Product Description

HP Pavilion Elite M9250F Desktop PC. The HP Pavilion Elite delivers an amazing high end home entertainment experience, DX10 3D Mainstream gaming, and power for the most demanding PC tasks. This premium PC¿s enhanced features and technology puts everything you need where you want it. Go wireless and clutter free with wireless keyboard, mouse, and remote control. The Pavilion Elite PC also features a built-in wireless antenna for Wireless LAN 802.11 b/g networking. Press the HP Easy Backup button and instantly back up your files. The built in TV tuner and personal video recorder/ PVR, let you watch, pause, rewind, and record live television with no monthly fee. The free online Electronic Program Guide/ EPG, lets you review the TV schedule and choose a single episode or an entire series. NVIDIA GeForce 8600 graphics processors feature the award winning GeForce 8 Series architecture with unparalleled levels of graphics realism and performance for Microsoft DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 games. The SuperMulti DVD burner with LightScribe technology lets you create custom, silkscreen quality labels and artwork directly onto LightScribe enabled CD and DVD discs. Place USB/Firewire devices on the recessed landing pad for easy access. 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. Two built-in drive bays fit an optional HP Personal Media Drive, for up to 500GB of additional storage and/or an optional HP Pocket Media Drive for up to 160GB or up to 660GB of additional storage space. The Intel Core 2 Quad processor is the latest in cutting edge processor technology for the desktop PC. Based on the new Intel Core microarchitecture, the Intel Core 2 Quad processor delivers four complete execution cores within a single processor, delivering unprecedented performance and responsiveness in multi threaded and multi tasking business and home use environments.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1612 in Personal Computers
• Color: Black/ Silver
• Brand: Hewlett-Packard
• Model: M9250F
• Dimensions: 15.51" h x 16.61" w x 7.00" l, 31.00 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core Duo 2.66 GHz
• Memory: 4000MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 1000GB
• Processors: 4

Features

• Top-of-the-line multimedia desktop featuring 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6700 with four lightning fast execution cores
• TV tuner (NTSC/ATSC), PVR functionality, programming guide, and 16x dual-layer LightScribe DVD drive
• Dual 500 GB hard drives (1 TB total), 4 GB RAM (8 GB max), Nvidia GeForce 8600 GT graphics (512 MB of DDR2 dedicated memory)
• 54g Wi-Fi LAN (802.11b/g), Gigabit Ethernet, six USB 2.0, two FireWire
• drive bays available for HP Pocket & Personal Media Drives (up to 660 GB optional storage)
• Pre-installed with the 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium (Service Pack 1); wireless keyboard and mouse, IR remote control

Amazon.com Product Description
The updated chassis with sleek piano black paneling and components is far from the most significant improvements in the multimedia powerhouse HP Pavilion Elite m9250f desktop PC. It's powered by Intel's 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700, which delivers four complete execution cores within a single processor for unprecedented performance and responsiveness in multi-threaded and multi-tasking business/home environments. You can also go wireless and clutter-free with wireless keyboard, mouse, and remote control, and it includes the next step in Wi-Fi networking with a 54g wireless LAN (802.11b/g).

You can watch, record, and pause live TV programming as well as schedule the PC to record upcoming episodes or entire series. The built-in TV tuner (providing both standard NTSC and high-def ATSC transmission) and personal video recorder (PVR) let you watch, pause, rewind, and record live television--up to 635 hours on the dual 500 GB hard drives (for 1 TB of total built-in storage). An online Electronic Program Guide (EPG) lets you review the TV schedule and select individual episodes or entire series, so you can watch your favorite shows on your own time, at your own convenience. And you can easily burn TV shows and home video to DVD for friends and family with the dual-layer, multi-format LightScribe DVD/CD burner (16x for DVD±R).

Built-in drive bays fit optional HP Personal Media Drives and Pocket Media Drives, for up to 660 GB of additional storage that you can carry away with you when you go (media drives not included). Other features include 4 GB of installed RAM (800 MHz; 8 GB maximum), Nvidia GeForce 8600 GT graphics (with 512 MB of dedicated video memory), Gigabit Ethernet, 15-in-1 memory card reader, up to 8 channels of surround sound output, FM tuner, and a remote control with up to 16 feet of range.

