I should start by saying, clearly this is not a technical review.
I’ve just looked at the search terms that people are finding my blog by, a really nice feature of wordpress by the way, and I’ve noticed that there are lots of you looking for a review of the COMPAQ Presario V6133.
I’m not too technical, but I have had it for about a week, so can give my overall impressions and the reasons why I chose it in the first place … hope that is of use to some of you, or perhaps the photos make more sense than me!
Fast & Vista Premium ready
Those were my two technical criteria!
- The AMD chip is 64 bit dual core, which Windows Vista will take advantage of, and which is also superior to the 32 bit Intel alternative. I’ve also found battery life to be pretty good with light usage.
- 1024 MB RAM (DDR2 667 MHz) … thats a good amount of RAM. In my experience, don’t underestimate the importance of RAM – get as much as you can afford! 1 Gig is also really the recommended for the full Windows Vista premium visuals.
- NVIDA 128 shared graphics. As I said I’m not technical, but I think this is better than most of the standard integrated graphics that you get on laptops … anyone?
Windows Vista Home Premium – A free upgrade in Feb?
To cut a long story short, it certainly looks that way. Before I bought, I tried my best to get it confirmed by HP Compaq without any joy.
In response to your email, I am not certain if your Compaq Presario V6133EU notebook will be eligible for the Windows Vista upgrade as we have not received a list of eligible notebooks yet. However, this notebook does have the “Windows Vista Premium ready” sticker on it and so I would imagine this will be one of the models eligible when the upgrade becomes available. My recommendation would be to check the following website for further updates about this:
http://h20219.www2.hp.com/services/cache/416458-0-0-224-121.html
Which I then queried again …
In response to your email, unfortunately all of the information we have on the Windows Vista upgrade is on the HP website at the link provided earlier. At this current moment in time I cannot guarantee that the V6133EU notebook will be eligible for the upgrade as we have not been supplied this information. The only way to confirm this will be to check the web link when it is updated with the list of eligible products. I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Update from wazza: Apparently PC World are advertising a free upgrade to Vista, so it looks like we’re safe.
WOW! Nice Screen
The screen is top notch – High Definition WXGA BrightView. I’ve looked at photos from my digital camera (5MP) that looked mundane before that now look amazing! I dare say that HD movies and TV will be the norm before too long.
XP Media Centre
I’d not seen XP Media Centre before, and I have to say its good as well. You get a new shiny visual style in your normal Windows experience and also a very cool interface for looking at photos, watching movies and listening to music. You can, I believe, link up another devise (XBox 360 or a set-top-box like thing) over the network to access that remotely on your TV.
Looks
Aesthetics are important … just look at the Apple range to understand how looks can increase desire! I give this laptop 8/10 for looks – nice carbon grey interior & exterior and very good overall design. When powered up, there are a few blue lights on the feature buttons (power, mute, volume control, touch pad) and around the power interface (definatley cool there) that are a matter of taste – see the last photo.
10% Off … Nice one google!
I bought mine from Currys online (UK), with a bonus 10% off thanks to a quick google seach for a promo code. Always worth a try ;-)
My Photos
Click to enlarge.
Manufacturer’s Spec
You may also be interested in some shiny new software to go on your siny new laptop: Get your free trial of the fantastic new Microsoft Office 2007.
NEWS FLASH
PC World are now offering this laptop for £499 online with free delivery … you lucky people!
November 26, 2006 at 2:02 pm
[...] I’ve written a quick review here. [...]
November 26, 2006 at 2:18 pm
[...] Check out my review of the laptop I bought. [...]
November 27, 2006 at 5:56 pm
thanks for this review, theres not much I could find in review of this laptop, and yours was helpful.
It would have been nice if you’d mentioned more about the speed, picture and sound quality, and of course keyboard, I suppose that sums up all thats important about a laptop…well to me..at least.
thanks very much.
Brad
November 27, 2006 at 6:29 pm
Hi Brad,
I’m not that technical, but speed-wise it is FAST. Instant program opens and closes and no lag on playing tunes etc. I am happy to run any kind of benchmarking if you’d like … I just don’t know one and wouldn’t understand the output!
As for the picture quality, it is fantastic. Simply the best screen I’ve ever worked on (never used an HD one before though).
Sound quality from the laptop speakers is as you would expect from a laptop: tinny and little bass. A cheap sub-woofer and speakers sorts that out.
And lastly the keyboard. It is very good, nice feel to it. Pretty standard layout, no surprises.
Hope that helps.
November 27, 2006 at 6:45 pm
PC World are now offering this laptop for £499 online with free delivery … THAT IS A BARGAIN!
December 1, 2006 at 7:56 pm
If you buy the Compaq Presario V6133 from Dixons or Currys, both part of the PC World group, currently you will get a £20 reduction from the already amazing £499 and free delivery also.
December 2, 2006 at 2:35 am
There is a 10% discount code for Currys as well at the moment, which will bring it to under £450 delivered. Now that is a real bargain!
December 2, 2006 at 12:48 pm
Was really happy until i read that Matt. I just ordered it from Dixons together with a half price Antler notebook case at £17.49, total £497 delivered. Same purchase from Currys, no discount on the case, but with 10% discount on the total would have been £481 delivered. Really pays to shop around doesn’t it!
December 2, 2006 at 6:07 pm
Don’t worry about it! I paid £540 for it a few weeks back, which I thought was a real bargain … it was at £599!
Oh well! Still a happy owner
December 3, 2006 at 4:44 pm
Hey everyone
Thanks for all the info so far, I have this laptop now but I’m not allowed to try it out until Christmas! :@
As I have no idea about the difference between RAM and Hard Drive, could anyone tell me? Just wondering if it would be practical to play games on my new compaq
I have a 320GB external hard drive to use with this Laptop so I’m guessing that will be fine, but will the 1MB RAM be enough? Or is there no issue there? The games I would be going on would be pretty graphics-intense as well, so does anyone know if the graphics card would be able to handle it?
Thanks very much and sorry about all the questions
December 4, 2006 at 2:45 pm
Hello all. I bought this laptop from PCWorld on the weekend for £499 and with it got FIFA07.
In answer to your question KB it seems to handle FIFA07 pretty well along with a few other games I’ve put on. The 128 Meg Graphics card will be fine for most games around at the moment and unlike other laptops I’ve seen on the market, the COMPAQ Presario V6133 has its own video memory and doesn’t share it with the RAM which is good!
