HP Pavilion a6200n Budget Desktop PC

The Bottom Line
In terms of a budget desktop system, it is pretty hard to get something better than what the HP Pavilion a6200n offers. Sure, some might have more storage space, more memory or slightly faster processor, but for an all around desktop computer it is hard to top for the price.

Pros

* Strong AMD Dual Core Processor
* Two Full Gigabytes of Memory
* LightScribe Compatible Drive

Cons

* Lots of Trialware

Description

* AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ Dual Core Processor
* 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 360GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 16x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer With LightScribe
* NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE Integrated Graphics
* HDA 7.1 Audio
* v.92 56Kbps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet
* Six USB 2.0, Two FireWire, 15-in-1 Media Card Reader
* Vista Home Premium, MS Works 8, Roxio Creator, autoProducer, Norton Internet Security

Guide Review - HP Pavilion a6200n Budget Desktop PC

The HP Pavilion a6200n doesn't really set itself apart in any particular area, but what it does is provide a complete overall package that is above average in just about every aspect. This makes the system a strong overall choice for those looking for a system that can do just about anything without breaking the bank.

Powering the Pavilion a6200n is the AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ dual core processor. This is probably one of the highest rated Athlon processors found in this price segment and gives it very strong overall performance. This is matched up with two full gigabytes of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory that provides it with a a very smooth experience even with the Vista operating system.

Storage is a bit above what most budget desktops offer. The 360GB hard drive is slightly larger than the average 320GB size, but its not really much of a difference. It still will provide plenty of hard drive space for applications and digital media files. The dual layer DVD burner handles all the playback and recording tasks of CDs and DVDs. One plus is that the drive also supports burning labels directly to LightScribe compatible media.

One thing that HP didn't skimp on with the Pavilion a6200n is the peripheral ports. Many companies are now not including FireWire ports with desktops. This is a shame because this is the easiest way to move video from a digital camcorder to the PC for editing. Thankfully, HP has included two such ports with the system.

There is a bit of a downside to the Pavilion a6200n though. HP has preinstalled a large amount of trailware onto the system. This causes the desktop to be a mess of icons and slows down the system from lots of unnecessary applications. Just be sure to delete those that you don't need to get a small performance boost.