You Get What You Pay For
Written: May 31 '02 (Updated Jan 29 '03)
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Pros: Great price for the value; fairly durable for a laptop.
Cons: Heavy, screen burns out easily.
The Bottom Line: For the price, you can't get much better. If you have the money, though, buy a better computer.
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| msavere's Full Review: Compaq Presario 1200XL110 (155727-003) PC Notebook |
Introduction
When I was looking for a laptop computer, I wanted the cheapest computer possible that would be sufficient for my purposes (mostly word processing, a little internet), and wouldn't break easily. I basically got what I was looking for. For the price of this computer, you get a great value. It's not the best computer in the bunch, but for laptops at the low end of the prices, it's a great buy.
Specs
I won't bore you with the number of ram, etc. All of that you can find out from the store, the box, the internet, etc. What I will tell you are the specs that you really can't get from papers.
The Screen
First, the screen. A 12.1" screen is definitely smaller than a usual computer monitor, but not really noticeably so. Can I tell when I change computers, yes. But while I am working on my laptop, I never wish that the screen was bigger and it certainly doesn't impede my work at all. Also, a smaller screen means a smaller computer -- which adds to its portability.
The Touchpad
Also, Compaq offers the touchpad. When I first was deciding whether to get a computer with a touchpad, I didn't really think it mattered. Now that I have used a touchpad for two years, though, I can tell you that they are great. I was concerned that the touchpad would get dirty or might be sluggish, but I have not lost one bit of sensitivity since I bought my computer. In addition, once you get comfortable with the feel of the touchpad, it is so much faster and more efficient than almost any other kind of contraption they try to replace a mouse with.
The Weight
Lastly, the weight. How much does it matter that it is over ten pounds with the battery? A lot, unfortunately. That is the one big drawback to this computer. If you want a lighter computer, you have to pay for it -- it's as simple as that. I carry mine around in a super sturdy backpack and my back has yelled at me a couple of times for it. If you have the money to go to the 6 pound computer, I highly suggest doing it -- it will probably save you a lot of doctor's bills in the future.
The numbers
It has an AMD K6-2 processor that runs at 475 MHz -- not top of the line, but fine for most people's purposes. It has a 6.0 GB hard drive and 64 MB of RAM. It comes with a 56.0 internal modem. The screen is an Active Matrix LCD which, as I mentioned, is not a great screen as it tends to get darker along the border after about two years.
It comes with a CD-ROM drive and a 3.5" floppy drive. The speakers are built in and are adequate, but if you want any real sound quality, you'll have to buy another set of speakers.
Finally, one of the main reasons I bought it, it weighs in at about 8 pounds. Still enough to give you a bad back, but not unless you are carrying it around every day.
Durability
I've been generally happy with the durability of the compaq save three separate problems I have had. Only one of these problems has led to me having to fix it, though, as the others you can work around.
First, the screen burns out very easily. Not total burnout, but more of a fade. My computer screen after about a year started getting faded around the edges. This continues to creep inward, and I've been told by people at Compaq that a less expensive screen as the one on this computer just does that after a while. Nothing I can't work with, though, and I don't notice that much if I put certain backgrounds on.
Secondly, the battery. The battery has a tendency to go bad very easily. I have gone through two different batteries in the two years I've had my computer. For some reason they just start losing their charge eventually. Unfortunately, the batteries cost about $150 at the very least.
Lastly, I had my one big problem just a few weeks ago. The little pin on the back of the computer where you plug in the AC Adapter broke off. What does this mean? Well, on a Compaq apparently it is very difficult to replace this part. I could have either bought a new mother board and installed it for about $600 -- or, what I did, have someone soder the pin back on and make a mess of my computer for about $400. It seems to be working now, and we'll see how it goes through the third year.
Conclusion
What do you get when you squeeze lemons? No, you don't get the finest wine, you get lemonade. If you are in the mood for lemonade, or only have a couple of quarters in your pocket, this is a great computer. If you are looking for a fine wine, you should shop elsewhere. I've been happy, it's served its purpose, and it has presented me with a lot less headaches than a lot of my friend's computers who even spent a couple of hundred dollars more.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1000
Operating System: Windows
Processor: AMD K-2
Processor speed: 401-500
Screen Size: 12
RAM: 64
Internal Storage: CD-ROM
Hard Drive (GB): 21-30
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Epinions.com ID:
msavere
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Member: Mike Rosensaft
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Reviews written: 117
Trusted by: 65 members
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