Basically the difference between RAM and the Hard Drive is RAM is what most programs are loaded up in… the more RAM the quicker the programs respond. Hard Drive is where RAM accesses the information from. Could go into this a lot further but that’s basically it. 1024Meg of RAM will be fine for most programs and games at the moment unless.
Hope this helps, bet you’re looking forward to your visit from Santa!!!
December 4, 2006 at 6:15 pm
OK thanks very much Luke! I think I now understand the difference between RAM and Hard Drive (just about) and I look forward to being able to try out my noo laptop!
Also for anyone wanting to know more about Windows Vista (which it sounds like most people with this laptop can get a free upgrade to) heres the URL–> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/
Looks good!
December 5, 2006 at 12:50 pm
Where can I fond this 10% discount?? Ive searched the web and all I can find is the expired one… Thanks Guys
December 5, 2006 at 1:32 pm
Hey luke, when you got the laptop did u ask for FIFA 07 or did you get it as part of the ‘essentials pack?’ I got offered the laptop from PC world but they said they couldnt do any ‘free extras’ like that? Is that all you got or did you get anything else with it? If i know you did then ill go in well armed. Which store did u go too if you dotn mind me asking?
Where is everyone getting these discoutn codes from? all i could see where expired ones too? Looking at it seems PC world is the best bet and this is the best laptop at the moment for the price?
December 5, 2006 at 5:19 pm
I’m getting this laptop tomorrow afternoon as I’m amazed at such a high spec laptop is so cheap! I may update the processor with Intel Core 2 Duo sometime.
It’s a great buy!
December 6, 2006 at 1:49 am
Hello,
Just purchased Compaq V6133 from Pcworld for my son, so had to have a play with it first, to make sure its ok.
Please so far runs smooth with some nice features. I have noticed in system information under display that the graphic memory is 256 not 128 as stated. I Phoned Compaq and they verified this to be correct info, but not listed in the spec for this model. I have searched online and found the spec to always state 128. Would be interest in what you find yours to be as 256 makes this an even better buy. I am also now unsure if this is still shared graphics.
December 6, 2006 at 7:56 pm
JUST to let everyone know i have found this laptop for £404.99 from currys…..you have to use the following two codes to get it at that prise though…. BPWASH10 and laptop10a…….
December 7, 2006 at 7:42 pm
how do you manage to use 2 discount codes at the same time??
when i try it just replaces the last one!
please help, would be an amazing xmas present =D
xxxx
December 7, 2006 at 9:54 pm
Anyone having problems using the PC recovery disc creator? So far, and I still haven’t finished, its taken 3 hours and I’ve got 3 coasters
. Surely it shouldn’t take this long and be error prone!
December 7, 2006 at 11:22 pm
all the info you need to get this laptop for £404.99 quid!
plus if you use the cash back site quidco, you can get it for £392.84
hope this helps
December 7, 2006 at 11:23 pm
Follow link:
http://www.hotukdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?p=199169
Or click on my name in blue above.
December 8, 2006 at 12:16 am
LD – is it your first attempt at creating recovery discs on your laptop? When i switched on my laptop the first time i went through the normal routine of setting up the laptop before the recover disc creating program came up. It failed the first attempt. When i restarted it it worked fine. Takes a long time creating the discs.
IMPORTANT keep these discs in a safe place because the recovery disc creating program ONLY WORKS ONCE. And no you can’t copy the discs afterwards. Well i couldn’t.
December 8, 2006 at 12:25 am
Recovery disc creator program. Those who have used this program knows that you can only use it once. When you have created a set of recovery discs and then try to create another set the program does not alllow it.
BUT if you had created a restore point before creating the recovery discs then you are laughing. I found that if you restore the laptop to before you created a set of recovery discs the program will work again allowing you to create another set as a backup.
Hope that is useful
It has been over a week since i have been using this laptop. Bought a usb mini mouse because i hate the touchpad on all laptops. So far impressed with it with no drawbacks. Nice and comfortable to use.
December 8, 2006 at 9:46 am
COMPAQ V6133EU now out of stock at currys!!!!!!!!
Reckon they will restock in time for xmas?
and what laptop would you lot chose out of the
COMPAQ V6133EU
AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-50 Processor 1.6GHz
1600 MHz HT
512 KB Cache
1024 MB RAM
80 GB Hard Drive
DVD ReWriter Multidrive
15.4″ Widescreen HD Brightview display
Microsoft Windows XP Media Center
128mb NVIDIA GeForce Go 6150 Graphics
1 year FREE warranty
£499.99
ADVENT 7111
Intel Core Duo T2050 Processor 1.60GHz
667 MHz FSB
2 MB Cache
1024 MB RAM
80 GB Hard Drive
Dual Layer DVD ReWriter MultiDrive
15.4″ Widescreen Display
Microsoft Windows Media Center
128MB Intel UMA Integrated graphcis
1 year FREE warranty
£545.97
TOSHIBA A100-147
Intel Core Duo T2050 Processor 1.6GHz
533 MHz FSB
2 MB Cache
1024 MB RAM
60 GB Hard Drive
DVD ReWriter SuperMulti
15.4″ Widescreen TruBrite Display
Microsoft Windows Media Center
128mb Intel UMA 945 integrated Graphics
1 year FREE warranty
£599.99
December 8, 2006 at 12:48 pm
Compaq V6133EU still available at PC World at £499 but store collection only.
Of the 3 laptops i would definitely go for the Compaq V6133EU because of the NVIDIA GeForce Go 6150 graphics card and the 15.4 ” HD Screen.
Graphics card is actually 256 MB. 128MB on the card itself and 128MB shared.
Perfect for the most demanding games and programmes.
Battery life is not as good as the Toshiba, but the overall spec is for me the best value at the moment.
December 8, 2006 at 4:37 pm
B***s! Think my recovery disc creation process may have screwed up! What a crap piece of software if it only gives you one chance to backup your files!! If anyone’s backup to DVD can you give me a directory listing of what files should be on each disc? Thanks.
December 8, 2006 at 4:51 pm
….. just whats on the top level will do (with the filesize, please) as there will be loads of files to list otherwise. Also, whats the size of each DVD?
Cheers
December 8, 2006 at 5:15 pm
Best way to back up these systems is with Norton Ghost software, however if a system restore point was created before you made your recovery disks, then all you need to do is restore the laptop back to that point and then you will be able to try again. Be sure to make a new restore point before you try again just in case it goes wrong again.
