The Bottom Line
- Wide Range of Customization
- Good Software Package
- Dedicated Graphics Processor
- Wireless Networking Via External Device
- Limited Upgradability
- Larger Than Mini PCs
- Vista Aero Interface Could User Graphics Upgrade
Description
- Intel Core Duo T2350 Dual Core Mobile Processor
- 1GB PC2-4200 DDR2 Memory
- 250GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
- HP 16x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner With LightScribe
- NVIDIA GeForce 7300LE With 64MB Memory
- Intel HDA Audio
- External USB 802.11b/g Wireless
- Eight USB 2.9 Ports, One FireWire Port and 9-in-1 Card Reader
- 9.8" x 4.4" x 13.2"
- Windows Vista Home Premium, MS Works 8 and Norton Internet Security
Guide Review - HP Pavilion s7700y Slimline
2/25/07 – After Microsoft's release of the Vista operating system, HP began updating a number of their product lines including their Slimline Pavilions. The new s7700y essentially adds this as the only major difference between it an the older s7600y model. There are a few other changes to the options, but for the most part it is the same system.
The Slimline design from HP is smaller than many of the cube style small form factor systems, but larger than the mini PCs from companies such as Apple and Shuttle. This gives it a bit more room to fit in a few desktop components, but for the most part it still relies on notebook components to achieve its small dimensions.
The heart of the Pavilion s7700y is the Intel Core Duo mobile processor. The recommended model comes with the 32-bit T2350 model. This is nice, but it would be nice to see HP use more of the 64-bit models of the Core 2 Duo mobile processors to take advantage of the 64-bit version of Vista.
While the core of the system relies on mobile parts, the storage relies upon desktop components, thus its larger size than the MiniPCs. A 250GB hard drive is standard with the system with the option for a larger 400GB model. It also comes with a 16x speed DVD burner that supports dual layer and LightScribe media.
One area that HP made a mistake was with the networking. They offer 802.11 wireless networking support with the s7700, but only through external USB network devices. This is really something that should be integrated into the case similar to what Apple and others already do.
