Compaq Presario 5000 Series, Model 5WV295: We're practically inseparable!
Written: Dec 29 '01 (Updated Dec 29 '01)
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Pros: Fast, reliable and powerful. I've been using it practically non-stop for more than a year!
Cons: Compaq tech support leaves a lot to be desired.
The Bottom Line: This Compaq Presario responds quickly, runs some powerful software easily, and has made me an absolute addict to it. Caution: You, too, may become addicted!
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| diverpam's Full Review: Compaq Presario 5000 (184939-999) PC Desktop |
I have the quickest way to ensure Internet addiction...the Compaq Presario 5000/Internet series computer.
The 1 GHz AMD Athlon processor in the Compaq Presario 5WV295 makes this computer an absolute speed demon. My daughter's comment upon seeing it, "You just had to get a better one than I had, didn't you?" Of course I did!
Note: My computer is part of the Compaq Presario 5000 series. The specific model is 5WV295. It was purchased in November 2000. I have revised this review and moved it to this category.
Yes, I tried to buy the biggest, baddest baby I could find. When I bought it a year ago, it was the fastest processor available. However, even with the newer models coming out I haven't even felt a twinge of longing to rush out and buy another computer. (I know my husband would be happy to hear that!)
Even a year later, this is still a lot of computer. I use it mostly online, but I spend a lot of time in PhotoShop and in publishing updates to my website. I have been very pleased with its performance.
What It Has
This model came with the following:
* 128 mb memory
* 60 gb hard drive
* DVD-ROM drive
* CD-RW drive
* 32mb NivadaTNT2 Graphics
* 56k modem
* 10/1000Mb PCI NIC
I bought this computer at Costco for $1999. The package included a 19-inch monitor, MV940, and JBL speakers that you can suspend from the sides of the monitor.
It also came with a pretty cool Internet keyboard and a scrolling mouse.
I have since spilled a glass of water on the keyboard (sizzle, sizzle, fry, fry) and replaced the original keyboard with a Microsoft model. (I much preferred the original Compaq keyboard.)
Easy from the Beginning
Setup was quick and easy. The hardest part was bringing it in from the car. Everything was color-coded and easy to connect. In a few minutes I had it all connected.
Then, all I had to do to get my RoadRunner working was to unplug the ethernet cable from my old Compaq and plug it into the new one, thanks to the built-in ethernet card. Very nice!
I have since networked this computer using an SMC Barricade Router and it works very well with it.
Extras
There are two USB ports behind a little door on the front of the upright CPU, which makes it very convenient to plug in things that I use only occasionally. There are also two USB ports in the back, perfect for my scanner.
The DVD player and the CDRW are both located on the front of the tower, as well as a floppy drive. The DVD player does a great job -- I can easily watch movies on the 19-inch monitor. (It's great for writing movie reviews!
The Compact Disc Recordable/Rewritable (CDRW) is very easy to use. I've had now problems using it to make CDs. The Adaptec software is included on the computer.
Simple Pleasures for Simple Minds
There is a little door that opens on the front of the tower where you can keep your emergency restore disk. I also use it to keep my back-up floppy for my checkbook. This makes it very convenient to keep track of. For someone who is always losing things, this storage compartment has been a great bonus!
Very Fast
I have been amazed at how quickly this computer boots up and shuts down. As I was transferring files between computers I had them working side by side. I did a couple of comparison tests (my old computer has a 400 MHz processor).
I can open PhotoShop in a flash and I can tell a big difference while using the Internet, as well.
Basic Software
This computer came with the following software:
* Microsoft Works
* Microsoft Reference
* Microsoft Money (I had been using Quicken, but I easily converted my files)
It also has 11 different games, like solitaire, hearts, etc.
The operating system is Windows ME. I have enjoyed using the ME operating system (especially the restore feature) and have no plans to go to XP.
This Presario model also has optional color inserts for the CPU and keyboard, as well.
Only Two Glitches
At one point I had a problem with the computer when it went to sleep. It seemed not just go "to sleep" but rather into a deep coma. The only way I could wake it up was to flip the power switch. After playing with the power options I was able to resolve this issue.
A few months later the fan started to make a very loud noise. I contacted Compaq via email several times and kept getting canned responses.
This problem finally resolved itself. I think a tiny bit of paper might have gotten inside the fan. It almost reminded me of when I was a kid and put playing cards on my bicycle so they would make noise against the spokes.
I'm still aggravated with Compaq for their lack of response, but the computer seemed to heal itself. Thank goodness
Overall, One Very Pleased User
From a user perspective, I am quite pleased with this computer. I wanted something that would be very fast and have all the bells and whistles.
I have since added two more modules of 128 mb of RAM. I followed the illustrated instructions and it was very easy to add the memory. The slots will hold up to 256mb each, but I got a great deal of the 128's and it is working quite well. I can always go back and change out the 128s for 256s if I decide I need more RAM.
Recommendation
Although I shelled out a pretty good chunk of change for this computer, I haven't suffered the slightest pang of buyer's remorse. I would highly recommend this computer to someone who spends a lot of time online or creating documents.
It works very well with PhotoShop and with FrontPage in updating my websites.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1999
Operating System: Windows
Processor: AMD Athlon (K7)
Processor speed: over 1000
RAM: 128
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): Over 50
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diverpam
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Member: Pam
Location: Collierville, TN
Reviews written: 263
Trusted by: 350 members
About Me:
~~~~So many oceans...so little time!~~~~
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