Monday, October 26, 2009 | 
 | Compaq Presario SR5710F Desktop PC Brand : Hewlett-Packard Model : SR5710F Overall Rating :  From : 34 Reviews Color : / Size : |
Technical Details
- Affordable family multimedia desktop PC with 2.3 GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 4450e+ dual-core processor
- 250 GB hard drive, 3 GB installed RAM (4 GB max), 16x multi-format/dual-layer LightScribe DVD drive
- 10/100 Ethernet; Nvidia GeForce 6150 SE graphics (up to 1343 MB total)
- Connections: 6 USB, 1 VGA, 1 headphone/line-out, 1 microphone
- Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit, SP1); includes wired keyboard and scroller mouse
Product Description
Compaq Presario SR5710F Desktop PCs are perfect for checking email, surfing the web, and making calls over the Internet. With a clean, functional industrial design, this streamlined PC blends easily into any home. Whatever your personal needs are, Compaq Presario PCs provide you with the best bang for your buck. The SR5710F ships with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit edition with Service Pack 1, 2.30GHz AMD Athlon X2 4450e+ Dual-Core Processor WITH 1MB L2 Cache, 3GB PC2-6400 DDR2 SDRAM memory (1x2048MB and 1x1024MB for ultimate performance) (expandable to 4GB), 250GB 7200RPM Serial ATA hard drive, SuperMulti DVD Burner with LightScribe Technoloy, NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE Graphics with 128MB dedicated graphics memory, and Integrated 10/100BaseT network interface. Dimensions: 6.67 (W) x 16.77 (L/D) x 14.85 (H) approx., 21.25 lbs.approx.
Whether you're e-mailing family and friends, balancing your online checkbook, or listening to your digital music collection, the newly restyled HP Compaq Presario SR5710F desktop PC offers a versatile, strong base for your home computing needs as well as easy-to-use multimedia features. Focusing on affordability, this desktop provides room to grow with the ability to add up to 4 GB of RAM, available PCI and expansion slots, and access to a wide variety of peripherals via its six USB 2.0. It's also chock-full of security and productivity software to get you going as soon as the PC's unpacked from its box, including Symantec Norton Internet Security 2009 and Microsoft Works 9. You can also easily burn your home video productions to DVD for friends and family with the 16x dual-layer, multi-format LightScribe DVD/CD burner, which enables you to store up to 8.5 GB of data on a DL disc.
Other features include a 2.3 GHz AMD Athlon X2 4450e+ dual-core processor, 250 GB hard drive, 3 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), Nvidia GeForce 6150 SE video card with up to 1343 MB of allocated video memory, and 6-channels of surround sound audio. It comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (Service Pack 1), which 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.
This desktop features an integrated Nvidia GeForce 6150 SE graphics/video card with 128 MB of dedicated graphics memory. Windows Vista can also allocate up to 1343 MB of total graphics memory from the system memory. It features NVidia's PureVideo technology--which provides great picture clarity, smooth video, accurate color, and precise image scaling for video content--and full support for Microsoft DirectX 9.0 for stunningly realistic cinematic effects for all DirectX-compatible applications. It also offers an integrated audio card that can produce high definition surround sound configurable to 8 speakers.
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The Basics
- Processor: AMD's Athlon X2 4450e+ dual-core processor: Dual-core technology is like having two processors working together, each one taking care of different applications, so power-users actually experience greater performance when multiple applications are running. Digital media enthusiasts will appreciate the enhancements while simultaneously working in high-definition video and photo editing and audio mixing programs. It includes such AMD features as HyperTransport Technology (which increases the communication between integrated circuits) and Enhanced Virus Protection.
This 2.3 GHz processor offers a system bus with speeds up to a blazing 2000 MHz and each core offers a 512 KB L2 cache--for a 1 MB total. (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.)
- Hard Drive: The generous 250 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (7200 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive has a 3Gb/s interface speed that enables up to 300MB/s data transfer rates (double the speed of the current SATA interface of 1.5Gb/s).
- Memory: The 3 GB of installed RAM (1 x 1 G, 1 x 2 GB; PC2-6400) will more than satisfy your multimedia needs, but you still have room to add more RAM to handle today's demanding computational needs. This desktop has a 4 GB maximum RAM capacity (2 x 2 GB). It also offers a lightning quick 800 MHz RAM speed.
- DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is 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 12x DVD±R DL Write Once, 16x DVD±R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 12x DVD-RAM, 40x CD-R, 32x 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: It comes with a Compaq keyboard and scroller mouse (both with PS/2 connections).
This desktop features an integrated Nvidia GeForce 6150 SE graphics/video card with 128 MB of dedicated graphics memory. Windows Vista can also allocate up to 1343 MB of total graphics memory from the system memory. It features NVidia's PureVideo technology--which provides great picture clarity, smooth video, accurate color, and precise image scaling for video content--and full support for Microsoft DirectX 9.0 for stunningly realistic cinematic effects for all DirectX-compatible applications. It also offers an integrated audio card that can produce high definition surround sound configurable to 8 speakers.
