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November 7, 2008 11:30 AM PST

Wal-Mart has Black Friday-style deals on Nov. 8, including a $298 laptop

by Dan Ackerman
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In a nod to the tough economic environment, mega-retailer Wal-Mart is offering a selection of one-day in-store specials, a few of which caught our eye, including a sub-$300 laptop.

A Wal-Mart press release says the company will be offering a "$298 Compaq CQ-139WM 15.4" laptop with 2GB RAM and 160GB hard drive." The Compaq brand name (which HP usually saves for bottom of the barrel junk) is almost enough to scare us off, and we've asked HP for information on this specific model, including what CPU is has. But, if you've only got $300 to spend on a laptop, and don't want a 9-inch Netbook, it might be worth a look.

Other notable Nov. 8 tech deals include a $100 Wal-Mart Gift Card with a $399 Sony PlayStation 3 purchase and a $30 Wal-Mart Gift Card with $129 Sony PlayStation 2 purchase. A handful of older (but popular) PS3 games--Warhawk, Resistance and MotorStorm--are going to be $19.82.

My question to you is: Would you trust a $298 laptop, especially one with a Compaq logo?

Update: HP never got back to us with specs, but after the system went live on Walmart's Web site Saturday, the info is now available for all to see:

  • Intel Celeron Processor 575
    2.00 GHz, 667MHz FSB, 1MB Cache
  • 2048MB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
    Expandable up to 3072MB with 2 accessible memory slots
  • 15.4" Diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen (1280 x 800) Display
    Viewing is enhanced with the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD (shared) with up to 765MB Total Available Graphics Memory
  • 160GB (5400RPM) Hard Drive (SATA)
    Store all of your digital media on this expansive drive
  • Genuine Windows Vista? Home Basic with Service Pack 1 Makes your computing experience more efficient, more secure and more fun
  • SuperMulti 8X DVD?R/RW drive With double-layer support
New York native Dan Ackerman, a former radio DJ turned journalist, has written about technology and music for publications including Spin, Blender, The Hollywood Reporter, and USA Today. He hosts the weekly Digital City podcast and the New York edition of Editors' Office Hours. Dan's new album, Tales Out of Night School, is available now. E-mail Dan.
Topics:

Laptops,

Games and gear

Tags:

budget laptops,

Walmart,

PS3,

Black Friday

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Add a Comment (Log in or register) Showing 1 of 3 pages (66 Comments)
by trickycoolj November 7, 2008 12:17 PM PST
Yes I would trust a Compaq laptop. I purchased a Presario in September 2003 that is still going strong. Granted it's not wide screen and I couldn't turn the fans off and sounds like a hairdryer when it's turned on, the thing is over 5 years old now! It saw me through my entire undergraduate degree and multiple trips home visiting family, multiple airplane trips to Europe. I "modded" the Presario with some small stick on the wall style dome shaped door stops so that it was raised further off of surfaces to promote cooling. That sucker has a full blown desktop P4 in it. The only thing broken is the CD tray spring (have to use the paper-clip "stylus") and the paint job. Oh did I mention it's hit the cement floor at Chicago O'Hare in the security line in 2004 without a case? Yeah, treat your electronics right, and it doesn't matter who's name is on the lid.
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by izmirtheastarach November 7, 2008 12:56 PM PST
Compaq laptops of the past have no bearing on this. I would reccomend that anyone buy sub $500 laptops, nevermind something that is $298. The brand name is not even an issue to me.<br /><br />Every sub $500 laptop I have ever sold has fallen apart within a couple of years. The build quality is just not there and QA is almost nonexistent. Save your money for something reliable.
by c|net Reader November 7, 2008 5:18 PM PST
We have a five year old Compaq which is doing well except the battery is weakening and the kids dropped it recently damaging the hinge. We have a nearly year old HP ($500) doing very nicely. Do either of those indicate whether a $300 Compaq will do well today? Yes and no.<br /><br />The price is great, but I suspect the CPU is very low power. Still the HDD is big enough and 2GiB is fine for Vista and great for XP.
by legend2k November 7, 2008 12:23 PM PST
Not really. I don't doubt it would worth it, however, how long really would it last?<br />so, no, not really.
Reply to this comment
by tjmile1 November 8, 2008 12:19 PM PST
Based on what? You should be a little more specific as to why you don't think it will last. Maybe it won't last long, but I haven't seen anyone state why it shouldn't.
by Mikalasurf November 7, 2008 12:28 PM PST
I enjoyed the article and plan on visting my local Wal-Mart today because you can never have too many computers.
Reply to this comment
by ooburii November 7, 2008 4:03 PM PST
Agreed! :D
by mmntech November 7, 2008 12:42 PM PST
Those deals almost make a drive across the border to Buffalo worth it... almost. <br />As for the Compaq laptop, my dad has one, an R3000 that's about four years old now. Has a brittle shell on it, ran slow as heck, and the hard drive failed prematurely. I personally wouldn't buy another. However, if you're a university student who needs a laptop, $298 is pretty tempting.
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by dgden November 7, 2008 12:54 PM PST
Excuse me, Compaq brand reserved for the ?junk?? Have you looked at HP Business line at all? I own a $3500 2.6 Core 2 Duo Compaq business laptop from them with high specs and a warranty to match. <br /> <br />I bought a $350 Toshiba as a present for someone last year and the sucker had lower specs than this Compaq?for $300 and 1 year warranty what is there to think about? A perfect workhorse laptop one will not be worried to haul around on trips. <br /> <br />And do your homework before you use foolish rhetoric like "bottom of the barrel junk."
Reply to this comment
by xZero2007x November 7, 2008 1:19 PM PST
LOL The joke's on you buddy! If you would be a little less providential, you'd realize that yes, the Compaq name is reserved for HP's "bottom of the barrel junk" lineup. <br />Even with those specs, I bet it paled in comparison to the HP brand's line up, and for the price... Yeah the joke's definitely on you. <br /><br />..*snickers*<br />$3500 for a C2D @ 2.6Ghz with the COMPAQ name on it...<br />*snickers some more*<br /><br />Back to the article, no I wouldn't buy it. If I were short on money, I'd save up and buy something decent. And what defines a purchase as decent would mean that it is NOT the top of the line, but not using scrub components like the Pentium Dual Core crap or the fit-for-budget AMD chips out there. Add a little more for a decent GPU (400-series equivalent) and look for the goodies like integrated bluetooth, webcams, USB ports, size, and battery life. Ton of $700 laptops that fit this profile, so I'd say it'd be worth saving up.<br />Otherwise, a netbook would be more fitted for the price (maybe not the lowest of the low-end netbooks) since battery and physical size will be the icing on the cake.
by Dan_Ackerman November 7, 2008 3:24 PM PST
HP's never quite figured out what to do with the Compaq brand name. On the consumer side, it's all low-end stuff -- they also occasionally trot out the brand name for biz systems, but the usage is a bit schizophrenic. I've asked HP many times over the years about this, and they've never had a cohesive and/or coherent answer.
by tjmile1 November 8, 2008 12:17 PM PST
This guy isn't off completely. Think about it, the best computers are frequently $3000 or more, but in a couple of years they are average at best. Additionally, they depreciate worse than cars, so I'm not a big fan of shelling out that much for a computer. Then again, if that's what your into (or your company is willing to foot the bill), and you have the money, who are we to judge. People overspend on Apple stuff because they like the products, not because there aren't alternatives. <br /> <br />I don't even look at Compaq as a brand anymore. It was bought out and I doubt if the people that founded Compaq are involved in any way at this point. It's an HP!
