HP's Compaq Presario v6000 laptop

HP has more laptop love for us today, this time with some of that Compaq branding. It's nothing new in the design department, but the shiny new v6000 has a fresh model number, and accompanies the v3000 with more budget laptop goodness. It's replacing the v5000 models, but there's nothing too terribly exciting to see here. The units feature AMD Turion 64 X2 and Mobile or AMD Sempron processors, and eke by with a GeForce Go 6150 graphics card. Luckily, the v6000 shines in the little things, featuring a 5-in-1 card reader, Firewire, three USB 2.0 ports, ExpressCard/54 slot, 802.11a/b/g WiFi and Bluetooth. Unfortunately, most of those features are optional, and it sounds like the barebones version of this PC is very bare indeed. No word on price or exact availability, but at 6.6 pounds, with a 15.4-inch display and some nice new looks, it still shouldn't be a terrible option for the style-conscious consumer on a budget when it does drop.

[Jeff @ Jul 12th 2006 12:19PM]

I owned a pretty recent Compaq laptop until, well, recently.

Their designs are really quite good, especially when you see one up close and use it for a while. There are a lot of little details that most manufacturers don't get right - stuff like the labels for the ports above them, so you don't have to turn the computer sideways to find things. They're also thermally designed really well, such that the laptops never really get hot. And they feel like they're well built. They also always seem to have various features that, taken together, are only available at a higher price in other laptops.

The problem I had is that the power connector went out on me twice. The first time, it was repaired under warranty - second time, I was told it'd be $300 to fix. I looked at new Compaq laptops for a replacement, but they all have the same style power connector and I wasn't going to take a chance again. Ended up getting a good deal on an Acer instead. And my new laptop has just made me appreciate how well-designed and built the Compaq was in comparison - except for that goddang power connector, which is kind of a fundamental and important thing to screw up.

[Cameron @ Apr 8th 2008 5:08PM]

do you still have your compaq?
if so i have one but the screen is broken, would it be possible to buy your screen or laptop

Cammy

[Heather @ Sep 28th 2008 7:13PM]

I have the HP Presario V6000. I just bought a new one and was trying to sell the older HP if there is anyone out there interested please feel free to e-mail me at [e-mail] for details. I have had this one for 2 years and cosmetically is in excellent condition as well as internaly. It has been kept in a dust free enviornment. I have never had any complaints/issues meaning I have never had to have it repaired. Again if anyone is interested feel free to email me with an questions reguarding this.

Thanks,
Heather

[peter @ Oct 1st 2008 3:06AM]

Hello jeff
I jsut have a quick question. Does this v6000 have a firewire port for connecting cable from cam to comp?

[Goodshape @ Jul 12th 2006 12:34PM]

I've got a Presario R3000 and that power lead issue affects me too. Laptop's about a year and a half old and (once you finally get it to acknowledge that it's plugged in) the slightest movement and it will be back to battery power. The lead itself doesn't fall out or anything, the laptop simple won't accept that it's there.

I usually get it working by 'proping up' the power lead just where it meets the laptop by pushing a matchbox or similar underneath.

[JIM @ Jun 28th 2008 11:09PM]

Same problem with my RPresario R3000. The power cord won't stay connected or the slightest movement makes it disconnect the AC power. I just called HP, the manufacturer, they told me the problem "probably" was with the case but that they've never had another complaint about it. They said they'd be glad to try to fix it for $300. I also have problems with my HP officjet printer, it knocks and needs resetting after each page printed. I remember when HP was a good brand! I told them I will never, ever buy another HP and to make note of that! I purchased a Gateway notebook for about $350 and it is great. It's a much better product.

[Tahnee @ Dec 10th 2008 6:12PM]

I had an old presario (the boxy light silver one) I can't remember the model, anyway the power cord is the problem, not the computer. With my old presario I found that the layout of the power suply was the problem, very poor design, as the plug inlet is derectly in the path of the hot air outlet. The cord constantly gets heated, cooled and bent over time, this breaks the wires inside the cord it'self. So don't anyone spend the money to have it "looked at" until you determine if it is infact a problem with the pc and not just a broken cord. My new Presario (like the image above) is just about perfect (appart from needing a boost of extra ram) and I've had no troubles with the power cord as now the inlet is no where near the hot air outlet.

