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Hakan said:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hp computer
Was pleased at how quickly and safely the computer arrived. Everything was in the package as I expected and set up and running computer has been successful.
# 25 July 2009 at 10:37 pm

Uriah said:
5.0 out of 5 stars
HP Slimline
I’m not too picky, so this PC should suffice for most consumers who only use computers for web surfing and whatnot.
# 26 July 2009 at 1:03 am

Anonymous said:
NOTE: Amazon had recently consolidated the reviews for both the S3720 and the S3700′s into one page. This review refers to the HP Pavilion Slimline S3720F Desktop PC (2.5 GHz Intel Pentium Dual-Core Desktop E5200 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB Hard Drive, DVD Drive,Vista Premium).
The HP Slimline S3720F is an excellent slim form-factor pc with a few limitations. I needed another small sized PC at my engineering lab, so I purchased the S3720F. Typically I build my own machines, so I was quite impressed when I purchased this model, assuming one understands its limitations.
The HP Slimline S3720F runs Intel’s Dual Core E5200 processor (mid-range processor line). Note that this is not Intel’s “Core 2 Duo” line (the high-range which has a faster front-side bus). Regardless in conjunction with a healthy 4 gb of RAM, there is enough horsepower to run most of my engineering applications, which can be quite intensive. The 500 GB harddrive is adequate, though I see myself needing more storage space in the future (easily remedied with an external HDD).
The S3720F runs Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack1. Contrary to the negative sentiment against Windows Vista, I have to clarify that Windows Vista SP1 is very functional. I use numerous operating systems including, various Linux packages, OS X (Mac), Windows XP, even Windows 7 Beta. So after uninstalling some “bloat-ware” and removing some unneeded startup programs (msconfig), the S3720F runs Vista like a dream. Some slowdown occurs when one uses some Aero features (graphic-intensive features). But aside from that, it is surprisingly smooth. I can load firefox pages in seconds, run Matlab, Itunes, and an array of other programs simultaneously with no noticeable slowdown.
A very important exception to note is that this computer comes with a 64-bit Windows OS. This may cause some incompatibility issues with some 32-bit software. This is arguably of no fault of the OS in its own, but rather that the software was not designed to run on a 64-bit OS. Aside from these issues, once you optimize the system, the performance is much better than one would expect.
The physical design of the system borrows from the concept of minimalism. In the front, there are two USB ports, a covered CD/DVD tray, a HP pocket media drive bay, and the many different memory cards ports. The backside houses the standard ports, with no exceptional features. Note that the video-out to the monitor is VGA and NOT DVI or HDMI. Overall there is some great aesthetic appeal, and one would not be embarrassed to stash this PC in an entertainment center. Be sure to place it in an area that is well ventilated (as with most to all PCs).
Overall, I am very pleased with the overall package for the price. Whether you use it for common office tasks, light engineering work, or a living-room media center (though only one VGA-out is limiting), the HP Slimline performs its tasks admirably.
Product Positives:
+Compact form-factor
+Less bloat-ware than comparable computers
+Windows Vista SP 1 64bit (needed to take advantage of the 4gb+ of ram)
+Great performance after some tweaking
+Wireless B/G Network Card built-in
+Quiet operation
Product Negatives:
-Limited room for upgrades
-VGA out only (no DVI, HDMI)
-Some 32-bit software may not work on a 64-bit OS
-Built-in video card is a bit on the weak side, poor performance in graphic-intensive programs (Solid-graphic modeling, games)
-Midrange CPU E5200 slower than Intel’s Highline of Core 2 Duo’s
-I don’t like the “tactile feel” of the included keyboard
Updates and Other Thoughts:
-I thought I’d post the “Experience Rating” from Windows Vista, which is built-in Vista tool that rates your hardware against some performance metrics. The scale ranges from 1.0 (poor performance) to 5.9 (excellent performance). This tool can be found by right-clicking on “My computer” and scroll to properties. For the HP Slimline S3720F here are the results:
Processor: ——— 5.4
Memory (ram): —— 4.6
Graphics: ———- 3.7
Gaming Graphics: — 3.0
Primary Hard Disk: – 5.9
Overall Score of: — 3.0
The overall score is 3/6 which would suggest an average score. However, the “Overall Score” is based on the lowest subscore, which is the Gaming Graphics. Otherwise, this machine scored exceptionally well in the processor, memory, and harddisk subtests. So in conclusion, unless you plan on using this machine for heavy gaming, or artwork/graphic applications, the S3720F is an exceptional value computer.
# 26 July 2009 at 2:22 am