by skshrews November 8, 2008 12:57 PM PST
"Bottom of the barrel junk", just the "junk" that the vast majority of computer users need for email, web surfing, storing pictures. That the tech literati is so out of touch with the average user explains why people resort to sites like Amazon to get "average" user opinions.<br /><br />Nothing is more ridiculous than the braggarts who pay $2000 for an 'elite' laptop that will be obsolete in 2-3 years. <br /><br />One of the great under-appreciated skills that underlies the tech hardware industry is to get people to buy so much more computer than the vast majority of users need.
by xelanmetallium November 7, 2008 1:25 PM PST
I did my own research on this laptop deal. It isn't a horrible laptop spec wise, but I wouldn't recommend it for someone with portability in mind. The processor is a Celeron (merom type). This means it lacks the speedstep technology that helps the Core 2s be so energy efficient. Add the high probability that it will only have a 4 cell battery pack means that it will likely have around an hour of battery life. Not too bad for cheap easily transportable desktop with screen.
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by adampuls November 7, 2008 1:36 PM PST
I would trust a $298 laptop and I would trust a Compaq... but I would NOT trust it from Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart tells manufacturers what they will pay for goods. If you can't meet their price, Wal-Mart won't sell your product. Therefore, manufacturers compromise the quality of the device to meet Wal-Mart's demand, meaning use of cheaper (lower quality) parts, so the manufacturer can scrap off a minimal profit.
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by dennisl59 November 7, 2008 1:59 PM PST
For those people, on a tight budget, who need a very inexpensive laptop, for occasional use(email,websurfing, etc...) by a relative, this is an OK deal in my opinion. It's an appliance. <br /> <br />Save Money, Live Better.
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by clarrkkent November 8, 2008 11:52 AM PST
I've gone through 2 HP's and 2 Compaq's in the last two years. All of which never left my damn desk, had sufficient ventilation, and just did run of the mill word processing and browsing. Each one had hardware failures. The compaqs were the worst with multiple problems requiring repair before eventually dying. <br /> <br />I wouldn't buy a $300 compaq. Not because of the name, but because of their absolutely terrible outsourced customer service. I expect hardware failures in ANY computer eventually. It's how the manufacturer handles it that sets them up for success of failure. I never imagined I'd have to wait over 2 months (they had it for two months) for them to replace my laptop. If they had their choice, I'd have waited 6-12 months for them to replace the motherboard instead of ponying up a new laptop. So HP and Compaq? Never again.
by tjmile1 November 8, 2008 12:08 PM PST
Now you are on to something. I have a Toshiba with a Celeron and it was getting way too hot on my desk. It is my belief that all of these laptops have cooling issues. <br /> <br />Some run hotter than others, but If you buy this machine I would strongly recomment you either set it on a laptop cooler, or do what I did. I put a couple of shims (anything will do) with some double sided tape. My laptop is raised about a 1/4" off the desk now and runs way, way cooler.
by sweaty_taco November 7, 2008 2:02 PM PST
Of course people who shop at Wal-Mart will buy this laptop along with their Happy Meal and churro. Ahhh...happy times...happy times.
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by zunyo1 November 7, 2008 2:32 PM PST
Where else can you buy a hammer, rawhide chews, grass seed, frozen chicken thighs, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Marvel action figures, Call of Duty 4 for the PC, Resistance 2 for the PS3, socks, boxers, 5 spiral notebooks, <br />bologna, cheddar cheese, etc. etc. at 2:30 in the morning? Aaaaaaah, truly these are happy times....
by dennisl59 November 8, 2008 4:34 AM PST
Tennis Shoes, Paint, Toilet Paper, Cosmetics, Cake, Bed Sheets, AC/DC T-shirts, Jumper Cables, Bird Seed, Ammo, Motor Oil...Plus, Dell and HP PC's, Monitors, Cameras, Cables, Digital Picture Processing...Hey if WALMART doesn't have it you don't need it!. <br /> <br />Save Money, Live Better.
by twood00 November 7, 2008 2:12 PM PST
Are you a Wal-Mart Vendor? Are you speaking from fact or opinion? Wal-Mart, like Target, Kmart and other retailers all tell vendors what kind of margin they want and their target Retail price. While specs may be adjusted to meet the cost, you cannot assume it means lower quality parts than the manufacturer would normally use. Many branded manufacturers (but not all - to your point) will not use substandard parts, ingredients because this would destroy Brand reputation. Yes, sometimes this means that the Retailer (not just Wal-Mart) will not take their product, but such is the retail vendor world. <br />I work for a food manufacturer and sometimes run into this problem with traditional grocers. <br />I guess my point is that everyone thinks that Wal-Mart is the only retailer who does this, but in truth, all do, so don't be fooled. Also know that there are manufacturers out there who won't do anything to make a buck. Not as many as you and I would like, but they are out there.
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by frasercrane November 7, 2008 2:18 PM PST
