Since the end of 1999, I've gone through several notebook computers (Winbook, Toshiba Tecra (see previous review), Compaq 1800t (see previous review)) and each has had their strengths and weaknesses. But this is the first series of notebooks that I've had the pleasure of actually being a repeat buyer. I mean the previous Compaq 1800t that I had and used extensively couldn't really compare to the Toshiba Tecra 8100 and now the new Compaq 1800t that I've had for five months has outshone all previous models hands down.

Now I'm sure that part of this enhanced experience has to do with the PIII processor that's twice as fast, twice as much RAM and more than twice the space for the hard drive but there are some additional factors that make this new notebook a stronger candidate than previous models.

First and most noticeably is the screen. Remarkably improved over the previous 1800t, it is brighter (adjustable to seven levels), and if you get the SXGA as I did there is a tremendous boost in resolution and increase of 170% of the amount of information that can be displayed. One of the most common remarks I get is why my screen looks so much crisper, clearer and brighter. The reason is the SXGA w/ 1400x1050 resolution. Of the choices, XGA, SXGA, UXGA, I chose SXGA. (See below at the bottom for Compaq's complete description and details of different screen options which is helpful when choosing which screen resolution may be right for you). To me as Goldilocks would say this is just right. With XGA which you most commonly see, could use more resolution. SXGA with 1400x1050 170% boost allows the display of more information, nicer resolution graphics but with fonts and icons of a reasonable and adjustable size. Going one level higher with UXGA, I think is unnecessary on a 15" screen since fonts end up unreadable if too small and the icons are small as well. Granted, digital photos and graphics gain even more resolution than SXGA but on a practical level SXGA seems to provide the best cost effectiveness while vastly enhancing user experience.

Another difference (and recommendation on my part) would be to get the Windows 2000 Professional which offer a number of advantages only three of which I will name: greater stability, ease of use, additional features for mobile computing for the notebook user.

Keep in mind though that this is still the Compaq 1800t with identical shape and components so the clear advantages, I mentioned in my Nov'99 review still stand. These include the best speakers in the notebook market with great placement. And noticeable ergonomic designs abound. With the new and improved screen, Compaq has come up with one of the best well rounded fully featured (and fully sized) notebook computers on the market today. The titanium cover on the screen doesn't look half bad either!

This is one complete notebook that serves as a desktop computer replacement in all the senses. The SXGA screen offers greater resolution in all probability than your desktop monitor without the radiation, With the decent keyboard and nice trackpad and ergonomic designs I prefer this over my desktop perpherals definitely and with the best notebook speaker systems makes this a multimedia ideal with workhorse processing powers to boot.

... The following is from Compaq's website:

Reasons for upgrading to a larger display:
Larger viewing area helps improve productivity.
Ability to display more information at one time.
Provides a better user experience for some multimedia and web applications.

UXGA TFT Active Matrix Display The UXGA TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display provides brilliant colors and has a maximum resolution of 1600x1200 as compared to 1024x768 resolutions of standard 14.1" and 15.0" XGA displays. Contrast ratios are 3-5 times better than STN displays. The response times are extremely fast (50ms or less) and make live motion video come to life. The brightness on these displays are 50% better than STN displays and produce crisp, sharp images that dazzle the eyes with excitement. The viewing angle is increased with better horizontal and vertical viewing. Overall viewing area is comparable to 15” XGA panels. Information content is about 240% that of XGA displays, providing crisper images and more information.

SXGA+ TFT Active Matrix Display The SXGA+ TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display provides brilliant colors and has a maximum resolution of 1400x1050 as compared to 1024x768 resolutions of standard 14.1" and 15.0" XGA displays. Contrast ratios are 3-5 times better than STN displays. The response times are extremely fast (50ms or less) and make live motion video come to life. The brightness on these displays are 50% better than STN displays and produce crisp, sharp images that dazzle the eyes with excitement. The viewing angle is increased with better horizontal and vertical viewing. Overall viewing area is comparable to 15” XGA panels. Information content is about 170% that of XGA displays, providing crisper images and more information.

TFT Active Matrix Display Live motion video comes to life in crisp sharp images that dazzle the eyes with TFT Active Matrix Display. The TFT, or Thin Film Transistor, gives you brilliant colors with contrast ratios three to five times better than STN displays. Previously reserved for high-end expensive business notebooks, Active Matrix Displays are now available on select affordable Presario notebooks to give you intense color that makes graphics and video deep and vibrant. It’s also easier on the eyes since the non-glare coated, high contrast pitch gives you one of the clearest, sharpest displays available to consumers today. Large, brilliant display makes viewing graphic and data intensive applications simple and easy. No more straining to see small icons, text or spreadsheet. Plus, this display draws low power and emits no X-Rays or VLF/ELF magnetic fields, making it very environmentally friendly.




Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 2600.
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Pentium III
RAM: More than 256
Internal Storage: DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 13-20