Desktop PCs

Heavy weight towering desktops are now a thing of the past. Gone are the days when owning a desktop meant a large fat tower crowding your office desk or home. Nowadays, the market is flooded with slim desktops with sleek design and slender looks.  Lenovo H330 is one such slim desktop which caters to all your home and office needs. It’s a budget laptop and is priced very moderately. Less price means less features but it is more than sufficient for casual web surfing and mild multimedia use. It’s an advancement from its predecessor; the H320 model. Equipped with Intel’s second generation processors, these desktops work fast and manage your tasks easily. We have reviewed Lenovo H330 desktop with Intel’s Second generation Dual Core i3-2120 processor and 4 GB RAM. When buying the system from Lenovo’s Website, you have an array of options to configure your desktop according to your needs. Of course choosing additional features would cost you extra. For details about this machine, read the complete review here.

DESIGN:

Appearance:

Lenovo has developed the Essential H series desktops for normal household and office use. It can be used by the kids for doing homework, playing video games. The grown-ups can surf the web, watch a movie, listen to music and even do basic office works like word processing, etc. It hardly takes up any space. The tower is slim and can be laid down horizontally or made to stand up vertically. It is built from a strong plastic and has a shining black finish on the front casing with orange accents to enhance its looks. A silverstrip runs on the front and sports a shiny silver sticker bearing the company’s name. Lenovo is also engraved on the right flap which can be unscrewed with a lot of hard work. There is nothing too attractive about this product except that it’s lighter than other desktops available in the market. Its dimensions are 3.9 x 15.7 x 11.5 inches when measured in the order- Width, depth and height (WDH). Weighing a mere 15 lbs., it’s a light weight desktop. The product does not come with a monitor and one has to buy an external screen to connect it with.

Keyboard:

The Lenovo H330 desktop computer comes with a standard wired keyboard which is PS/2 and can be connected to one of the two PS/2 slots available in the black. The keyboard is pretty average. Built in black plastic and grey outlines, it has flat, regular shaped keys. Typing is pretty comfortable with this keyboard. The keys might feel a little too soft. There is a separate numeric keypad as is found in standard keyboards. The arrow keys are adequately sized and are placed in an inverted T manner. There is an orange lit wide button which is used to access Lenovo Voltage Technology. It’s Lenovo’s own suite of tools and utilities. There are a total of 104 keys out of which 12 are functional keys.

Mouse:

H330 comes with a wired typical mouse for easy use. It is an optical mouse and can be connected to any of the USB ports of the desktop. Lenovo could have included a wireless mouse for easier and hassle free access but for a price low as this, you can’t really complain. The mouse is lightweight and has two separate buttons for clicking. The scroll wheel is orange in control. The buttons produce a slightflex when pressed.

Ports and Slots:

You can collect a range of devices with this desktop; thanks to the ports and slots provided. There are a total of 6 USB ports; all of which are 2.0. We could have complained that there is no USB 3.0 or SATA port but since it’s a budget laptop, one has to make do with limited features. The front of the tower sports two USB 2.0 ports, headphone jack and a microphone jack. There is a Blu-Ray disc player in the name of optical drive and you can play your High Definition movies for a theatre like experience at home. A multi format card reader recognizes up to 8 digital formats like CompactFlash Card type I, Microdrive, SDHC, Memory Stick PRO, CompactFlash Card type II, MMC and SD. The rest of the four additional USB ports are present in the back. Since the mouse is USB wired, one of the USB ports always remains occupied. The same goes for the PS/2 wired mouse which is always connected with one of the two PS/2 ports. There is an HDMI and VGA port for connecting an external monitor with the desktop. LAN connections can be accessed by the 10/100/1000 RJ-45 Ethernet port. Wi-Fi connectivity is offered by IEEE 802.11 b/g/n though this is optional and is not present in all the models. We advise you check once with the retailer before purchasing whether your model has Wi-Fi connectivity or not. There is no FireWire or Thunderbolt port because that would have meant additional expense and this is specifically a budget desktop.

Sound:

Lenovo boats of a 5.1 channel digital surround sound support integrated in this desktop. Though there are no speakers included in the package, plugging in your compact stereo speakers produces a crisp and clear sound.

FEATURES:

Processor:

The Lenovo Essential H330 desktop allows you to build your system with Intel’s range of Second Generation processors; namely i3,i5 and i7 processors. We write here about the H330 model which runs on the second lowest specification amongst the available options for configuration: i3-2120 processor. The lowest level processor is i3-2100. It offers average performance for day to day tasks. The processor clocks at 2.2 GHz. With the help of Intel’s Turbo Boost 2.0 technology, the CPU accelerates up to 3.3 GHz. This is a tremendous speed for a desktop of this level and multitasking is made real easy. A 4 MB of smart L3 cache helps in faster and smoother data transfer and data access. If you are not specified by this, you can go for the more powerful i5 processor or even more; the fastest available processors by Intel- i7.

