ages/stars-5-0.gif" width="64" height="12" alt="5 out of 5 stars" border="0">
A Very Good Desktop Replacement Notebook.......2005-05-27Pros:
Performance: Even though faster CPU is available on notebook computers today, Pentium IV 3.0GHz still has a very satisfying performance. This notebook can handle almost all the applications well
Vent: Ventilation is very good, I ran the "CPUStabilityTest" over 12 hours continuously. It vented out very hot air and the CPU kept running at 100% usage without any problem.
Screen: The display is very sharp and crisp, wide screen is also very good for movie, love it!
Networking: With build-in wireless 802.11g networking, it is very convenient if you have a wireless network access point either at home or public locations. Build in Ethernet adapter also work flawlessly with my router and switches.
DVD-R/RW: It comes with a DVD-R/RW drive. I consider this is a very good deal at this price range. The DVD drive works flawlessly with the free burning software bundled with the notebook computer
Keyboard: The touch and feel of the keyboard is much improved than the previous version of HP/Compaq notebook computers. It gives you a light and firm touch while you type.
USB Ports: This computer gives you 3 USB ports which is adequate for today's need since there are more and more USB devices available
Appearance: Looks very sleek, I especially like the silver look when you flip open the display.
Cons:
Size/Weight: A bit too heavy and bulky to carry around, but consider it as a desktop replacement, then it is not that bad
Support/Docs: Very hard to find support document, HP/Compaq needs to do some improvement on this. I could not find any document showing us how to replace faulty parts, e.g. keyboard, touch pad ...etc.
Serial Port: Consider the size of this notebook computer; it should at least include a PS2 and serial. I have a Palm Pilot requires a serial port for hot sync and now I will have to buy an extra adapter for this purpose.
Memory: Maximum memory is only 1.2GB. It should be able to handle at least 2GB.
Summary:
For the performance and the price I paid for this computer (around $900), I consider this is a very good deal. I did the CPU stability test and the memory test, and they all passed without any problem. HP's notebook computer used to have over heating problems and this HP/Compaq notebook seems have a much better design on venting the heat. If you are not going to carry it around all the time then I would highly recommend the R3320US notebook computer.
Note: R3320US doesn't come with the Blue Tooth and memory card reader.
Very Good.......2004-12-08
This is a very good notebook. With most purchases like this, it depends on what you want.
For example, I wanted a larger keyboard, full-size if possible. This one fit the bill. So, it is not going to fit in an 8.5x11 package.
I also wanted it to be a desktop replacement so that I could do my software development on the road. That being the case, it is hard on the batteries, so don't expect them to last a long time on a charge.
Good sound was a nice bonus and one that I kept an eye on. The speakers are decent. The headphone output isn't as clean as I had hoped, but it won't both most people like it does us audiophiles.
So far, it seems durable. Only time will tell. Although I wish I had gotten DVD-R (it only has DVD+R like most of its competitiont), this was a good purchase and gets used regularly.
Electronics:
- Compaq Presario R3340US Notebook PC (AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3200+ with PowerNow! Technology, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW/CD-RW Drive)
- Compaq Presario 2210US 15" Notebook PC (Intel Celeron M Processor 340 (Centrino), 256 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive)
- Kingston 2GB 2.0 Hi-Sp USB Travl Elite ( KUSBDTE/2GB ) (Retail Package)
- Imation - 50 x DVD-R - 4.7 GB 8x - white - thermal transfer printable surface - spindle - storage media
- Imation - 50 x DVD-R - 4.7 GB 8x - silver - printable surface - spindle - storage media
- Kingston 1GB DataTraveler Elite USB 2.0 ( KUSBDTE/1GB ) (Retail Package)
- IBM THINKCENTRE M50 P4-2.8G 256MB ( 81873CU )
- Alps DF354H - Disk drive - floppy disk ( 2 MB ) - Floppy - internal - 3.5" - black
- Logitech Cordless Click! Plus Optical Mouse
- Sony DRX710UL DVD+R Double Layer External DVD+-RW Drive (16x)
Electronics
Electronics