HP Pavilion Slimline s3020n desktop computer Review

I did not want to buy a new computer and especially during the last week of classes. But, I do what I have to do. I am on the computer a lot, and I wear them out pretty fast.

When I went shopping I saw a number of the latest and greatest computers. The one that sold me was the HP Slimline, because it's sized small. After wrestling my old one off the desk and dusting it up, I had a very clear idea of how much the thing weighed and how hard it was to turn around to deal with USB ports and any problems.

The slimline is 1/3 the size of the older models. If you've looked inside your (old) computer, you'll know that they have a lot of open space. It makes sense to compact that.

I guess only time will tell if the fan will handle the more compact set up. Also, the CD/DVD burner is now sideways, and I hope that holds up. It feels odd to slip in the media sideways, but it works fine.

The guy at Office Depot was excited about some graphic burner on this model. It seems that I can have a photo burned right on the CD/DVD. I do have to buy special CD/DVDs to do that, and I have a stack of the old ones to use first. I may break down and get some of the fancy ones. That does sound pretty neat.

I wasn't too excited about the fact that the new HPs are loaded with Vista. It wasn't just HP though. OD didn't have any computers with the old operating programs. Online, there are a lot of fixes for Vista concerns. For example, I was able to get HP drivers for the new (only two months old) printer. Yep. I wore that out too. That's not really a desktop issue, but it is an issue when you have to buy a new desktop, and it's loaded with Vista (which it will be almost certainly now).

My new computer is getting a great workout. It works just great. The only real issue I would note is that it pulls out of sleep mode really easily. If I walk on the floor, that brings everything back up. OK. I ought to turn it off anyway. But, my old one didn't go live every time I walked. I wonder if that will use it up faster. I do need to get used to turning it off. It would probably last longer if I did.

With the Slimline and flat monitor, I sure have more room in my office. It's really amazing how HP has downsized. I do like that very much.