Memory:

A 4GB RAM keeps this desktop running. It is sufficient enough primary memory to manage the temporary applications and volatile data. The maximum upgrade for the RAM is 8GB but since it isn’t a desktop that can run processor intensive tasks, there is no surreal need for this upgradation. For storage space, there is a spacious 500 GB hard drive. It can store tons of multimedia files and documents. Though you would expect slower transfer rates from this budget conscious machine, Lenovo has included a faster HDD which runs at 7200 revolutions per minute (rpm). If you like to store the whole world in your computer you can go for higher upgrades to 750 GB or 1 TB from the options available at Lenovo’s website.

Graphics:

This isn’t a desktop meant for graphic intensive applications. There is no dedicated graphic card included. One has to make do with the integrated graphics that are built-in on the CPU- Intel HD Integrated 2000 Graphics. It was a smart move by Intel to build a GPU onto the processor combining CPU and graphics together. These processors are called Sandy Bridge line of processors. But one drawback is that Lenovo has used the lower end integrated graphics. The Intel HD also comes in two more specifications- 3000 and 3500; both having higher graphic capabilities. Nonetheless, it performs average performance. You will be disappointed if you are a heavy gaming enthusiast. A few light games can be however enjoyed. If you are planning to do some serious video editing on this desktop then we recommend you configure a dedicated graphic chipset.

Operating System:

Lenovo H330 runs on Windows 7 Home Premium operating system. It’s one of the fastest available operating systems available in the market. Coming from Microsoft’s hood, it has state of the art utilities and tools to manage your system in the finest way. All the latest software and hardware is supported by this OS. It runs 64 bit computing.

Software:

There is little software pre-installed on this desktop which isn’t really a bad thing considering most of those software are unnecessary and people tend to uninstall them as they just occupy space. Lenovo has included only a few, majorities among which are its own applications developed to provide utilities and tools to manage your computer well. There is limited functionality version of Microsoft Office 2010 Starter. One can purchase the complete version from the market which has all features. There is 60 days free subscription of McAffee Virus Scan Plus which protects your system from Internet threats like viruses, Trojans, etc. CyberLink PowerDVD helps you to burn, rip, read and recover discs using your desktop. Lenovo OneKey recovery software provides recovery of your system. Along with this is the Windows custom suite; Windows Live Essentials which contains utilities and tools for managing your system well. It has applications for E-mail, photo storage, movies, music, etc.

Performance:

Lenovo Essential H330 isn’t the most powerful desktop on the face of earth but than for such little price it isn’t that bad either. The desktop performance is above average for day to day tasks like casual web surfing or occasional word processing. Intel’s i3 processor does a good job in running this computer at decent pace. The RAM is also sufficient. If you do not intend to do intensive video editing or play 3D games, the graphics would suffice your needs. Turbo Boost does a good job with increasing the processor speed and the system doesn’t slow down much, provided you don’t use it too roughly. The fan produces slight noise when the processor is run intensively. When idle, the fan doesn’t make much noise. However if you keep the system running for longer durations, you will hear the slight murmuring sound of the fan in the background constantly. It’s not a powerhouse when comes to performance but is caters well to your house and office needs. Inclusion of Blu-Ray drive was a smart move by the designers of this system.

Warranty:

The desktop comes with a one year limited hardware warranty on service and support.

Verdict:

If you are looking for a budget friendly computer that has to be used for light office and household needs and doesn’t occupy too much space, then Lenovo Essential H330 is the perfect system for you. It’s lightweight and is really slender in looks. It has medium specifications and an average performance. But it is moderately priced and does well for a person’s basic needs.

Lenovo Essential H330 Desktop Computer – Technical Specification Table

Packard Bell has introduced a new range of desktop PCs. This particular all-in-one machine called oneTwo is a venture into home PCs by Packard Bell. It’s beyond understanding why this particular model has been named oneTwo as if it were a machine undergoing testing. Nonetheless, it’s a great model and is a good value or money if you are looking for a computer cum television for your living room. With a built-in Freeview TV-tuner card and HDMI-in port it serves all your entertainment needs along with providing working functionalities. Packard Bell provides touchscreen functionality for this desktop which is quite resistive as is in all desktops with this feature. The plus point here is that it comes with an integrated processor and there is no additional cabinet box which makes the computer less bulky and portable. There are two models available in this series; one is the L model which is 23 inches in size and costs 100 pounds more than its sibling M model which is 21.5 inches. We have reviewed the model Packard Bell oneTwo M D6020 Desktop PC here.