Hope that helps.
December 8, 2006 at 6:02 pm
Unortunately I didn’t create a restore point and I’ve can’t use the software again to make sure that everything was created correctly
December 8, 2006 at 7:58 pm
Don’t worry about it, you can still back it up with Norton Ghost. You only have to buy it once and it’s well worth the money. Also, there will be a key combination to restore the computer to it’s original state. Can’t give it to you yet cos am still waiting for my laptop to be delivered, maybe someone else knows it? On Dell systems it’s Ctrl+F11 not sure about Compaq but it will be similar. Re-boot the computer and as soon as you see writing on the screen, press the 2 keys at the same time. It should then enter a restore sequence with on screen directions. If you see the Windows Splash Screen then you have missed it and will have to try again. It’s worth remembering that any software that was installed after you bought the computer will be lost, but hopefully that’s not an issue here.
Good luck with it !
December 8, 2006 at 9:43 pm
LD — have you done/added much to your laptop? If not then restore to original factory setting and start again
December 8, 2006 at 9:57 pm
hmm….. very powerful laptop but not sure that it is capable of Vista Premium as it is on the baseline on 128mb graphics unless its true it actually has 256mb of actual graphics?
to run premium you need :
processer: 1Ghz
Ram: 1Gb
Graphics card: 128Mb
Hard Drive Space: 15Gb
December 8, 2006 at 10:11 pm
LD -You can restore it from System recovery on the start menu or restore during startup.
Either way all new data and software will be lost!!!!!
Read the Caution in step 5
Recovering during startup
Use the following steps to perform a recovery from the hard drive:
1.Backup files from the My Documents folder and from other folders you may have created.
2.Disconnect all connected devices (such as the Personal Media Drive, USB drives, printer, and fax), remove media from drives, and remove any recently added internal hardware. Do not disconnect the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cable.
3.Turn on the PC.
4.Just after the first screen appears (the logo screen), press the F10 key repeatedly until a recovery menu appears.
5.Select one of the following procedures, depending on which recovery type you want to perform:
To perform a standard system recovery, click Next, and then click Yes
To perform a destructive recovery, click Advanced, (select Destructive Recovery) and then click Next.
CAUTION: A destructive recovery will format the hard drive. This will delete all the information on the hard drive and reinstall Windows XP Media Edition and the original software that came with the computer.
6.Read and respond to each window and screen that appears.
After the System Recovery is complete, the PC restarts and continues into Windows setup. Complete the setup screens and wait until the computer finishes the setup.
December 9, 2006 at 4:58 pm
the laptop is brilliant but for some reason my battery only lasts like a hour and a half, i was wondering does everyone elses laptop battery last this long, or is there something wrong with mine
December 9, 2006 at 10:59 pm
ross – naturally it all depends on what you are running on your laptop. If you are playing a game or a dvd movie then it will take more power. I normally use it for surfing the net and find that the battery normally lasts around 2 hours. Has anyone else bettered that?
December 10, 2006 at 12:37 am
Still waiting for mine to be delivered wazza but the hp compaq spec sheet says up to 2 hours so i guess thats all that can be expected. Will push mine as far as it will safely go when i eventually get it that is. Everyone seems happy with it so am really looking forward to using it.
December 10, 2006 at 4:58 pm
Wazza and Syd – thanks for your suggestions. Restored from the DVDs I created and it was OK – phew! Syd, just a word of warning when you get your laptop, allow yourself a few hours if you choose to use the supplied PC recovery disc creator software (although you can choose to stop and carry on at a later time in between discs)
December 11, 2006 at 12:37 am
Thanks for advice LD have already learned a lot from your experience with the laptop and it’s nice that people like yourself and Wazza are so helpful on this site.
Am glad that your DVDs turned out to be successful after all. Bet you are also
December 11, 2006 at 10:31 pm
need some info here. Go onto start – control panel – system. Could those who are wise enough to buy this gem tell me what version of xp media centre is? My version is 2002. Could you then tell me what does it say on the sticker underneath the laptop.Mine says media centre version 2005. Feel that 2005 version is in fact 2002 version with mega updates.
on another note it appears that some who bought a toshiba are having some niggles
http://www.hotukdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?p=207606#post207606
December 12, 2006 at 12:58 pm
Does anyone have any deals they got from PC World? Did you get anything extra or rogue any extra bits, software, games etc
Does anyone have any discount codes they used? Going to buy the laptop over the next week. Has anyone bought the extra pack for £100 that they have going? is it worth it? You get Norton internet security, 10pk of DVD+RW’s, 1gb data stick, a Philips ADSL wireless router, a Laptop bag and a Lexmark X2480 all in one printer? Bits of that i dont need so i dont know if you can go in store and use ‘creative negotiation’ to get bits changed
cheers
December 12, 2006 at 1:12 pm
Just had mine delivered Wazza and it’s also 2002 but my guess is that 2002 is the original release date for the operating system. Underneath it’s 2005 so it must have the latest Microsoft upgrades. Am so glad i went for this laptop. I think it’s awesome and has to be the bargain of the year.
December 12, 2006 at 4:58 pm
Thanks Syd, just what i had thought.
December 13, 2006 at 12:38 am
Can anyone help me with display settings? I had it done right but then I restored default settings to see the difference and can’t get it right again… it’s blury and gray.Thanks
December 14, 2006 at 11:39 am
HI I talked to compaq about the laptop and they telled me about the graphic card that its up to 256 shared memory so it takes from the ram , the guy that i talked to advised me to use 128 better and faster
and the laptop is vista support that means that we all can setup vista as soon as its out
so if you have any more question go to compaq.com and enter the laptop number and you will find in support a chat button try it
byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
December 15, 2006 at 9:16 pm
Hi. All replies have been really helpful so far. Need to ask, though – will the Compaq run the newer, demanding first-person shooters? Or is it not powerful enough? Also, does anyone know if I can stream videos through a WIRELESS connection to my Xbox 360? Apparently, it’s very unreliable.
Any help appreciated.
Cheers.
December 16, 2006 at 12:40 pm
A few details that might help with the Compaq Presario V6133
Recovery discs can only be made once unless you use Wazza’s brainwave and create a restore point before you make the discs, then you can make as many as you like.
It takes 3 DVD’s or a staggering 15 CD’s to make the recovery discs.
I used 3 DVD’s and it took almost 2 hours to complete.
Graphics card is 256 Mb shared (press F10 on start up to see the set-up menu)
System recovery is triggered by F11 on start up and restores the operating system and all the original software exactly as the day it came.
