HP announces sub-$1,000 SlimLine with HD combo drive, updates its other desktops
HP announces new retail and online desktops
It's always shocking when you realize the full breadth of HP's desktop product launches. Out of HP's four new desktop series, we count 10 new desktops set to hit stores in February. And that doesn't count the customizable counterparts at HP's Web site. All of these systems use chassis and hardware we've seen before, but what's most exciting is what you get for your money. We'll go over the highlights briefly:
HP Pavilion SlimLine s3300 Series (includes the s3300f, the s3320f, the s3330f):
HP's small form factor PC will range from $549 to $949. Not much has changed
Watch the HP Slimline S3330F video on CNET TV.
HP Pavilion Desktop a6300 Series (includes the a6300f, a6330f):
The Pavilion Desktop remains HP's everyday PC that's not quite a budget system but doesn't aspire to any gaming or digital media editing heights. Starting at $549, you'll find dual-core CPUs in the various configs, as well as 500GB hard drives and 3GB of RAM in the higher-end model. Don't expect quad-core CPUs at this price range (at least in this half of 2008), or wireless networking or HD optical drives. Instead these systems offer the basic Windows computing experience, with a few HP-specific extras thrown in, such as its Photosmart Essentials software.
HP Pavilion Media Center PC m8330 Series (includes m8300f, m8330f):
With the m8300 Series, HP starts to add performance and functionality. The entry price for the m8300f is $759, and while we don't have details on that particular system, the $959 m8330f includes AMD's new
HP Pavilion Elite PC m9100 Series (includes m9150, m9160, and m9180):
We gave HP flack for its