At last HN and HP got together and arranged an entire new pooter, mouse, keyboard and all but screen. Screen was fine.
It works like a charm.
500gig hd.
cpu = 2.8 gig I think duel core ??
Ram = 2 gig also I think.
Has a hd dvd player.
Has a digital tv built in.
Can't remember stats proper, was a late night plus head ache

We are not sure if the push from Claire's relo who works high up in HP helped or not?
Many thanx all for input and guidance.