Compaq Presario SR1420NX Desktop PC (Intel Celeron D Processor 340, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, Dbl Layer 16X DVD+/-RW Drive)

The Basics

• Hard Drive: The 80 GB hard drive (7200 RPM) is average in size when compared to other budget-minded desktop PCs. It will provide ample storage space for your family digital photos as well as a large digital audio library--but it's not quite enough for editing digital video from camcorders.
• Processor: The Intel Celeron D 340 processor might not be as sexy as a Pentium, but it still gets your work done speedily enough. It has a 2.93 GHz speed with a decently fast 533 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and 256K L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance.)
• Memory: The 512 MB of installed RAM is a good start, but you'll want to take advantage of the roomy 2 GB of total RAM capacity (2 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 SR1420NX 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 CDRW, and 40x CD-ROM ROM speeds.
• Keyboard & Mouse: The SR1420NX comes with a Compaq keyboard and scroller mouse (both with PS/2 connections.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
For expansion, the SR1420NX has two 5.25-inch external bays (one available), one external 3.5-inch bay (available) and one internal 3.5-inch bay (occupied), and three PCI slots (two available). It comes with a built-in floppy drive and the following external connectors:

• 5 USB 2.0 ports (1 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) port 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
• 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

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), InterMute SpySubtract Pro (with 60 days of complimentary updates), Microsoft Money 2005, Quicken 2005 New User Edition, Sonic RecordNow, Apple iTunes, Adobe Photoshop Album Starter Edition, and MSN Encarta 2005.

Dimensions and Weight
This desktop measures 15.35 x 7.17 x 16.54 inches (HxWxD) and weighs approximately 30 pounds.

What's in the Box
The Presario SR1420NX 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, and it includes 90 days of toll-free software technical assistance.