Edit Tools — HP

Includes 460W power supply. Price: Starting at $849

The introduction of the first generation of dual-core CPUs from AMD and Intel promises a good boost in processing power while keeping overall workstation costs down. HP takes advantage of this with its new HP xw4300 Workstation. This entry-level model employs Intel's Pentium D 840 dual-core processor, which can deliver up to a 20 percent performance gain, the company says. With its two CPU cores, the processor can handle more RAM, too — up to 8GB. This also speeds editing and graphics creation, since more programs will load to memory, instead of “paging” for data by going back and forth from memory to the hard drive. Other features include PCI Express (x16) graphics, integrated SATA II support, Windows XP Pro (32-bit or 64-bit versions), and a tool-free, easy-access chassis.
Palo Alto, Calif. • (800) 888-9909 • www.hp.com