What's troubling about all these replies is the idea that low cost equals low quality, while higher cost equals better quality. I've shelled out way too much for fancy spec Sony VAIOs (2) and a Dell laptops and have been rewarded with "junk" as well., not to mention horrid customer support by both. Quite often you get what you pay for, but almost as often paying a lot just means paying a lot. <br /><br />To the poster who said save up for a $700 laptop--there are those who'd argue $700 laptops are cheap junk. It's all a big crapshoot.
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by mattburley1993 November 7, 2008 2:32 PM PST
It looks great for a basic user, who doesn't use it a lot. I don't think brand matters, its the components inside as they make up the laptop.
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by planblove November 7, 2008 2:44 PM PST
It depends on what you're gonna use it for. If its just to check emails, surf the net or work on a office word doc then you're more than covered with this. My 2nd laptop which is now a 4 year old Gateway I paid $500 for then, still runs just as good if not better than my 1 year old HP laptop. The only difference being th
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by trickycoolj November 7, 2008 3:45 PM PST
The biggest question is will it have Windows? A few years ago WalMart did this on Black Friday and they all had Linux on them... SURPRISE! <br /><br />Unfortunately the audience Walmart is targeting can barely handle computing let alone Linux.
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by nickexperience November 7, 2008 4:24 PM PST
Ummm...buy an eee PC 1000HA for $400 and get a well-built, highly portable, and capable netbook...
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by dirty55409 November 7, 2008 4:39 PM PST
Wal-Mart is the anti-christ. putting mom and pop businesses out of commission since 1962. Bada Bing!
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by havoc11707 November 7, 2008 6:20 PM PST
HP for some reason has been getting a bad name for their laptops.... their desktops are fine other than all the HP software preinstalled on all hp computer which slows down your system... o yea and theres a typo: HP for information on this specific model, including what CPU is has. instead of "is has" it should be: it has
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by toddlorensinclair November 7, 2008 7:13 PM PST
Wal-mart $298 laptop<br /><br />Go to Compaq/HP pages about this laptop.<br />http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/product?lc=en&#38;dlc=en&#38;cc=us&#38;product=3804159?=en&#38;<br />Not a product specification anywhere?<br /><br />The FAQ should be enough to give you pause!<br /><br />» Fixing WebCam Problems<br /><br />» Precautions to Take Before Updating to Vista Service Pack 1<br /><br />» Update to Vista SP1 Frequently Asked Questions<br /><br />» How to Improve the Performance of the Battery<br /><br />» Updating Drivers and Software with Windows Update<br /><br />» Resolving No Sound or Audio Problems in Vista<br /><br />» Unable to Use or Install Microsoft Office 2007 (Cannot find Missing Product Key)<br /><br />» Resolving Microphone Problems<br /><br />» Checking Your Notebook PC Using the HP System Health Scan<br /><br />» Locating and Using the Product Number and Model Number<br /><br />» Testing a Webcam in Vista with YouCam<br /><br />» Resolving Coprocessor Error Message<br /><br />» Improving the Performance of Your Computer<br /><br />» Obtaining a Recovery CD or DVD set for Windows Vista
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by mizzoupig November 7, 2008 7:42 PM PST
CNET IS LOSING POINTS DAILY WITH ME WHEN THEY SHOW THEIR BIAS FOR OR AGAINST CERTAIN MANUFACTURER'S. MY LAPTOP IS COMPAQ, MY DESKTOP IS COMPAQ, BOTH RUN LIKE CHAMPS. I'M ROCKIN' THE PALM TREO 680 TOO... I'M SURPRISED I HAVEN'T KILLED MYSELF YET WITH ALL CNET'S NEGATIVE REMARKS ABOUT THE PROPERTY I OWN, BUT YET I STILL CHECK CNET.COM DAILY, S#ITS LIKE CRACK MAN...
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by Dan_Ackerman November 8, 2008 11:45 AM PST
You keep clickin', I'll keep writin'.
by tjmile1 November 8, 2008 12:03 PM PST
Dan, I'm glad you read comments to your posts. So tell us where there is a better branded, better equipped laptop for equal to or less than $298. Let's face it, this is a starter laptop and a mighty good one. There's nothing wrong with the fact that WalMart is selling it at this price. <br /> <br />There are millions of people that $100 makes a big difference in their budget, and this sounds like a great computer for them. Like I said, I bought a Toshiba for $798 on sale at BB three years ago. This laptop has more/better RAM, a faster processor (Mine is 1.8), and a bigger hard drive. This Compaq is less than half what I paid. <br /> <br />Yeah, CNET is fine, but your review of this machine is elitist and unfair. I own a sub franchise in case you wonder if I'm some hack for WalMart or Compaq.
by Boomstickedition November 8, 2008 1:26 PM PST
Wow Dan Ackerman. You certainly are a horrible person. I can't believe Cnet lets a snob like you write for them.
by truthteller33 November 8, 2008 4:47 AM PST
I have owned 13 Compaqs and recently bought a laptop from them and it was awesome, with no problems. 15", dual-core CPU, Vista, thin for the price, Vista, 160GB, 2GB RAM, DVD. Sweet. Unlike a nutbook that can't even surf some websites like Hulu, can't play a DVD, can't play games, etc.
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by bradleyolson November 9, 2008 1:18 AM PST
My favorite Black Friday site is: http://www.bfads.net <br /> <br />I don't know why anyone would want to use any other Black Friday site when they can use BFAds.net <br /> <br />Brad Olson
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