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Looks the same as other HP laptops, but not nearly as powerful inside.
(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)Editors' note: This review is part of our 2009 Retail Laptop and Desktop Back-to-School roundup, covering specific fixed configurations of popular systems that can be found in retail stores.
One thing we noticed when reviewing the lowest-priced entry-level laptops in our retail roundup was the presence of the Intel Celeron 900 processor. Showing up twice (in the Compaq CQ60-417DX and the Toshiba L305-S5955, discussed below), it's an outdated, poorly performing CPU.
The sneaky thing, however, is that this processor shows up in a chassis that also houses more highly powered machines. Perhaps this downgrading and price-cutting has been inspired by the success of Netbooks. Regardless, it can be confusing for consumers. $350 or $399 sounds like a great deal for a laptop, but is it still worth it with an processor that's not much better than a Netbook?
In our Back-to-School retail laptop roundup, we've taken a look at a few real bargain-basement machines. Along with the Toshiba Satellite L305-S5955, the Compaq Presario CQ60-417DX comes in at less than $400. Although it's 50 dollars more than the Satellite L305-S5955, it also has a larger, 15.6-inch, higher-resolution 16:9 screen, comes with a Windows 7-upgrade-eligible Windows Vista Home Premium OS, and has a keyboard and touch pad that were far more comfortable for us. But, you should be forewarned: both systems are nearly identical otherwise, and both come with a pretty bare-bones Celeron 900 processor.
However, for only $29 more, you can get a laptop with a significantly better dual-core processor in the Dell Inspiron 1545-012B, so the underpowered processor at the CQ60-417DX's core can't be overlooked. For your entry-level computing needs, we recommend looking elsewhere.
For the same price, would you rather have a larger screen and Vista, or a Netbook?
If you're buying a budget computer, it's worth your time to look into the Compaq Presario SR5610f desktop. It's not far off from a barebones machine, and you don't get a ton of extra features, but the price is so low that it's hard to complain. You get a dual-core 2.5GHz AMD processor, 3 gigs of ram, an integrated video card, and a 320GB hard drive, which should be enough power to get you through the standard applications, stuff like word processing, streaming video, mp3 playback, etc...but you definitely shouldn't expect it to handle intense gaming or programs that require accelerated graphics. If did have to raise a stink, it'd have to be about the lack of a dedicated media card reader! Sure, it's a sub-$600 system, but even this eMachines has one built in! If you decide on this computer, dust off that USB cord--you'll be seeing it a lot more in the future.
You'll have to read the full review for our complete analysis, but the long and short of it is that you can spend a scant $50 more and get a much better deal in the Acer x3200, a slimline PC that adds gigabit Ethernet, a more powerful video card (still integrated), more memory, and even an extra CPU core that will let you handle a wider breadth of applications. In the end, it's your choice and totally dependent on how you'll use it, but check out both reviews--they'll help you with your difficult shopping decisions.
If you don't have a sack full of $100 bills to spend on a desktop computer, don't worry! All is not lost; the world of budget PCs are a great option for you. Vendors are champing at the bit to release round after round of sub-$500 PCs. After all, some people just want a computer for basic applications: MP3 playback, word processing, Internet surfing, etc.
The eMachines ET1161-03 is just one system in its budget line that won't break the bank. It features a 2.3GHz AMD Athlon 64 dual-core processor, 3GB of RAM, an integrated graphics chip, and a 320GB hard drive. The chassis is nothing special, as you'd expect for the price, but there are actually subtle details that make the eMachines somewhat worth the price. For example, there's a comprehensive expansion card reader for transferring photos directly to the computer and the inside leaves adequate room for future expansion.
Our only complaint is with the hardware itself. After performing speed benchmarking, we've determined that the competition offers a better deal for $50 more. Check out our full review for more details.
Read our full review of the eMachines ET1161-03.
Three models of the refreshed Pavilion line.
(Credit: HP)The consumer side of HP's massive product rollout on Tuesday included a refresh (and welcome name simplification) of the Pavilion line of laptops, as well as three new Compaq Presario models.
First up: Pavilions. The three models in the company's flagship laptop line have received some small enhancements, including a new metallic HP Imprint finish, a "frameless" display option that the company is calling BrightView Infinity, and a hard drive accelerometer to protect data if the laptop is bumped or dropped. All the new Pavilion models also include an HDMI port and the option for a Blu-ray drive.
Otherwise, the Pavilions are largely unchanged. Model names with a "t" suffix still indicate an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and integrated Intel or discrete Nvidia graphics; a "z" suffix still translates to an AMD Turion X2 or Athlon X2 CPU with ATI Mobility Radeon HD graphics. All models incorporate up to 4GB of RAM; 5,400rpm hard drives up to 320GB (with one exception, below); and a Webcam, microphone, and optional fingerprint reader.
In fact, it seems the naming scheme is the largest change--and a welcome one. HP now offers the Pavilion dv4 series, with a 14.1-inch WXGA display (the only model to offer an LED-backlight option); the Pavilion dv5 series, with a 15.4-inch WXGA or WSXGA display; and the Pavilion dv7 series, with a 17.1-inch WXGA+ or WSXGA+ display. As befitting a desktop replacement, the Pavilion dv7 also adds Nvidia GeForce GS and GT graphics options as well as hard drive configurations up to 640GB.
HP is also reviving the Compaq Presario brand name with three new models. The 14.1-inch CQ45 includes a built-in TV tuner as well as discrete graphics and Blu-ray drive options; the nearly identical CQ40 contains a more basic feature set. Meanwhile the 6.6-pound, 15.4-inch CQ50's configuration--which includes AMD Athlon and Sempron processors, just 2GB of RAM, and a 250GB hard drive--may not win any speed tests, but its $499 starting price is destined to have some appeal.
Pricing and availability for the new models varies. The Pavilion dv4t series starts at $999 and will be available beginning later this month, while the dv4z series starts at $799 and is promised for September. The $899 Pavilion dv5t and $699 dv5z will be available later this month, as will the $1,229 dv7t. The $949 Pavilion dv7z should be available in July.
Availability and pricing for the Compaq Presario Q40 and Q45 vary by region, but the Compaq Presario CQ50 starts at $499 and will be available later this month.
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