Battery life is up to 2 hours.
Built in wireless card is top notch.
Hope that’s useful info.
December 16, 2006 at 11:40 pm
fellow compaq owners how do you find your laptop compared to others you have owned/used? any main advantages/disadvantages apart from the battery life? happy with your choice?
December 18, 2006 at 1:46 am
For me, there is no other laptop in this price range that comes even close to the Compaq Presario V6133.
Yet again a manufacturer has gone for the ultra quiet Seagate Hard Drive and the dual core AMD processor is really fast.
I don’t like the touch pad but that’s just a personal thing.
The HD screen is just terrific and the Nvidia graphics card blows most ATI systems out of the water.
I have no regrets about buying this laptop and i notice that the entire Dixons group,Currys Dixons and PC World have completely sold out.
This is the first laptop i ever owned but i have seen and tried many others.
I was a big fan of Dell systems until they had major problems with Sony batteries.
The next series of Compaq laptops feature Intel Dual Core processors. They might be fast, but they are also expensive.
Just one more hour of battery life would have been nice, but i am still very happy with my purchase and it doesn’t take all that long to re-charge the battery anyway.
Great laptop, great price, very satisfied Wassa.
December 19, 2006 at 5:28 pm
Has anyone had any update about obtaining vista for the compaq?
December 20, 2006 at 11:14 am
Not as yet, the site linked above still says keep checking it for further information, but HP has already started taking Vista orders in the US, so hopefully shouldn’t have much longer to wait.
December 21, 2006 at 4:01 pm
Hi Andrew – sorry I took so long to write back. I didn’t get Fifa07 with the laptop – I got the essentials pack. Me and my mate (he also got the laptop) tried to get some extras thrown in but the best he could do was £20 of a bag.
December 23, 2006 at 10:01 am
Hi
so how do you create a restore point??
mine is wrapped fer christmas
oh and UK HP Express Upgrade site says you can ship vista now to upgrade – though i think you have to do it via US rather than UK on the choices
December 23, 2006 at 10:29 pm
I bought this little beauty on a Barclaycard that I hadn’t used for a year.
Confirmation of order from PC World. Two days later I get a letter from Barclaycard informing me that the transaction had been stopped because of potential fraud.
I went back online to reorder only to find that PC world and Currys were out of stock. I thought no more about it.
Three days later a delivery van turned up with a bright spanking new notebook.
I’ve checked with Barclaycard who confirm that no payment has been taken. Santa appears to have come early. Someone at PC world has clearly been on the mulled wine. It was good value at £499, but it’s even better for free.
Does anyone know if it’s possible to upgrade the graphics card? I’m guessing because it’s shared graphics it’s probably integrated with the motherboard.
Any advice gratefully received.
December 24, 2006 at 10:26 am
I am still waiting for PC World and Currys to get some back in stock.. whenever that may be!
They sold out first time a couple of weeks ago (or at least they had in all my local stores and at the warehouse, they were only available to collect 30+ miles away from a PC World store). I spoke to the woman from PC World on the phone and she said that both PC World and Currys would be getting them back in but the price at PC World would go back up to £599 from £499 now you can imagine my dissapointment when I find PC World had infact had them back in stock but for £489!
I didn’t bother checking them because I didn’t want to pay the extra £100 when apparantly Currys were getting them in for £499 again!
Anyways, I’m sitting here waiting for smeone to get them back in!
December 26, 2006 at 12:43 pm
Orders now being taken for Windows Vista Upgrade.
You need the laptop Serial Number, the Windows certificate of authenticity number, proof of purchase, (receipt, invoice etc.) and the shipping and handling charge + vat which is an annoying £12.90
Upgrade address:
http://h20219.www2.hp.com/services/cache/416458-0-0-224-121.html
December 27, 2006 at 10:40 am
Anyone had problems with audiohardware failure? I installed Skype and plugged in a microphone and webcam and ever since I’ve have problems.
December 27, 2006 at 12:49 pm
Midge ___Skype automatically mutes the speakers and adjusts the system volume. Easy to put right. Start menu-Control panel-Sounds,Speech,and Audio devices-Change the speaker settings-Advanced. Default setting is Desktop-Stereo Speakers. There is also a setting on the Skype menu which makes the computer speakers the default setting and the Skype device, headphones etc. only kick in when you are using Skype. Speaker volume and master volume are set fairly low on the Compaq. Hope that helps.
December 28, 2006 at 9:35 am
Thanks Syd ____ I don’t thinks its really anything to do with skype. I think its more of a problem. The audio hardware keeps dropping out a message “no audio hardware found” keeps coming up when we try an play music etc. We have a Conexant High Def soundcard – Driver Version 3.26.0.50.
It’s really annoying! We have tried to uninstall and re-install drivers, update drivers from the HP site etc….
HELP!
December 28, 2006 at 10:00 am
Another thing – Its taking ages to load Yahoo mail or btinternet mail????
December 28, 2006 at 11:40 am
Midge __ A couple of things you could check. Go into the BIOS and check and see if the sound card is enabled in there. Another thing, are you using analog,digital or the built -in Altec Lansing speakers? A friend of mine had a similar problem, except his stemmed from deleting a configuration file, and his problem was solved by switching the output from the default analog output back to digital output. Downloading email is usually an ISP problem and unlikely to be connected with the sound card. If all that fails then i should remove any hardware you fitted and restore the laptop to its factory condition and settings.
December 28, 2006 at 12:35 pm
Compaq Presario V6133 back in stock at Currys. £499 + free delivery
All discount codes seem to have expired.
January 4, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Some good comments I’ve just stummbled on. Particularly setting a restore point before creating the recovery disks. I can suggest also that you do it before installing Norton etc or similar which saves a record of the date of install – used for subscription renewal. Not done it yet but stands to reason. I have just got Advent 7111 and am also extremely dissapointed with the sound level from the laptops speakers; it’s going back to PC World as it shouldn’t be that bad; I have a Dell Dimension laptop (belongs to work) the sound level is massive and an old compaq Ardama which is just as loud. I’m looking for reasons why, it defeats the object of a neat compact portable device that needs external amp speakers power source etc – anyboby used any usb powered speakers?
