5 software Easily connect with accessories such as joysticks, driving wheels and MP3 players with the top and back access to USB and FireWire ( IEEE 1394 ) iLink compatible ports A 9-in-1 digital media card reader and audio ports with front access Protect your PC against viruses, hackers, and worms with the included Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 + 60 Day Trial of Norton AntiVirus 2005 HP 1-Year Parts and Labor Warranty on Hardware and up to 90 Day toll-free tech support for software. Includes award-winning HP Total Care support, which features - HP Help and Support Center your 24 x 7 desktop PC resource; 24 x 7 real-time chat support, right from your desktop; One-hour response to your e-mail; Toll-free, 24 x 7 support in English and Spanish; Easy-to-install replaceable parts for your HP or Compaq PC with next-business-day arrival HP Software comprehensive bundle including Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition is pre-installed on Hard-Drive

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Nice ..... if you like a paperweight, July 15, 2005

By 

G. Mess "gmess24" (WV - United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: HP Pavilion a815n Desktop PC (Intel Pentium 4, 512 MB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

I bought this computer 6 months ago, and it has been nothing but trouble. The motherboard has went down 3 times now, and it has been in service more than it has been used.

HP customer service is now horrible. Following others leads they have now outsourced to India, and they refuse to work with you.

The computer has wonderful specs, but will not stay runnning for over two months at a time. Each time it has been sent in for service, it comes back with files missing, or additional hardware problems.

I own a small company, and purchase computers 1-2 times per month. HP has permanently lost my business due to lack of customer care, and fualty workmanship.

I would avoid this particular model at all costs. If you need further proof, type in HP Pavilion a815n Desktop PC and look at the number of refurbished units being sold through a huge national chain, this speaks volumes. Enough said.