for non-business users, it's a value
Written: Dec 23 '00
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Pros: good bang for buck, dependable
Cons: bit too big, little flexibility/upgrades
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| duffme's Full Review: Compaq Custom 1800 |
I am a network/systems analyst and was given this laptop by my company. Since I rely on it daily for both personal and business use I would likely have chosen something else, though I have been quite happy with it for the past year.
Some of the 'pros' for the home user can actually be 'cons' for those needing a more versatile machine for business (especially technical) use.
For example, many laptop manufacturers integrate components (modem, sound card, etc.) on the motherboard (the main computer board containing the processor, chips, circuits, etc.) This allows them to fit all the goodies into a laptop size and saves bucks on manufacturing costs. Compaq also does this on their Presario desktops. This is how they can offer lower prices than many other manufacturers for similar products. Some companies use cheaper, inferior components to save bucks. So, the 1800T is able to offer lots of features for a good price. That's good, but not if you want to upgrade. If you want to upgrade the floppy drive to an LS-120 Superdisk it requires resoldering the motherboard. the CD-ROM can not be upgraded to a DVD later. The ethernet 'card' is also part of the mainboard. This makes the cost of hardware upgrades REALLY high and thus not worth it. It is easier and cheaper with other product lines. (Compare the Compaq Armada line, for instance.) But if you don't anticipate the need for any hardware upgrades over the life of owning it, the 1800T is a really good value.
The laptop is pretty big and light it ain't. It's much bigger than any laptop I've ever used. I had to really shop around for a carrying case. I got one of the biggest ones Targus makes and it barely fits in it.
Also, there is no way I can use the configuration that comes with it for my business needs (or even my personal needs for that matter.) If you are competent enough then you can blow it away and install your own config. I replaced Windows 98 with Windows 2000 Pro, though Compaq didn't support it (see below support complaint). Luckily it works fine. Compaq now sells the 1800T with Win2000 as an option. As another reviewer mentioned, Compaq puts a second partition with all of the backup/replacement files on it in case you need to reload your system. This is all or nothing and is designed horribly. It wastes a LOT of space. If you want to reinstall specific software or need to use it without the recovery CD you can do so, but takes a lot of time to sift through the files to figure out what's what, and I would not expect the average user to be able to figure what's what the way it is laid out.
While the above may seem like complaints they aren't entirely. Like I said, I was able to make it do pretty much what I wanted so it worked out. Dollar for dollar it's a good value; you get a reliable, feature-filled machine for a good price that will last until technology outdates it.
One last complaint though: Compaq support. Firstly, the website tech support is pretty meager and doesn't offer much in the way of software/driver updates or technical information. Secondly, the floppy drive door fell off, wedged in the drive, and scratched the component. I needed to replace the floppy drive and it was still under warranty. It took a while to get through on the telephone (lots of menu options and a long wait time) which was pretty annoying. I was told I could bring to any authorized repair center. I was busy so it took me a week and a half to get to my local CompUSA where I told them I would prefer to wait for the very simple repair. They told me they had to send it Compaq. I checked back with Compaq tech support who informed me that the policy was just changed that week and ALL repairs had to be done by Compaq themselves. On top of that, and I'm glad the tech on the phone mentioned it, I had to wipe out my own configuration because Compaq would only support their initial software load, even though my problem could possibly have anything to do with software. He told me they would send it back and refuse to work on it unless I reloaded their config. Ridiculous!! Reluctantly I sent it in, after spending too much time restoring their config. I could even done the repair myself, but that would void the warranty lest I need it again. They were actually very quick and I got it back in a week, but they shorted out the speakers in the process, so I had to send it back again!
Bottom line, if you aren't a techie and don't need to change what you buy, then the 1800T offers a very good package at a very competitive price.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): given by company
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Celeron
Processor speed: 401-500
Screen Size: 15"
RAM: 128
Internal Storage: CD-ROM
Hard Drive (GB): 4-6
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duffme
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Reviews written: 3
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