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
For expansion, this desktop has two PCI slots (one available), one PCI Express x16 slot (available), one PCI Express x1 slot (available), two 5.25-inch bays (one available), three 3.5-inch bays (two available). It comes with the following external connections:
- 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 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
- 1 VGA monitor port
- 1 headphone (front)
- 1 microphone/line-in/line-out (rear)
- 10/100 Ethernet
- 56K modem (V.90)
Operating System
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1 (32-bit) 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
- muvee autoProducer Basic: Automatically create professional looking home videos and burn to DVD.
- Cyberlink DVD Suite Deluxe: Automatically fix and edit videos and create CDs and DVDs. Edit, burn and archive data to discs.
- Microsoft Works 9: Includes a word processor, spreadsheet, database and calendar.
- Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition 2007 (60-day trial version).
- Adobe Reader 8: Read and print PDF files.
- Norton Internet Security 2009 protects your PC and your identity when you email, bank and shop online; 60 days of protection updates included.
Dimensions & Weight
This desktop measures 16.7 x 6.67 x 14.85 inches (LxWxD) and weighs 21.25 pounds.
What's in the Box
The HP Compaq Presario SR5710F desktop PC comes with a power cord, keyboard, and scroller mouse. It is backed by a one-year warranty for parts and labor from date of purchase, one-year technical phone service, and 90 days of software application support.
Note: Monitor not included.
Customer Reviews (see all-reviews)
Walter Kirkpatrick ( Greenville, SC ) No Stars
I've had this computer for about six months now and thoroughly hate it. This is my 10th year for buying Compaq computers and this is by far one of the slowest processors I have ever used. They make slower ones because I bought one of those also. I tried to buy a card reader for it through Compaq and they told me that they would not sell me one even though the computer has the slot for it. I am really disappointed in everything about this unit and will replace as soon as I can. Most of my computer purchases last for 3 to 4 years. This one will not make a year. I got what I paid for and less. Another feature is that I randomly get an update and the computer shuts itself down with out the option of saving what I was working on. Sweet.
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Stan Tomberg ( Hendersonville, NC ) HP has no suport
No support, October 9, 2009
By Stan Tomberg (Hendersonville, NC) - See all my reviews
On 1/01/09 I called customer service (that is what they call it). I told the tech my internal lightscribe drive would not burn label's. I am not a not a novice and I went through all the steps - uninstalling the drive and reinstalling the drive, etc. I told the the tech that my external lightscribe drive was working fine so it had to be the drive. He had me duplicate all the steps I Had already done and after 1:05 he said he would send me a new drive it was under warranty got my credit card info and he put me on hold. After 10 minutes (1:15 total time) I hung up.
I called back after I cooled down and got a tech who saw what was done, bur insisted to let him take over my PC. He assured me it take only 20 minutes and I agreed. An hour and 35 minutes later I told him just take of ordering the drive (it seems the first tech did not it. Hr agreed and then after being on hold for 5 minutes he told me the system was down and I would have to call back on 11/2/09.
Both techs had bad attitudes and treated me like a dummy. I wasted two hours and 40 minutes of being insulted and talked down to!
Price can not overcome lack of service
By Stan Tomberg (Hendersonville, NC) - See all my reviews
On 1/01/09 I called customer service (that is what they call it). I told the tech my internal lightscribe drive would not burn label's. I am not a not a novice and I went through all the steps - uninstalling the drive and reinstalling the drive, etc. I told the the tech that my external lightscribe drive was working fine so it had to be the drive. He had me duplicate all the steps I Had already done and after 1:05 he said he would send me a new drive it was under warranty got my credit card info and he put me on hold. After 10 minutes (1:15 total time) I hung up.
I called back after I cooled down and got a tech who saw what was done, bur insisted to let him take over my PC. He assured me it take only 20 minutes and I agreed. An hour and 35 minutes later I told him just take of ordering the drive (it seems the first tech did not it. Hr agreed and then after being on hold for 5 minutes he told me the system was down and I would have to call back on 11/2/09.
Both techs had bad attitudes and treated me like a dummy. I wasted two hours and 40 minutes of being insulted and talked down to!
Price can not overcome lack of service
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R. Guerin ( wenatchee, wa ) It likes to go to sleep in the middle of things
It is an acceptional computer, good with streaming video and have 15 or more windows open with 5 or more programs and no issues. the only problem is that it chooses to sleep in the middle of me doing something, still using keyboard and mouse moving. it does not wake up unless I push the power button sometimes two or three times.
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Joseph Grienenberger ( San Diego, CA ) Affordable, and mostly reliable, but . . .
Okay, it's always annoying when people let other things get in the way of their review of a product, such as the morons who give a good product only one star because they had a problem with Amazon's customer service or something else.
So I'm giving this computer only four stars because, frankly, 10+ hours of dealing with Hewlett Packard's inept tech support staff warrants a slightly lowered rating.
My good ole Gateway p.c. finally died, so I needed a replacement quickly -- and I didn't have a lot of money to spend. I had done test drives of Vista on friends' computers and wasn't thrilled to have it forced on me, but XP is unfortunately a thing of the past. The good news is that I got Vista configured so it looks similar to XP. The bad news is that some of my older software took a bit of work to get Vista to accept it -- for example, I had to contact HP to get updated drivers so my printer would interface. This was very frustrating, because I'm just not tech savvy enough to know what to look/ask for -- I'm a whiz at operating computers, but I know little of how they run.
