Compaq Presario CQ40 (Core 2 Duo P7350 processor 2.0GHz; 2GB RAM)
CNET Editors' Rating
When HP launched the Compaq Presario CQ40 in 2008, we weren't really all that impressed. Targeting the entry-level crowd, a machine which sports basic entertainment features but costs
Fast forward a year or so, and the Presario CQ40 proved to be one of the most popular machines in the market, hitting our Top 10 chart consecutively for months. Its main draw? Affordability and configurability. We take a closer look to see how a basic notebook can capture consumer dollars for such a long period in an industry where product lifecycles are measured in months.
Upside:
Let's cut to the chase. With recent street prices going as low as
Climbing up the value ladder, you can find models decked out with better graphics and processor chips. Even so, a unit with a 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo, Nvidia GeForce G103M video card and Windows 7 Home Premium goes for a mere
When it comes to features, this machine has most of the important ones which include USB, VGA-out, 5-in-1 memory card reader and even an HDMI port. We also like the fact that the DVD writer comes with LightScribe technology, which allows the optical drive laser to burn a label or image onto the reverse side of a LightScribe disc.
Downside: Like certain Hollywood action stars who insist on making blood and glory movies well into their 60s, is Compaq Presario can't hide its age despite being upgraded to the new Centrino 2 platform. One of the first things you'll notice is the display. While the thin-and-light world has moved on to 1,366 x 768-pixel LED-backlit panels, this Presario offers only a conventional backlit screen at 1,280 x 800 resolution. You can also forget about multitouch trackpads as those belong to machines several generations after the CQ40 was born.
Outlook: If you are not too picky about needing the latest and greatest laptop in town, the Presario CQ40's impressive mix of value and performance makes it a winner for those on a budget.
About the author
Tracking laptop and PC trends since 2005, Darius Chang may have been knee deep in bits and bytes but is certainly not a binary person. Under that big and soft exterior holds a marshmallow core which dotes on his god-daughters and nephew. Suspected of ADD, his interests span disparate fields such as sustainability studies, diving, sports, politics, etc. A true jack of all trades, but master of one (maybe two).
Latest comments
Pros: it's affordable, looks is nice and clear sounds
Cons: battery
Summary: it's a laptop for everyday use
it's a gift from my uncle last 2009 and as years pass I am impressed with the performance of this laptop but my only problem is the battery
Pros: excellent
Cons: none
i bought this 2010, it performs faster compared to my other NB with a diff. brand, i treat it like my best budd, it's how you use it..it may be cheap but it's really dependable...
Pros: Low price, compact
Cons: Hard Disk, Performance, Screen, Battery
Summary: Do not buy this product
Hi, I bought this laptop in 2009. Withinh few weeks, it asked for its screen replacement (it was under warranty at that time). After one and a half year, its battery needed a replacement. After two years, the hard disk stated making noise. I think, it is now asking its replacement too. In short, do not go for compaq*. Better to go for Dell or Vaio. *My friend has the same product, he also face d the same difficulties. Good Luck, if you are still thinking of buying this product.
Pros: has the features you'd basically need.
Cons: Comes with only a Win7 starter kit
Summary: For its price, i find this a good buy
I've been using this laptop for a year now, and its great for work presentations, seminars and lectures as well as school related work. Its dual core and 2 gig memory allows for easy multitasking work. Its easy to maintain and carry with its free shoulder sling bag. All in all, if you're looking for a capable laptop for work, school or entertainment, the CQ40 will get the job done.
Pros: price...up front, at least
Cons: See below
Summary: don't buy it!!!
My presario had its first meltdown a month after I bought it. HP only replaced the battery. Two months later an HP tech recommended that I reformat the hard drive. Thank God I have Carbonite!! Two months later the backlight gave out. My local computer doc says they see more Compaq laptops with problems than any others. Just don't go there!!!
Pros: very attractive compact unit
Cons: takes a little longer to start than others types
Summary: A great computor for the price that I paid.
I have had no technical problems with this unit at all. I have downloaded windows7 and it is more user friendly than vista. I just think it is a great unit and much better than the one I use at work. I have had this computer for over a year.
Pros: None
Cons: Keypad Failure, System Error, technical problems
Summary: Bad and Lousy Product
Basically its a lousy product by hp, my shop had a lot of refund on this product. Cases like keypad failure, operating system unable to load, dead pixels (occur often) and lastly ugly design
Pros: Attractive Specs
Cons: Defected!
Summary: LCD Problem
I bought this products about 10 months ago due to the attractive specs it offers. After using it for 4 months, the LAN plug wasn't working anymore. But I didn't make a big fuss out of it as I use Wi-Fi to connect to my office internet all the time. After 6 months, the system started hanging often. I thought it was my Windows, so I rebooted it back to factory default several times, but the same problem continues. After 8 months usage, the LCD screen started jumping slightly. Took it to the customer service and was told I have to wait for the replacement while they indented it. The LCD problem got worse everyday. Now my laptop is sitting at the customer service for an INDEFINITE time since the customer service HAVE NO IDEA when will the replacement arrives.
Pros: cheap notbook
Cons: BAD,... BAD... BAD... LCD
Summary: BAD product
from it spec, I do like it. but, for me (as a computer engineer) i have so many TROUBLE from the LCD (countless) And i think that product is BAD, soooooooo BBBBAAADDDDDD !!!
Pros: CQ40 defect
Cons: CQ40 defect
Summary: Compaq Presario CQ40 defect
We bought 6 Compaq Presario CQ40 in 2 different stores... 3 in a store in Manila and 3 in Legazpi and all of it have same problems with its LCD.
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