The Best Value
Written: Nov 17 '03
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Pros: VALUE!, thin, bright screen, looks, fit/finish, great cursor pad.
Cons: none thus far
The Bottom Line: Based on intensive research, the Compaq Presario X100O series (X1015US included) is the best value dollar for dollar. High quality build and powerful available options made the choice clear.
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| freesek's Full Review: Compaq Presario X1015US (dn624a#aba) PC Notebook |
I do NOT own the exact Presario X1015US model, but I do own a Presario X1000 series, which is the same thing, only I chose to change certain components on mine. This review will be helpful for anyone who is faced with the decision of purchasing a new laptop computer.
The areas that differ between my Presario X1000 series, and the X1015US are as such:
Processor: Pentium M Centrio 1.6gHz (versus 1.5gHz)
Hard Drive: 60GB @5400 RPM (versus 80GB @ 4200 RPM)
O/S: Microsoft XP Professional Edition (versus XP Home ed.)
Wireless: Intel(R)Pro Wirelss 2100 & BT (versus 2100 WLAN)
Software: Office SBE (versus Microsoft Works/Money)
All of the above examples are areas where I chose to upgrade my computer based off of the X1015US. The rest is exactly the same. My reason for upgrading those areas is perfectly explainable.
For the processor, I merely wanted a faster processor than what originally came with the stock X1015US, so I bumped it up a notch. Granted, the 1.5gHz is not slow.
For the Hard drive, I sacrificed and extra 20 gigs so I could have a faster RPM. Compaq does not offer an 80 gigabyte hard drive that spins at 5400 RPM (this is offered only in a 60GB hard drive), and since this is directly related to how fast your computer can load applications and process information, I thought it made sense to get the faster hard drive. Sixty gigabytes is more than enough for most people anyway, so why not have it be more than adequate and FAST?
I chose Windows XP Pro over XP Home Edition because I wanted the added security for accessing networks where viruses and hackers are a risk (this is what XP Pro is intended for). This is recommended for people who use the internet regularly, or run servers with their computers.
I upgraded my wireless hardware because it was only an additional nineteen dollars, so it made sense to get the best for such a slight increase in cost.
I upgraded my application software because the base software is virtually useless. It doesn't even come with a word processor, so there isn't much choice for that.
I chose to order my Compaq Presario X1000 series directly through Compaq themselves. This is where I could tailor things exactly to how I wanted them, and I didn't have to deal with any middlemen.
The overall fit and finish is very good, and is the best I have seen of the PC laptops based on a few months of research and trial. The only computer manufacture that produces a comparable fit/finish is Apple, which if you are a PC based user, doesn't apply. Another PC contender for quality of craftmenship is IBM, but they charge a lot more at the bottom line.
The screen is very large, and wonderfully bright. They really hit a home run here. Colors are very crisp, bold, and I never thought it would be possible to get such a professional level screen to be so thin. This computer (especially with the it's ATI Radeon 9200 64MB DRAM video card) is a top runner for anyone interested in graphic design who has to move from place to place.
Unlike a number of others I tested, the cursor touch pad actually works well on this laptop. It follows every move you make, and is very accurate, which seems to be rare. Additionally, it has an on/off button which is great for when you are typing, so you do not accidentally select something with the heel of your hand.
It comes standard with JBL pro stereo speakers, which do a very good job of producing quality sound. They can get surprisingly loud, and still maintain great levels of clarity not typically associated with such tiny speakers. They don't rattle and crack like a lot of other laptop speakers do. You will enjoy them.
Since this computer comes with such a large and bright display, battery life is around 3.5 hours (depending on what you are actually doing). Meaning, if you are playing/burning CD's/DVD's, the battery life will be depleted more rapidly. It is pretty easy to manage three and a half hours of battery life, however, and it isn't that difficult to find a plug anyway.
Centrino wireless capabilities are excellent! I do a lot of internet based research in cafes where wireless internet service is provided. I cannot get over how convenient it is to simply walk into a place, turn on your computer, and be connected to the internet with NO WIRES. Yep, it actually works. What's next, hovercars?
The computer itself is arguably one of the best looking on the market. Housed in a two-tone aluminum/graphite grey color scheme, it is tough to find a more sleek and refined appearance. It is also a very thin laptop, so it does a great job of not being a 'lapdesk.'
In the end, I think you will be hard pressed to find a laptop that offeres these kinds of features for the price. I considered every brand of laptop, and spoke with countless people in the industry before making my choice, and this is what I came out with. I have long been relatively computer savy, and I am in no way disappointed by my purchase of this Compaq Presario X1000 series. Purchasing from Compaq was easy, and they had my custom built laptop assembled and at my house in less than a week with the basic free shipping(this despite their estimate that it would take nearly a month). I have nothing but good things to say. I look forward to writing a positive update later on down the road. Happy laptopping!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 2,392
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Other
Processor speed: over 1000
Screen Size: Greater than 15 inches
RAM: More than 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): Over 50
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Epinions.com ID:
freesek
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Reviews written: 1
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