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HP Pavilion Slimline S3720F Desktop PC (2.5 GHz Intel Pentium Dual-Core Desktop E5200 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive,Vista Premium)
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1 new or used available from $699.99
Average customer review:
Product Description
When desk space is at a premium¿or just not available¿the powerful, space-efficient HP Pavilion Slimline PC may be just what you¿re looking for. Barely a third the size of a conventional tower, this PC surrenders none of its functionality or performance. Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit edition with Service Pack 1 lets you take full advantage of the 64-bit processor and expanded system memory. The SuperMulti DVD burner lets you create music mixes, video discs, and digital photo albums on your own DVDs and CDs, and LightScribe technology lets you etch custom, silkscreen-quality labels and artwork directly onto LightScribe-enabled discs. The Built-in 802.11b/g wireless networking lets you integrate smoothly into your existing wireless home network, without having to run any new cables. The front-loading HP Pocket Media Drive bay lets you expand your storage and transfer large media libraries conveniently (drive sold separately): And the front-panel 15-in-1 memory card reader makes it easy to transfer photos, music, and other files to and from your digital camera and other peripheral devices. The Slimline s3720f ships with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1, 2.50 GHz Intel Pentium Dual-Core Desktop Processor E5200 with 2MB L2 Cache, nVidia GeForce 7100 nForce 630i Chipset, 4GB PC2-6400 DDR2 SDRAM memory (2x2048MB for ultimate performance), 500GB 7200RPM Serial ATA hard drive, SuperMulti DVD Burner with LightScribe Technology, NVIDIA GeForce 7100 Graphics with 128MB dedicated graphics memory, and Wireless LAN 802.11b/g. Dimensions: 13.39 (W) x 4.21 (L/D) x 10.87 (H) approx., 17.49 lbs. approx.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #1143 in Personal Computers
- Brand: Hewlett-Packard
- Model: S3720F
- Dimensions: 8.50" h x 4.21" w x 13.39" l, 19.00 pounds
Features
- Powerful, slim PC that's one-third the size of a traditional PC tower with sleek, silver-and-black chassis
- 2.5 GHz Intel Pentium E5200 dual-core processor, 500 GB hard drive, 4 GB RAM (max), 16x LightScribe DVD drive
- 54g Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), 10/100 Ethernet, Nvidia GeForce Go 7100 video card with up to 1343 MB of available memory
- Connectivity: 6 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 VGA, 1 S/PDIF out, 2 PS/2, 15-in-1 memory card reader
- Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1 (64-bit version); includes keyboard and mouse
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Product Description
The HP Pavilion s3720f Slimline desktop PC gives you all the power of a fully loaded home/office desktop in a sleek, silver-and-black chassis that's one-third the size of a traditional PC tower, enabling you to place it unobtrusively anywhere--from your office to entertainment center to kitchen. You can easily burn your home video productions to DVD for friends and family with the dual-layer, multi-format LightScribe DVD/CD burner, which enables you to store up to 8.5 GB of data on a DL disc. And thanks to its integrated Wi-Fi capabilities (802.11b/g), you don't need to worry about stringing Ethernet cable from your broadband modem in another room.
 The sleek, black HP Slimline S3720F won't take over your desk (see larger version; monitor not included. |
The pre-installed 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (Service Pack 1) includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.
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The Basics
- Processor: The 2.5 GHz Intel Pentium E5200 dual-core processor delivers additional computing resources and help expand the PC's capabilities by providing higher throughput and simultaneous computing. You'll be able to perform multiple tasks such as digital rendering and gaming all while running virus scan or other background tasks seamlessly. And its Intel 64 architecture is also ready for tomorrow's 64-bit applications, and offers enhanced performance through improved virtual memory. Each core shares 1 MB of L2 cache (for a 2 MB total), and they have an 800 MHz front-side bus. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
- Hard Drive: The 500 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (7200 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive has a 3Gb/s interface speed that enables up to 300MB/s data transfer rates (double the speed of the current SATA interface of 1.5Gb/s).
This Slimline PC also includes a drive bay that fits an optional HP Pocket Media Drive, which enables you to add up to 160 GB of additional storage. The Pocket Media Drive also works with any USB-enabled PC, for easy transferring of multimedia files from other computers in your home.
- Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (PC2-6400, 2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity for this notebook,. It also offers an ultra-fast 800 MHz speed.
- DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 12x DVD±R DL Write Once, 16x DVD±R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 12x DVD-RAM, 40x CD-R, 32x CD-RW write speeds and 40x CD-ROM, and 16x DVD-ROM read speeds.
This LightScribe DVD±RW drive lets you laser-etch silkscreen quality text and images on to CDs and DVDs . Your software, PC and discs work together for a no-hassle way to burn just the labels you want. After you burn content, just flip the disc over, reinsert and burn your label--anything from a simple title to a full-disc work of art.
- Keyboard & Mouse: It comes with an HP multimedia keyboard and scroller mouse (both with PS/2 connections).
Video is powered by the integrated Nvidia GeForce 7100 graphics/video card, which provides up to 1343 MB of total available video memory (128 MB dedicated) as allocated by Windows Vista. It features NVidia's PureVideo technology--which provides great picture clarity, smooth video, accurate color, and precise image scaling for video content--and full support for Microsoft DirectX 9.0 for stunningly realistic cinematic effects for all DirectX-compatible applications. It also has an integrated audio card that can produce high definition surround sound configurable to 8 speakers.
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This desktop has an integrated 54g wireless LAN that's fully compatible with 802.11b/g wireless networks. For expansion, this Slimline desktop has one PCI x1 Express slot (occupied), one PCI x16 Express slot (occupied), one 5.25-inch external bay (occupied), and one 3.5-inch bay (occupied). It comes with the following external connections:
- 6 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (2 front, 4 back)
- 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
- 15-in-1 multi-format memory card reader, compatible with CompactFlash I/II, IBM Microdrive, Secure Digital (SD), miniSD, MultiMediaCard (MMC), Reduced Size MultiMediaCard (RS-MMC), MultiMediaCard Plus (MMC plus), MultiMediaCard Mobile (MMC mobile), Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Pro Duo, SmartMedia, and xD Picture Card
- 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
- 1 VGA monitor port
- 1 line-in, 1 line-out, 1 microphone, and 1 digital audio output
- Fast Ethernet port for 10/100 networking
- 56K modem
Operating System
The 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium (with SP1) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.
Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.
Preloaded Software
- HP MediaSmart Software Suite: Your one-stop multimedia and entertainment center to create photo slideshows, share personal videos, listen to your favorite music playlists and watch DVD movies.
- muvee autoProducer Basic: Automatically create professional looking home videos and burn to DVD.
- Cyberlink DVD Suite Deluxe: Automatically fix and edit videos and create CDs and DVDs. Edit, burn and archive data to discs.
- Microsoft Works 9: Includes a word processor, spreadsheet, database and calendar.
- Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition 2007 (60-day trial version).
- Adobe Reader 8: Read and print PDF files.
- Norton Internet Security 2009 protects your PC and your identity when you email, bank and shop online; 60 days of protection updates included.
Dimensions & Weight
This Slimline desktop measures 13.39 x 4.2 x 10.9 inches (LxWxH/D) and weighs approximately 19.7 pounds.
What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Slimline s3720f desktop PC, keyboard, mouse, and power cord. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance for one year. Software is also covered for 90 days from date of purchase.
Note: Monitor not included.
Customer Reviews
HP Slimline S3720F - Excellent "Value Computer"
NOTE: Amazon had recently consolidated the reviews for both the S3720 and the S3700's into one page. This review refers to the HP Pavilion Slimline S3720F Desktop PC (2.5 GHz Intel Pentium Dual-Core Desktop E5200 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive,Vista Premium).
The HP Slimline S3720F is an excellent slim form-factor pc with a few limitations. I needed another small sized PC at my engineering lab, so I purchased the S3720F. Typically I build my own machines, so I was quite impressed when I purchased this model, assuming one understands its limitations.
The HP Slimline S3720F runs Intel's Dual Core E5200 processor (mid-range processor line). Note that this is not Intel's "Core 2 Duo" line (the high-range which has a faster front-side bus). Regardless in conjunction with a healthy 4 gb of RAM, there is enough horsepower to run most of my engineering applications, which can be quite intensive. The 500 GB harddrive is adequate, though I see myself needing more storage space in the future (easily remedied with an external HDD).
