This computer has the power, the speed, and the features to make it a great product. Unfortunately, like most PC's, especially Compaqs, it has trouble adapting to adversity.
The computer is flat out fast, and the software package is nice, though hardly comprehensive. I use it as a server for a small network, and it performs admirably. It can run Adobe Photoshop, Pagemaker, and Netscape Communicator - all memory-intensive - simultaneously with good performance. I use it for desktop publishing, and once you know the ropes, it is easy to handle most common incidents.
But not all. Like all PCs, the computer has a hard time presenting clear, understandable information when it has a problem. Like a doctor examining a patient who doesn't know what his problem is, it commonly takes a prolonged diagnostic period before the problem can be identified. Even then, repair is not always swift or possible. It commonly gets confused if you try to change your printer without restarting, and just cannot seem to recognize my Zip drive. If a scanner is unplugged for a second, you'll have to restart.
And it crashes, too. Not commonly, and usually only when you're severely taxing the system resources, but that is generally when it is most important that the computer works properly.
Still, the computer far outperforms most PCs, though it falls far short of today's entry-level Macintoshes. The internet keyboard is nice, but unnecessary. If you're dead set on a PC, look at this one. You'll enjoy it. Plus, its fairly cheap.



Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 1400
Operating System: Windows
Processor: AMD Athlon (K7)
Processor speed: 501-600
RAM: 128
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 21-30