Carrying the internet on its shoulders
Written: Nov 09 '00
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Pros: The reliability and dependability of all HP products
Cons: I have honestly never found a con on this computer
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| Babycarrots's Full Review: HP Pavilion 6643 |
Hewlett Packard Pavilion 6643
I first came across this version of the Pavilion series at my workplace, and it is the closest I have ever come to stealing from my boss. When it comes to ease of use and reliability I honestly feel that nothing comes close to it. As for usage, these new machines have really added an extra boost to the things we do in and around the shop. We didn't realize how much better things could be before we got them, and now we wouldn't be happy without our Pavilions.
So what did we get exactly?
The HP Pavilion 6643 is a very compact desktop computer. It uses a Celeron 500 mhz processor which provides as much, if not more, power than any one person can use doing standard functions. It runs on 64 meg of RAM, which would be the first thing I would upgrade, but isn't that necessary. A 15GB Harddrive is a pig, as it will hold whatever you want to throw at it, and then some more. As with most Pavilions, the rest of the features are about standard with all of them. A 40X CD Rom works great with any software, or music/audio cd's. Of course your 3.5 in. floppy drive is there. The speakers I have always liked from HP as they mount to the sides of the 15" monitor so that you do save a lot of space and they are never falling off the desk. Mouse and keypad are standard items with most computers and we have yet to have a problem with either of them.
Functionality and ease of use
I firmly believe being an owner of an older Pavilion and a user of a new one at work that nothing works better. Mine at home has never given me a single problem, minus the crazy problems that I create, no fault of my computer. I would also make the statement that for a first time owner there is no easier computer to hook up and set up than a Pavilion. Each cable is colored to match a colored jack on the back of the computer. Meaning you don't have to know what you are hooking up, but if you passed Kindergarten and can match colors then you are certified to hook up your Pavilion.
Not to mention it comes with Windows98 which provides great ease in setup. The first time you turn your computer on it will begin to ask you questions concerning your personal info, and then your internet connection. Those answers will be given to you upon establishing your internet connection through the provider, and the personal info you already have, just fill in the blanks! It doesn't get any easier than that, as most people can hook it up and be on the internet in less than an hour upon opening the box.
I am sure convienence comes at a price
Actually I feel the convienence of this system comes at a steal. The HP Pavilion 6643 is running at around 700.00 to 800.00 in most stores. I never feel comfortable buying computers online, but I am willing to bet you could find it even cheaper through auctions. At 750.00 this computer is a steal, and well worth the payment. The other side of that is, for 750.00 you get everything you need in one box. There really is nothing else, outside of an internet provider, that you need to get started.
Still nervous about making the spending decision?
HP really does take care of its customers. They have made great efforts to reduce the worry of owning a computer, which is why I am an HP only purchaser. Lets say for instance you have a problem hooking up or setting up your computer at 4 a.m. in the morning. Well, HP offers its customers technical phone support 24 hours a day through all 7 days of the week. How is that for being there for you? And lets go even farther and suppose that maybe something in your unit did mess up on you. Well HP offers a 3 year warranty on the things it sells. How is that for backing a product! The only thing that will be hurt from making a commitment to HP with a purchase will be the other brand that didn't get the sale, and that is it.
Home or business with the 6433?
The computer itself has the firepower to handle business or home applications. But the software package included seems to lean towards home usage. Basically, I would use this system in either enviroment. Included with the software is Encarta, the sharp looking Encyclopedia that is fantastic for kids, and great in the home. But also included on the computer is a 15gb HD which has great business application, along with an incredible ability for the HP to be upgraded to keep up in the business world. So I guess really this hunter is ready for all sorts of game, and at the price is it at you might just be better off using it for both!
A sound decison
I personally feel that you could never go wrong with an HP product being this particular model or any other. I have owned 3 HP's and work with several others and I can never remember being frustrated with it. Everyday the screen comes up, the internet flashes up quickly, and it stays up till I am finished. During that time it effectively helps me accomplish everything I am trying to do. Now isn't that what we buy a computer for? Hewlett Packard, once again, my hat off to you!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 750
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Celeron
Processor speed: 401-500
RAM: 64
Internal Storage: CD-ROM
Hard Drive (GB): 13-20
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Epinions.com ID:
Babycarrots
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Member: Robin Walker
Reviews written: 108
Trusted by: 107 members
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