compaq

Barely more expensive than a decently configured Netbook, the $449 Compaq Presario CQ60-215DXlooks like a good bargain at first, with its 16:9 screen and separate number pad, but this is a case where spending a little more can pay big dividends.

The AMD CPU gave us the overall slowest performance in the entry-level category of our current retail laptop roundup, and the battery lasted for less than two hours. Interestingly, this laptop is built into the exact same chassis as the HP G60-235dx, our favorite current entry-level retail laptop. For $599, that system gives you a faster Intel Dual-Core … Read more

Believe it or not, not every PC out there is a Netbook. All the usual suspects still have new systems flowing into retail, and we have a pile of them here in our lab waiting for a review. Each of the systems here is available at Best Buy, and we have four categories represented: sub-$500, $500 to $750, $750 to $1,000, and $1,000-plus.

With the posting of our Acer Aspire X1700 review Wednesday afternoon, we have the sub-$500 category covered. Alongside the Acer, systems from Dell and eMachines round out this ultrabudget segment.

Of the three, … Read more