Kirk Steers

HP Pavilion 9820

One of the most well-rounded systems we've seen, the Pavilion 9820 (formerly called the 9720) isn't distinguished by any single characteristic. With a respectable PC WorldBench score of 153, this PIII-1000 machine performs more like a similarly configured 933-MHz Pentium III, but it can run just about any software you throw at it. Likewise, though its frame rates on our 3D game tests aren't likely to blow the competition away, the Pavilion 9820 still produced scores in the same range as other chart makers. It comes with a huge 60GB hard drive and an 8X/4X/32X CD-RW drive, ideal for storing and archiving MP3s. The 9820 is ready for a high-speed Internet hookup as well, via its ethernet card. Two USB ports and a serial port on the front of the case exemplify its user-friendly design. And the top of the system case has a space reserved for frequently used CDs (up to three). Adding and removing hardware is simple: The one free PCI slot and three open drive bays are easily accessible inside the cavernous tower case--a vast improvement over earlier Pavilions' ultracramped minitower cases. One of the open drive bays attaches via a unique metal plate beneath the floppy drive bay and then slides conveniently on a set of rails.
The Pavilion 9820's major disappointment is its Polk Audio AMR90 sound system. The four satellite speakers and subwoofer certainly look like similar high-end audio systems from other well-known manufacturers, but the subwoofer produced scratchy, uneven tones, and the satellite speakers seemed to lack power and clarity. Note: The speakers arrived with the wrong driver installed, allowing the use of only two speakers. Though ample space is available for adding hardware, removing the tight-fitting case door will be an obstacle. According to PC World's most recent annual Reliability and Service survey, HP scored a Fair rating for its service and the reliability of its products.
Thanks to color-coded cables, clearly illustrated setup instructions, and a short but well-written manual, even novices should have no trouble setting up the system. The HP V70 monitor looked sharp; colors and fine detail were clear and rich at 1280 by 1024 resolution, although DVD movie playback was a bit dark, even after we adjusted brightness. A full-size USB keyboard sports seven Internet buttons, complete audio/CD controls with a handy volume knob, and two USB ports. Software includes Microsoft Office 2000 Small Business Edition.
This PC is a jack-of-all-trades, capable of pleasing families with multiple users or work-at-home types with real performance needs. Technophobes will like HP's user-friendly design.

Buying Information

HP Pavilion 9820 PC WorldBench 2000 score of 153, Pentium III-1000 CPU, 128MB of PC-133 SDRAM, 256KB L2 cache, Windows Me, 60GB hard drive, 16X DVD-ROM drive, 8X/4X/32X CD-RW drive, NVidia GeForce2 GTS graphics card with 32MB of DDR SDRAM, 17-inch HP V70 monitor, Creative Labs Sound Blaster Live CT4830 sound card, Polk Audio AMR90 speakers, V.90 modem, ethernet card, tower case, Microsoft Office 2000 Small Business Edition. One-year parts and labor warranty, 24-hour toll-call tech support. $ 1299 PC WorldBench 2000 score of 153, Pentium III-1000 CPU, 128MB of PC-133 SDRAM, 256KB L2 cache, Windows Me, 60GB hard drive, 16X DVD-ROM drive, 8X/4X/32X CD-RW drive, NVidia GeForce2 GTS graphics card with 32MB of DDR SDRAM, 17-inch HP V70 monitor, Creative Labs Sound Blaster Live CT4830 sound card, Polk Audio AMR90 speakers, V.90 modem, ethernet card, tower case, Microsoft Office 2000 Small Business Edition. One-year parts and labor warranty, 24-hour toll-call tech support. http://www.hp-at-home.com 800/752-0900