Design

Display:

The M-model comes with a 21.5 inch screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It is not as bright as its other counterpart all-in-one systems. However the colours are handled very well. Touchscreen functionality has been provided by Packard Bell albeit it’s not a pleasant one. Similar to any other desktop PCs, this feature isn’t quite impressive. The touchscreen is resistive and is not very accurate. Tapping on icons and buttons is awkward and you have to make a firm contact with the screen for it to register your touch. You will soon find yourself using the keyboard and mouse that comes along with the desktop. The touch panel has a 1000:1 contrast ratio.

Appearance:

Packard Bell oneTwo M D6020UK Desktop PC boasts of an integrated 1.3MP camera located at the top-middle part of the screen which provides an average picture quality. It is pre-configured for Cyberlink YouCam. An all-black body with a junky silver bar at the bottom gives oneTwo decent looks. There is a Packard logo on the right side of the silver bar which glows when the machine is turned on and provides a smart look to the otherwise not so good looking machine. Packard bell claim it’s the slimmest ever all-in-one system with a width of 56mm. It is supported by a stiff rear stand which is adjustable so there is no risk of it falling down. The screen can be tilted by almost 20 degrees. The stand and the bottom bar make it bulkier than it should be. The boxed weight is 12 kg.

Peripherals:

Packard bell oneTwo M D6020 All-in-One PC comes with a wireless keyboard and mouse which is quite handy given its poor touchscreen feature. The keyboard is of USB RF 27MHz 0420 MULTIMEDIA type. The keys are well spaced and are of Chiclet style. The buttons are firm. The mouse is also not impressive. It’s light and has a plasticky feel to it. The bottom-line is the peripherals are quite nasty and cheap.

Ports and Slots:

Packard Bell oneTwo M D6020 Desktop Computer aims at being a multimedia PC and hence provides various ports and slots for connectivity. A DVD drive, two USB 3.0 ports and a 5 in 1 Multimedia card reader (xD,SD,SD HC,MS,MS pro,MMC) are present at the sides. A headphone and a microphone jack have been provided at the back of the PC along with 4 additional USB 2.0 ports. 2 USB 3.0 ports are provided at the sides. An Ethernet port provides LAN connectivity and Wi-Fi connectivity can also be used. There is no Bluetooth however. The Usp of this desktop is the aerial socket for TV connection provided at the back and an HDMI-in port which can be connected to a gaming console. It requires no extra installation and comes with a handy button at the side which gives you an option of switching between inputs. This feature will appeal to the students who are looking for a computer as well as a TV for their flats.

TV Tuner:

One of the most appealing features about this all-in-one is its in-built Freeview certified TV tuner. An aerial socket is provided at the back of the system which can be plugged in with a connection lead for setting up the TV. However it is not as simple as it looks. One has to go deep levels into the Windows Media Centre which hosts a guide detailing the available channels. A remote control is provided and you can surf channels sitting on your couch.

FEATURES

Processor:

Intel Dual Core i3 2120 processor works at the back end of this desktop. With a 3M cache and a clocking speed of 3.3 GHz, the processor provides a great performance. There are 4 threads and a Bus/Core ratio of 33 along with a 64-bit instruction set. The Intel chip is of Sandy Bridge Architecture which aims at maximizing per core performance and efficiency.

Memory:

Packard Bell has tried to cut down the cost by including a DDR2 3 GB of RAM. It enhances multi-tasking and usability although a 4 GB RAM would have provided better graphic styles. They have made up for the shortcoming by integrating a 1 TB of hard disk. So there is plenty of space for the user to store vast number of multimedia files and documents. The SATA HDD rotates at 7200 resolutions per minute (rpm) and runs at moderate power consumption.

Graphics:

This oneTwo model falls short when it comes to graphics. There is no dedicated graphics card and an integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M of size 512 MB is suitable only for light gaming. High definition videos however look bright and colourful. Don’t go for this desktop if you are expecting for a heavy gaming experience.

Speakers:

Packard Bell has provided a decent sound system in this desktop. A pair of 2.5 watts stereo speakers is provided at the bottom. The bass levels are weak and will not be the ideal sound system for a party. However it caters fairly well to your entertainment needs and is suitable for playing games and watching movies in your living room.

Operating System:

The Packard Bell oneTwo M model comes with a Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium Operating System. The instruction set is 64-bit. Windows 7 is a more focused incremental upgrade to its predecessors. It provides improved performance on multi core processors and provides good performance for the dual core processor integrated in OneTwo.

Software:

Packard Bell provides a host of software in this oneTwo model. It comes with a Microsoft Works SE 9 along with a 3 months trial of Office 2007. A full version of Adobe Photoshop Element 7 allows users to view, edit and enhance pictures. Nero 9 Essentials burning engine lets you burn data and analyse media and drives for HD readiness. For security purposes a 60 days free subscription of Norton Internet Security 2010 is provided. It helps the user to protect their personal information and data from viruses. It also protects your desktop from various online threats. Microsoft Internet Explorer comes with preloaded internet contents. A smaller version of Outlook Express is apt for sending and receiving e-mails using Windows Mail. A virtual Earth Mapping application is provided along with full gesture control. A number of other games and applets are included as well.

