HP Pavilion a730n Desktop PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 530 with HT Technology, 512 MB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, DVD+RW Drive, CD-ROM Drive)

HP Pavilion a730n Desktop PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 530 with HT Technology, 512 MB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, DVD+RW Drive, CD-ROM Drive)
Manufacturer: Hewlett Packard Office
Product Type: Personal Computer

Editorial Review:
Product Description
Easy to use, HP Pavilion PCs offer top performance, Internetworking, multimedia and instant access to your favorite applications. HP Pavilion PCs deliver unmatched performance, value, reliability and support.
Amazon.com Product Description
The HP Pavilion a730n is a multimedia powerhouse that won't break the bank. It features a fast, powerful 3.0 GHz Intel Pentium 4 530 processor as well as the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 for versatile display options and great 3D performance.. It also offers a massive 200 GB hard drive, 512 MB of RAM (expandable to 4 GB), and two optical drives: a CD-ROM and a dual-layer DVD+RW. It's bundled with a variety of software, including HP Image Zone Plus digital photography software, aimed to get you online and capturing, editing, and sharing your digital photos, audio, and video.

The Basics

Hard Drive: The massive 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 hyper-threaded Intel Pentium 4 530 processor (3.0 GHz) allows a 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 512 KB L2 cache and a blazingly fast 800 MHz front-side bus speed
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 A730N comes with a 512 MB built-in memory (2 x 256 MB DDR SDRAM, PC3200)--a good start for power users. It has a spacious 4 GB maximum memory expansion (4 x 1 GB).
CD/DVD Drive: This desktop PC comes with two optical drives: a CD--ROM for reading CDs and a double-layer DVD+RW drive for writing both DVDs and CDS. With double-layered DVD+R/RW discs, you can store up to 8.5 GB of data. The DVD+R/RW drive has 8x write and 4x rewrite speeds. You can burn CDs at 24x and rewrite at 10x.
Keyboard & Mouse: The A730N comes with an HP Internet keyboard and scroller mouse (both with PS/2 connections).

Sound and Graphics
The integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 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.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
For expansion, the A730N has two 5.25-inch external bays (none available), two 3.5-inch bays (one available), three PCI slots (two available), and one AGP 8x slot (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
2 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) ports for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals (1 in front, 1 in rear)
1 parallel port for connecting older printers and scanners
2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
1 VGA monitor port
1 serial port for older peripherals such as early PDAs
1 microphone, 1 headphone, and 1 line-in jack in the front
9-in-1 media card reader on the front, compatible with CompactFlash (Type I and II), MicroDrive, Smaredia, Memory Stick/Memory Stick Pro, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digitial, 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 operating system, and it also features Microsoft Works (for working with word processing and spreadsheet documents). Other preloaded software includes Quicken New User Edition 2004, Norton Antivirus 2004 (with 60-day LiveUpdate subscription) and Personal Firewall 2003, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Encarta Encyclopedia 2004 Standard Edition, HP Image Zone Plus, RecordNow 7.2 (for burning CDs), WinDVD SE 5.0 (for DVD playback), and Apple iTunes.

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
It measures 15.2 x 16.5 x 7.5 (W x D x H).

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion A730N 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.

HP Pavilion a730n Desktop PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 530 with HT Technology, 512 MB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, DVD+RW Drive, CD-ROM Drive)

Average customer rating:

Worst machine I ever bought
Computer Works Fine, Could Use Dedicated Graphics
A good computer, very few problems.
Alright...
A little noisy, but good

HP Pavilion a730n Desktop PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 530 with HT Technology, 512 MB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, DVD+RW Drive, CD-ROM Drive)

Manufacturer: Hewlett Packard Office
ProductGroup: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers

All Hewlett-Packard | Hewlett-Packard | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics

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Sennheiser MX500 Lightweight In-Ear Headphones (Blue)
Memorex 700MB/80-Minute 52x CD-R Media (100-Pack Spindle)
Apple 15 GB iPod M8946LL/Aß(3rd Generation)
Sony MDR-NC11 Fontopia Noise Canceling Headphones with In-line Volume Control

ASIN: B0003VO4MG

Product Description

Easy to use, HP Pavilion PCs offer top performance, Internetworking, multimedia and instant access to your favorite applications. HP Pavilion PCs deliver unmatched performance, value, reliability and support.

Amazon.com Product Description

The HP Pavilion a730n is a multimedia powerhouse that won't break the bank. It features a fast, powerful 3.0 GHz Intel Pentium 4 530 processor as well as the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 for versatile display options and great 3D performance.. It also offers a massive 200 GB hard drive, 512 MB of RAM (expandable to 4 GB), and two optical drives: a CD-ROM and a dual-layer DVD+RW. It's bundled with a variety of software, including HP Image Zone Plus digital photography software, aimed to get you online and capturing, editing, and sharing your digital photos, audio, and video.

