Ahhh, the joy of purchasing a new computer! Since I'm the local computer guru for family, friends, and neighbors, I was called upon to give advice in getting a new computer for some good family friends. My mission if I chose to accept: get the printer, monitor, and computer for under $1000. I accepted knowing full well this would be a challenge indeed.

Browsing through the Sunday ad papers of the local office stores and computer stores, I laid eyes upon the HP Pavilion 6535. The specs looked pretty good for a $599 system: Intel Celeron 466 MHz, Intel i810 chipset with integrated sound/video, 64 MB (shared) SDRAM, 8.4 gig HDD, 56k modem, and 40x CD-ROM drive. I tried the demo computer for a few minutes and I liked what I saw: it was a good system to be used for Internet, word processing, and occasional games. I walked out of the store with the Pavilion 6535, HP 812C printer, and a KDS 17" monitor all for under a grand. Pretty good deal eh? I thought so too.

Setting up the system was a breeze and the instructions provided would be a great aid to first time computer users. I give kudos to HP for their big colorful installation poster. In less than 10 minutes I was ready to rock and roll. The HP includes a satisfactory software package which consists of Microsoft Windows 98SE, Microsoft Works, and Microsoft Encarta. Pretty good for the kids to get started with, I thought. The computer felt responsive and performance was ok. The game FIFA 2000 I tested worked satisfactory, but I had to tone down the graphics settings to get the frame rates I wanted. Then came the real test: starting the Internet.

I installed AOL on the computer: it didn't work. What?!? No answer from the remote computer? This can't be. I tried 2 more times but no luck. Ok, no need to panic, it's a new computer of course? It's bound to work right? I transferred my own internet account to the computer then I fired up my own internet connection: still no can do. Shoot. I spent the next 4 hours troubleshooting the connection and doing research on the Conexant/Rockwell Soft56k modem included in the 6535. What I read shocked me: it was essentially a piece of crap. I was stuck here with a $599 computer without a working modem! Good lord, I called HP demanding an explanation but the tech support people just blew me off. And that was after 30 minutes on hold. My next step was to purchase a new modem for the computer. I decided to replace the Conexant modem the more reliable Lucent LT Winmodems. Mission: successful.

In conclusion, I had a nice little adventure with this computer. What I had previously thought to be a great little deal turned out to be a dud. I was totally let down with the quality of the parts included with the computer (from what I observed in replacing the modem). But hey, the computer only costs $599. What else would I expect? Folks, always remember in the computer world that what you pay for is what you get. Generally the higher the price computer, the higher quality of the components included. This HP was no exception. I'd say this system makes a great starter system or maybe a second system. Me, I'd rather build my own system to save money AND get what I want in it.

This computer could have been so much better if HP decided to strike the best balance between quality and price.



Recommended: No

Amount Paid (US$): 599
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Celeron
Processor speed: 401-500
RAM: 64
Internal Storage: CD-ROM
Hard Drive (GB): 7-9