LIKE ITS competitors, Hewlett Packard moved rapidly to incorporate Intel's new Core 2 Duo processor into its desktop lineup when it became available last summer. As its name implies, the new chip has two microprocessors, which dramatically improve processing speed. Unlike its previous Pentium chips, Intel's Core 2 Duo chips require less power to run, so they put out less heat and need less fan horsepower to stay cool.

The HP Pavilion d4600y desktop computer can be custom ordered. Price of a basic configuration without a monitor is $899. Call 800/752-0900, visit www.hewlettpackard.com or www.free productinfo.net/fin, or circle 197.