Introduction

"This is my third Compaq, and I haven't been disappointed yet. Then again, I haven't had to deal extensively with Compaq's tech support, like so many others out there have. No horror stories here though."

** Well, that's what I said in my original review. Of course, things change. First, I had to have my Compaq laptop serviced (which they handled quite well, see my laptop review on that). Then, the USB ports on this unit failed (it needs a new motherboard; so now each of the Compaqs I currently own have had a motherboard failure and replacement). So far, Compaq has failed miserably on this one. I was told by tech support that I had to drop off the unit at the local Radio Shack, which by itself gave me shivers. Then, of course, the incompetent fools took four days just to ship it out (we needed to order a box Sir, we missed UPS Sir, I'm new Sir, etc.), and this after making me wait for an hour just to drop it off. Now it's in a regional service center, and it could be a couple more weeks. BAD, BAD, BAD. Perhaps it's Radio Shaft's fault, and specifically the one RS I had to deal with, but Compaq choose to use them as a business partner, so in the end it reflects badly on Compaq. Nevertheless, the unit should not have failed in the first place. I know... things fail, but two in a row? This will be the LAST Compaq computer I will buy, I can assure you. Dude, next time I'll be getting a Dell.

Configuration

The PC came with a Pentium IV processor, 512 MB DRAM, a USB keyboard, wheel mouse, and the standard hardware ports: 4 USB (2 in front, and 2 in back), two serial, one parallel, ethernet, keyboard, monitor, and mouse.

The software with the PC includes: Windows XP Home (installed on the hard drive), a Recovery CD, Symantec AntiVirus, Roxio CD Creator (Basic), and an EA Sports Gaming Pack.

Performance

It worked great out of the box (** for a few months, anyway). I plugged in the monitor, assorted peripherals, powered the PC on, and Windows XP Home Edition installed itself. It detected my cable modem and I was on the Internet in a snap. I had to install updated drivers from the manufacturer for my monitor and scanner, but this is known requirement for XP.

The Pentium IV 1.5 GHz processor is extremely fast and has been able to reasonably handle everything I've thrown at it (like playing an MP3 file while surfing the web, and burning a CD). The included 512 MB DRAM gives plenty of breathing room for the operating system and most applications. The PC has several open bays/slots for additional drives, cards, etc. It even has a nifty door in front to store a CD (I assume it was intended for the Recovery CD, and hopefully you'll never have to use it).

This PC is great for the home office user and PC gamer alike (it worked great with the resource demanding, but incredible, Medal of Honor 2: Allied Assault game). Hardcore PC geeks may want more power, RAM, and disk space, but for the money, there's not a better deal around. My cost was $799 net ($899 list at staples.com (plus tax), minus $40 (coupon code 71344), free shipping, and $100 rebate (expires on 1/28/02).

A plug for Windows XP Home - I was able to quickly setup a network using an RJ-45 crossover cable between my desktop and laptop (also running XP Home). I can now share my files, printer, and Internet connection between the PCs. The enclosed Symantec AntiVirus/Firewall software also protects from malicious Internet snooping.

The Bad News

The only drawbacks on this PC are the keyboard (the USB connection takes up 1 of the 4 ports), the absence of an XP disk (due to Compaq's annoying license policy), and no Firewire interface. As USB connections can be quickly consumed by devices such as cameras, scanners, etc., why wasn't the keyboard relegated to its own dedicated connection, which was included? A Firewire card would have also been a nice touch, but I assume it wasn't included to keep costs down. However, you could add your own for less than $50.

** And, of course, Compaq's service policy for desktops leaves a lot to be desired. Their laptop service is far superior. I still partially recommend this unit, but obviously with the reservations I have mentioned.



Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 799
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Other
Processor speed: over 1000
RAM: More than 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 31-40