The S3720F runs Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack1. Contrary to the negative sentiment against Windows Vista, I have to clarify that Windows Vista SP1 is very functional. I use numerous operating systems including, various Linux packages, OS X (Mac), Windows XP, even Windows 7 Beta. So after uninstalling some "bloat-ware" and removing some unneeded startup programs (msconfig), the S3720F runs Vista like a dream. Some slowdown occurs when one uses some Aero features (graphic-intensive features). But aside from that, it is surprisingly smooth. I can load firefox pages in seconds, run Matlab, Itunes, and an array of other programs simultaneously with no noticeable slowdown.
A very important exception to note is that this computer comes with a 64-bit Windows OS. This may cause some incompatibility issues with some 32-bit software. This is arguably of no fault of the OS in its own, but rather that the software was not designed to run on a 64-bit OS. Aside from these issues, once you optimize the system, the performance is much better than one would expect.
The physical design of the system borrows from the concept of minimalism. In the front, there are two USB ports, a covered CD/DVD tray, a HP pocket media drive bay, and the many different memory cards ports. The backside houses the standard ports, with no exceptional features. Note that the video-out to the monitor is VGA and NOT DVI or HDMI. Overall there is some great aesthetic appeal, and one would not be embarrassed to stash this PC in an entertainment center. Be sure to place it in an area that is well ventilated (as with most to all PCs).
Overall, I am very pleased with the overall package for the price. Whether you use it for common office tasks, light engineering work, or a living-room media center (though only one VGA-out is limiting), the HP Slimline performs its tasks admirably.
Product Positives:
+Compact form-factor
+Less bloat-ware than comparable computers
+Windows Vista SP 1 64bit (needed to take advantage of the 4gb+ of ram)
+Great performance after some tweaking
+Wireless B/G Network Card built-in
+Quiet operation
Product Negatives:
-Limited room for upgrades
-VGA out only (no DVI, HDMI)
-Some 32-bit software may not work on a 64-bit OS
-Built-in video card is a bit on the weak side, poor performance in graphic-intensive programs (Solid-graphic modeling, games)
-Midrange CPU E5200 slower than Intel's Highline of Core 2 Duo's
-I don't like the "tactile feel" of the included keyboard
Updates and Other Thoughts:
-I thought I'd post the "Experience Rating" from Windows Vista, which is built-in Vista tool that rates your hardware against some performance metrics. The scale ranges from 1.0 (poor performance) to 5.9 (excellent performance). This tool can be found by right-clicking on "My computer" and scroll to properties. For the HP Slimline S3720F here are the results:
Processor: --------- 5.4
Memory (ram): ------ 4.6
Graphics: ---------- 3.7
Gaming Graphics: --- 3.0
Primary Hard Disk: - 5.9
Overall Score of: -- 3.0
The overall score is 3/6 which would suggest an average score. However, the "Overall Score" is based on the lowest subscore, which is the Gaming Graphics. Otherwise, this machine scored exceptionally well in the processor, memory, and harddisk subtests. So in conclusion, unless you plan on using this machine for heavy gaming, or artwork/graphic applications, the S3720F is an exceptional value computer.
Defective Product, Missing Parts and Operating System
I received the HP Slimline 3750f and tried to start it up. I received a message "Missing Operating System". I tried to look in the start up F10 (CMOS) and noticed that Hard Drive was 320GB instead of advertised 640GB. Furthermore, it stated that the system had 2GB of RAM instead advertised 4GB of RAM. Not only that, this was a return product from a previous person who purchased and shipped back to Amazon. This computer was actually NEVER checked or opened, the reason I know is because the original packing slip was in it. I am usually happy with Amazon.com, but this is just not right customer service. I would expect them to review previous returns, not send them and state that it is a "new" product when someone else already used it, and of course I would expect for the computer you buy to work. Knowing Amazon I imagine my full shipping costs refund and full refund for this product, I just hope some will actually open up the box and fix this DEFECTIVE HP Slimline 3750f computer.
Really fine computer
I bought this computer with some trepidation since there were no reviews, but to my great delight the computer set up with no problems whatsoever. The longest part was downloading and installing 26 Windows updates, which took a while because I have a slow DSL line. I coupled it with the HP w1907 monitor which is performing as well as the computer. I am a Vista novice, but the things we are used to are there and accessible if you give it a chance. I added an ergonomic keyboard which installed well and a different mouse, ditto. The CPU arrived 8 days before the monitor and my desire to get things hooked up was at fever pitch. I was up late clicking around and finding where things are. I saw a review for a similar computer that complained it was very slow. Not the case here. If you are not a gamer, this is a great computer. Time will tell, of course, but first impressions are that this is magnificent.