[Jeff Foster @ Jul 12th 2006 1:49PM]

woah, that passes as "style-conscious"?

whatever.

[Travis @ Jul 12th 2006 6:39PM]

What's not "style-conscious" about it Jeff F.?

[Hoppy @ Jul 13th 2006 6:24AM]

I like it. I also found coupons for it at http://www.whatsyourdeal.com/forums/hp-coupon.html

If you prefer there are dell coupons too.

http://www.whatsyourdeal.com/forums/dell-coupon.html

[Dennis @ Nov 18th 2006 10:13AM]

Yep, i have had the same issues with power cords on the older Presario. i replaced it 4 times. Had to re solder the power connecter to the MB. (a big deal). I just got a new v6000 and the cord is slightly different. So maybe it wont have the same issues ?

[Carolynn @ May 27th 2007 7:58PM]

I actually got the v6000 for Christmas this year and I have noticed recently the problems that others were mentioning with the power cord. I'm not certain why it happens, but I've spent the last 15-20 minutes messing with it and I've got it working now, but I don't know how long it'll stay.

[nate @ Jan 16th 2007 10:07AM]

i recently had a fairly decent laptop, toshiba satellite s1150, it had decent specs. 1.5ghz 512mb ram. Nothing too special. I used it for light gaming, music, and other media. I got it used off ebay and it was in a perfect condition. I never abused my laptop and hen one day there was a very small crack developing in the hinge of it. It started getting worse and worse until it seemed like it was at a stand still and couldnt crack anymore. I was wrong lol. Christmas eve i opened it up to look something up on the internet and it snapped off completely on one side. Thankfully i got enough bestbuy gift cards to afford a new one. I chose the Compaq Presario v6000. It runs very nicely and no major problems at all, I just have one large concern, is anyone else experiencing wear and tear to the hinges? Because I sure as hell dont want a repeat of my last laptop (which now is used as a very convenient desktop pc)

[Manu @ Jan 30th 2007 11:33PM]

I've had the same one for over 4 months now. Its working well...but sometimes it just doesnt boot up!! I have to take off the battery pack and re-insert it and then do that a couple of times before it powers back on!!! Other than that, its a really good piece :)

[anD @ Jan 8th 2009 12:03AM]

Might be useful. BIOS Update F.3D for "fan control algorithm of the system" and Limited Warranty Service Enhancement
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01087277&lc=en&cc=us

[Chris @ Apr 12th 2009 3:20PM]

Yeah same problem here with me i think, it want too clear on what your problem was though. My laptop hinges were getting warped and one day i opened it, and the hinge snapped off completely. Now the hing protrudes from the panel and makes all these cracking noises. Been like this for about two months now.lol and the computer is still working like a gem, i just need to figure something out so that i do no have to replace it. i think it helps if you only open the laptop from the middle, and not the corners.

[Patricia @ Feb 17th 2007 10:04AM]

I feel you, I have that same problem, having to take the battery out for a few minutes. I don't like having to do that.But other than that I love it. So far so good.

[sarahliz @ Mar 7th 2007 3:06PM]

I think it happens to other computers too though, because it's happened to two friends of mine, one with a Dell and the other I have no idea. Not compaq though.

[M @ Mar 9th 2007 12:22PM]

I recently got a Presario V6000 and I highly warn you about it. It has a major design flaw and it is the placement of touchpad mouse. it is not centered with respect to "G" and "H". therefor you cannot rest your palm ever. The moment you put your palm down, it touches the mouse and the cursor jumps to who knows where. It is very disturbing.
In order to avoid the erratic movement, you need to lock and unlock the mouse repeatedly (a little button has been provided right above the touchpad) or keep your hands suspended all along during typing.
It doesn't matter what other features it has! This will drive you enough insane to forget about any other feature!

[renee @ Nov 3rd 2007 3:11PM]

I have ths same laptop. I just got myself a mouse that plugs in and I leave the built in one off.

[drew @ Mar 24th 2007 10:16PM]

I was thinking of getting the v6000.and i wanted to know how much ram it can hold max and can i get better graphics put in?

