Compaq Presario SR2180NX Desktop PC (Intel Pentium D Processor 820, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Premium)

by HP

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 15.4 x 9.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 33 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000M8MWHE
• Item model number: SR2180NX
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: December 29, 2006

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Whether you're e-mailing family and friends, balancing your online checkbook, or listening to your digital music collection, the HP Compaq Presario SR2180NX offers a versatile, strong base for your home computing needs as well as easy-to-use multimedia features. Focusing on affordability, this desktop provides room to grow with the ability to add up to 2 GB of RAM, available PCI and expansion slots, and access to a wide variety of peripherals via its seven USB 2.0 and two FireWire ports. It's also chock-full of security and productivity software to get you going as soon as the PC's unpacked from its box, including Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 and Microsoft Works 8. You can also easily burn your home video productions to DVD for friends and family with the dual-layer, multi-format LightScribe DVD/CD burner, which enables you to store up to 8.5 GB of data on a DL disc, and manage your family's photo library with HP Photosmart Premier software.

Other features include a 2.8 GHz Intel Pentium D 820 dual-core processor, 250 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum), Intel GMA 950 video processor (with 32 MB of dedicated memory), a multiformat, dual-layer DVD burner (which can also create CDs) with LightScribe capability, and a 9-in-1 memory card reader. It comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, which includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

• Processor: The 2.8 GHz Intel Pentium D 820 dual-core processor delivers additional computing resources and help expand the PC's capabilities by providing higher throughput and simultaneous computing. You'll be able to perform multiple tasks such as digital rendering and gaming all while running virus scan or other background tasks seamlessly. Each core has 1 MB of L2 cache onboard (for a 2 MB total), and the two cores share an 800MHz front-side bus. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
• Hard Drive: The extra large 250 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (7200 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive has a 3Gb/s interface speed that enables up to 300MB/s data transfer rates (double the speed of the current SATA interface of 1.5Gb/s).
  
• Memory: The 1 GB of installed RAM (PC4200, 2 x 512 MB, 533 MHz) is a good start, but you'll want to add more RAM to handle today's demanding multimedia and productivity suites. This desktop has an excellent 4 GB maximum RAM capacity (4 x 1 GB). Also, to receive the benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.
  
• DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 4x DVD-R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R DL Write Once, 16x DVD+R, 8x DVD+RW, 16x DVD-R, 6x DVD-RW, 5x DVD-RAM, 40x CD-R, 32x CD-RW write speeds and 40x CD-ROM, and 16x DVD-ROM read speeds.

  This LightScribe DVD+/-RW drive lets you laser-etch silkscreen quality text and images on to CDs and DVDs . Your software, PC and discs work together for a no-hassle way to burn just the labels you want. After you burn content, just flip the disc over, reinsert and burn your label--anything from a simple title to a full-disc work of art.
  

• Keyboard & Mouse: It comes with a Compaq keyboard and scroller mouse (both with PS/2 connections).

Video & Audio
Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses Intel Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) and provides 32 MB of dedicated graphics memory. Windows Vista can also allocate up to 224 MB of total graphics memory from the system memory. It also has an integrated audio card that can produce high definition surround sound configurable to 8 speakers.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
For expansion, this desktop has three PCI slots (two available), one PCI Express x16 slot (available), two 5.25-inch external bays (one available), one external 3.5-inch bays (available), and one internal 3.5-inch bay (occupied). It comes with the following external connections:

• 7 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (3 in front, 4 in rear)
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
• 1 VGA monitor port
• 1 each microphone/line-in/line-out (front and rear)
• SPDIF digital audio input and output
• Connections for home theater surround sound speakers
• 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).

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect to your favorite Wi-Fi hotspot.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Microsoft Works, Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update), Roxio Creator, DVD Play, and HP Total Care Advisor.

Dimensions & Weight
This desktop measures 7.15 x 16.25 x 15.4 inches (WxDxH) and weighs approximately 24 pounds.

What's in the Box
The HP Compaq Presario SR2180NX desktop PC comes with a power cord, keyboard, and scroller mouse. It is backed by a one-year warranty for parts and labor from date of purchase, one-year technical phone service, and 90 days of software application support.