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.

The Basics

• Processor: With four execution cores, the 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6700 blows through processor-intensive tasks in demanding multitasking environments and makes the most of highly threaded applications. Whether you're creating multimedia, annihilating your gaming enemies, or running compute-intensive applications at one time, new quad-core processing will change the way you do everything. The Q6700 has a top-of-the-class 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and dual 4 MB L2 caches (for a whopping huge 8 MB shared L2 cache). (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.)

  With four complete execution cores in a single processor, you get four dedicated, physical threads help operating systems and applications deliver additional performance that enhance multi-tasking and multi-threaded performance across many types of applications and work loads. The Smart Memory Access feature improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed. The Advanced Digital Media Boost feature effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications. And with the Intel 64 Architecture, the processor can access larger amounts of memory. With appropriate 64-bit hardware and software, platforms based on an Intel processor supporting Intel 64 Architecture can allow the use of extended virtual and physical memory.

• Hard Drive: The incredibly huge 1000 GB (1 TB) capacity from the dual 500 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives (7200 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space--enough for storing up to 600 hours of television programming, a vast multimedia collection, or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (PC2-6400, 4 x 1 GB) will get you moving, but this desktop has room enough for 8 GB of RAM (4 x 2 GB) to speed along your multimedia and gaming applications. It also offers a top-of-the-line 800 MHz speed. To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

• 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 8x DVD-R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R DL Write Once, 16x DVD+R, 8x DVD+RW, 16x DVD-R, 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: This desktop comes with a wireless HP keyboard with extended range (up to 16 feet) and a wireless optical mouse.

Video & Audio
Video is powered by the integrated, SLI-ready NVidia GeForce 8600 GT graphics/video card with 512 MB of dedicated DDR2 graphics memory. Windows Vista can also allocate up to 1791 MB of total graphics memory from the system memory. With support for Microsoft DirectX 10 Shader Model 4.0 and High Dynamic-Range Lighting (HDR), it lets you rip through all of today's most advanced and cutting-edge games and applications. Power through games at record speeds with vividly realistic, sun-up to sun-down HDR lighting effects, and crank up 16x full-screen anti-aliasing without missing a beat. The fully unified shader core dynamically allocates processing power to geometry, vertex, physics, or pixel shading operations, delivering up to 2x the gaming performance of prior generation GPUs. And NVidia's SLI technology delivers up to 2x the performance of a single graphics card configuration for unequaled gaming experiences by allowing two graphics cards to run in parallel.

The video card includes composite TV out, DVI video out and HDMI audio/video out options. This PC also offers an integrated audio card that can produce high definition surround sound configurable to 8 speakers.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This desktop can be wirelessly networked with the integrated 54g Wi-Fi LAN (802.11b/g). You also get super-fast wired connectivity via the Gigabit Ethernet port (10/100/1000). For expansion, it includes drive bays that fit an optional HP Personal Media Drive (for adding 500 GB of storage) or an optional HP Pocket Media Drive (for adding 160 GB of storage)--for a total of up to 660 GB of extra storage. For expansion slots, it has one PCI (occupied), two PCI Express x1 (one available), one PCI x16 Express slot (occupied), two 5.25-inch bays (one available), three 3.5-inch bays (occupied), and the following external ports:

• 6 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (2 in front, 4 in rear)
• 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)
• Video in: Composite video, S-Video
• Video out: S-Video, DVI, HDMI, and VGA
• Headphone and microphone jacks
• Audio: Digital SPDIF audio input/output, analog input/output
• Surround sound speakers--rear, side, center (subwoofer)
• 2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
• 15-in-1 media card reader on the front, compatible with CompactFlash (Type I and II), MicroDrive, SmartMedia, Memory Stick/Pro/Duo/Pro Duo, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digital, XD Picture Card, RSMMC, MMC Mobile, MMC+
• 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
• 56K modem

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit version) 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
Includes Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office 2007 Student and Teacher Edition (60-day trial), Muvee Autoproducer, Cyberlink DVD Suite, PC Recovery, HP PhotoSmart Essentials, and Symantec Norton Internet Security 2008 (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This desktop measures 16.61 x 7.0 x 15.51 inches (LxWxD) and weighs approximately 24.25 pounds.

