I have this PC setup as a Home File server. To do that I have installed Ubuntu 9.04 Linux in a dual boot configuration. It performs much better than XP because it consumes less resources.

The keyboard is smaller than the standard size, but it did not take long to get used to. Some of the keys are not registering strokes on the first attempt, especially if you type fast. It becomes an irritation when your password is rejected even though you entered the correct one. I am not sure if this is a fault with just my keyboard or if it is a design flaw. I am planning to talk to HP support and see if they can help.

I have reduced one star from the perfect score because of the keyboard issue otherwise this PC provides best value for the buck.

The only thing I wasn’t crazy about was the compact keyboard which didn’t have the right side numbers keypads. I just use my old keyboard instead. Other than that, you can’t beat this unit for the money and I highly recommend it’s purchase.

Basically, this is the type of computer specs we saw 5 or more years ago. This will never be able to run vista (or windows 7 when it comes out this fall), and there is nothing you can do to “upgrade” it to use those operating systems. You will simply have to purchase a new computer. Even educational programs (for children up through college) will not be able to run on this PC simply because it just can’t handle it. Microsoft will also be “sunsetting” windows xp now in the next year because of Windows 7 being released this October. If you were to continue to use Windows XP after microsoft does this, you will be opening your computer up to a ton of security problems. When microsoft stops supporting an operating system that means they will make no updates, and hackers will be able to find new flaws in XP and Microsoft simply will not fix them, instead urging you to upgrade to windows 7 where they will continue to maintain security releases for several years in the future.

I understand that for some baby boomers (or other people more accustomed to typewriters) may not think they require a powerful pc, and usually don’t. However, this computer is already so outdated and as web browsers continue to be updated and upgraded you are going to be left behind (such as Internet Explorer for windows or Mozilla Firefox). The web is now heading in to a turning point where it is no longer going to be text dominated. Text will be replaced in many places by video’s which again, will not be able to run on this computer, or that will be so slow, there will be no point.

While I understand during this economic climate the urge to spend as little as possible on things like a computer, but this just isn’t a good choice. You can find other computers that are also reasonably priced ($300.00 and up) that will be able to handle what is here now and what is coming in the next few years. I would sincerely recommend saving up another hundred to get yourself something that is going to last and can be upgradeable. If you are not savvy with a computer, ask a family, friend or neighbor to help you out. Anyone with even a slight understanding of how computers run will realize this one just isn’t going to last and it will be completely unusable in a year or even 2 years at the most.

While I agree that it is a nice small box, you can find other computers that are just as small for a slightly higher price, but then you will be able to upgrade when the time comes. With this computer, there will be no upgrade. You will simply have to dispose of it completely so you can purchase a new one. Save your money folks, speak with a family member or anyone else that you know that has a good knowledge of computers and let them help you find something.

I hope this is helpful, and I’m not trying to bash on any previous reviews or compac in general. But, I just don’t understand why a computer maker would make a computer that is already considered extremely obsolete, and not be upgradeable.