January 4, 2007 at 3:51 pm
I’m experiencing a similar audio problem where the audio just stops working. If you go into Sounds…. in the Control Panel it shows “No audio device” and everything is greyed out. If you go into device manager the Conexant audio drive is there with no issues. If you restart then it will start working. However, after the laptop sits for a while then the audio will disapear. I have updated the audio drivers from the HP site, and run HP’s hardware diagnostics but it has not helped or highlighted any problems. The only extra software that has been added is SIMs II, Metal of Honor, iTunes, and Britannica. Norton is on there as part of the factory configuration, but disabling it does not seem to help. I’ll continue to troubleshoot, but if anyone has any ideas I’d appreciate it.
January 7, 2007 at 1:21 pm
I have been looking for laptops for under £500 and this looked good. I followed the link and it says £399…
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1899933009.1168174654@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccdaddjlegllemcflgceggdhhmdfhm.0&page=Product&sku=176555
Is that an error or just really really cheap??
January 7, 2007 at 10:17 pm
normal price is 599, pcworld had it at 499. now the website says 399 but notice that it is out of stock. Just wonder what price it will be when it is in stock.
January 8, 2007 at 1:50 pm
Just got the 7111, thinking about trading it back in to get the compaq instead. Does the V6133EU come with the MCE recovery CD as the 7111 doesn’t which insn’t very good if it all goes wrong!
January 8, 2007 at 2:18 pm
Just seen that PC World doesn’t have the Compaq. As they are the part of the same group, could I take it in to a Currys and trade in there? I’d have to get the Compaq on order as it’s out of stock.
January 9, 2007 at 12:20 am
fnusnu — MCE recovery disk? i persume you mean a recovery disk for the laptop. The answer is NO. However there is a program which allows you to burn ONE set of recovery discs for the laptop. If you read my advice near the top of this page dated december 8th it will give tell you of a way of getting more than one backup discs
January 9, 2007 at 12:38 am
Can’t remember the last time i saw a PC with a recovery disc. They all seem, as the V6133EU does, to have a recovery partition on the hard drive from which you can restore the operating system and all the factory installed programmes. You can also make a seperate restore disc set from this partition. Dixons, Currys and PC world are all managed by one company, DSG retail, but they will not let you exchange goods from one company to another unfortunately.
January 9, 2007 at 12:07 pm
Cheers Wazza. I’ve spoke to PC World who have said they do stock the Compaq but are currently out of stock, so I may be able to go back to them as I’m still within 2 weeks of purchase. (What statutory right do we have? Is it 28 days?). The 7111 is a decent laptop but I’ll probably be doing a litle gaming so the Compaq with it’s graphics card would be better.
January 9, 2007 at 12:13 pm
I’ve also noticed that the COA on my laptop was damaged when I bought it, it’s scratch off so the 2 silver strips are revealed underneath – could this be a preowned laptop they palmed off on me?
January 9, 2007 at 1:40 pm
fnusnu-You can cancel your purchase up to 7 working days after it was delivered, however if the goods prove to be faulty, you have 28 days to return it for a replacement or refund. After that you have the standard 12 month warranty. As for the COA, it’s normal for the silver strips to be revealed and as long as the numbers are readable, there should not be a problem.
January 9, 2007 at 7:13 pm
Cheers, checked with PC World, it appears the Compaq is end of line and they arn’t getting any more in!! Boo Hoo
January 9, 2007 at 7:47 pm
fnusu __ Look on the bright side. Your Advent has the impressive Intel dual core processor and the battery life is much better than the Compaq. The only real difference is the graphics card and you can always change to Nvidia later if you want to.
You also get the Windows Vista free upgrade.
January 9, 2007 at 8:38 pm
You mean it’s possible to ‘upgrade’ the Advent and install the Nvidia card?? Didn’t know you could do that with a laptop. That would be good.
January 9, 2007 at 8:57 pm
Yes of course you can change anything you like if you want. Sound card, graphics card, even the memory and hard drive, but you have to be carefull with the warranty so it’s probably better to wait a year before you make changes. Gives you more time to save anyway.
It’s cheaper for you to fit a Nvidia graphics card than it would be for me to change the processor to Intel on the Compaq that’s for sure!
The idea of an Intel Dual Core processor with an Nvidia graphics card is one i really like.
January 9, 2007 at 9:24 pm
Just placed my order for the Vista upgrade and noticed that the version I’ll be getting is “Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit”. Have I got the right one as I thought the Compaq is 64 bit. Anyone know how soon they’ll start shipping them out?
January 9, 2007 at 9:37 pm
Yes, I noticed exactly that LD.
Does anyone know why this is? Surely we want the OS to make use of the 64 bit-ness!
January 10, 2007 at 12:00 am
LD – i noticed the same thing. I assume it is to allow current 32 bit pc to run vista as well as the 64 bit pc’s
January 10, 2007 at 12:01 am
As a matter of interest is there any other forum that discusses the compaq v6133?
January 10, 2007 at 1:51 am
I tend to agree with Wazza that it’s for both 64 and 32 bit systems. No question that the AMD Turion 64 is capable of 64 bit computing but Windows Vista is so new and as the upgrade is supposed to be matched to the existing operating system, well, Microsoft knows best doesn’t it?
Haven’t looked for another compaq v6133 forum but this one will take some beating with its variety of sub-topics and very useful and helpful advice.
January 10, 2007 at 2:23 am
New code for FREE DELIVERY at Currys on all orders over £49
FREEDEL49
January 10, 2007 at 11:57 am
I asked this here
http://forums.computeractive.co.uk/thread.jspa?threadID=99606&tstart=0
hope this helps.
Does anyone know if the Intel T2050 is 32 or 64 bit? I’ve searched and found conflicting answers!
January 10, 2007 at 11:58 am
Tried upgrading to vista but PC World’s upgrade keeps on telling me there’s been an error and to try again later. Been happening for days now!
January 10, 2007 at 3:17 pm
This forum and the link within is food for though about not upgrading to Vista, makes me think twice anyway!
http://forums.computeractive.co.uk/thread.jspa?messageID=732977򲼱
January 10, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Syd – I guess your right. The offer is suppose to be an upgrade to XP rather than a fresh install of Vista which is probably why we’re getting a 32bit version. If our base OS is 32 bit then it makes sense that they would upgrade it to the 32 bit version of Vista.
January 10, 2007 at 5:44 pm
Wazza – I’ve not seen any other forums that has discussed the v6133 specifically other than this but will let you know if I stumble on one. notebookreview.com can be a useful resource sometimes…..
