Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)As the owner of seven computers in seven years (it's possible if you really try at it), I suppose I have more than a little experience with home use systems. Of course one can never objectively compare one computer he has bought with another he has bought a year ago; the ever-marching advance of technology makes this impossible. However, one CAN compare a computer to others in its price range and relative feature set. I must say that on that front the HP Pavilion Media Center TV m7640n PC stacks up quite well.
I must point out a few things about this particular package before I go on. The price basically includes the CPU box, the mouse and keyboard (both wired), the remote control and its RF receiver, and some assorted extras (a coaxial cable, an FM antenna, etc.). Most people by this point have already bought a computer from the circa-2003 period. If so, then you likely have a flat panel monitor already. Whether or not this is the case, HP is not known for their monitors (though the standard ratio 19" model has very good stats--much better, oddly enough, than the 17" version in the same product range). You would do better, therefore, to supplement this system with a quality monitor by another manufacturer.
Those minor points set aside, I will now comment on my general experience. I have had the computer for almost a month now, and I have found that it performs admirably. For starters, do not let the cheaper price (relative to Intel-based platforms) fool you: AMD technology is not only competitive with Intel, but in many respects it is superior. I will comment more on that in the specific section devoted to the processor.
In my general experience, the dual core processing provides marked improvement over single core systems (even those with clock speeds grossly exceeding this system's 2.6 GHz figure). The most apparent instance of this is when running multiple applications simultaneously. Of course this is the selling mark of all dual core technology, and I can testify that there truly is a difference. System lag that used to freeze up lesser systems is all but a non-issue on the m7640n. Notably, background operations no longer affect system performance. Anti-virus and anti-spyware software in particular benefits from this; I was in the past inclined to deactivate real time protection from these sources because of the system resources they drew.
This increase in performance is as much thanks to the 2 GB of rapid memory as it is to the dual core nature of the processor. Overall, this system is very well integrated. Things just work on the m7640n. No second thoughts.
Now for the specific points of review:-PROCESSOR-
This computer comes equipped with an AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ dual core processor, which operates at 2.6 GHz. Contrary to my orignal (incorrect) information, *each* processing core has a peak speed of 2.6 GHz. But in the System Properties screen, don't be alarmed to see a figure of 989 MHz--Windows does not recognize the second core of dual core processors, so only a single figure is given. But why 989 MHz? The computer, by default, uses the Energy Star power scheme (you can change this in the Power Options window, found in the Control Panel). The Energy Star scheme modulates the power and clock speed of the processor. This is so that, when there is less to process, the chip can use less power. This generates less heat, which not only allows the fan to be quieter, but also prolongs the life of the chip. If you select, for example, the Always On power scheme, then the processor will be perpetually maxed-out and the figure displayed in the System Properties window will be 2.61 GHz.
In the real world, less than peak-level clock speed on a dual core processor is more than adequate because some applications--typically multimedia encoding software--are written with multiple threads. A dual core processor can divvy up the work across both its cores and thereby accomplish twice as much as a single core processor. Benchmark tests confirm this; in fact, the abstract on this page cites the results of a test between a single- and dual core AMD Athlon 64 processor. Note, however, that in testing I noticed a tremendous difference in performance between the throtted (Energy Star power profile) and unthrottled processor--almost 40% when encoding an AAC file in iTunes. Keep this in mind when handling heavy rendering tasks.
It is interesting to note that the 5000+ is a very rare processor in pre-configured systems; most computers come with any of the following: 3800+, 4200+, or 4600+.
-FUTURE-PROOF-
But you may be wondering how AMD can ever compete with Intel's new Core 2 Duo series. Well, that's complicated. Unlike Intel's original Pentium D (over which AMD's dual core solution led by a non-inclusive margin), Core 2 Duo represents a quantum leap for Intel. At the time I originally wrote this review, there was a lack of reliable comparisons between the two technologies. It is my painful duty, therefore, to retract some of my earlier statements: Intel has recaptured the performance crown for now. However, it's not all bad news. You see, the Core 2 Duo chips all inhabit the higher price range computers, while the lower range dual core setups are still using Pentium D. Therefore, at this price point, AMD is still unbeatable because its main competition comes from the outdated and outclassed Pentium D. Even the lower level Core 2 Duo chips cannot completely outperform the 5000+, which inhabits the same price range. Finally and most importantly, in the second quarter of 2007 AMD will be releasing the first major update to its K8 architecture in over three years, K8L--this version will be drop-in compatible with previous Socket AM2 processors, thus allowing for a solid upgrade path. This new revision will be AMD's answer to Core 2 Duo, and will allow all those who adopt current Athlon 64 X2 platforms to enjoy very good performance in the near-term, and potentially industry-leading performance in just half a year with a processor upgrade.
