The HP DX6100 has higher specifications than its predecessor, while still offering local users more competitive pricing. Users now have the option to order large volumes of machines built to specific criteria, and which differ from HPs other offerings. At the same time they are contributing to the local development of ICT skills and job creation, says Jason McMillan, HP PSG product manager at Tarsus Technologies.

In terms of updated specifications, the DX6100 aims to give users a choice of an Intel Celeron D processor, which offers a clock speed of 2,8GHz, 256K of L2 cache and a 533MHz Front-side Bus.

Alternatively they can choose from a range of Pentium 4 options with clock speeds that range from 2,8GHz to 3,6GHz and offer 1MB of L2 cache and 800MHz Front-side Bus across the board.

Once again, in the memory stakes, numerous options are available, says McMillan. The DX6100 is available with between 256MB and 4GB of PC3200 DDR Synch DRAM and either a 40GB, 80GB or 160GB 7200rpm Serial ATA hard drive.

Additional storage options are also said to be available in the form of 1,44MB floppy drives, Zip 250 drives, USB drive keys that range between 16MB and 256MB in capacity, as well as CD-ROM drives, DVD-ROM drives, CD-RW drives and DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drives.

In terms of graphics performance, the DX6100 can be configured to use either an Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 graphics controller, or a range of ATI Radeon X300SE PCI Express graphics controllers that offer a memory range between 64MB and 128MB, McMillan adds.

The DX6100 also features an integrated Intel Pro 1000MT Gigabit NIC, high-speed 56K soft Modem from Agere and SoundMax Digital AC97 Integrated Audio controller and internal speaker, the company says.

The DX6100 is more than a hardware solution however, McMillan says. "The new desktop is available with Norton Antivirus, a range of back-up and recovery applications, recording software for use with writable optical drives and numerous Office 2003 options.

In terms of Operating Systems, users once again have a choice. The DX6100 is the first locally manufactured unit to offer users a choice between Windows XP (either Home or Professional edition) and SuSE Linux. This allows companies that are standardising on the Linux operating system to benefit from a pre-loaded operating system, as opposed to having to install and configure software using their ICT department, McMillan adds.

We are extremely positive about the industry sentiments on the release of the DX6100. With clear cost benefits, volume benefits and a choice of software options, we believe that the DX6100 will be well received in the local market and a firm favourite with corporates of all sizes, McMillan concludes.