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Compaq posts

Sprint first to offer a 99-cent netbook, but is it worth it?

by Nilay Patel, posted Jul 6th 2009 at 12:22PM

We knew we'd see cheap / free subsidized netbooks eventually, and here we are: Best Buy and Sprint are offering up a Compaq-branded HP Mini 110c for just 99 cents when you sign a two-year data contract. Yeah, it looks good on paper, especially since AT&T and Verizon will ding you $199 for the same machine, but we just don't think it's worth it: at $60 a month for service, you'll be spending $1,440 for two years of pain with that 1.6GHz Atom, 1GB of RAM and three-cell battery. We'd say you're way better off grabbing a 3G USB stick you can use with multiple machines, or, if you're feeling particularly baller, throwing down for a MiFi and kicking it mobile hotspot style -- it'll cost the same $60 a month from Sprint, but you'll be able to get five machines online at once. But that's just us -- any of you particularly hot for this almost-free netbook?

[Via jkOnTheRun]

HP outs healthy slew of new Pavilion / Compaq Presario desktops

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 25th 2009 at 11:11AM

Seems that HP got all the laptop love out of its system yesterday, as today were having a foursome of new desktops shoved down our throats. First up is the Pavilion Slimline s5000, which gets going at $289 and includes an AMD LE1600 CPU, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 320GB hard drive, 6-in-1 media card reader and a case that should be small enough for most dorm room corners. Next, there's the all-too-similar $269 Pavilion p6000, while the $599+ Pavilion Elite e9000 offers up a larger case along with an AMD Phenom II X2 545 CPU, 4GB of DDR3 memory, a 500GB HDD, 512MB NVIDIA GeForce G210 CPU and a 15-in-1 card reader. Finally, the $379 Compaq Presario CQ5000 ships with a 2.5GHz Athlon X2 7550 CPU, 3GB of DDR2 RAM, an NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE GPU and a 320GB 7200RPM HDD. Tap the read link for all the nitty-gritty details, but only if you're really, really prepared for what's to come.

Gallery: HP outs healthy slew of new Pavilion / Compaq Presario desktops

HP recalls another 15,000 laptop batteries, this time in China

by Donald Melanson, posted May 26th 2009 at 4:32PM

HP just recalled a hefty 70,000 laptop batteries earlier this month, but it looks like it still has a few more fires to put out, and it's now recalled another 15,000 batteries sold in China. No reports of any actual "flames / fire" this time around but, as with countless other recalls, the batteries are apparently prone to overheating, and can indeed pose a pesky fire hazard. Word of specific models affected is also a bit hard to come by at the moment, but the batteries were apparently used in laptops manufactured between late 2007 and early 2008, and include models sold under both the HP Pavilion and Compaq Presario brands. If that sounds like your laptop, you can get in touch with HP China for a free replacement battery.

70,000 HP laptop batteries recalled due to fire hazard

by Darren Murph, posted May 14th 2009 at 3:13PM

It's been quite awhile since we've seen a major recall surrounding volatile laptop batteries, but it looks as if HP is the company bringing the topic back to the forefront. Announced today, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with Hewlett-Packard, has issued a voluntary recall of about 70,000 Li-ion batteries. Reportedly, these cells can "overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers," and so far, the firm and CPSC have received two separate reports of batteries that have overheated and ruptured, resulting in -- wait for it -- "flames / fire that caused minor property damage." For a look at what units are affected, head on past the break -- oh, and if you're reading this on an HP lappie right now, go ahead and grab the fire extinguisher just in case.

Continue reading 70,000 HP laptop batteries recalled due to fire hazard

HP rolls out Compaq CQ2000M nettop for Europe

by Donald Melanson, posted Mar 9th 2009 at 10:11PM

HP's mini-Q nettop first turned up in Taiwan way back in November, but it looks to finally be making its way around the world, and it's now shown itself in Europe in the form of the Compaq CQ2000M. There doesn't appear to be any significant changes beyond the slight name change, however, with the nettop still packing the standard issue 1.6GHz Atom Z230 processor, 1GB of RAM (expandable to 2GB), a 160GB hard drive, Intel GMA950 graphics and, of particular note, a dual-layer DVD burner. Unfortunately, there's also still no indication of a release on this side of the pond, but those in Europe can apparently grab one now bundled with a 20-inch monitor for €349, or about $440.

[Via Engadget Spanish]

Atom-powered Compaq Presario CQ2009F desktop now on sale

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 17th 2009 at 2:19PM

Compaq Presario's got a new 4.41- x 10.71- x 9.69-inch box for your consideration, and it goes by CQ2009F. 'Course, those following the scene in Taiwan probably know it better as the mini-Q, but apparently the model name had to be purged of any personality before being introduced to America. The so-called nettop (or maybe mini tower is more fitting here) houses an Intel Atom 230 CPU, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, GMA 950 graphics set, a 160GB 7,200RPM hard drive, Ethernet, integrated audio, a 6-in-1 card reader, a few USB 2.0 ports, VGA output and loads of additional software that you'll have to quickly uninstall upon arrival. You'll find Windows XP running the show, and the built-in DVD burner should handle the storage duties. Nah, performance junkies won't find much (read: anything) to love, but who wouldn't appreciate the $269.99 price tag?

