The Compaq Presario F755US notebook is Compaq’s best-selling mid-range notebook. I’ve had the chance to spend some time with one, and I’ll give you the lowdown on its capabilities and shortcomings. I’ll tell you if it’s a bargain at the current retail price and what kind of user feedback will get more out of this tool. Allow me to start with some basics.
Hate:
Processor: 64-bit 1.9 GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-58
RAM: 2 GB (expandable to 3)
Optical Drive: CD R/RW combined with multi-format (+/-R RW) double layer DVD
Storage: A 160 GB Hard drive
Platform: Windows Vista home premium
Video Card: Nvidia GeForce 7000M
Size: 14.06″ x 10.12″ x 1.55″
Weight: 5.68 pounds
Platform: Windows Vista Home Premium
For starters, the 15.4-inch WXGA display running at 1280 x 800 looks a pinch better than comparable notebooks. Look in the store and you will be able to compare, but I always thought that Compaq’s have good screens only after Apple and Sony. The resolution can produce 720p HD picture quality. The integrated video card is a bit of a disappointment. Don’t expect to run graphically intensive games, although you’ll probably have nothing to hope for anyway.
The hard drive is not huge, but because this is not for sale as a multimedia center notebook I won’t knock for that The room has plenty of room for some MP3 players and a couple of movies but it’s not enough to replace your DVR. Also, the optical drive is standard and I had no problem using the software on the Compaq Presario F755US.
Connectivity:
3 USB 2.0 (for connecting devices such as printers, iPods, digital cameras
1 VGA (I think a typical monitor)
1 S-Video Port (think projector function)
1 audio jack / 1 mic jack
Air port
56K modem jack
5-in-1 memory card reader (take out your memory card from the digital camera and insert it directly to the computer)
Connectivity is pretty standard, I would have liked to have seen Bluetooth integrated. So many products now use Bluetooth technology and they come in handy things like wireless mice and keyboards – it prevents you from having to use one of your USB ports for the recipient. A 5-in-1 memory card reader is convenient, but pretty standard in this mid-range price range. One bone of contention for me is autonomous life. It’s not quite up to what I’d consider a match for a medium-sized notebook. You can watch a full movie in about an hour and a half to two hours. This is a problem for me because I like using my wallet to ships while I want.
The Compaq Presario F755US is a good choice of notebooks for those who are more for business than pleasure. Although it will handle your basic multimedia needs, it just doesn’t provide enough hardware to be considered a well-rounded fun. It is right on target at around $700-800.
