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Desktops & Workstations buying guide

Find the right desktop or workstation »  Customize a desktop recommendation for me »  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.

» Desktops

» Workstations

Features HP Compaq 2000 Series HP Compaq 5000 Series HP Compaq 7000 Series 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.
Related links
»	Personal computing expertise center
»	Innovative PC designs — How-to guide

*Internet Price is the base price for online purchases direct from HP Canada. Product currently not sold online may be purchased from a HP authorized retailer. In this case, Internet Price is a suggested resale price. Your retailer may sell for less.


Certain Windows Vista product features require advanced or additional hardware. See www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/hardwarereqs.mspx and www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/capable.mspx for details. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor can help you determine which features of Windows Vista will run on your computer. To download the tool, visit www.windowsvista.com/upgradeadvisor.