Which desktop computer should I purchase a Dell Dimension or an HP Pavilion (the price of both is similar)?

Question

Dell Dimension 5150 Specifications:

- Intel Pentium D Processor 805 with Dual Core Technology (2.66GHz, 533FSB)
- Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
- 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz (2x512M) (Exp. To 2GB)
- 250GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/ 8MB cache
- Dell 19 inch Ultrasharp 1907FP Digital Flat Panel
- Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
- 16x CD/DVD Burner
- Integrated Audio with Dolby Digital 7.1 capability

HP Pavilion Media Center a1524n Specifications:

- Intel Pentium D Processor 805 with Dual Core Technology (2.66GHz, 533FSB)
- Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
- 1GB DDRS SDRAM (Exp. To 2GB)
- 200GB SATA 7200RPM
- HP 21" HDTV-Ready Widescreen LCD Monitor (F2105) - (REFURBISHED)
- ATI Radeon Xpress 200, 256MB (Shared)
- 16X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer With LightScribe
- High Definition Audio, 8-Speaker Config

Thank you for your help.

Answer 1

HP Pavilion

Answer 2

Neither.

They both have Integrated Graphics Accelerators which uses both the memory and processor of your computer. From the specifications of the computers, it looks like you are seriously looking at doing some photo work and videos. If this is the case, than purchase a Whitebox whereby you will be able to put in a dedicated graphics card with its own memory & processor. Why is this important you ask ? If I am correct with your intentions for this computer (photo and video - even if it is home videos) than every bit of memory and processor you allow the computer to have to perform the rendering will be advantageous. A shared memory/cpu computer will simply take the power away from the computer (and slow the process and computer down). Whiteboxes can be built to be a media centre.

However, if push came to shove and you really wanted one of THESE machines, go for the HP as it has an ATI graphics accelerator which is far superior to the Intel one.

Hope this helps. If you are a home user, I sincerely do not recommend any computer with an integrated graphics accelerator, regardless of the brand.

Good luck !

Answer 3

Well, in my honest opinion, I would try out the Hp Pavilion because since it looks like that you are going to use it primarily for Media Center useage, the HP is the way to go. I am speaking not from my opinion, but from my experience. I have an HP pavilion Media Center 2005 PC with a 17" flat panel monitor and I have to say, using it with DVD's and computer games is awesome. The graphics are great, the suppourt and service online is extremely helpful, and Unlike Dell, you can pick up most of their PC's in a local Wal-Mart or Computer store. On the other hand, if you are looking for a computer with not alot of bells and whitles, than I would (In my honest opinion), go with the Dell Deminsion Desktop.

Answer 4

Wow, that is a tough one. Both computers are very similar in the hardware section. Naturally, I'd say go with HP. I have a HP and I wouldn't change no matter what. One plus I see is that the HP has a widescreen and the widescreen is def the future..and we are in the future. The Radeon X is a good piece of hardware, def a plus.I think that in the end when it comes to these two pieces, it's going to have to be your preference of style (things to consider weight, durability, etc.).

Answer 5

not the hp i used to have one. the sales person even warned me about it said the dell was better if i had to get a pc. i dont like pc's any more at all. i actually hate them now. i use macintosh now im virus free, have a reliable company that just recently replace a two year old iBook with a new g4, because the screen gave out. my point is macs are way better and are even using processors like the pcs now so you cant go wrong with one. but if you must choose between the two take the dell but watch out for costumer service and hidden fees a $600 dollar dell can easilly become more expensive than a mac. that's all i have to offer you. good like finding the write comp!! ^_^

Answer 6

both seem good, i always liked Dell better but a big question, are you a gamer, if so the pavillion is the way to go as it has a dedicated video card while the dell has the video card built into the motherboard/processor, and a dedicated video card is way better,

also i see the HP has a bigger monitor, i can tell you this, 21 in WIDESCREEN is really big, considerably bigger than the Dell 19 inch non widescreen...

Answer 7

I have always had HP, it was reccomended by a tech teacher. I now hava desk top I built, with much help, It statred life as an HP. My next one will be a Mac, to interface with my i-Pod. Of these two I would get the HP. One factor to consider is future upgrading. I also like Light Scribe and the larger moniter.

Answer 8

If you go with Dell be very very on-your-toes with their customer service people. My friends have one horror-story after the next.Expect a little ojeda.

Answer 9

Ick! You should consider a Macintosh. Seriously.

Answer 10

the hp