[Rocky @ Apr 22nd 2008 12:53AM]

I don't think the placement of the mouse pad is as big and issue for me. In my case, its the fact that the palm rest, mouse pad and buttons all have teh same slick texture. Sometimes i think the mouse is "Jumpy," then i notice my fingers slipped off the buttons.

Best Buy Advertised it as coming with the remote, which it did not supply. However, I talked them into giving me a wireless mouse.

I'm also having an issue with The SD reader, not reading a new card, unless I reboot with the card in it.

[Musyani @ Mar 29th 2007 2:58PM]

I am in Africa. I bought the Presario V6000 brand new and in perfect condition. I flew back home only to find the lcd screen is cracked and when I turn it on it has these black marks all over the screen. It must have cracked somewhere on the plane. Is the Presario that sensitive/not sturdy? How can I replace the screen 'cos I know that it cannot be repaired. I saw some info. on removing the screen at http://www.screentekinc.com/lcd-removal-instructions_en,compaq.shtml. Any other help will be highly appreciated. Thanks.

[larry @ May 27th 2007 4:59AM]

i have a problem with my loptop because if i use the USB for example i want to down load from my camera, external hardware it ask intaller and if i installed aready the software it is not functioning..

[Ken @ May 31st 2007 5:42PM]

Ship back to HP they will fix the screen at a price!Laptop are not made just to throw in a bag and go, Get a laptop made for that would be ones the constuckion use and police with shock rest.

[nathan @ Jun 10th 2007 1:04PM]

hello iv had a presario for around 4 to 5 mouth and latly the power supply is going thn i take pull the lead and it comes out its sockit witch its not men to and sparks start flying every were well i no its not ment to do but i thought id just let u no what a shit peace it is becouse i love my laptop and i neva abuse it and it nearly killed me well im oging to try what someone said about resolding it see if that works but the fuse as gone aswel has anyone else had the same problem if so email back on this site please i would love to no thanks

[p zillger @ Jun 21st 2007 6:38AM]

I have a turn on problem also. The small blue power lights come on for a few seconds and then go off. If I take the battery out then they stay on for about 15 seconds but no screen lighting up in either case. Is this a warrenty proplem?

[HP User @ Jul 3rd 2007 7:24PM]

Hey.. I just had that problem with my notebook.. I bought it about 4 months ago and one day after work my computer wouldn't turn on. The blue light would glow for about 2 seconds, but that's about it. I bought my computer in Canada, but I am currently living in South Korea, so I was worried about this problem being covered by my warranty. An HP Canada representative told me that my computer is only covered at a Canadian HP service centre. So, I called the HP service centre here in Korea to confirm that I had to pay for repair. I brought it in on a Saturday, they said it's covered under HPs "International Warranty",(good news) and it was ready on Monday. (Sunday the centre was closed) So I was quite happy with the speed of service and results. Apparently the problem was, I left the computer on too long and the mother board died on me. SO they replaced the mother board. No cost.

[Wikki @ Jul 10th 2007 4:06PM]

I just bought the Presario V6000 for around USD 710.00 what you ppl suggest, is it a good offer ? as I am a nutshell for Laptops.

or suggest with any good deal

Chao

Wikki

[George @ Jul 13th 2007 10:17AM]

I bought a v6000 roughly a year ago and within the first month i had that power socket issue that everyone is speaking about, the computer would not recognize the plug. I had to have the computer replaced and my old hardrive was just put into the new one. Since then I have had no power socket issues (yet).

The screen hinges are wearing down fairly quickly and they make a loud cracking sound when i try to adjust the screen angle.

One more thing, the touchpad's 'easy' scroll option on the far right and along the bottom of the pad only works sporadically.

And yes i agree to the comment above, the pad is not centred properly, so when you type you must lock the touchpad or else your palm will move the cursor randomly while you type.

[Wikki @ Jul 18th 2007 11:18PM]

HI

got a V6000, for USD 710.00 what you ppl say about it?