-MEMORY-
This computer comes stock with two 1 GB modules of DDR2 PC2-4200 SDRAM, which operate at 533 MHz. In my extensive testing, the performance gain achieved by 2 GB versus just 1 GB of this type of memory is astounding. A machine running 1 GB of this memory type was constantly displaying the low memory message; the m7640n has yet to have memory issues. The perceptual performance improvement is staggering--even with over 700 MB of system resources in use (as shown in the Windows Task Manager), there is no drag whatsoever. And, should this ever change in the future, the m7640n can be expanded up to 4 GB of memory (hindered only by the 32-bit nature of the Windows OS--a 64-bit system can support somewhere around 18 billion GB (!) of physical memory).
-HARD DRIVE-
This is the only place where this system is somewhat lacking. Maybe several years ago 320 GB seemed like a whole lot of hard drive space, but with systems routinely shipping with at least 500 GB these days, 320 GB seems a little pale in comparison. Of course I am evaluating this in the context of what this machine is intended for: recording and storing live video. Video takes up HUGE amounts of hard drive space, as does uncompressed audio. Audio recorded in 24-bit, 96 kHz (the professional standard) also takes up additional space as opposed to traditional CD quality uncompressed audio. All in all, I believe a media center PC should have at least 500 GB of hard drive space.
The simple and economical solution would be to add a second internal hard drive, except that this is next to impossible. Being that the m7640n is a mid tower--and given that it has the worst internal design I have ever seen--space is at a premium. And--get this--in their current configuration the power cords aren't long enough to reach the bottom of the case, where the second drive needs to be placed. They need to be reconfigured in order to free a segment that makes it to the bottom of the case; this is the most frustrating logic puzzle ever to come with a computer, and most users will likely just give up at this point. Plus, unlike some machines, there is no good place to just rest the drive--circuitry abounds, and the consequences of the metal portions of the drive case causing a short between two components are too gruesome even to contemplate.
HP did some thinking about this, and they decided to include a drive bay for what they call a Personal Media Drive (PMD). The concept is ingenious, in fact: The drive functions both as an internal drive (when inserted in a compatible HP Pavilion) and as an external hard drive (using the provided USB and power cables). Unfortunately, the PMD bay is right where the optional second internal hard drive would normally be placed. This is of course by design because there is ample room for this bay on the bottom of the case--after all, one is supposed to put his second internal hard drive down there. Despite the shady business ploy, the PMD is a great idea and I currently have the 500GB version. Read my review of the PMD for details.
-VIDEO-
This is an area where I am less qualified to be objective. I am not a gamer, nor do I use the computer for watching video (though of course the latter may change now that I have all the capabilities of this computer at my fingertips). Therefore, the video is not very important to me. This computer has up to 256 MB of shared video memory, which is fine for my purposes. Reports have it that this configuration is inadequate for gaming and serious multimedia applications. If this is the case with you, then these same reports advocate that the maximum one need spend on a video...Read more›
Click Here to see more reviews about: HP Pavilion Media Center TV M7640N Desktop PC (AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor 5000+, 2 GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti Drive)
The easy-to-use HP m7640n Media Center PC is the complete home PC system that delivers more entertainment choices, and brings them together in one place with easy access from anywhere in the room. You can 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 and personal video recorder (PVR) let you watch, pause, rewind, and record live television--up to 185 hours on this 320 GB hard drive. 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, which enables you to store up to 8.5 GB of data on a DL disc. LightScribe technology burns custom, silkscreen-quality labels and artwork directly onto LightScribe-enabled discs, right inside the drive.
