Compaq...We're #2...We Liked Being #1 a Lot Better!
Feb 05 '00
I had heard only bad things about Compaq computers for the past several years. So then, why would I have purchased two of their desktops in the last thirty days? The simple answer is: I think they have improved their products and service, and now offer reliable, cutting edge PC’s at affordable prices.
When I decided to buy the first of these two PC’s, it was almost a foregone conclusion that it would be a Dell. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately for me), the specific computer I wanted from Dell had a thirty plus day delivery time. So, after a lot of deliberation, I configured and ordered an Athlon based 5900Z at Compaq.com - and I would have to say I’ve been more than pleased with that decision.
Well, a few weeks later, my wife decided that it was time for her to upgrade and asked if I would find her a desktop PC similar to mine. I thought great!… Now I can get her a Dell or Gateway and do a side-by-side comparison with the new Compaq. But, again after considerable research, including a trip to the local Gateway Country Store, I ended up buying another Compaq. This time I bought a preconfigured model 7970 with a 700 MHz Athlon processor at a local retailer.
Besides affordability, availability and performance; both these PC’s have a feature that Dell and Gateway are lacking. It’s the Digital Creativity Center. Perhaps most potential purchasers don’t need this, but for what we currently and potentially use our desktops for, its almost a necessity. It consists of two USB ports and an IEEE 1394 (firewire) port located conveniently on the front of the tower units. Peripherals, such as digital still cameras and mini-digital camcorders can be plugged in here; and their images quickly downloaded to the hard drives. With the prices of digital video cameras dropping and the soon to be released four plus megapixel consumer still cameras, can the extinction of analog imaging be too far off? (This is an editorial…Right?)
Before continuing, I think I should mention that I am not a computer expert and even though I have high praise for Compaq PC’s at the moment, I have no allegiance to them. However; I have worked in, on or with computers since 1967. Also, regarding Compaq; since this industry is hardly in a steady-state situation, I would recommend each consumer doing their own research before making any major computer purchase, and not taking one reviewer’s opinion as gospel.
With that disclaimer out of the way, let me continue this editorial by listing some pros and cons for the Compaq PC’s I own:
Pros
+ Compaq is a large and stable company and will probably be around if you should need product support in the future.
+ Performance: from a Compaq? Yes! Check out the benchmarks at: http://www.zdnet.com/pcmag/stories/reviews/0,6755,2405215,00.html to see how a Compaq 5900Z recently did against a Dell XPS-B and a Micron Millennia Max. Also, this model is in the two spot on PC World’s current ratings of top power home desktops (http://www.pcworld.com/top400/article/chart/0,2078,14432+2+0,00.html)!
+ Value: I could not find better a better computer (in my opinion) for the price.
+ Good expandability: extra PCI slots and drive bays.
+ Good online and phone support (both my calls to service were answered quickly by knowledgeable reps).
+ Innovation: Digital Creativity Center and Internet keyboard. Won aMVP award at the recent COMDEX and was added to Windows Magazine’s Win List. They also co developed the first THX certified multimedia speaker system.
+ Can be custom configured online at home and in retail outlets.
+ AMD Athlon processors: they are in some ways superior to Intel Pentium III’s. Note: Compaq does also make computers with Intel Processors.
Cons
- Warranty: the standard period is only one year. However, extended warranties from Compaq are reasonably priced.
- Reputation: previously not regarded as a manufacturer of cutting edge PC’s and their service, reliability, and expandability were questionable.
- Case: unusual case design is harder to open than most.
- Long-term reliability: two issues here: 1. Will the new Compaq PC’s be more reliable than their former models? 2. How reliable will the new AMD Athlon processors be?
- Cost cutting: on preconfigured models a few corners have been cut, evidently to make certain price points. Specifically: on the 7970 model, the sound and video cards are adequate, but not what you would expect on a power PC. However, I’m sure if Dell and/or Gateway sold their computers at retail outlets, they would do the same.
Conclusion
There’s something new going on at Compaq Computer Corporation. Could it be that they didn’t like being bumped from their number one position for domestic PC sales by Dell, and are they doing all that it takes to regain the lead? In my opinion, Compaq should be applauded for being the first major PC manufacturer willing to gamble on the AMD Athlon processors and for adding front mounted USB and FireWire ports to most of their desktop units. Could there be a Compaq computer in your future? Who knows? My advise would be to go into any computer purchasing decision with an open mind, and you just might be pleasantly surprised by the outcome, as I have been.
Good luck and happy computing!
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Epinions.com ID:
ryansridge
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Member: D. McCandless
Location: Rural Pennsyltucky
Reviews written: 51
Trusted by: 316 members
About Me:
To insure success, try to eliminate failure.
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