Review: Hewlett-Packard's Ultra-Slim DC7900

Electronic components continue shrinking, and along with them the devices they go into. Small-form-factor desktops have been gaining in popularity and manufacturers are answering the call. Hewlett-Packard's response is the recently released ultra-slim desktop version of its business-class DC7900.

One of a variety of sizes and configurations, the ultra-slim DC7900 measures 9.90 x 10.00 x 2.60 inches and weighs 7 pounds. Our evaluation unit came with an Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 processor running at 3.0 GHz, 2 GB of RAM and a 250-GB hard drive, using Windows Vista Business. As with many other small-form-factor systems, a 135-watt external brick transformer substitutes for an internal power supply and is 87 percent High Efficiency Active PFC.

A slim-line LightScribe-compatible DVD writer occupies the space situated on the front of the unit above the power switch, two USB 2.0 ports, and a pair of microphone and headphone jacks. On the rear of the chassis are six additional USB ports, a second pair of microphone and headphone jacks, an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet connection, and two PS/2 ports for the mouse and keyboard. Graphics output is provided by a VGA connection driven by an Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 4500.

Although not a high priority for most business PCs, the DC7900 has a surprisingly loud built-in speaker. A pair of thin profile speakers are also included and powered via a USB port.

The preinstalled HP Total Care Advisor dashboard software provides easy-to-use links and applications that allow users to monitor and control various settings including PC Health and Security. In addition, a host of security management features include an embedded TPM 1.2- compliant security module, and BIOS-controlled enablement/disablement of various ports.

When tested with Primate Labs' benchmarking suite Geekbench2, the DC7900 scored a 3,254. Although not the greatest results, it is pretty much in line with similar systems. Considering the specifications, our test machine had some pep to it while maneuvering around the system, but towards the end of the day it seemed to get bogged down a little, most likely due to the low memory capacity.

While not a powerhouse, overall the ultra-slim DC7900 is a capable machine, perfect for typical daily tasks. We think its $899 selling price is a little higher than the specs warrant, but not high enough to deter businesses who have a need for its size and functionality from buying it.