Performance:

An Intel Dual Core i3 2120 processor clocking at a speed of 3.3 GHz coupled with a 3MB of RAM provides an above average performance. The response time is around 5ms. Windows 7 boots up without any difficulty. High-Definition videos work fairly well and streaming of videos from browsers is done at a decent speed. Adobe Photoshop Elements however shows a below average performance as it boots slowly and takes time to apply changes.

Warranty:

Packard Bell oneTwo M D6020 model comes with a standard one year warranty.

Verdict:

Everything about this machine screams out one word- Average. Average looks, average performance;it’s definitely not an all-in-one for your house. The touch screen is poor and looks are not so stylish. Screen size is though fairly good and performance is decent. Its only features that appealed to us were the HDMI-in port and a built-in TV tuner. It might find a place in a student flat but is not advisable to bring into your household.

Packard Bell one Two M D6020 Desktop PC – Technical Specification Table

HP has always been a success when it comes to all-in-one touchscreen PC, and particularly, the TouchSmart series. However, in the recent days, the coveted all-in-one chunk of the industry has been bitten by Apple’s iMac. This being the climate, the rivals such as HP and Sony sit there just hoping that Windows 8’s touch focussed overhaul will offer a big boost to its fame when it is introduced in the latter half of the year. Meanwhile, HP seems to be determined to give its touch module of the PC.

Display:

The TouchSmart 520 sports quite a glossy 23” panel of resolution 1920×1080 pixels. It is one of the most responsive and accurate touch screens we have ever used. It has the clean and sharp look the most modern touchscreen PCs demand for, however, it lacks that vibrant look its rivals Apple and Sony have. The black levels are not terrible but they are noticeably weaker than others.

Ports and Slots:

The AVerMedis DVB-T TV tuner is a welcome addition as it does have some living-room versatility. There are two USB3.0 ports available on the left side of the chassis which lets you stay connected to the latest lightning speed EHDs. Alternatively, you also get four USB2.0 ports in the rear. There is also a card reader which allows the users to put their images on the big display.

MagicCanvas:

The HP TouchSmart 520 Desktop PC comes with the latest front end that seems to have got influenced by tablets. Being called as MagicCanvas, it has the familiar set-up of icons from the centre to the bottom of the 23” display. These displays have the common touch display all-in-one bells, graphics and whistles. You also get all the desktop shortcuts and files for tap opening the Magic Canvas. The screen has a wide range of quite familiar video and music playback options along with an images organiser. It even has a touch-optimised twitter and Facebook clients. The best part about the Magic Canvas is that, they are just perfect and never slow down or stutter anywhere. However, we were not happy campers when we found that there were none of the apps that we would have loved to have seen in the all-in-one PCs, even Netflix streaming other media services. Though we cannot completely point the hands at HP, we still liked Sony’s touch software that sports both webcam-based gestures and touch media controls.

Entertainer:

HP TouchSmart 520 scores high points as an all round entertainer. Sporting a blu-ray drive, media centre and TV tuner, all included. With an external power brick, you can rest assured there will barely be a whisper coming from the machine.

Hardware:

Moving on to the insides, the HP Touchsmart 520 has the Core i3-2120, which is low on the Intel’s CPU roster. However, being paired with the Hyper-Threaded 3.3GHz core makes sure that it just has the kind of power that is required to cope with everyday applications. Its benchmark results were also quite reasonable. You get a 4GB RAM, a 1.5TB hard disk drive and a bonus DVD writer too.

Gaming:

The budget is not too great as far as gaming is concerned, the graphics is provided by Intel’s HD 2000, which is the less powerful of the 2 inbuilt graphics chips. There is nothing threatening however, when considering that the play back of HD media is quite smooth. If you are adamant of playing games on the TouchSmart 520, you have to be content with the less graphics demanders and some of the older classics.

Audio:

On the audio side of the things, HP has provided Beats Audio speakers giving an acoustic boost, and it really seems to work. The speakers offer some good range of bass, which fortunately does not overpower the rest. The audio is of very good clarity and all of it produces some good volume too. The middle range sound was a little muddy and squeezed, but this is a very mild complaint, and it will not stop you from feeling that you are listening to some very good music. Overall, the audio is just perfect for small lounges and bedrooms.

Efficiency:

The HP TouchSmart 520 is very power efficient too, as it just eats up 49W when idle, and rises t0 82W only when some heavy graphics is on. This is not bad whatsoever, when the size of the machine is considered.

