| Performance | 9 | |
| Setup and Ease of use | 8 | |
| Service and Support | 8 | |
| Features | 9 | |
| Design | 8 | |
| Overall | 8/10 | |
Most new desktop technologies make their debut on consumer systems, especially for gamers, and then trickle down to business PCs. But there are exceptions, and Hewlett Packard's Vectra vl800MT is one example. Designed for corporate power users, this 1.7GHz Pentium 4 PC offers the most horsepower money can buy--short of a workstation--for tackling high-end applications such as presentation development, financial modeling, and Web content creation. On paper, the vl800MT doesn't look that impressive. Sure it's got the fastest desktop processor out there, 256MB of PC800 RDRAM, and Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional. But it also has only a 40GB hard drive, an nVidia GeForce2 GTS card with just 32MB of DDR memory, no CD-RW drive (it does have CD-ROM and DVD drives), and no speakers--not the kind of specs you'd expect from a $4,000 system. However, this doesn't tell the whole story. The vl800MT is designed for one purpose only: performance on high-end business applications. And it delivers with excellent scores on tests that measure performance on both business and content creation applications. The one area where the vl800MT lagged was on gaming tests, but given its intended audience this shouldn't be any cause for concern. While you're speeding through work, you'll have no regrets spending long hours face-to-face with HP's P920 monitor. The highlight of this system, the nearly flat 19-inch display has a 0.24mm dot pitch. Aside from nominally sharper graphics, crisper looking text, and precise video display, the 0.24mm dot pitch means that the P920 can hit a resolution of 1,600 by 1,200 pixels and it will actually be usable. In fact, the P920 can reach a maximum of 1,920 by 1,440 at 70Hz (a non-VESA mode), but we found this setting a bit too cramped for our tastes. Whether on or under a desk, the vl800MT is one of the quietest systems out there, despite having three cooling fans. Credit that to HP's Ultraflow intelligent cooling system. It relies on information provided by thermal sensors to modulate the speed of the CPU and case fans for optimal cooling at minimal rpm. Network ergonomics are handled through a plethora of remote and local management and diagnostic tools. HP e-Diagtools is especially noteworthy. If the pre-boot diagnostics detect a fault, the system emits an audible signal. Unlike the IBM-style POST beeps, the vl800MT indicates the part that's failed, the serial number and model of the PC, and whether or not it's still under warranty. Even more interesting, according to HP, e-Diagtools beeps can be transmitted over the phone to a support provider. If e-Diagtools' Virtual Call Assistant is installed, that PC will pass the info to HP's e-support Web site which will diagnose the problem and offer a step-by-step solution. The 18 by 6.5 by 16.5 inch case is tool-free throughout but you'll rarely need to access the interior except to fill three empty drive bays or four vacant PCI slots. HP covers the vl800MT with a 3-year onsite parts and labor warranty with next business day response. A same-day contract, as well as additional service options, are also available. Free hardware phone support is provided 24/7 during the warranty period.
| |
Pros:
|
Cons:
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Lowdown: Based on Intel's 1.7GHz Pentium 4 processor, Hewlett Packard's Vectra vl800MT is designed for the business power user. What this system lacks in gaming and multimedia features, it more than makes up for with leading edge performance on high-end business applications combined with the stability and manageability you'd expect from a corporate PC. Born for business, the Vectra vl800 lets you supply your power users with the hardware they need without sacrificing corporate stability and manageability.
ConsumerLowdown Rating:
