My favorite laptop computer
Written: Jan 09 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Small and powerful
Cons: Too much pre-loaded software
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| dbhoutx's Full Review: Compaq Presario 1278 |
Here is a spunky little notebook computer. Compaq put almost everything would want and expect out of a notebook computer into their model 1278 laptop computer. I received this computer for Christmas a year ago along with a GPS receiver. Together they make for a great mobile map solution, while providing the ability to compute concurrent with the mapping and when ever I want to just use it as a computer.
I remember when the first portable came out, a Compaq that was about the size of a current tower computer. The monitor was amber and white. One would carry the mammoth computer and set it up. Needless to say they were not used in cars and on airplanes like the laptop computers of today. Next came Toshiba with a true laptop. In each instance my family was among the first to invest in the new technology. At one point I think we had three of the "first" kinds of IBM and compatible computers. Now we have a ton to choose from, with many reputable manufactures producing laptop computers.
First the technical aspects, this is a K6-2 433Mhz computer with 64M RAM, a 24X CD ROM Drive and a 56K modem. There are more technical aspects but those should cover most of what folks want to know. Oh yeah, the monitor is there in living color 3D and pretty good quality. One may have to adjust the screen settings depending upon the angle of the sun onto the screen. Otherwise you have a great monitor. The other stats speak for themselves, but for a computer designed and built almost 18 months ago, it is pretty perky.
I use this computer primarily while traveling and for the GPS mapping software program. Yes, I know that is one heck of an expensive GPS set up, but as you get older your toys just get more expensive. I do like to travel and like to have certain things with me when possible. They include the computer since having access to the internet makes worldwide communication much easier. This computer is light-weight and very portable. In its carry case, which holds tons of accessories, one can easily travel to wherever they want and stay in touch.
The battery life on the computer is reasonable by my standards. Unfortunately, like a cell phone being used to talk all day, the battery will wear down quickly. I find the more often you save and/or open files, the quicker the battery will wear down. Overall I see myself getting 2-3 hours of battery time with normal usage.
The preloaded software will clog your hard drive and most of it is BS anyhow. I deleted much of it and added that software that I actually use. This gave me a computer that works well towards meeting my computing needs while on the road…literally.
I recommend this computer to those who need good computing power in a laptop at a reasonable price, or to those who need a neat toy!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): Gift
Operating System: Windows
Processor: AMD K-2
Processor speed: 401-500
Screen Size: 14"
RAM: 128
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Epinions.com ID:
dbhoutx
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 - Top 1000 |
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Member: David
Location: Houston, Texas
Reviews written: 324
Trusted by: 223 members
About Me:
David loves outdoor activities, travel, breeding Registered Texas Longhorns.
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