HP Announces Restyled Desktop PCs, Monitors

Today HP announced the availability of new desktop PCs that run Microsoft Windows Vista. These desktops have a matching look and feel, similar to that of the recent PC Magazine Editors' Choice, the HP TouchSmart IQ770 PC . The new look extends to the included and optional peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and monitors. Several new flat-panel monitors were announced along with the desktops.

The Compaq Presario SR5050NX PC ($559.99, all prices direct) is one of the remaining members of the Compaq Presario family. It is aimed at the basic desktop market, with some bells and whistles including a dual-core Intel Pentium D 925 processor. The SR5050NX comes with 1GB of system memory, a 250GB hard drive, and Windows Vista Home Premium.

The HP Pavilion Slimline S3020n PC ($579.99) is HP's latest entry in the increasingly competitive world of small-form-factor PCs. It is Vista Premium-capable, with 1GB of memory, a dual-core AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ processor, and a 250GB hard drive. The s3020n comes with improvements to the PC's front bezel, including a "buttonless" eject mechanism for the DVD burner, new styling, and the addition of one HP Pocket Media Drive bay slot.

The HP Pavilion a6030n PC series ($769.99) is the mainstream multimedia desktop in the group, designed for the budding enthusiast. It runs a dual-core AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ processor (AMD Live! certified), 2GB of system memory, a 320GB hard drive, and a Personal Media Drive.

The HP Pavilion Media Center TV m8000n series ($949.99, base price) is a high-end Media Center tower built for the multimedia enthusiast. Features include dual-core AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ processor (with AMD Live! Certification), 2GB of memory, 500GB of drive space, DVD burner, IR remote, and TV tuners (both NTSC and ATSC/HDTV. With the recent demise of the HP Digital Entertainment Center series, the m8000n will likely be touted as the "media server" that supplies entertainment content to HP MediaSmart TVs and Xbox 360 Media Extenders.

Complimenting this round of desktop PCs, HP is releasing a line of LCD flat panel monitors including a 17-inch 4:3 model, the HP VP17 ($199.99), and an up-to-22-inch widescreen LCD, the HP w2207 ($379.99). Most new HP monitors will have the same look and feel as the Pavilion desktops, as well as a new Easy Clip rail that works with accessories like photo holders, webcams, and bud vases. The widescreen models will also have integrated speakers and a space underneath to park keyboards.

Copyright 2007 by Ziff Davis Media, Distributed by United Press International