Would you accept a free HP?

[dennilfloss]

One of my friends just bought a HP Pavilion 6640C http://hp-at-home.com/datasheets/datasheet2.cfm?model_number=6640C&country=us , AMD K6-2 500 with on-board video of up to 8MB of shared memory from 64MB RAM. He definitely could use an ASUS video card in there because the video quality is suck even at a lowly 800x600x16 resolution and there are artifacts then.

 

[LocutusX]

RDRAM? Sounds like a Vectra. They're not bad. Use Intel motherboards, most likely.

 

[LocutusX]

RossGr,

Actually in a way, HP does give us free computers. We all get notebooks when we start work here, and most of the people here use it for "personal use" since they always carry it around with them. Now the corporate image is Win2K and a 6x DVD-ROM is standard, so you can watch a couple of minutes of a DVD on a plane flight before the batteries drain out.

I'm not a full-time permanent, but I wish I was. Then I'd get a free car. Pick any Ford. The guy who sits a couple of seats away from me got a brand-new Mustang. sweeeeeet.

 

[GottaVoodoo2]

Rahvin, there's no "or" about it. He should give the free pc to his girlfriend. Wives can buy their own pcs. LOL.

 

[err]

definetely sell it once you've got it... in fact, if i were you, I'll sell both computers and build a willamete 1.5Ghz by then ... probably overclockable to 2Ghz

I am crazy don't listen to me

eRr

 

[CQuinn]

Rob9874,

You didn't mention the model series, but from your description it
sounds like you are getting either a Vectra or Kayak system.
(You also didn't mention if you get any choices in configuration,
but I assume that your company is just making a bulk order and
everyone will get one of the same type)

HP's Home PC (the Pavilions) are so-so, but I would still rank them
among the best you are likely to find on retail shelves. They like
to add neat features to make up for the slightly above average
performance. In that regard they seem even with Sony.

Their "Business PC's" however, frankly rock. (I'm biased because
where I work we've used HP PC's for years)

One nice thing about HP, if you really want to know what is likely to
be in the box, check their website http://www.hp.com/desktops.
You can find fairly detailed information on technical specs, updated drivers, and even upgrade guides. You should be able to use anything from your Dell,with the possible exception of memory, with little trouble. The only issue I've seen is the desktop models seem a little cramped as far as adding on drives, the towers usually have a good amount of extra space.

A bigger question, is this computer for your use in any way, shape or form; or will there be a corporate policy attached to keep you from say, using it as a pirate MP3 server (not that you would...).

But anyway, yes keep the HP; you might want to try a slow transition
over to it from your Dell. At the very least, you can benchmark it to
let the rest of us know if it lives up to hype.

 

[ElFenix]

if its an intel motherboard like the ones dell uses it will not be upgradeable to something else. the dell motherboards have an extra connector from the powersupply to the motherboard, and a different front plate connector. i tried to replace an old dell pentium pro mobo with a new retail seattle board, which ships in the xps t series, and could not do it due to non-standard components.

 

[Sephy]

Try this: Buy a new case and mobo, put them together, then put your ram, HD, NIC/modem, burner, CD drive, and the HP's processor in it. Be much better..

 

[pm]

Rob: I presume you also work for Intel, since this is the only company doing this that I've heard of.

I'm looking at Circuit right now and it looks like a Pentium III-733 to me - or am I looking at the wrong computer? Also, I thought we weren't allowed to sell them... As far as the system, no offense, but I don't generally critique free computers. The system that I believe we are getting is inferior to my current system in every respect, but I'm still pleased that we are getting them. I n any case, the memory is PC133 SDRAM, so you won't be able to carry over your memory (which is probably PC100), but you will be able to buy more relatively cheaply. The HD, the cable modem (you have a built-in cable modem?), and the CD burner can all be fitted into the new system, I would think.

CQuinn: they are Vector VL400's - although the specs that I'm reading don't entirely match with the ones on the HP site... they are close buy not the same.

Patrick Mahoney
IA64 Microprocessor Design
Intel Corp.

 

[random]

yes i'd take it.

as for is it good? depends on what model it is (pavilion, brio, vectra, kayak, etc.) The XU800s are nice. 1 thumbscrew, 128 rdram, 18gb 10k ultra SCSI, 8x DVD drive, ultra scsi and ultra2 interfaces, matrox G400 dual head....

Course I work for HP....

mpitts: what's wrong with an athlon system?
rahvin: i guess you didn't get a NICE hp system when you got yours

RossGr: and no oregan sales tax! and no washington state income tax!
and do you get free injet supplies? (BTW, nice south campus you got up there). And don't you get the "free" 486's when they're dumped in the aisle to be recycled?

dennilfloss: well, he bought the lower end ones. That's the budget system.

LocutusX: Which divison do YOU work for? I didn't even get a laptop. My PC is a pPro 200 (course it's a dual now. I'm a scavenger)

pm: Got an IA64 chip and MB I could betatest for ya?

 

[pm]

Random: it's a Vectra VL400

Random, LucutusX: Which HP site do you guys work at?

 

[Finality]

Wouldn't they want you to bring your work home with you?


<< 'm not a full-time permanent, but I wish I was. >>

I hear HP is a great company to work for. Pity there computers suck major a$$.

 

[random]

HPL
Palo Alto, CA

 

[LocutusX]

HPC
Toronto, ON, CA


Compared to random, I am stoopid. I only play with computers rather than design them. Infrastructure Support.

 

[pm]

I was just asking because I've been spending a fair amount of time lately at several HP sites and it would be neat if we were working at the same location (Ft. Collins, CO). But we aren't. Thanks for the replies though.