January 10, 2007 at 8:28 pm
Currys free delivery code is wrong. Sorry guys. Only going by information given to me. Will pass correct code on as soon as i get it.
January 10, 2007 at 9:12 pm
From the looks of this the OEM version comes seperately in 32 or 64 bit but the upgrade version has both, it’s the code you get with it that installs the relevant version. As they are the same price, perhaps it will be possible to get the other code from Microsoft and just install the 64 bit version?
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=33&catid=20
January 10, 2007 at 9:49 pm
Just done some research on operating systems capable of 64 bit computing and the only current Windows system is Windows-XP-64-bit-edition. Windows Vista will be 64 bit, but unless it is installed from scratch, i don’t think it will be possible to upgrade the standard Windows XP edition to 64 bit. Also looked at the Intel T2050 for FNUSNU and even information on the Intel website is unclear about the bit rate. Very popular processor though! Users include Sony and Dell as well as HP.
January 11, 2007 at 2:09 am
Correct code for free delivery at Currys is:
PRFREEDEL
January 11, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Victory! Yesterday I spoke to Microsoft UK about the lack of an OEM CD with my laptop. They confirmed that if you buy a laptop with the licence and COA you are entitled to the CD too. i rang PC World who tried to fob me off but I stuck to guns. They put me onto the Tech Guys and they are getting me the proper MCE OS CD! I’ll keep you posted as to what happens. You guys should all do the same then all these problems with burning recovery CDs wont really be a problem any more.
January 11, 2007 at 3:58 pm
That’s great news fnusnu. Wonder if we could get a CD for the programmes as well? Worth a try anyway.
January 11, 2007 at 7:13 pm
Ring them up, tell them the same as me – Microsoft say you are ENTITLED to the CD, push your case and victory shall be yours!
January 11, 2007 at 9:35 pm
fnusnu – what is their contact/phone number?
January 12, 2007 at 7:04 pm
08702 420444 . This is for PC World, they can give you the relevant Tech Guys number (I had it on a scrap of paper which I can’t find!) still waiting for an email from them, so will probably ring again tomorrow. If I can find the number!
January 13, 2007 at 1:22 am
the tech guys cust support no 0870 901 3000
January 13, 2007 at 1:25 am
if anyone was crazy enough to buy the advent 7111/8111 please be warned that it was been put together by tech guys engineers in the newark workshops so its completely an own brand product the DSGI PLC
I suppose they need something to do when they aint fixing the faulty ones
January 13, 2007 at 3:11 am
Why has it got such a good rating then Graham?
All these customers seem to be highly satisfied. Read their comments at The Review Centre.
http://www.reviewcentre.com/review222346.html
Three reviews, minimum 8/10 maximum 10/10
January 14, 2007 at 12:26 am
Here’s some interesting info on the AMD Turion™ 64 X2 Dual-Core processor.
This is from the AMD website about the processor:”designed to be compatible with the next generation 64-bit Windows operating system, Microsoft® Windows® Vista™.”
http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/ProductInformation/0,,30_118_13909_13910,00.html
Can it be done from the operating system upgrade we are getting, or does it have to be installed as a complete package? I wonder!
January 22, 2007 at 9:42 pm
just wondering if anyone had applied for a vista upgrade yet. was it a simple process?
January 22, 2007 at 10:01 pm
Nah Tech Guys site kept on crashing, havn’t bothered trying in over a week. Rang them again last week about ny OS CD, they said it was in hand, still waiting.
January 23, 2007 at 12:35 am
I applied for a Vista upgrade in December Wazza.
It’s a fairly simple process as long as you have the laptop serial number and the Windows COA to hand. They also ask for some proof of purchase, so i just emailed my invoice. They do charge postage and handling though and it’s about £12. Also takes 6 to 8 weeks for delivery.
January 23, 2007 at 1:15 am
Just for the record, Windows Vista Home Premium upgrade is on sale at Currys from January 30 at £149.99. Looking at that, £12 post and handling for the freebie seems pretty reasonable.
January 23, 2007 at 4:05 pm
fnusnu – I’ve tried contacting TheTechGuys about getting hold of the OEM disc for Windows but they are trying to brush me off saying MS prefer the pre-loaded approach. Do you happen to have any correspondence from MS I can show to them to prove I am entitled to a copy please?!
I bought on of these beauties from Currys before Christmas, just over £400!
January 23, 2007 at 10:10 pm
Yeah, ordered mine earlier this month – pretty straight forward, give your details including payment, proof of purhase and the COA found under the laptop. You get an order number that you can use to track your order. Just have to wait now…..
January 23, 2007 at 11:58 pm
Just want to make you aware of this.
I looked in the ‘Help and Support Centre’ and clicked on ‘Update Software & Drivers’ and went through the steps. Found there are 4 updates which my laptop needs. They are for the broadband wireless, lightscribe, touchpad, system default and wireless assist. The earliest release of software is sept ‘06. Bought this laptop in Nov ‘06.
Has anyone downloaded these softwares?
January 24, 2007 at 11:51 am
I got NHL 2005 for the laptop, was a cheapie from Game in the sales but for some reason the logic 3 gamepad wont work with it? It works with FIFA (got the essentials pack as part of the deal with the laptop) fine but on NHL 2005 menu’s it just goes nuts like the controls are stuck. Anyone got an idea? not really planning on using the laptop much as a gaming machine but figured NHL and PES 6 are a must for any guy! violence and football. PES 6 does stutter a little though, is there any way this can be improved?
January 24, 2007 at 5:53 pm
I too am trying to upgrade to Vista and noticed that my confirmation letter states 32 bit! The V6133 laptop is definately 64 bit, i’ve tried ringing the international number but found myself on hold for over a hour and gave up! I’m in the position where i can send the letter and reciept and probably get 32 bit but will the cd also cater for 64? as anyone got theirs yet? what should i do? Haha
January 24, 2007 at 9:28 pm
I would think that the 32bit Vista upgrade will work on the Compaq – afterall XP already installed on it is 32bit. As it is an upgrade to the shipped OS rather than a new install, I imagine that’s the reason why the 32bit version of Vista is being given out (let us know if you find otherwise!)
January 24, 2007 at 10:35 pm
Wazza – when I got the laptop I ran the “HP System Check For Notebook PCs” and installed all the suggested downloads. I doubled checked for software and driver updates from the Compaq website and downloaded and installed the ones not picked up from the system check. The ones you listed sound familiar and I think I installed them on my laptop (the release notes tells you what the update is for and you can decide whether you want it or not).
