Traditionally, vendors such as HP create enterprise-specific products, even for SMB (small to medium-size business) customers. But in this case, HP's Pro All-in-one MS200 Business PC appears to be essentially the same device as the Pavilion MS200, announced for consumers last October. For some reason, it includes only a 250GB hard disk drive, rather than the 320GB offered on the Pavilion version, but we were unable to discern any other hardware differences.
HP's Pro All-in-one MS200 Business PCThe MS200 uses AMD's Athlon X2 3250e dual-core CPU, clocked at 1.5GHz, and employs the chipmaker's M780G northbridge and SB700 southbridge, according to HP. This chipset provides the device with ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics, with 256MB of dedicated memory, the company adds.
Equipped with the 64-bit Windows 7 Professional operating system -- the Pavilion equivalent comes with Windows 7 Home Premium -- the MS200 includes 2GB of DDR2 memory in two SODIMM slots, and the 250GB, 7200rpm hard disk drive we've already mentioned. Unlike many of today business PCs, the device also includes a DVD burner, compete with HP's LightScribe technology (capable of creating labels on compatible CD or DVD blanks), according to the company.
The MS200 offers a 18.5-inch display with 1366 x 768 resolution, reportedly with an office-friendly matte finish. The screen has a 250-nit brightness rating and a 1000:1 contrast ratio, according to HP.
OUR VERDICT:
Previously released consumer PCs don't usually get drafted for business use, but we can see no good reason why they shouldn't be |
According to HP, the MS200 has six USB 2.0 ports (two on the left side, four on the back), a 10/100 Ethernet port, plus a microphone input, headphone output, and line output. Meanwhile, a "6-in-1" card reader is said to support XD, SD, SDHC, MMC, Memory Stick, and Memory Stick Pro media.
Further betraying its consumer roots, the MS200 also has a built-in microphone array and a webcam (resolution unspecified). The system is bundled with a 60-day trial of HP's Virtual Rooms, software that can allow the PC's user to participate in "virtual meetings," according to the company.
Finally, the MS200 also has 802.11b/g wireless networking, says HP. The system is also listed as featuring a PCI Express x1 expansion slot, though this is said to be occupied, presumably by the wireless LAN card.
Features and specifications listed by HP for its HP Pro All-in-one MS200 Business PC include the following:
- Processor -- AMD Athlon X2 3250e clocked at 1.5GHz
- Chipset -- M780G northbridge and SB700 southbridge
- Memory -- 2GB of DDR2 RAM in 2 SODIMM slots (potential expandability not cited)
- Display -- 18.5-inch display with 1366 x 768 resolution, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 250-nit brightness rating
- Camera -- webcam (resolution unspecified)
- Storage -- 250GB hard disk drive (SATA, 7200rpm) and DVD burner
- Expansion:
- PCI Express x 1 slot ("occupied")
- Card reader -- XD/SD/SDHC/MMC/Memory Stick/Memory Stick Pro
- Networking:
- LAN -- 10/100 Ethernet
- WLAN -- 802.11b/g
- Other I/O:
- 6 x USB 2.0 (2 left side, 2 back)
- Mic in, line out, headphone out
- Dimensions -- 18.47 x 13.03 x 2.17 inches
- Weight -- 14.33 pounds
Alan Reed, vice president and general manager of business desktops for HP's Personal Systems group, stated, "HP has seen a growing customer demand for all-in-one PCs to simplify set-up and streamline workplace environments. The HP Pro All-in-one MS200 is ideal for small businesses that want a space-saving, one-console PC at an affordable price that still offers the performance capabilities needed in business environments."
Further information According to HP, its Pro All-in-one MS200 Business PC is available now for a starting price of approximately $700. More information may be found on the company's website,
here.
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