Warranty:

HP TouchSmart 520 comes with one year pickup and return warranty for parts and labour. You will get 3 years extended warranty on request.

Verdict:

HP TouchSmart 520 Desktop PC is not the smartest or the fastest in the market, and does not have the much anticipated dedicated touch software either, that is actually handy for a desktop. The positives include some well designed software that is quite responsive with excellent display quality and a good speaker. Certainly, you will find a better and complete design from Sony and Apple if you have the kind of budget, but if you are on a smaller budget, the HP TouchSmart is a great choice.

HP TouchSmart 520 Desktop PC – Technical Specification Table

Dell has stood firmly by its motto to listen, learn and deliver . There is no denial regarding their deliverance especially when we come across their Inspiron series. The Inspiron desktop series that are truly designed for everyday computing have got a hottie into their family,  Dell Inspiron 620s Desktop PC. This desktop computer has got a refined design that encloses some fine enginery. This device will not burn a hole in your wallet and makes a perfect device for both home users as well as office users, (though specifically built for the former). Nowadays when desktops are being replaced by laptops, this powerful tower shows what it is to have a desktop! Let us a take Bon Voyage through its specifications and details.

Categories

Inspiron 620 PC comes in two different type of chassis. Users who are not bothered about space saving segment can opt for the mini tower model and geeks who want to squeeze lots of stuff in their PC table can go for the slim tower- Inspiron 620s (slim) Desktop PC. As for as the colour of the PC, black adorers have their wish granted and it does not  end with this; Dell offers  this desktop in four vibrant shades- solid white, peacock blue, Formosa red and deep purple. Go on and choose a colour that oozes your sense of style.

Design

Eye catchy, sleek design and an elite build make a superb combination in this desktop. The tower comprises of a black body with a silver framework. This black armored console goes along a width of 4.2″ so that you need not cram it into your table. Other measurements of this personal computer are its 14.9 inches height and 17.01 inches depth. Users are provided with an option to place the device in a horizontal position as well as in the vertical position according to the nature of the space available. The user has no need to worry about the heat build up at any of the positions Dell’s engineers have dealt with the problem by designing vents on both horizontal and vertical axis. The slim tower weighs about 7.3 kg in weight. This space saving tower has got flip panels that enclose an optical drive, a multi card reader slot, 2 USB slots, a microphone and a headphone jack.

Processor

Every desktop posses a brain and higher the brain’s clockspeed and the core formula, the higher the performance, you receive. Dell has designed this desktop for a faster world so that users manage to get organized within few strokes of the clock. This desktop comes integrated with a latest Intel product Intel Core i3-2100 Processor. Though this is a preliminary level in the core-i series of Intel, smart computing is assured with its 3.10 GHz clockspeed and 3GB  memory. Only Inspiron 620s features this i3 second generation processor, while all other desktops in this series posse’s i5 processor, which features the Turbo Boost Technology that dramatically boosts the processing, speed. Higher end multitasking and editing of high definition videos would have been easier and perfect, if Dell Inspiron 620s Desktop PC had come with a i5 processor.

Operating System in Inspiron 620s

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium OS is recommended for  this Dell Inspiron PC, primarily targeting the entertainment segment. While, Windows 7 OS is well known for its simplification of the computing experience, the Home Premium edition enriches home usage such as movies, photos and video sharing.

Memory

Dell Inspiron 620s Intel Core i3-2120M Desktop encounters graphics and other entertainment segments through its 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM that can be upgraded up to 6GB.

Optical Drive

This segment, particularly is not satisfactory in this slim tower compared with the other models of the 620 group. Slim tower sports an ordinary DVD player much to the disappointment, whilst the mini towers sport a Blu-ray drive to spice up fun.

Hard Drive

The 1TB capacity of hard drive of the Dell Inspiron 620s Desktop Computer provides you a peace of mind as it takes complete control over the storage of your data and files without setting much limitation. This 7200rpm SATA drive delivers a promising performance, with much ease.

Video Card and Sound card

AMD Radeon™ HD 6450 graphics card of 750 MHz engine clock, inserted inside this tower has got a 1GB memory.  The AMD App Acceleration feature of this video card fasten ups video encoding so that you don’t have to sit glaring at the monitor for a long time. Though this card supports 3D viewing and exercises some true power management, sophisticated graphics does not go well with this Inspiron 620. The 5.1 high definition sound card integrated inside the chassis complies with a perfect home entertainment criteria.

Ports

This Inspiron 620s personal computer comes with a myriad of ports. On the front side of this desktop, there are 2 USB 2.0 slots( it would have been much better if USB 2.0 was replaced by 3.0),  a headphone & microphone jack and 8:1 media card reader. The rear side of the tower sports audio jacks for 5.1 high definition audio support, 6 USB 2.0 slots, a VGA and an HDMI port. This slim tower is built with 8-in-1 media card reader that can support MS Pro, SD,XD, Micro SD Card, MS, MMC and MMC plus.