January 28, 2007 at 12:26 am
Fnusnu- try this Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor link.
Really useful tool not only for advising which Vista version is best for your PC, but also which programmes are not compatible with the new operating system and what to do about them. Might help you sort out your sytem crashes.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=42B5AC83-C24F-4863-A389-3FFC194924F8&mg_id=10105&displaylang=en
I used it on my old Dell system and was impressed by the very possitive results.
January 29, 2007 at 6:25 pm
Got my CD today – it’s an Advent recovery CD and not a proper OS CD!! Arrgghh – they should provide them as standard!
January 29, 2007 at 6:25 pm
Did the advisor – it recomended Home Premium!
January 30, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Saw this on the Overclockers website, for the reatail and upgrade versions of Vista:
‘NOTE: 64-Bit Edition DVD not included. Info on obtaining 64-Bit edition is included in this package, only 32-Bit edition DVD is supplied in the box.’
The OEM versions can be purchased seperately as 32 or 64 bit.
January 30, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Syd,
When you sent your order did you send your confirmation of order email or did you scan the receipt that comes through the post?(I shopped at Currys)
cheers
January 30, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Coale39 – I forwarded the confirmation email. Not heard anything so must be ok
January 31, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Websire still not working, I’ve tried ringing the number of the company handling the upgrades, it’s constantly engaged!
February 1, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Question for all that have ordered the Vista upgrade:
Have you got a ship date and what is your order status?
I don’t have a date on mine and the status is ‘COA validated’. I have also emailed my electronic receipt a couple of times (along with a request for confirmation) and have received no further correspondence from them.
February 2, 2007 at 2:13 am
My status is exactly the same Colin. I ordered it at the end of December so i estimate that it should be delivered sometime this month (February) It’s 6 – 8 weeks delivery.
February 4, 2007 at 9:37 pm
hope that you won’t have to use this but is worth having just in case
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00748684.pdf
February 5, 2007 at 12:31 am
Thats a really useful file to have. Thanks Wazza. Downloaded it already.
February 6, 2007 at 7:25 pm
They should give us an DVD instore to upgrade, that would mean of course that they couldn’t charge us an over the top amount as they do through the website!
February 7, 2007 at 1:15 pm
Hey, just ordering my Vista upgrade now. I got my Compaq from Currys and they said their would be a small charge for P&P only, however just running through now and its a £42 all in, roughly 25 for the upgrade, 10.50 P&P and 6.50 VAT. Is that right? its still cheaper than stores i understand but this is still the 32-bit one? Does that about right to everyone?
Quite taken back because the guy in the shop when i bought it said i would only pay the 10-15 pounds P&P fee?
thanks guys
February 8, 2007 at 12:28 am
Andrew: My Vista upgrade cost £10.98 plus £1.92 tax for shipping and handling.
The Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit disc was free and so was the HP Driver DVD.
February 8, 2007 at 12:41 pm
Link for HP Vista Upgrade Order:
https://upgradeweb.moduslink.com/Vista/HP/(S(lajee4n1rrwbak55lpeccq45))/GlobalLandingPage.aspx?oem=HP&Lang=
Emial for Modus Link/HP Upgrade:
MSTUPVISTANA@moduslink.com
February 8, 2007 at 7:23 pm
My FiLs HP upgrade was like Syd’s, my Advent upgrade was about £16.
February 13, 2007 at 2:41 pm
Syd:
I used the upgrade sheet you used and posted above, However my order form says ‘Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit’ Am i entitled to the premium edition? Im abit PI….ED that i have paid just over £40 for apparantly the basic edition where as you have paid just over 10 for the premium edition. Any ideas why that is? I have emailed them querying it to see if or what they say?
February 13, 2007 at 4:57 pm
If you got your Vista upgrade through Currys/Techguys that might explain the Home Basic edition. I applied through the HP website which is turns points you https://upgradeweb.moduslink.com/Vista/HP site that Syd posted and that is 100% the Windows Vista Home Premium.
Just waiting for Proof of Purchase being validated from Moduslink site and hopefully have Vista soon on my V6133.
On another matter has anybody looked into adding a HP/Compaq Bluetooth module (Part No 412766-001) the one listed in the Technical Manual that posted wazza.
February 13, 2007 at 5:37 pm
Andrew: I think i would be a bit P….D if i had to pay £40 for an item that other people got for just the handling charge.
As Scott says the V6133 upgrade is definitely Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit.
My guess is that the upgrade web site, which apparantly covers several countries, had some sort of technical glitch when you placed your order.
I would be tempted to contact HP directly about this one.
About Bluetooth: I already installed a Sitecom (Toshiba) module and it’s brilliant. It will need a driver ugrade for Windows Vista but hopefully that will be straight forward.
February 13, 2007 at 10:35 pm
anyone know where i can get one of these laptops. pc world, currys etc all sold out.
February 20, 2007 at 2:19 pm
Colin:
This is my current upgrade status.
I sent proof of purchase in december.
Is it the same for everyone?
Order Status : Coa Validated. Waiting for Proof of Purchase.
Shipping Date : TBD. Note that it typically takes 4-6 weeks after the submission of the proof of purchase for the order to be shipped.
February 20, 2007 at 6:18 pm
Syd, I get the same status even though I’ve also sent proof of purchase to them.
February 20, 2007 at 7:21 pm
Guys, I had that status even though I emailed them four times with my proof and a request for acknowledgement!
Last week I decided to fax it to them and now finally my status is ‘Proof of Purchase validated’ – it may be worth faxing yours if you can.
The other thing that changed when they updated the status is the shipping date – now blank!!
We can feel some comfort as this is a universal problem (ModusLink are cr*p): http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2007/02/16/redeem_this_bill/
February 23, 2007 at 4:33 pm
Got confirmation that my application is now validated and that they are processing my order which should complete in 4-6 weeks.
March 5, 2007 at 11:25 am
LD:
Did you just forward your sale confirmation email or did you use another method?
I forwarded my sale confirmation email and my status is still ‘Waitng for proof of purchase’
Anyone else still waiting?
March 6, 2007 at 5:18 pm
I signed up for the Vista Upgrade when it first opened in late December last year and I sent three times my Proof of Purchase from Curry’s via email to ModusLink and at long last my order has changed from waiting for POP to “Order awaiting shipment” and TBD. Check back in 2-3 weeks for more information.