Chao

[shadoq @ Jul 19th 2007 2:06AM]

I also have the same problem: the v3000 battery is not power enougn. I want to get a v3000 battery replacement.
then i go to http://www.cheap-laptop-battery.co.uk/

[abc @ Jul 22nd 2007 12:57PM]

i bought the v6000 in canada and travelled to the uk when i got there the battery was dead i bought a voltage converter and plugged it in.The light on the side is on but when i turn the laptop on the light dimms a bit and then lights up again then the battery stops working and shuts down i am very angry about this seen as i treat my laptop very well. If i take out the battery and put it back in a few times the middle light (power light) on the laptop goes on for 30 seconds and then turns off i dont what to do but luckily i have a one year warranty which i will use when i get back to canada. i dont want this to happen again

Any comments? on how to fix this without the warranty before i go back because i need to use this laptop

Thanks

[yogesh kadwe @ Jul 27th 2007 4:47AM]

i want to download v6000 {intel processor }all driver software pls. can u tell me where from i get it

[billy bob thorton @ Aug 14th 2007 4:07AM]

I just bought a like new model off a grad student for $425 t2250 a nd 2gb ram. battery life is well above and beyond many other choices out there (if you get the 12 cell). it's not too heavy but definately not a lightweight either. There is a major flaw though. the screen is aweful. I mean for a casual user it might pass as ok. I guess most of the lcds on display in stores are about as bad. the problem is the uneven brightness from the backlight. and the contrast is way too hot. I just downloaded the latest intel driver for the on board graphics and I was able to get the contrast to within an acceptable range but still far from being able to do anything related to photos or graphics. too bad too because otherwise this is the ideal laptop for a lot of people due to the price and performance you get.

[billy bob thorton @ Aug 14th 2007 2:07PM]

well I take back some of the bad things I said about the display. apparently it calibrates better with more ambient light. I'm actually seeing usable results in my upstairs room with some daylight illuminating the room indirectly. when I say usable I mean colors you can trust. I wouldn't do critical work on this screen but it's as good as the pre-led displays on macbook pros. of course the led illuminated displays are way more uniform.

[Gates @ Aug 20th 2007 7:27PM]

Wow, you people are scarring me. I just bought the V6000 a few days ago and now i'm reading about all these problems with the power source. I think i'll run and return it to the dealer and purchase another brand before it's too late.

thanks for the warning.

Gates

[Gates @ Aug 21st 2007 3:54PM]

I returned my computer (Compaq Presario V6000) back to the dealer yesterday and informed him of my findings about the power source and the failling of it, he agreed with me and told me there was a high faillure rate on them and sold me a Toshiba instead. I did a search on my new purchase and found no issues with it so i want to thank everyone for their comments as it was very helpful.

Gates

[Gates @ Aug 31st 2007 5:34PM]

I'd like to put one more post here about HP. I bought a computer Desktop HP at Xmas time and i had a lot of problems with it from day 1. They changed the mother board and still problems were arising until they changed the hard drive and since then everything is working good, but to say the least i have been without that computer for longer than i had it so today i went to do a backup of my recovey disk and it stated that one had already been done, so it wouldn't let me do another one so i called HP and they told me that i had to purchase another operationg system if i wanted to format it. I explained to them that i had never done a backup of it and when i was going to do a back up it didn't allow it so they said it was to bad and i needed to purchase one from them if i wanted one. To make a long story short, be very worry about HP and their products as they do not give that great of service and support. I have purchased the computer so it should be my business on howassmany backup i want to do and how many disk i want to create of my operation system. It's paid for and it's mine. So rest assure that my next computer, laptop, printer, etc will never ever again be an HP product. I purchase well over $10,000 a year of supplies and products when it comes to computers and i will never give them one more cent.

Had it with HP. for everyone one out there, give a chance to Dell, Toshiba IBM and others, even ACER as they are a very good product for the money. The hell with HP

[Weng Bernal @ Sep 1st 2007 3:25AM]

My old compaq presario just stopped working 2 months ago. apparently it has something to do with the volatage regulator. then, the motherboard. so i got myself a new laptop, compaq v6000 and after reading your postings, i think i made another mistake in choosing a laptop. i should have chosen an ACER.

