Unfortunately, it is a shame that it required a layman like me, to write a review on this new marvel from HP. Especially when we have lot of Computer experts everywhere. My old desktop is now 5 years old, and I thought it is time for an up gradation, of course to a laptop. It is no sin as laptops are available at prices lower than what I paid for my PC 5 years back. So I started search for a low priced laptop.
Most low end laptops come from Acer. Naturally I considered a few from them and almost settled with one model –one with Wi-Fi and all. It was quite cheap also. 31 K for everything including the carry bag. But then I checked MS and found very bad feedbacks on Acer. Even though there were no reviews on that specific model, I decided to drop the idea. I never thought Compaq was selling Laptops around that price. Anyway I visited their site but was not of much help to choose one fitting my wallet. Then incidentally I found one Compaq priced at 36 K at Ebay. I contacted the HP presale service. Next day I visited my local reseller – Oxygen, for details. Luckily they had one there and their price was 33.5K. The presale service replied my query promptly and they quoted a price 29, 990 for the computer, 2500 for the bag and local taxes and octroi extra. So I decided to go Compaq.
Technical:
It is Celeron 1.4 GHz processor in 915 chipset. L2 cache is 1Mb, 256 Mb DDR and 40 Gb hard disk. Got DVD combo drive and 6 in 1 card reader. 3 USB ports, VGA port, firewire for video, S video and expansion port. Speakers are Altec Lansing brand.
Very happy about
Leave away the Compaq badge and price tag, it is the looks that catches us first. Clean lines with no ugly bulges or feminine curves. If the things you use reflect your personality, then this gadget is sure to bring you a reputation of being sharp decent and exact. Its outer side is matt black with silver trimmings and inside cool silver. Keys are light grey. The display is 14” wide screen which is no doubt better than the usual TFT. The difference is quite evident even to the novice and is quite a new experience. The touch pad has a L shaped area marked on which functions for page scrolling. This is very innovative and helpful. The touch pad on-off key is placed very close to and we can deactivate the pad without scrolling much in menus.
The not so happy part
The computer comes with free DOS. But no drivers are shipped with the gadget. You have to download them or pray for the mercy of the vendor. My people gave me the sound and graphic drivers. I still don’t have the one for the card reader. Its quite bad that the company is not providing one CD having all these drivers.
The compulsory carry bag is made of some substandard material. It is not worth even RS 1000. But the design is well thought out, unlike the old Compaq bags which dropped the computer if we forgot to zip up. The bag had a HP badge instead of Compaq!
Even though one year warranty is offered, (in Asia Pacific it is carry in) the warranty documents appear unreliable. It doesn’t have any space to fill up any purchase details or product code or serial number. Then what’s the guaranty that they will entertain our warranty claims?
The Unhappy part
Now that you purchased your long cherished laptop and eager to switch it on, you look for the power cord. So sorry it’s of some alien type not fitting your standard Indian socket. Then you will again have to run to buy an adaptor. HP is shelling out millions- (or billions) for marketing this product in India, still they can’t provide a plug suitable for this land? But they lovingly advise us to cut off the plug if it’s unsuitable and to attach a new one. Their concern doesn’t stop there; they continue to advise us to destroy the removed plug as it can be dangerous!!!
To conclude
This is an excellent buy if you don’t mind having a Celeron. Its display is simply superb! Its looks are better than anything else. Hope HP will consider our unhappy parts in future. I have no hesitation in recommending this laptop.