This is a lot of computer for about a thousand bucks. It's really the kind of performance you'd expect from a high end, $2000 range machine. I think that HP's merger with Compaq is starting to show some very positive results.

This machine is especially good for someone interested in multimedia, such as editing movies. However is has no weaknesses, so it would be good for just about any user who just needs a good computer.

What sets it apart:

1. It's got a lot of connections on the front of the machine that are handy for connecting a wide range of devices. Two USB connectors, which will work with just about any device now adays, a forewire connecor for some camcorders, headphone, microphone and audio inputs, and memory card slots for MMC/SD, Memory Stick, CF I/II, and Smart Media. The latter should work with just about any digital still camera.

2. HP has included their own system recovery software: in case something doesn't work right on your computer, this may help. This is the type of thing that more computer companies should have.

3. Decent internet security software. I think all computers should have a software firewall on them. This comes with Norton Firewall. A nice touch. Also, it's got Norton Anti-virus, but it's only a 60 day trial. You'll have to pay for updates after that. Manufactures should give you a year of coverage, but very few do.

Solid performance This is very well set up. You've got a DVD burner, handy for baking up tons of data or for saving movies on you've made on your camcorder on DVD. Also a CD-ROM drive. A Pentium 4 at 2.6 gigahertz is very respectable, and 512 MB of memory really is great if you're editing movies. The hard drive is very large at 120 GB.

Software This HP comes with Corel's office software (Word Perfect, Quattro Pro, etc.) This is better value than Microsoft Office, so it's a fine choice. Arc Soft Showbiz video editing software is fairly intuitive and nicely laid out. Quicken is included for home finances.

Minuses Nothing major. The styling could be a little better, but this is such a solid performer and such a good value that it's worth overlooking.

Overall, a very solid machine. Recommended.