[icrywolf @ Sep 2nd 2007 7:13PM]

presario V6000 works pretty dam well, had it for a couple of months now and nothing seem's to go wrong, only downside is the integrated graphics, but it can still play F.E.A.R. on average settings with no lag

[rose @ Sep 16th 2007 11:29PM]

My husband in NC bought me a V6000 last febuary 2007 and now im using it here in philippines until i had problem just last week of august 2007, the laptop was hang and the screen display had lines and i wait to shut it down .si need to turn it off and when i open it, it puts me to a temporary profile user which is very annoying, so i brought it to HP service center here in philippines and they fixed it by reformat. so i got it after 5 days and paid only service charge. after like 4 days my laptop is always get hang and screen appears line. and the last time thats i had to open it . it doesnt have screen display but have power...thats crazy! well i hope they can fixed it and wont pay anyhing anyomore because its under warranty.

[Gates @ Sep 18th 2007 10:27AM]

Hi, everyone it's me again with another problem with HP products. I have bought a HP printer 3900 series and used it at most 10 times, didn't even have a chance to go thru a full ink cartridge yet and guess what, it doesn't work anymore.....surprised? NOT ME...IT'S HP REMBMBER....It's the last F#$@ging time i'll get an HP anything. They are by far the worst company for products. It's like they try hard to not make their products work good so you the consumer will have to buy again and again. Let's put a stop to this and start supporting other companies that are worth supporting and their products don't bread down for no apparent reason...oh yes....one last work...FUCK YOU HP

[sbehera @ Oct 3rd 2007 7:34AM]

hi,

recently i purchased compaq presario V6000 laptop with windows vista premium. Wat are the merits with vista premium. I was trying to install the digital signatures in my laptop but failed to install.
Can any one pls guide whether digital signature can be used in vista?????? if yes how to install????

pls suggest.

thnx

[Christian Peter @ Oct 9th 2007 3:49AM]

NOISY FAN??
Ive just bought a Presario v6000. It seems like a cool pieceof machinery. BUT im qiute surprised with noise lev of the fan. It seems to me that the fan is running at highest speed all the time. Which makes it a bitch just to write this post.

Any one who has the same experience .... and a cure?
/cp

[Jason Burns @ Apr 11th 2008 4:45PM]

Christian - Same issue with the fan running at high speed all the time....Did you get any responses for correcting?

thanks

[adch @ May 26th 2009 10:48AM]

i sometimes have that problem, it happens with a lot of laptops. you have to keep the computer on a hard, flat surface (ie wooden desk) NOT on things like a bed, lap (although it kinda defeats the point of calling it a laptop then) etc

[mattypartridge17 @ Oct 10th 2007 3:35PM]

i have just been given a presario v6000. it is about a year old and the reason i was given it is beacuse the owner cant be bothered to fix it. The problem with it is is that the power comes on, the blue lights all light up but the screen remains blank. Any1 know whats up with it? Sometimes about 5% of the time it will work, but it crashes all the time. Its very very unstable. Is it my motherboard?, infected?, can somebody please guide me.
I read alot of people have problems with there power, i dont have any of those problems but i have thought it might be the battery cell itself?

i have run a diagnostics test (after trying to get the screen to come on for an hour!) The results show no defects to the harddrive.

[Max @ Oct 16th 2007 10:16PM]

I got my wife the Compaq V6000 for Christmas and by July it would not power up with the power cord or a fully charged battery. We sent it into HP for repair under the warranty and after waiting 6 weeks for the system to be repaired we started to call complaining about the repair status. After weeks of complaining we got to speak to a case manager who told us that the motherboard was shot and that the new motherboard was on back order for 3 more months because this was a common problem with the Compaq v6000. She then sent us a fully loaded HP v6500 which had a lot more accessories then the Compaq V6000 and worth 3 times the price. She also sent us the old Compaq to retrieve our data from it and gave us the option to keep it and lose the warranty on the new one or return it in 30 days. I was just surfing the web looking into fixing the old computer and keeping it but after reading these postings I am definitely returning it and keeping the warranty on the new one. Because who knows, the HP V6500 could have the same problem within the 1 year warranty period!

[Nathan @ Oct 19th 2007 6:29PM]

I've my Compaq Presario v6210us for seven months and have had no problems. The battery is little quick to die (1 hr and 45 min). But the graphics are great and runs flip 3d and windows aero run smoothly (I boosted VRAM to 255MB in BIOS). The only thing that I hate about it is that when I access the intergrated card reader my audio sounds shitty. This laptop is fast though and better than any laptop or desktop I've ever used. The SCSI hard drive is the best thing about, it writes and reads super fast. Would recommend to anyone.