The Basics

Hard Drive: The massive 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 hyper-threaded Intel Pentium 4 530 processor (3.0 GHz) allows a 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 512 KB L2 cache and a blazingly fast 800 MHz front-side bus speed
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 A730N comes with a 512 MB built-in memory (2 x 256 MB DDR SDRAM, PC3200)--a good start for power users. It has a spacious 4 GB maximum memory expansion (4 x 1 GB).
CD/DVD Drive: This desktop PC comes with two optical drives: a CD--ROM for reading CDs and a double-layer DVD+RW drive for writing both DVDs and CDS. With double-layered DVD+R/RW discs, you can store up to 8.5 GB of data. The DVD+R/RW drive has 8x write and 4x rewrite speeds. You can burn CDs at 24x and rewrite at 10x.
Keyboard & Mouse: The A730N comes with an HP Internet keyboard and scroller mouse (both with PS/2 connections).

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

Dimensions and Weight
It measures 15.2 x 16.5 x 7.5 (W x D x H).

Customer Reviews:

Worst machine I ever bought.......2006-08-30

This machine was a total nightmare from 3 months after I bought it. I started it up one day and just got a black screen. I brought it to numerous technical people who got it started again, but told me they couldn't replicate the problem. I brought it home thinking it was just a virus, but it did it again. Unfortunately instead of throwing it away then, I made the huge mistake of thinking it was another virus, only to have it happen again. My 'platinum' membership at CompUSA was worthless because they told me that since they couldn't replicate the problem, they weren't going to do anything for me. So much for paying a 25% premium for insurance... Bye, bye HP and CompUSA. You just lost someone who wanted to be a loyal customer.

Computer Works Fine, Could Use Dedicated Graphics.......2006-08-01

I got the HP Pavilion a730n for Christmas a couple of years ago, and it seems to be holding up. Over the past year or two, I have run into problems, however, most notably with the graphics. The graphics adapter in the system is integrated into the motherboard, and therefore shares memory with the main memory. When running intensive applications such as games and photo editing applications, it can slow to a halt, especially since there's only 512MB of RAM. Getting a dedicated graphics card would fix al of this. It also wouldn't hurt to get some more RAM.

I've heard some people voicing complaints about the f1703 monitor, but so far for me it's holding up quite well. My only gripe is that there are no ports on the back of the monitor, as there are on some monitors.

Regarding the fan issues, the fan does kick on quite often, and I would assume that's because of the processor, which I've heard can run incredibly hot. However, as one of the other reviewers said, it can easily be alleviated by cracking open the case and dusting it out.

Overall, the system is a great system for those who just want to surf the internet, transfer pictures to a PC and upload them to the internet, and other daily tasks.

A good computer, very few problems........2006-04-12

I bought this computer a little less than 18 months ago, and it's been good to me. I get very very frequent use out of my computer for school, watching DVD's, playing games, e-mail, basic word processing and some light movie editing. So I wanted something with a little oomph.

The only complaint is the video card. It's an integrated 128 MB video accelerator, and while it's gotten the job done there is a significant amount of lag when I'm editing video or playing a graphically intensive game. (Mind you, I don't play the extremely graphic, 'cutting-edge' games that would require a new video card altogether.)

I've read several complaints of overheating and the fan kicking on too often. This happened to me a few months after purchasing, and eventually I became content to let it kick on once an hour or so. Then one day I cracked open the case and found a significant amount of dust clogging up the fan over the cpu. I simply unscrewed the fan (Can't miss it. It's the spiral shaped black box laying flat against the wide left side of the computer case, secured by 4 screws.) and blew the dust out. I suppose a can of air would've done the job better, but my lungs did just fine. (Just make sure you don't spit all over it.)

If you're very intent on ridding your computer of dust, q-tips work well. It's only cleaning the plastic fan, so it won't hurt it. I don't know if this voids your warranty, but it's solved my overheating and fan noise problem 100%. This is coming from someone who frequently has their computer on for over 24 hours at a time. I've only had to clean out my fan thrice now, and I live in a dusty old house. This doesn't seem like much work at all to me, but I can understand how some people might become squeemish at the thought of performing surgery on their computer.

One thing to watch out for is, ABSOLUTELY do not buy the HP Pavilion F1703 monitor that frequently comes paired with this desktop. I've had it for the same amount of time as the desktop, and it has begun malfunctioning. This is a product defect that has been recognized by Hewlett-Packard, and they offer an extended warranty for the monitor. If you persist and badger your way through service reps and tech support, they will send you a new monitor, or at the very least try to fix your old one. I've heard that the newest model of the F1703 has fixed this problem, but it's buyer beware!

Alright..........2005-10-02

I do agree about the overheating issue though,I tried playing guild wars and it overheats in less than 15. dont try to play games on the integrated graphics, im getting a 6600gt and it should run much smoother. I like that it has a pci express slot and some room for ram.

A little noisy, but good.......2005-04-10

I felt that the A730n was a good buy. The fan kicks into high gear a little too often for my liking, but still an excellent machine

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