Affordably priced yet nicely loaded, the HP Pavilion a1040n is a great desktop PC for the whole family. The powerful, hyper-threaded 3.0 GHz Pentium 4 processor will ably handle a wide range of software, from spreadsheets to multimedia. It also features an extra-large 200 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (expandable to 4 GB), dual layer DVD+/-RW drive, a handy multiformat memory card reader, and a wealth of preinstalled software including HP's Image Zone Plus for managing and editing your digital photo collection.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: The extra-large 200 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 Intel Pentium 4 630 processor (3.0 GHz) is at the low end of the spectrum for this processor (as of June 2005). Its hyper-threading feature allows this single CPU system to behave in some aspects like a dual-CPU system, helping to deliver faster transistors and increased performance. It also features a fast 800 MHz front-side bus speed, which measures how fast a processor and the main memory communicate, and a large 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance.)

  A Hyper-Threading processor helps a PC to run multiple demanding applications at the same time. This technology enables the processor to execute two threads (a part of a program) in parallel, boosting performance during key high-drain procedures. This results in more efficient software performance (such as faster reaction times in gaming applications) and enhanced multitasking.

• Memory: The 1 GB of installed RAM (PC3200, 400 MHz) is a good start for this multimedia-centric desktop PC, so you'll want to take advantage of the ultra-roomy 4 GB of total RAM capacity (4 x 1 GB) for such multimedia needs as video editing and immersive 3D gaming.
• CD/DVD Drive: Offering the latest in DVD writing technology, the m7070n 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 CD-RW, and 40x CD-ROM ROM speeds. It features the LightScribe direct disc labeling feature, which enables CD, DVD images and disk labels to be permanently etched onto discs--eliminating messy marker-scrawled labels. This desktop also has an additional 16x DVD-ROM drive.
• Keyboard & Mouse: This desktop comes with an HP multimedia keyboard and scroller mouse (both with PS/2 connections).

Screen, Graphics and Sound
The integrated Intel Extreme Graphics video/graphics card (with 64 MB of shared video memory) is adequate for streaming Internet video, but won't be enough for today's demanding immersive 3D games. It also features an integrated audio card and headphone, microphone, and line-in jacks.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
The a1030n has three PCI expansion slots (two available), two external 5.25-inch drive bays (occupied), one internal 3.5-inch drive bay (occupied), two external 3.5-inch drive bay (one available), and the following external ports:

• 7 USB 2.0 ports (4 in rear, 3 in front) for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 2 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link; 1 front and 1 back) ports for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
• 1 parallel port
• 1 serial port
• Line-in, line-out, headphone, and microphone connections
• 1 VGA monitor port
• 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 includes 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), Norton Internet Security 2005 (with 60 days of complimentary updates), Microsoft Money 2005, Sonic RecordNow, WinDVD Creator, Muvee autoProducer, Apple iTunes, and MSN Encarta Plus.

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 measures 7.17 x 15 x 17 (WxHxD) and weighs approximately 24 pounds.

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion a1040n desktop PC, keyboard, mouse, and power cord. It's backed by a one-year warranty on parts and labor, one-year of technical telephone service, and 90 days of software application support.