The HP Compaq dc7800 is a desktop system designed for mainstream business use and comes in several form factors for flexibility. We found our evaluation system well designed to maximise desk space while still delivering enough power for productivity applications, although buyers considering Vista would be wise to choose more than the standard memory configuration.

Announced in September and shipping now, the dc7800 series is a range of corporate desktops based on Intel’s vPro platform. It includes a convertible minitower and small form factor as well as the ultra-slim desktop unit reviewed here, which can be mounted behind a monitor to keep as much desk space clear as possible.

Our review model was configured with a Core 2 Duo E6750 running at 2.66GHz, 1GB of memory and a 160GB hard drive. The Intel Q35 Express provided integrated graphics functions. HP ships the system with Windows Vista Business by default, but buyers can choose Windows XP instead.

The small form factor and minitower versions of the dc7800 can be fitted with a Core 2 Quad processor Q6600 or Q6700, while the ultra-slim version only supports Core 2 Duo up to 3GHz. The larger versions also support up to 8GB memory.

We found the system provided ample performance for productivity applications, such as the pre-installed copy of Microsoft Office 2007, but Windows Vista made the system seem sluggish at times, especially during boot up and application starting. We would recommend buyers opt for more memory, and our review model could be configured with up to 4GB in two laptop-style Sodimm slots.

Windows Vista includes its own rudimentary tool for measuring system performance, the Windows Experience Index. This rated the dc7800 with an overall score of just 2.6, but this was pegged to the lowest subsystem score produced by the integrated graphics, while the processor, memory and hard disk all had above-average ratings.

In its ultra-slim desktop form factor, the dc7800 measures about 25x25x6cm, which is less than a foot square and about 2in thick. This makes it no larger than some of HP’s thin clients, such as the HP Compaq t5720 we tested earlier this year. Like that model, the PC can be deployed on a desktop in an upright tower stand, or fixed to a monitor, wall or desk using a mounting bracket. However, the trade-off for the system’s compact design is that it requires an external mains adapter brick.

Along with the system, HP supplied us with an L1906i 19in flat panel display and a desktop stand designed to hold both of them. The stand has a quick release mechanism designed to fit any display compatible with the Vesa flat display mounting interface standard. The panel simply slides onto this and is locked in place by a quick release catch, meaning it takes just seconds to fit the panel.

The stand enables the flat panel to be adjusted up and down to suit the user’s requirements, and it can also be tilted backwards by up to 20 degrees or forwards by five. We found the LCD gave an excellent image, and automatically adjusted itself to match the dc7800’s display output when the two were switched on for the first time.
A mounting bracket enables the dc7800 system unit to be hidden behind the display panel. This must first be removed by undoing two vertical screws and then fixed to the side of the PC with four other screws. The bracket with the PC attached can then be secured back onto the stand.

In this configuration, the dc7800 takes up no more desk space than the monitor would on its own. A slide-out tray at the rear can be used to hold the PC’s mains adapter, and HP also includes a port cover that slides over the rear of the case to secure the cables once the system is deployed.

The dc7800 has both digital DVI and analogue VGA graphics outputs to the rear, but the L1906i panel only supports VGA input. The rest of the connections are PS/2 keyboard and mouse sockets, six USB ports, speaker jack socket, and Ethernet LAN. Two more USB ports are at the front of the case, along with microphone and headphone jacks.

The case can be opened by undoing a single finger-operated screw and sliding the lid off, but there are few user-serviceable components inside. The two memory slots are placed for easy access, and the laptop-style DVD-RW drive can be removed by pressing a couple of catches, while the caddy for this hides the system’s hard drive.
We especially liked the HP-badged keyboard, which had a soft, cushioned feel to its keys, resulting in a very quiet action ­ an advantage in a crowded office. However, we also found the system unit very quiet. In our Labs environment it was difficult to hear notification sounds even with volume turned up to maximum.

HP claims the dc7800 range is more energy efficient, and all models ship with a power supply that is up to 25 per cent more efficient than other types, saving about five pounds per system in electricity every year, according to HP. We tested our review unit’s power consumption using a plug-in mains wattage and current meter, and measured it at between 43W and 78W, depending on workload. This compares with about 168W to 207W for a typical tower PC we tested as a reference.

HP also includes an agent for Verdiem Surveyor. When used with the server-based Surveyor application, firms can monitor PC power usage across their company and centralise control of them, turning them off when not needed, for example.