There were numerous times I had to contact HP's Compaq tech support, and although those people in India are very nice and courteous, they are not in a hurry to get anything done -- every time, what should have taken ten minutes at most took upwards of an hour. One of these times was buying the extended service plan -- good lord, how long can it take to notate my choice, run my credit card, and issue a confirmation number? And a HUGE warning -- always, ALWAYS have the model number, product number, and serial number handy if you have to call tech support, because even after you register as a customer, they will ask for all three numbers every time you call. Evidently, their database technology -- perhaps in use since, say, 1490 -- can retain your name and contact information, but God forbid they actually log your product information. Needlessly frustrating. Fortunately, everything seems to finally be "smooth sailing."
I was greatly relieved when, after initially hearing some negative reports, it turned out that Vista easily reads older Microsoft products -- my Office 2003 stuff loaded effortlessly. This was a big deal to me, since a lot of my computer usage involves Word and Excel.
After two months, I'm still learning and streamlining things. The infamous Vista pop-ups are not as annoying as I thought they would be, but maybe some of the updates from Microsoft have curtailed the pop-ups. For what it's worth, I really dislike the Windows Media Player 11 -- I think I had version 8 on my old computer, and it was easy to use, but this version 11 monstrosity is unpleasant to navigate and eats up a fair amount of RAM while in use. If you know of an excellent alternative that can play stuff and do CD ripping/burning, please post a comment to this review.
One of the things I like about this computer is that it runs so quietly and doesn't put out heat -- my old Gateway was a thermal nightmare. The only real drawback to the computer itself is that I can't figure out the sleep and hibernate options at all -- I've tried them all, and the computer will jump to life on its own after a minute or two. Naturally, I'm loath to yet again call India to try to find a solution to this dilemma, but I'll have to soon -- I use the computer several times a day, and I don't like having to completely power it up and down each time. [Suggestions?]
I've rambled, but I thought it important to mention all the stuff about HP's tech support and the Vista interfaces for anyone thinking of buying this [or another] HP/Compaq that uses Vista.
So I'm giving this computer only four stars because, frankly, 10+ hours of dealing with Hewlett Packard's inept tech support staff warrants a slightly lowered rating.
My good ole Gateway p.c. finally died, so I needed a replacement quickly -- and I didn't have a lot of money to spend. I had done test drives of Vista on friends' computers and wasn't thrilled to have it forced on me, but XP is unfortunately a thing of the past. The good news is that I got Vista configured so it looks similar to XP. The bad news is that some of my older software took a bit of work to get Vista to accept it -- for example, I had to contact HP to get updated drivers so my printer would interface. This was very frustrating, because I'm just not tech savvy enough to know what to look/ask for -- I'm a whiz at operating computers, but I know little of how they run.
There were numerous times I had to contact HP's Compaq tech support, and although those people in India are very nice and courteous, they are not in a hurry to get anything done -- every time, what should have taken ten minutes at most took upwards of an hour. One of these times was buying the extended service plan -- good lord, how long can it take to notate my choice, run my credit card, and issue a confirmation number? And a HUGE warning -- always, ALWAYS have the model number, product number, and serial number handy if you have to call tech support, because even after you register as a customer, they will ask for all three numbers every time you call. Evidently, their database technology -- perhaps in use since, say, 1490 -- can retain your name and contact information, but God forbid they actually log your product information. Needlessly frustrating. Fortunately, everything seems to finally be "smooth sailing."
I was greatly relieved when, after initially hearing some negative reports, it turned out that Vista easily reads older Microsoft products -- my Office 2003 stuff loaded effortlessly. This was a big deal to me, since a lot of my computer usage involves Word and Excel.
After two months, I'm still learning and streamlining things. The infamous Vista pop-ups are not as annoying as I thought they would be, but maybe some of the updates from Microsoft have curtailed the pop-ups. For what it's worth, I really dislike the Windows Media Player 11 -- I think I had version 8 on my old computer, and it was easy to use, but this version 11 monstrosity is unpleasant to navigate and eats up a fair amount of RAM while in use. If you know of an excellent alternative that can play stuff and do CD ripping/burning, please post a comment to this review.
One of the things I like about this computer is that it runs so quietly and doesn't put out heat -- my old Gateway was a thermal nightmare. The only real drawback to the computer itself is that I can't figure out the sleep and hibernate options at all -- I've tried them all, and the computer will jump to life on its own after a minute or two. Naturally, I'm loath to yet again call India to try to find a solution to this dilemma, but I'll have to soon -- I use the computer several times a day, and I don't like having to completely power it up and down each time. [Suggestions?]
I've rambled, but I thought it important to mention all the stuff about HP's tech support and the Vista interfaces for anyone thinking of buying this [or another] HP/Compaq that uses Vista.
......................................................
Daniel A. Wendell compaq pesario computer
great price. have been using it about three weeks and love it. got help on phone as to which model that would best suit my needs.
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