If you happen to be in the market for an all-in-one Windows PC, the Compaq 6000 Pro from Hewlett Packard is worth of serious consideration. This well-equipped, dual-core workstation performed well in benchmarks and our hands-on tests, and its integrated graphics circuitry drove a highly demanding single-shooter game smoothly, pegging the dial at a respectable 100 frames per second.Specs & Config Model: HP Compaq 6000 Pro Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo (E8400) @ 3.0GHz Chipset: Intel Q43 Express Memory: 4GB 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (dual channel) Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GT320 1GB (dedicated) Display: 21.5-inch diagonal anti-glare (1920 x 1080) Storage: WD 320 GB 7200 rpm 2.5-inch hard drive Optical: LightScribe DVD+/-RW SuperMulti DL Drive Power adapter: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz, 2.0A Wireless: WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n 2x2 mini card Webcam: 1280 x 720 Dimensions: 16.9 in x 21.5 in x 8.7 in Shipping weight: 37.2 lbs OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit Warranty: Limited 3 year parts and labor warranty Tech Support: 1-800-334-5144
Design and Features
The Compaq 6000 Pro is built around an Intel Core 2 Duo processor (model E8400) running 64-bit Windows 7 Professional at 3.0 GHz on 4GB DDR3 memory. To test performance, we installed and launched Geekbench 2.1.11 from Primate Labs and were impressed with the results. After running the 64-bit tests multiple times, HP's Core Duo-based all-in-one returned a high score of 4485, comparing favorably with similarly equipped competitor machines we found in the Geekbench results browser .
This is a farily well equipped machine, as it should be for its $1139 list price. Standard equipment includes a DVD-RW LightScribe tray-loading optical drive, 500GB (7200rpm) hard drive, seven USB 2.0 ports (five rear, two side), an six-in-one card reader, wired and wireless (optional) Ethernet and a pair of PS/2 ports for reusing old peripherals or connecting to a KVM switch. There's also a built-in web cam with software that supports video capture with motion activation, time lapse photography and facial recognition-based log in.
Driving its 21.5-inch 1920x1080p LCD monitor is an NVIDIA GeForce GT230 video circuit with 1GB of dedicated video memory, more than enough graphics horsepower to run EA's Battlefield 2--one of my standard testing games--without missing a beat. Game performance and movement was smooth and steady at full resolution with absolutely no stagger or jumpiness. We also installed Beepa's FRAPS 3.2.2, which pinned the frame counter at 100 fps at all times during the game.
The Intel's Core 2 Duo in the tested unit is a middle-of-the-road model
The only video output port on the Compaq 6000 Pro is a DisplayPort, with support for conversion to (analog) VGA, DVI or HDMI, if needed. An optional Clear QAM TV ATSC/NTSC (or PAL/DVB) tuner uses Windows 7 Media Center to watch TV, and includes a remote and IR blaster that lives behind the PC's front name plate. The integrated webcam captures 1280x720 pixels at up to 30 fps.
Among the included software is a full version of (and free subscription to) HP SkyRoom, a WebEx-like high-definition collaboration system that works with the webcam and microphone array to enable great-sounding and looking A/V collaboration. It also has been referred to as an extension of HP's telepresence system. Here are two flashy videos showing some of what it can do:[youtube]4tOvxDDlews[/youtube][youtube]6C9hWq7CVF0[/youtube]HP's optional WiFi is none too shabby. Those opting for wireless Ethernet get a 2x2 802.11 b/g/n radio that delivers two streams for transmitting and two to receive through two antennas. This provides for a maximum potential bandwidth of 300 Mb/s. For wired applications, the Compaq 6000 Pro comes standard with an RJ-45 10/100/1000 Ethernet port. Other options include a 1TB hard drive and an 80GB SSD drive.
Members of the DaniWeb community thought that there was more to like than dislike about the Compaq 6000 all-in-one computer that Hewlett Packard sent us for review. Out of the box, the handsome unit booted Windows Home Professional and was ready to use in about 30 seconds. Together we sized up the machine as part of a monthly DaniWeb user group meeting.
The first thing we noticed when unboxing the Compaq 6000 Pro was its extra large DC power brick, which uses a standard C13 detachable power cord and attaches to the back of the unit with a cannon plug; a Velcro strap is affixed to the CD cable to wrap up any slack. The next thing to set up was the wireless keyboard and mouse, which operate from the same USB dongle. The dongle was one of the largest we've seen, and doesn't store inside the mouse or keyboard, as on others we've seen. Some in the group a saw disadvantage in a dongle-based solution, and would have preferred integrated wireless USB functionality or the use of Bluetooth. We agree with the latter, but until Windows compatible systems support Bluetooth at the BIOS level, making BIOS changes with such peripherals is impossible. Keyboard and Mouse HP's web site offers several keyboard and mouse ordering options, including USB and PS/2 wired units. If you opted for the wireless keyboard and mouse kit, Advantages of wireless USB peripherals is relatively long range (we measured 28 feet in tests, 32 feet max. rating) compared with the 10-foot practical distance of Bluetooth (in my experience). Wireless USB gear also can more easily be used with other computers. As for the keyboard and mouse themselves, we found them to be a bit cheap feeling. The mouse fits in the hand nicely, but it's a bit too light to inspire confidence in its quality. We didn't mind the compact keyboard; its keys provide decent travel and tactile feel, and the layout is something we could get used to easily enough. We also liked the dedicated volume and mute controls. Media playback features are handled with function keys. CONCLUSION
Overall, testers and the group liked HP's all-in-one computer for its good looks, snappy performance and convenient, compact size. We're also glad HP moved to the more convenient pedestal mount, which both tilts and swivels, something iMac doesn't do. And HP also still includes a full set of restore discs, which we always favor for emergency system rebuild.
Other than introductory versions of Microsoft Office applications that came pre-loaded, there was nothing nagging us to install or register any trialware, another plus. While the starting list price is on the high side at $965, HP's Compaq 6000 Pro can be had well equipped for around $750 on the street, including a 3-year onsite warranty with next-day repair.