Rafe said:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Upgrade from 98SE
This computer was purchased for my father in hopes that he would leave his old Gateway with 98SE in the past.
# 26 July 2009 at 3:21 am

Anonymous said:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Computer for Sister
This is the second computer we have bought in the past couple months–they are identical, and both are for very special gifts for very special people in our lives.
# 26 July 2009 at 3:30 am

Naava said:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Computer was only good for a few months, then tos of hardware problem.
Brought it in Feb, and computer crash in April. Everything was fine at first, then around April, the computer keep restarting itself.
# 26 July 2009 at 3:34 am

Yeardleigh said:
I received the HP Slimline 3750f and tried to start it up. I received a message “Missing Operating System”. I tried to look in the start up F10 (CMOS) and noticed that Hard Drive was 320GB instead of advertised 640GB. Furthermore, it stated that the system had 2GB of RAM instead advertised 4GB of RAM. Not only that, this was a return product from a previous person who purchased and shipped back to Amazon. This computer was actually NEVER checked or opened, the reason I know is because the original packing slip was in it. I am usually happy with Amazon.com, but this is just not right customer service. I would expect them to review previous returns, not send them and state that it is a “new” product when someone else already used it, and of course I would expect for the computer you buy to work. Knowing Amazon I imagine my full shipping costs refund and full refund for this product, I just hope some will actually open up the box and fix this DEFECTIVE HP Slimline 3750f computer.
# 26 July 2009 at 7:24 am

Shivani said:
4.0 out of 5 stars
So far so good!
Bought the S3720f in January to replace my crashed Toshiba laptop and it is still working fine. Amazon delivery was fast with no unpleasant surprises, and I haven’t found a…
# 26 July 2009 at 9:55 am

Irem said:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Low cost PC with Big Cost features
This PC is perfect for the entire family. Fast quiet and not bad astecically. You have the options to have it sit vertical or horizontal.
# 26 July 2009 at 12:27 pm

Basma said:
I bought this computer with some trepidation since there were no reviews, but to my great delight the computer set up with no problems whatsoever. The longest part was downloading and installing 26 Windows updates, which took a while because I have a slow DSL line. I coupled it with the HP w1907 monitor which is performing as well as the computer. I am a Vista novice, but the things we are used to are there and accessible if you give it a chance. I added an ergonomic keyboard which installed well and a different mouse, ditto. The CPU arrived 8 days before the monitor and my desire to get things hooked up was at fever pitch. I was up late clicking around and finding where things are. I saw a review for a similar computer that complained it was very slow. Not the case here. If you are not a gamer, this is a great computer. Time will tell, of course, but first impressions are that this is magnificent.
# 26 July 2009 at 2:41 pm

Anonymous said:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I am happy.
Have had for several weeks and am happy. I usually buy HP due to reliability and durability and ease of use.
# 26 July 2009 at 5:47 pm

Yazid said:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good computer with an outdated graphics card
This computer is better than it looks. Although it is small, it has an amazing data rate. The only drawback is the card and the lack of ethernet.
# 26 July 2009 at 9:01 pm

Bailey said:
5.0 out of 5 stars
HP Slimline s3720f Desktop
I purchased this pc 6 weeks ago and I am completely
happy with it. It’s small, quick and user-friendly.
# 27 July 2009 at 1:58 am

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