Software Bundle

Dell Inspiron 620 PC comes with the essential software package for a hassle free computing. The bundle includes Dell Data Safe Local Backup, Dell Support Centre ,Dell Sync up, Nero Control Centre, McAfee Security Centre, Roxio Creator Starter Edition, Skype,  Zinio Reader 4, Microsoft Office Starter (2010), CyberLink Power DVD, Wild Tangent games applications. Dell offers McAfee Security Centre in this PC for 15 month subscription, and its support centre offers PC check up. The Sync up software of this desktop supports sharing of files through Local Area Network.

Upgradability

Upgradability will not work well with this desktop, though you can go for up gradation in the hard drives and also the graphics card segment for improving the graphical performance level  after considering the compactness of the tower.

Dell Inspiron 620s Desktop PC – Technical Specification Table

Known as a brilliant innovator, Apple is technically the largest producer of computers in the United States and also in many other parts of the world. Right from the start, Apple has been up right there on the top when it comes to production, sales, customer satisfaction, design, features, performance, and design. It has been producing world beating products and is also an inspiration to several other manufacturing companies. Out of all of its worldwide hits, the Apple Mac stands out as the best, since it has provided a platform for innovation in the field of computer hardware. Since the advent of the Mac, every other desktop computer has been compared to it in each and every aspect. And that is how imposing, in the minds of everyone, the Mac is. The Apple Pro is a recent development of the original Mac version and has got the better off its very successful predecessor. Though it was such a daunting task, Apple has managed to bring out a model that bettered the Mac. And now today, we have an even better version of the Mac pro, which comes with a 12 core multiprocessor, the very first of its kind in the history of personal computers. Let us dive into the details of the Mac Pro 12 core, the very luring desktop computer from Apple.

Design:

Apple is known for its wondrous designs, which it somehow manages to do to all its electronic goods. These designs from Apple always stand out as the best. The Mac Pro 12 core comes with a very impressive tower, which has got a shape that only Apple can manage to design. Weighing about 41.2 pounds (18.7 kg), the tower measures about 20.1 x 8.1 x 18.7 inches (H x W x D). Apart from being an imposing figure on your desk, this Mac Pro tower also suits almost any kind of environment since it does not come in basic colours, but silver. Silver suits almost all backgrounds and it also adds a very rich look to your desk. Hence, the Mac Pro is always something you are proud of having.  The rest if the design is as usual, a trademark of Apple desktop PCs. You have two FireWire 800 ports and two USB ports on the front panel and the rest of the ports and connectivity options feature on the rear side of the tower. Anyways, this Mac Pro has got everything in it that will make you stand and wonder in awe.

Features:

Apple is known as the king of features and no wonder there are quite a lot of features on the Mac Pro. This one aspect called Features is the only difference between Apple and the other top producers of computer around the world. Apple not only provides scores of features, but makes them innovative and also at the same time, user friendly too. More and more features are listed each and every time a new computer from Apple is release and that is the reason why its products still have such a great following, given the high price tag of its products in comparison with similar products elsewhere. Speaking of innovative features, let us see what’s in store for us when it comes to features of the Mac Pro and also see whether or not they live up to our expectations.

Processor:

Speed is the order of the day and people are looking for speed everywhere. Response time is slowly becoming a prime factor in deciding the performance of a computer. Quit worrying about speed when it comes to the Mac Pro, as it is going to sport a 12 core processor, which is referred to as one of the best as well as the fastest processor in the world today. And to add to that, the all new Hyper threading technology can enhance the virtual cores to as many as 16, and hence there is no way stopping your Mac Pro from going at great knots. Some of the interesting features regarding this processor are: It comes with as many as two 2.4GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon E5620 ‘Westmere’ processors, which are specially made to boost up the performance levels of your computer, a fully shared L3 cache of 12 Mega bytes per each processor, special boosting by Turbo Boost which increases the dynamic performance up to 2.66GHz, and last but not the least, the Hyper-Threading technology, which was mentioned earlier. Then there is the advanced Intel micro architecture which features an integrated memory controller which maintains and controls your system’s memory, a 128 bit SSE4 SIMD engine, 64 bit data paths and registers which are optimized for energy efficiency, which can save you power while still being efficient. All these features combined give you a solid processing performance and your system will very seldom experience problems so you can stay happier than ever.