It is clear that ModusLink are struggling under the shear demand and logistics involved and it is case of just waiting however annoying it is, I thought Vista Service Pack 1 would be out by the time I got my Vista Upgrade DVD from ModusLink
.
March 7, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Syd – I scanned my receipt from Currys and emailed it to them as my proof of purchase as I thought that a sales confirmation email may not have been sufficient proof of purchase (as you could just type one up yourself).
March 8, 2007 at 10:16 pm
I just emailed my Currys PDF electronic receipt (Three times as I said above) and just today I got another email from Moduslink that my Vista Upgrade has shipped yeah !!!!
March 14, 2007 at 8:15 pm
Thanks Scott
Took me ages to find the PDF file but have now sent it and lets see what happens
March 17, 2007 at 12:34 am
Anyone received their vista upgrade disc?
March 17, 2007 at 12:50 am
Am about to apply for my vista upgrade disc. My laptop is V6133. Have noticed when selecting the model type on the application form i can chose between presario V6000 and V6100 series. I was going to select 6100 series but noticed above the laptop screen the model presario V6000. Which option do i chose? V6000 or V6100?
Also where do you send your fax copy of the invoice to?
March 17, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Wazza:
Rightly or wrongly i went for the V6100 series despite it saying V600 on the laptop. Still waiting for proof of purchase is whats showing on my order according to their website and its nearly 3 months since i sent the original now.
These are the fax numbers:
Fax: 31-55-543 3946 Europe
Fax: 801-431-5616 USA
March 17, 2007 at 10:43 pm
Update – have completed the online form for the vista upgrade. Have faxed and emailed proof of purchase today. Now wait and see what happens
March 19, 2007 at 11:37 pm
Got confirmation today that they have received my proof of purchase and my vista is now awaiting shipment.
anyone got theirs yet?
March 20, 2007 at 9:48 pm
Still nothing recieved here!
March 21, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Mine said shipped two weeks ago and i still haven’t got it!
March 21, 2007 at 9:00 pm
Coale39 – Judging by the speed in which they had processed the orders etc, which is very slow for those in the dark, they have either send your disk through snail mail or by cargo ship the long way
March 23, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Mine arived today
Contains 2 discs; 1 Vista and 1 HP Upgrade Utility for Windows Vista. Don’t know when I’ll install it tho….
March 26, 2007 at 10:22 am
Mine arrived Saturday – installed it last night. The Vista install was relatively painless, but the HP stuff took ages – the best part of a couple of hours. Be careful though as it totally destroys your current installation, so backup those files chaps & chapesses.
Personally, I deleted the rescue partition as well, to give me the extra space.
Works relatively well, and the HP stuff also includes newer versions of QuickPlay, MS Works, and Roxio DVD Creater 9 to replace the Sonic stuff.
Wireless worked without any problems, as did sound and graphics etc.
Everything seems fine, and can’t really complain.
March 26, 2007 at 11:53 am
Woohooo after 12 weeks my order has been changed to Order awaiting shipment
Nothing can go wrong now can it?
March 26, 2007 at 5:06 pm
That sounds pretty positive, AG.
Still no sign of mine well after the 3 weeks!
March 28, 2007 at 9:00 am
I originally placed my order on 5th January 2007.
It took about 2 months to change to order confirmed and accepted. From order shipped to arriving took about 16 days.
Adding to my earlier post – when doing Windows Update, several optional installs appeared. The one for the HD audio broke sound, so needed re-installing from the HP website.
Still, no real problems so far.
March 30, 2007 at 2:41 pm
Yeah, My Vista Upgrade DVD’s arrived today.
Does anyone know if you can do the clean install vista trick rather than upgrade with OEM HP Vista Upgrade DVD. I know it is possible with the retail edition (see here http://labs.pcw.co.uk/2007/02/using_a_vista_u.html ) just not heard of anyone trying it with the OEM version ?
March 30, 2007 at 3:08 pm
I think it basically does that anyway – I selected to destroy my restore partition, formatted my entire drive and installed.
The pamphlet that came with the DVDs say that all software and data files will be destroyed during installation which suggests a full clean install anyway.
April 1, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Thanks AG, Will give it a try.
April 26, 2007 at 7:53 am
Is it possible to go back to XP if you have installed Vista?
April 26, 2007 at 2:55 pm
Depends on how you install Vista – if you leave the restore partition intact, it is technically possible. Also, if you created backup DVDs or CDs when you bought the machine, they can be used.
Haven’t tried it, so don’t know the specifics though.
May 1, 2007 at 11:58 pm
still haven’t received my vista disc. Their website says waiting payment. Have emailed them a couple of days ago and no reply yet.
those who have ordered their vista upgrade is anyone still waiting?
May 18, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Hi guys, im having a bad bit of bother with my advent 7111 laptop, i installed vista home basic, and i really dont like it, so i tried system recovery to go back to its original state, butit crashed half way, its deleted all installs, now i have no partitions, except the recovery one, and i dont have recovery discs, can someone please tell me how i can fix it, or could someone please send me a copy of their system recovery discs asap as i really need my laptop as it has all my college stuff on it, is it possible that someone could send me recovery disc via e-mail to clarky76570@msn.com i would be very greatful, please help me guys, thanks!!!.
August 2, 2008 at 5:05 am
there are big issues with this machine. its best avoided. If you do currently own one I advise you to up date the bios as theres and algorithm which fails to kick the fan in early enough creating major hard ware failure. This may start with loss of the function of the wireless card and then the gfx card .Compaq offer an extended warranty which they honoured however the new mo-bo they installed also failed. Real problems buy something else and avoid lengthy calls to comapaq and PC world who contually name easch other as the responsible body.
August 16, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Had this laptop since Nov 2006. It has been running as expected. Am happy with it apart from the battery life. Normally get between 1 to 1.5 hours. Normally i connect to the internet using an ethernet cable. Last year i used the wireless feature. Few days ago i tried to use the wireless feature and found it no longer exists. Rang Compaq yesterday (Friday) they will pick it up on Tuesday. Today i found the wireless is now working. Doing a search on the net i have found some owners reporting that the wireless feature comes and goes. One day you have it the next you don’t. Will keep you posted how the repair goes.
August 22, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Laptop was collected last Tuesday. Was suprised to find that after 3 days my laptop was returned to me. According to the job sheet the main board was replaced and the bios updated. Wireless is working. Will use it all the time instead of the ethernet cable to make sure if something goes wrong it will be covered by the extended warranty. The harddrive was untouched so i still had all my programs still on it.