With a small form-factor combined with feature-rich performance capabilities, its clear that HP’s Compaq dc7900 desktop is designed with small to mid-sized business users in mind.
The dc7900 small form factor PC from HP is part of a business desktop line of PCs from the vendor, which also includes an ultra-slim desktop and a convertible minitower model. The dc7900 business desktop PC line is now available worldwide, starting at a list price of US$599.
What I liked most about the small form factor PC was that it was, indeed compact, although not as small as some of the other form factors out there. Measuring at its height, width and depth at just 3.95 x 13.3 x 14.9-inches, the unit was able to fit comfortably and neatly on top of my desk. With a weight of 18.75 pounds, I thought the unit could have been built to be a tad bit smaller.
As a comparison, I reviewed Lenovo’s ThinkCentre A61e small form factor desktop computer earlier this year which measured at 3.19 x 8.2 x 9.53-inches and weighed in at less than eight pounds. Size and weight aside though, I thought the dc7900 computer was an efficient and reliable PC to do my daily work on. The computer also didn’t make a lot of noise and I found it turned off and booted up quite quickly.
In addition to the computer, I also tested HP’s L2455w 24-inch diagonal widescreen LCD monitor. At 24-inches, the screen was generous in size and with a contrast ratio of 1000:1 and resolutions of 1920 x 1200, and I found the display boasted great colours and sharp images.
What was especially handy though on the monitor, was that it featured two built-in USB hubs on the left side of the monitor. The ergonomic flexible stand was able to easily adjust its height and orientation with its swivel, tilt and pivot capabilities. These orientation options will make the display useful for any business or home environment, especially when users require it in a visual, graphic design or similar setting. This monitor comes at a price point starting at US$419.
The computer came with Microsoft’s Genuine Windows Vista Business installed and used an Intel Q45 Express Chipset with an integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator and ran on the Intel Core processor. The computer has a hard drive capacity of 160GB and its memory goes up to 2GB in size.
HP says the dc7900 PC also helps end-users be more energy efficient as it uses low wattage processors and software power management tools to help reduce costs.
The computer features two external USB 2.0 ports with a headphone/line-out and microphone-in slot and also has a DVD drive, all located on the front. On its rear, the dc7900 small form factor has six USB ports, one serial, one audio in and one audio out slot.
Warranty on the unit comes with three years onsite, next business day, three years for parts and three years for labour, and also includes free telephone support 24/7.
