For the Pavilion a300n Desktop, HP has obviously worked hard to keep the price down while at the same time maintaining reasonable performance. Driving the unit is a cost-effective Intel Celeron processor rated at 2.6 GHz and an adequate 256 MB of DDR SDRAM memory. The system's graphics controller, an integrated Intel Extreme chipset with just 32 MB of video memory, is certainly the weak link. Though you'll be just fine with 2D applications, you'll need to upgrade to a better chipset with external memory if you wish to play the latest games or engage in sophisticated 3-D graphics. Furthermore, power users who need a business workhorse would be far better of if they double the RAM memory or, better still, explore one of HP's more upscale systems.

Data handling tools include a smallish 40 GB hard drive, a convenient 3.5-inch diskette drive, and a CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive through which you can archive data to long-lasting digital media, play and burn audio CDs and enjoy the latest movies. DVD burning is not supported.