Operating System:

The Mac Pro comes with a new and revamped Mac OS X which comes with some of the advanced features that are specially designed to meet the requirements of the new architecture of the Mac Pro. The Mac OS X is built on a rock solid platform of UNIX and it also delivers a full 64 bit performance that lets you utilize your computer to the core, and to the best of its abilities. It also features a few tools which are industry developed and aimed at providing great serviceability to the users. Let us elaborate a bit on the two most important features of the operating system. The UNIX based platform means that you have a pretty solid infrastructure, which makes your operating system very stable, unlike some other operating systems which keep crashing quite often. And your software programs work like magic and never bother you with virus or crashes. And then regarding the 64 bit thing, it is a powerful engine that drives your system with speed and accuracy. The full potential of your system can be revealed when you use a 64 bit operating system. And since the Mac 64 bit compliant supports the 32 bit programs too, you do not need to purchase new drivers in case you need to confront the 32 bit programs. All these are hence aimed at benefiting the users so that you will not have to face issues.

Storage and RAID:

The Apple Mac Pro 12 Core Desktop PC features as many as four 3.5-inch drive bays which contribute towards a humongous amount of internal storage, which can go up to 8TB. You can add four 2 TB drives for this, which is a simple process and you need no technician for this. Apple has made its computer so user friendly that there is no more confusing circuit. There are only slots which you need to fill with the drives of your choice. Either you can choose four 2 TB drives, or you can go with four 512 GB drives. Now that gives you enormous space for your files, and you can be extravagant when it comes to storing of files. Now, the Mac Pro’s drives also come with a special mechanism, called the solid state mechanism. These drives are known as solid state drives or SSDs. They have twice the spindle speeds of normal Hard disk drives, and they are also more secure, and hence your data is not that easily lost. These SSDs are known for their fast encoding, faster reading and writing speeds, and more efficient. You are also provided with a super fast 18x Super drive, which can read and write disks at alarming paces. You also have the option to install a second optional Super Drive. This helps you when you need to back up your data, on two different drives simultaneously, at a great speed. You can burn images to files quickly, copy paste files on to your desktop, and do a lot of other crazy stuff within the blink of an eye.

Graphics:

For those of you who had very bitter experiences while playing high end games with real time graphics on normal computers, the Mac Pro is a big boon from Apple. Sporting a 1GB ATI Radeon HD 5770/5870 Graphics card which boosts up your graphics and your games and videos run at rocket speed. On an average, this card is 5 times as faster when compared to other graphics cards from notable makers, and this really is great news for all those Gaming freaks and movie lovers. From now on, your movies and games will run more than just smoothly and there will not be cases where you see frame lags or VSync problems. While Double-wide, 16-lane PCI Express 2.0 graphics slot is already filled with one graphic card, there is also an option for you to install two ATI Radeon HD 5770 cards. There is also support for as many as six displays, and for image resolutions up to 2560 by 1600 pixels. All these numbers mean that you have finally got a permanent solution to your graphics woes and hence you can sit back and relax while your Mac Pro unveils its full potency.

Memory:

Memory is also one of the most important features of a computer and it will also be a deciding factor when it comes to choosing between different computers. Coming to the Mac Pro, you have got two types of memory to choose from, and you can choose between a dual processor system or a single processor system. The dual processor system has a 2.4 GHz system which has a 1066 MHz DDR3 ECC SD RAM. There are eight memory slots, four per each processor, supporting up to 64GB of RAM, using 1GB or 2GB or 4 GB or 8 GB RAM slots. When it comes to single processor systems, there is a choice between 2.8 GHz and 3.2 GHz processing systems with 1066 MHz DDR3 ECC SD RAM. There are four memory slots similar to that of a dual processor system, which can add up to a memory space of 32 GB. Hence, depending upon how much of memory you will need from your computer, you can choose between the different combinations. Of course, even if you a select a single processing system when purchasing, you can add to those memory slots in the future.

Communications:

Apple has always been ahead of all its competitors regarding communication features on its computers. To start with, there are two independent RJ-45 Base-T Ethernet interfaces (10/100/1000), which help you connect to the internet or you can also transfer files between two different computers simultaneously. Though you can get connected to the internet using the Ethernet cable, there is always a wireless option with Mac computers. The Mac Pro comes with a Built in Airport Extreme 802.11 n Wi-Fi wireless networking. This feature is compatible with IEEE 802.11 a / b / g. Hence you can surf the web without the involvement of wires at all. This new format of Wi-Fi, the 802.11 n is a revamped mechanism that allows you to connect to weak signals easily and also the connection is secure. Your connections are also safe for longer intervals of time and you do not experience frequent network problems. Last but not least, the Mac Pro features a newer version of Bluetooth, called Bluetooth 2.1, which enables secure Bluetooth connections between your Mac and the other computers. This means that the searching of devices is faster than normal and the files are sent at a more rapid pace. A new technology, known as the Enhanced Date Rate technology, is also used here, and this is responsible for the high speed data transfer. Hence the Mac Pro is always on its toes when it comes to communications.

