Easily the best notebook computer I've used.
Written: Feb 26 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Built solid, trim design, good ergonomics.
Cons: Occasionally annoying touch pad.
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| egabe's Full Review: Archived Computer Hardware Reviews |
The Compaq Armada E500 Notebook Computer (a recent offering from Compaq) is easily the most user-friendly and well-built laptop/notebook I've used. If YOU are looking for a DURABLE, EASY-TO-USE notebook, this model deserves a serious look.
We bought this laptop in mid-February of 2000. In our search for a portable unit, we examined a variety of brands, and at first, we actually intended to avoid Compaq because of trouble we had experienced in the past with their desktop models. We, as well as our friends and business associates, had "tired" of Compaq, maybe just because it is an established brand. But in the end, it was worth sticking with Compaq.
HERE ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF THE E500:
1. Slim design. Simply put, this unit is small and thin, and it maximizes every inch of its cabinet.
2. Ergonomic design. The keyboard is easy to use, even if this is your first laptop. I made the switch from a traditional desktop unit. I now use the E500 laptop for everything I do, even in the office.
3. Great screen! With almost 13 inches of brilliant color, I don't think you can get any better than this, aside from hooking up to an auxiliary monitor.
4. Solid performance. Are you like me, always worrying that your machine is consuming too much of its resources, heading for a crash? Unless you are running a monster program, you aren't likely to encounter that frustration with the E500.
HERE ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF THE E500:
1. My only (slight) frustration with this unit is the touch pad. Centered below the keyboard, I still haven't mastered the ability to avoid brushing it while typing, sometimes sending the cursor to another part of the screen, interrupting my typing stream. The sensitivity of the touch pad is adjustable, I just wonder why Compaq and the other manufacturers haven't offered a thin plastic shield of some sort to cover the pad (especially when using an auxiliary mouse, which I do). Of course you can disarm it altogether if you wish.
SUMMARY:
You might pay a little more for the Compaq brand, but in my epinion, it is well worth it. Sort of like buying a Honda automobile over another brand. You see lots of them on the road, and they aren't the most exciting "sexy" new car out there, but for reliability and performance, you can't beat 'em. Hey, you get what you pay for!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
egabe
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Location: Lexington, KY
Reviews written: 16
Trusted by: 9 members
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