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Desktops & Workstations buying guide

How to choose a desktop or workstation

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Find the right desktop or workstation


»  Customize a desktop recommendation for me
Find the right desktop or workstation
»  Do I need a desktop or a workstation?
Learn about the differences between a desktop and a workstation.

Desktops

»  Help me choose a desktop
  Get a customized recommendation based on your needs
»  Research products specifications
»  Features to look for

Workstations

»  Step-by-step selection guide
»  Research products specifications
»  Features to look for

Choose a desktop or workstation

The chart below provides basic information to help you zero in on the HP desktop or workstation that best meets your needs. To learn more about a specific product, click on the product name.

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Desktops

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Workstations

Features HP Compaq 2000 Series
HP Compaq 2000 Series
HP Compaq 5000 Series
HP Compaq 5000 Series
HP Compaq 7000 Series
HP Compaq 7000 Series
Price
Operating system options
Genuine Windows XP Professional
Windows Vista Capable
Genuine Windows XP Professional
Windows Vista Capable
Genuine Windows XP Professional
Windows Vista Capable
Processor options Single:
Intel Pentium
Intel Celeron
AMD Athlon 64
AMD Sempron
Single:
Intel Pentium
Intel Celeron
AMD Athlon 64
AMD Sempron
Single or Dual-core:
Intel Pentium
Form factor Microtower
Small desktop
Microtower
Ultra-slim desktop
Small desktop
Minitower
Security Basic Mid-range High
Manageability Basic Mid-range High
Standard warranty 1 year 3 years 3 years
Lifecycle 12-15 months 12-15 months 15-18 months
Graphics Basic Mid-range High

Do I need a desktop or a workstation?

A desktop computer is an independent personal computer that is made especially for use on a desk in an office or home. Desktop PCs are currently the most affordable and most common computers, and are best suited to users running fairly standard applications.

A workstation is essentially a desktop computer, but with higher performance capability than most desktop PCs. Workstations are primarily used by one person at a time, but other users can remotely connect to a workstation when necessary. Workstations tend to be better suited to users running intense applications that require greater graphics capability, processing power and multitasking ability.
Read more about making that big decision

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