My first 30 days with it
Written: May 25 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Monitor, speed, sound.
Cons: minor problems (which were handled fast)
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| SP-Daytrader's Full Review: Compaq Presario 1600XL145 (A64028-003) PC Notebook |
I purchased the Compaq 1600 XL-145 because it was the highest quality laptop I could find in any of the computer stores near Atlanta when I needed one quickly for an upcoming trip. I also considered DELL, but no stores I went to sold it and I didn't have time to order it from DELL.
Basically I like the 1600-XL145, but have had some problems.
First, let me list the things I like.
1. Nice size hard disk: 6 Gb
2. Fast P-III 500 MHz
3. Decent RAM: 64 Mb (I added a 128 Mb strip to get a total of 192 Mb minus the 8 Mb used for video = 184 Mb of available RAM.)
4. Plays DVD movies. Not a big deal for me except some software now comes on DVDs.
5. Great sound. JBL speakers.
6. Legendary Compaq tech support fast turnaround.
7. Only $99 to extend the warranty from 1 to 3 years, which I gladly paid.
8. Very sharp and crisp 14.1" monitor that works nicely at 1024 X 768.
9. Although I usually use an external mouse, the touchpad works well.
10. My understanding is that Compaq is the largest computer manufacturer in the world, lending some degree of stability.
Now for the problems:
1. After ejecting my PCMCIA network card for my trip, I wasn't aware that the eject button could be stored in the recessed position. No sticker and no mention in the manual. Of course, it broke off. Compaq had it picked up by Airborne Express and the round trip service was handled very quickly.
2. The Enter key became intermittent. I had Compaq pick it up again. They replaced the keyboard and it was turned around very quickly.
3. Later, during one session, the Enter key beeped twice each time it was hit, and it didn't work. I rebooted and the Enter key has worked fine since. I recently faxed Compaq about this and haven't heard back yet.
4. The computer has an NTSC Composite Video Output which doesn't work correctly through a TV when playing a DVD movie. The tech support guy couldn't get it to work (via phone support) and after I asked him to pick it up for repair, he refused to have the computer picked up and repaired. His reasoning was that if I could see a portion of the movie on the TV, then it was working OK. Obviously I disagreed. I recently faxed Compaq on this issue and haven't heard back yet.
5. The computer doesn't come with the Windows 98 SE distribution CD. This relates to another problem which is that 1.3 Gb of my 6 Gb hard drive is taken up by backup files to partially eliminate the need for the Windows 98 SE distribution CD. Compaq tech support refused to send me the Windows 98 SE distribution CD claiming that I had a restore CD. Of course, if I used the restore CD, I'd wipe out much of my setup. Apparently Microsoft has put pressure on "name-brand" computer manufacturers to not give out the distribution CD so that 98 can't be installed on another computer without paying Microsoft. I can appreciate that, but not when it eliminates my ability to get files I need to restore something that's gone bad. Since it's claimed that the computer comes with Windows 98 SE, I feel that I should receive a Windows 98 SE distribution CD just in case it's needed. After all, I paid for it.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
SP-Daytrader
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 1 member
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