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Media Center m9250f desktop PC, wireless keyboard, wireless mouse, remote control, 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.

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Customer Reviews

Exellent Computer!
I bought this computer primarily for photo and video editing and so far, my results have been excellent. Processing and DVD creation that used to take 1 - 2 hours on my 1.7 Ghz machine, takes between 4 and 13 MINUTES!

I did have some minor problems changing over to the Vista operating system, mainly configuring my video inputs using the Vista 'Media Center'. I "fooled" the Media Center so that I could record using the 'composite' connections in the end, but I made things a LOT easier by going to the webpage of the TV Tuner card (Haupauge) and downloading the control programs that normally ship with the card - they did NOT come already installed on the computer! Once I did this, it was VERY easy to record TV from ANY of the inputs - including the 'composites'. The program even made it easy to automatically find and configure the TV channels that came "over the air", so that you could easily use the computer as a DVR to automatically record TV OR Radio shows.

This computer was BY FAR the best for the money - and I compared ALL the worthwhile web sites AND local stores (like Best Buy, Circuit City). I have used HP computers for the last 13 years, and they have always been very solid, dependable machines. Also, NO ONE even came close to the deal Amazon had (in early May, 2008)! I also ordered the computer with the 'free shipping' option and it arrived 3 DAYS LATER!! Also, since I bought from Amazon, I did not have to pay taxes, so keep that in mind..!

HO Pavillion Elite M9280F
When I recieved my first M9280F I was very disappointed that it was DOA. Despite calls to HP which lead me on several adventures trying to revive it the poor thing was dead as a doornail. "No problem" HP said, "we'll send you a box and you can ship it back to us for no charge, we'll fix it and ship it right back to you." All well and good except then I would essentially have a refurbished computer, which I wasn't happy about. Then I contacted Amazon. They arranged to send me a new machine even before I shipped the old one back to them. They paid for the return shipping and charged nothing to ship the replacement unit to me, within a couple of days I was up and running. I can't say enough about the exceptional service provided by Amazon, they were great!
As for the M9280F, it's a great machine. Lightning fast, stable as a rock, runs everything I've thrown at it and worked with all of my existing equiptment and a new Canon ImageClass printer (also purchased at Amazon) although I did have to download a 64 bit driver for the ImageClass printer from Canon's web site.
Don't hesitate to buy big ticket items from Amazon. I've purchased plasma TV's, home entertainment systems, computers and monitors. They've all been great deals and they've all worked out or Amazon has made them work out.

Extremely fast...but..
This computer is extremely fast, has a huge 1 terrabyte harddrive and gigs of ram. The BIGGEST problem I have had is with the new Vista 64 bit operating system...finding other hardware that will work with it. At first the modem for my DSL didn't work, spent a coule hours on the phone with tech support. My expensive ZYXEL prestige 300 router would not work with the 64bit operating system...I spent hours on the phone with tech support for the modem and router and my ISP. I finally checked the microsoft website they recommended 4 routers for use with the 64 bit Vista, so I bought oneof them, a brand new D-LINK EBRR-2310 from amazon, with cable, it got here and I installed it, and zippo! Spent another four hours on the phone with the D-LINK guy in India and he advised me to take the router back where I got it cause it wasn't gonna work! In exasperation I talked to a techie guy at work who suggested I should try the combo modem/router by AT&T which is my ISP (ATT-Yahoo dsl) and I ordered one of these combo modem/routers, 2WIRE gateway 2701HG-B gateway....it is supposed to configure itself once it is plugged in, and it didn't!! I went to the "backup" method of using their CDROM installation which worked like a charm to get wired ethernet connection to my second computer! So after spending an extra $200 on new routers and modems,I finally got the router to work, and the modem to work. On top of all this the CPU is a little noisey, more than I would like..but it is a white noise and seems to get quieter after it runs a while. Great machine, the operating system is fine if you can get hardware that works with it. I suggest the combo modem/router from AT&T, IT WORKS!!
by the way this computer turns on in about 10 seconds, and turns off in about 10 seconds. extremely fast on and off, compared to my old Dell computer which could take five minutes to turn on or off.