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The updated chassis with sleek piano black paneling and components is far from the most significant improvements in the multimedia powerhouse HP Pavilion Elite m9280f desktop PC. It's powered by Intel's newest processor from the 45nm ""Penryn"" line--the 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300, 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 quad-mode wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g/n). You won't have to choose one format over another, thanks to the combination Blu-ray/HD DVD optical drive, which provides stunning high-definition clarity from movie discs. You can also 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 8800 GT graphics (with 512 MB of dedicated GDDR3 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 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q9300 blows through processor-intensive tasks in demanding multitasking environments and makes the most of highly threaded applications. Part of Intel's ""Penryn"" line of 45nm processors, it features new hafnium-infused circuitry to reduce electrical current leakage in transistors and help this desktop run cooler. It also features Intel Trusted Execution Technology, which provides hardware-based mechanisms that help protect against software-based attacks and protects the confidentiality and integrity of data stored or created on the client PC.
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 Q9300 has a top-of-the-line 1333 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: Get the best of both high definition worlds with the combination Blu-ray/HD DVD disc drive--both of which provide superior image and sound quality of high-definition images and multichannel surround sound. This multiformat DVD/CD drive is also 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 4x DVD-R DL Write Once, 4x DVD+R DL Write Once, 16x DVD+R, 8x DVD+RW, 16x DVD-R, 6x DVD-RW, 5x DVD-RAM, 40x CD-R, 24x 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 8800 GT graphics/video card with 512 MB of dedicated GDDR3 graphics memory. Windows Vista can also allocate up to 1791 MB of total graphics memory from the system memory. (GDDR3, short for Graphics Double Data Rate, version 3, is a graphics card-specific memory technology that's better able to deliver fluid frame rates for even the most advanced games and applications.) 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 and dual DVI 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
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). 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 (occupied), 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. Power
What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Media Center m9280f 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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 Exellent Computer! |
| Review Date: June 20, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Brittany Lynn Roche, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX USA |
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
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| Review Date: July 16, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Happy Camper, Newport Beach, CA USA |
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. |
Powerful computer for the money
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| Review Date: August 5, 2008 |
| Reviewer: R. Forsey, Berkeley CA USA |
After many years as a computer programmer one thing I know is that software developers will use all available hardware resources as they design new systems(as they should). This means that you need a computer that will anticipate future 'heavy duty' software. With the HP m9260f you get massive amount of disk storage (two 500gb drives) and a fairly large main memory 4gb. The first thing I did was buy another 4gb main memeory, making a total of 8gb. Note that you are replacing 4 x 1gb with 4 x 2gb so you actually need to buy 2 pairs of memory, a little over $200. Then I bought the HP 500gb personal drive for $160 which ups the total hard drive capacity to 1.5 tb. I hope this much hardware will last for awhile.
Another major plus factor of this computer is the Vista 64 bit operating system, which some view a big negative, is actually required to take advantage of the large RAM (look for most future software to be written for the 64 bit operating system). Much of the sofwtware I was running would not load or download because it wasn't compatable. Most vendors are modifying ther systems to run under Vista 64bit but there are still plenty that are not. My Epson scanner software isn't available, I had to upgrade my photoshop to a new version. This is all painful and somewhat expensive but I think in the long run it will payoff.
Last thing, you don't need to buy the model with the Blu Ray but it is kind of nice to watch the HI Def movies with the computer. I did buy the HP w2408h 24" LCD monitor at $450 to take advantage of the Blu Ray -- it is really good. |
Great computer with lots of power
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| Review Date: July 24, 2008 |
| Reviewer: D. Beck, Denver, CO USA |
I bought this computer along with the HP 24 inch monitor. I've been very impressed with the power this machine has. I did a lot of research before making the purchase. I wanted something that could handle lots of graphics programs like PhotoShop since I own a company that builds websites for small business. I also wanted a computer that would allow me to watch cable tv inside a window and have a built in DVR. This computer does all that. It even downloads a TV Guide that far exceeds the one I get on Comcast. Running Vista 64bit was also something important to me as this allows greater expansion of memory in the future and it's the direction the software industry is going. Also, I loved the fact that it wasn't too loaded up with crap software. I had to remove Norton manually but other than that the other software remained fairly quiet and wasn't a pain. My recommendation is to buy this computer with the HP 24 inch monitor. Great combination.
To those who are complaining about software not running on Vista 64 it simply isn't true. Especially adobe, Quicken, MS Office. Everything I own software wise has installed and run fine under Vista 64. You also have the option to run any program under XP compatibility mode which takes care of anything you may run into. Vista drivers have automatically installed now for three printers, one scanner, a router, external DVD burner and external harddrive. Zero problems. I just don't buy the Vista 64 statements I'm reading out here. Again, I highly recommend this computer and have no regrets buying it from Amazon. |
Great Value-
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| Review Date: June 13, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Jon L. Bengtson, Flint Michigan USA |
| I needed to replace an older P4 computer because it ran too slow. Looked for a great CPU and plenty of power and storage at a low price and I kept coming back to the HP elite M9260. This unit does everything from recording video from television, radio tuner, DVD writer with litescribe, plenty of memory, 2-500gig HD's plus I did purchase a 750gig HP Personal Media Drive for portability to work for all my files. It also has a 10/100/1000 NIC card which helps with broadband high speed connections. About the only distraction is Vista Home Premium, I have paid for an upgrade to Microsoft for Vista ULTIMATE Upgrade and I am over two weeks waiting for the DVD to arrive. There are some issues with networking that HOME PREMIUM is not as flexible as VISTA ULTIMATE. That should not take away from the real value of this system. Highly recomended to anyone who anticipates using the PERSONAL MEDIA DRIVE from HP. |
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