Ports and Connectivity:

As we have already seen under Design, the Mac Pro certainly has a great deal of ports and connectivity options. While on the front panel of the tower, there are two USB 2.0 ports and 2 FireWire 800 ports, there are two FireWire ports and there USB 2.0 ports again on the rear panel. And an interesting feature here is that the keyboard comes with two USB slots, which is a bit of a surprise. The other connectivity options seen on the Mac Pro are: Analog stereo line-level input and output mini jacks, Front-panel headphone mini jack and internal speaker,  a Multichannel audio through a Mini Display Port and Optical digital audio input and output TOSLINK ports. These ports help you in connecting your computer to other electronic devices, sync with them and share data at a very fast pace. Clearly, there are more ports on the Apple Mac Pro 12 than there are on any other desktop computer today. Apple scores over its counterparts in this aspect.

In The Box:

Have you started wondering what all you get in the complete package given by Apple? Well, here is what all you receive in the package: Mac Pro, a power cord, a keyboard that includes a numeric keypad, the magic mouse which is a trademark design of Apple, USB keyboard extension cable that lets you connect the keyboard to the Mac Pro, Printed and electronic documentation authorized by Apple, and last but not least, install and restore disks which will be useful when you need to restore your back up files or when you need to re install the Mac OS X again.

Software:

Lots of software is provided along with the Mac Pro so that you do not need to buy software packages separately from the stores. The list of software items provided are: iTunes, Time Machine, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, QuickTime, iCal, Safari, Address Book, Front Row, and Xcode Developer Tools. Along with these primary software packs, Apple also provides you with the all new iLife Package, which consists of iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, and GarageBand. All these are related to fun and entertainment. You can also download some extra software or features if at all you think these are not enough.

Environment Status Report:

The computers from Apple conform to the Environmental protection laws and so does the Mac Pro. Mac pro has of late received an Environment status certificate which states that the desktop computer is BVR free, PVC free, and is also reported to have a highly recyclable aluminium enclosure, which obviously does a world of good to the surroundings, instead of polluting them in return. The Mac Pro also meets stiff conditions like Energy Start 5.0, and is rated EPEAT Gold. Hence, there is no worry regarding harmful emissions or pollutions which may affect children and the surroundings.

Now that’s a great list of features indeed. You might have encountered similarly priced computers in the market, but you will never find a computer that has features so robust and imposing. The features list itself is the main reason behind the success of the Mac Pro 12, and at this point, none can ask for more from a desktop computer. But, the million dollar question is, can the Mac Pro sustain the pressure of expectations and perform better than any of its predecessors? Can its performance complement the staggering features that attained a lot of fame? Well, let us see.

Performance:

After having considered the fact that the Mac Pro has a solid processing mechanism and also has robust memory, it can be considered that you are going to see a wondrous computer on your desk. It is going to be fast, accurate, full of power, and almost no problems. Its performance levels are calculated in the test centres and the results were so good. We would rank this is as one of the best desktop computers in the world today and is also one of the greatest product of all time from Apple. The processor is super fast, the operating system is great in its own manner, and you have got massive memory options, the graphics are stunning as well as unforeseen, and there are lots of software packages provided. And the aftermath of all these provisions by Apple is that there is almost a super computer in front of you, and you need to only know how to use it to its full potency. We are completely satisfied with the overall performance of the system and would recommend the Mac Pro ahead of any other contemporary desktop computers under the sun.

Power Consumption:

Apple has always followed the EPA power requirements and so did the Apple Mac Pro 12. It is designed to optimize its performance by using minimum energy. The EPA has given it a Energy Star rating, meaning that the computer is energy efficient and does not either waste the energy or pollute the environment. Its power consumption, hence, is lower than what most other desktop computers can guarantee. At the end of the day, your bills will not be as high as they were in the past.

Warranty:

Apple has warranted the Mac Pro for a period of one year, starting from the date of purchase.

Verdict:

The Mac Pro is hence an incredibly powerful system that has all the latest technology and features in it. It comes with a very huge price tag, but still everything in it is worth the huge amount. You have already made a great choice if you have gone for the Mac Pro. But if you do not want to be so extravagant on your desktop computer, you can check this website for other products from both Apple as well as other potential manufacturers. Our opinion is, since there is no provision of a monitor along with the whole system, you would obviously want to buy a new piece separately. And given the already high pricing of the Mac Pro, it would be a tad too extravagant to spend so much on a desktop computer if your goal is only to buy a domestic computer. The high end technical details of the computer also indirectly inform you that this is an industrial computer and can be used in offices and work places. But should you need a domestic and a reasonably priced desktop computer, there are scores of options for you.

Apple Mac Pro 12-core Desktop PC – Technical Specification Table