A built-in drive bay fits an optional HP Personal Media Drive (PMD), for up to 300 GB of additional storage that you can carry away with you when you go (PMD not included). It also features a built-in camera bay, designed to accommodate the docking stations on select HP cameras--providing convenient access and optimal cable management.
This desktop is powered by the 2.6 GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ dual-core processor, which increases the efficiency and speed of the PC while running multiple programs and the latest multi-threaded software. It also features 2 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum), Nvidia GeForce 6150 LE video card (with up to 256 MB of shared video memory), 15-in-1 memory card reader, up to 8 channels of surround sound, and Windows Media Center edition operating system. This is a Windows Vista capable PC, and it's also Windows Vista Premium ready.
The Basics
Hard Drive: The very roomy 320 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (7200 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing up to 185 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.
Processor: AMD's Athlon 64 X2 5000+ dual-core processor is built for tomorrow's 64-bit applications, which will require a processor with significant power. It outperforms the highest-performing AMD Athlon 64 4000+ single-core processor on multi-tasking benchmarks by up to 30 percent. 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 2.6 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.)
Memory: The 2 GB of built-in memory (2 x 1 GB, PC4200, DDR2 SDRAM) is a good start right out of the box, and it offers a very fast 533 MHz speed. This desktop has a 4 GB maximum RAM capacity (4 x 1 GB), excellent for your multimedia needs today and tomorrow.
CD/DVD Drive: Offering the latest in DVD writing technology, 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 4x DVD-R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R DL Write Once, 16x DVD+R, 8x DVD+RW, 16x DVD-R, 6x DVD-RW, 5x DVD-RAM, 40x CD-R, and 32x CD-RW write speeds. It also offers 16x DVD-ROM and 40x CD-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 an HP multimedia keyboard and optical mouse (both PS/2) and remote control.
Screen, Graphics and Sound This desktop features an integrated Nvidia GeForce 6150LE graphics/video card with up to 256 MB of shared video memory (allocated from the system RAM). Nvidia's exclusive TurboCache technology allows direct rendering from the GPU to system memory by leveraging the bi-directional PCI Express bandwidth. The TurboCache Manager dynamically allocates memory for maximum system performance while intelligent software algorithms maximize application performance. It also offers an integrated audio card that can produce high definition surround sound configurable to 8 speakers.
Connectivity and Expansion Slots For expansion, this desktop features a built-in camera bay that designed to accommodate the docking stations on select HP cameras, as well as a drive bay that fits an optional HP Personal Media Drive--which enables you to add 300 GB of storage for your video and music libraries. It has three PCI expansion slots (one available), one PCI x16 Express slot (available), two external 5.25 drive bays (one available), one internal 3.5 drive bay (occupied), and the following external ports on the front:
2 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link; 1 front and 1 back) ports for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
Composite video, S-Video, and analog audio inputs
Headphone and microphone jacks
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+
The following I/O ports are found on the back:
4 USB 2.0 ports
1 FireWire
Video (VGA, composite, S-Video)
Audio output: digital audio out, surround sound speakers--rear, side, center (subwoofer)
2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
It includes an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).
Preloaded System and Software The pre-installed Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 is essentially Windows XP Professional Edition with a variety of tools to help you to create, organize, and enjoy digital media ranging from music to home movies to photo slide shows. The HP Photosmart Premier photo and imaging software makes digital photography fast and easy by helping you organize, edit, protect, and share your digital pictures and video clips. Sonic's DigitalMedia Plus makes it easy and intuitive to back up your pictures, videos, and music onto DVD-R/+R media for safekeeping. It also comes with Microsoft Works (for working with word processing and spreadsheet documents), Symantec Norton Internet Security 2006 (with 60 days of LiveUpdate), PC Recovery, MSN Encarta Plus, Microsoft Money, Muvee AutoProducer, and RealRhapsody.
Dimensions and Weight This desktop measures 15.16 x 7.6 x 16.54 inches (HxWxD) and weighs approximately 27 pounds.
What's in the Box This package contains the HP Media Center m7640n desktop PC, keyboard, 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.
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