Product Description

HP SR2180NX Compaq Presario Desktop PC includes essential features for enhancing your productivity: A full suite of security and productivity software keeps you safe while helping you work. Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic, Symantec Norton Internet Security 20077 protects your PC right out of the box. Roxio Creator featuring LightScribe Technology: Edit, burn and archive data to DVDs and CDs. Microsoft Works 8 includes word processor, spreadsheet, database, and calendar programs. HP Total Care Advisor: Customizable desktop tool provides support, system health and shopping information. The Double/Dual Layer DVD plus/minus R/RW drive with CD writer capabilities drive lets you archive or distribute valuable information on DVD or CD. LightScribe technology burns custom, professional looking labels and artwork directly onto LightScribe enabled discs, right inside the drive. Front access USB 2.0 ports make it easy to transfer information to and from your PC.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Computer! Could use more RAM, February 27, 2007

By 

Zeph Greenwell (Decatur, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Compaq Presario SR2180NX Desktop PC (Intel Pentium D Processor 820, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

I've been using this computer for a week now and haven't had much in the way of trouble. Windows Vista looks great and runs really well. Primarily I use my computer for pictures, music, and video. I have installed Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0 and Adobe Premier Elements 3.0. Both run perfectly, but I had to download a patch for Premier Elements.

Some of the things I like about this computer having Windows Vista is the integrated picture importer, which I like better than the one in Photoshop Elements, and the ability to use a USB thumb drive to speed up your system, almost like adding RAM. Also, Aero Graphics look great! Media Center is cool too, especially if you're a media nut like me.

For pictures, this computer does real well, but for video you might want some more RAM. You can add 1GB to the 1GB it already has, which I would recommend for video editing (or trying it with a 1GB thumb drive). The front inputs are very nice. There's a card reader for most types of cards and two USB 2.0 inputs and a fire-wire input. So you can hook up your photo/video equipment easily.

The only reason I don't give this computer five stars is all the programs that HP/Compaq pre-install on it. This is all essentially adware trying to get you to buy internet or some other service. It is kind of difficult to fully remove all this software. I figure you would have this problem with almost any new computer though.

All in all this is a great computer that performs well. It would be great as a home computer for anyone who isn't interested in major gaming. I am very happy with my new computer and highly recommend it.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this computer!, March 21, 2007

By 

Michael Slavis (Canandaigua, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Compaq Presario SR2180NX Desktop PC (Intel Pentium D Processor 820, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

This machine may not be as fast as the Core Duos available, but for the money I don't think it can be beat. The Pentium D is still dual core, and at 2.8 GHz, this thing has handled all I've thrown at it very well. The one area lacking on the machine is video, but it has a nice PCI Express x16 slot for gamers to throw in a monster card.

To beef up my machine, I upped the memory to 4 GB (The installed Windows Vista 32-bit will recognize about 3.5 GB of it), added a 500 GB SATA 3 GB/s hard drive and threw in two TV tuners (Hauppauge PVR-150-MCE and HVR-1600). Both Windows Media Center (preloaded with Windows Vista Premium) and BeyondTV (installed separately) work great on the machine, although watching High Definition video at 1920x1080 on a 1920x1440 screen with the integrated Intel Graphics you start to see the deficiencies of the graphics subsystem (although Intel has allegedly fixed the issues, HP/Compaq has yet to provide the updated driver).

Out of the box, I think the machine is a great value. Windows Vista *is* a memory hog, but the 1 GB is passable, although if you really want to fly, take the money you saved on the initial purchase of this PC and buy an additional 1 GB or 2 GB memory kit. The SR2180NX also has many USB 2 connections, which run at full USB 2 speed, and firewire 400 ports front and back. I looked at the lesser models before purchasing, including offerings from other companies as well as the Compaq SR2150NX and SR2170NX and this SR2180NX machine offered a dual-core processor, firewire, more USB ports, greater memory expandability, and a bigger hard disk than the others, for an incremental price bump. Oh yeah, and Windows Vista Premium, which comes with Windows Media Center.

I like the machine so much I bought another one to use as a dedicated Media Center PC (although I will most likely be using Beyond TV over the pre-installed Windows Media Center [due to its greater flexibility - I'm rather particular]).

For those who care, here are the default Vista performance scores, as received:

Processor (Calculations per second): 4.7

Memory (RAM): Memory operations per second: 4.5

Graphics (Desktop performance for Windows Aero): 2.7

Gaming Graphics (3D business and gaming graphics performance): 3.1

Primary hard disk (Disk data transfer rate): 5.4

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars on for internet use and sharing, May 12, 2007

By 

Kervin L. Hertz "kHz" (coolidge, az) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Compaq Presario SR2180NX Desktop PC (Intel Pentium D Processor 820, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

for what i am doing with computer, the compaq does plenty. the con of it is that i do not have a recovery disk. i had to back up my files myself.