[Thanks, V & Brian]

New HP laptop releases rumored, Mini 1000 Mi included

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 3rd 2009 at 7:19PM

With CES just around the corner, it's no surprise to hear whispers of a new lot of laptops from HP (or anyone else, for that matter). A smattering of from reports around the web have it that Hewlett-Packard is looking to debut a few new machines here in the near future, starting with the AMD-powered 13.3-inch Pavilion dv3z ($799.99), the 16-inch dv6t entertainment notebook ($679.99) and the 17-inch Pavilion G70 ($799.99). We're also clued in on a Compaq Presario CQ60, which will tout a 15.4-inch panel, AMD CPU and not much else considering the $469.99 price tag. Finally, it looks as if the company could introduce a new "Mi" (for Mobile Internet, duh) Mini 1000 edition, which could ship as early as next week with a Linux-based OS and a $379.99 starting tag. Check the links below for all the details, and keep it locked right here for any updates from HP.

Read - HP Pavilion dv3z
Read - HP Pavilion dv6t
Read - HP Pavilion G70
Read - HP Mini 1000 Mi
Read - Compaq Presario CQ60

Compaq Mini 700 innards exposed by Italian fetishists

by Tim Stevens, posted Dec 29th 2008 at 10:02AM

Ever wonder how netbooks pack all that laptopy goodness into such small packages? Laptop Italia has your answer, tearing a Compaq Mini 700 (aka HP Mini 1000) into its individual components, supposedly for the sake of enabling you to repair the thing at home, but we think the real motivation is rather less instructional and more exhibitionistic. Regardless of your intentions, the site provides an extensive guide on how to take apart HP's tiny laptop, starting by pulling the battery and ending with a picture of where the 3G modem would go if this particular model had one. Unlike some teardowns we've seen in the past, this clinical looking disassembly, if reversed, looks like it might actually put the thing back together again -- if you're into that sort of thing.

[Thanks, faber]

Video: HP Compaq Mini 700 unboxed

by Laura June, posted Dec 23rd 2008 at 10:35AM

After it went on sale in Europe yesterday, we figured that it could only be a matter of minutes before someone got their hands on one of HP's Compaq Mini 700s. Netbook News has gotten the job done and they've kindly filmed the proceedings. In case you've forgotten, the £399 ($594) netbook is the same as the Mini 1000 sold Stateside, boasting 1.6GHz Atom CPU and a 10.2-inch 1024 x 600 panel. Take a peek at the exciting video after the break and hit the read links for further impressions and photos.

[Via Engadget Spanish]

Read - Compac Mini 700 video unboxing
Read - Compaq Mini 700 review

Continue reading Video: HP Compaq Mini 700 unboxed

HP Compaq's Mini 700 now on sale in Europe

by Darren Murph, posted Dec 22nd 2008 at 9:30AM

To our knowledge, neither HP nor Compaq (nor HP Compaq, for the record) have uttered a single word about the clearly real Mini 700. After going a few months without hearing an update, we now have reports that it is widely available overseas. According to NotebookItalia, said netbook will boast a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 CPU, GMA950 integrated graphics, 10.2-inch display (1,204 x 600), 1GB of DDR2 RAM, webcam / microphone, an integrated card reader, audio in / out, Ethernet, two USB 2.0 ports and a pair of Altec Lansing speakers. Additionally, the Italian version (at least) includes a 3-cell battery and Windows XP Home while providing optional WiFi, Bluetooth and HSDPA. Curiously, the quoted price for the now-shipping unit is up one hundred quid to £399 ($594), though it's difficult to tell if that's a baseline rig or a fully loaded machine. Anyone across the pond care to chime in?

HP begins offering Linux on enterprise desktops

by Laura June, posted Dec 11th 2008 at 2:14PM

HP just announced it will begin offering a desktop pre-loaded with a build of SUSE Linux. This joins the company's other non-Windows offering, the previously announced (but not yet available) Mini 1000 netbook, which is equipped with its Ubuntu-based MIE. The new model -- the Compaq dc5850 -- is unfortunately aimed at the enterprise and education markets, so while we're glad to see HP dipping its toes into open source waters, we'd be more enthused if the computer-maker followed in Dell's footsteps and offered a wider range of options. The PC will be available on December 15th for $519, though it doesn't appear that the average consumer will be able to buy it -- at least not yet.

[Via Computerworld]

HP shows off Atom-powered mini-Q nettop in Taiwan

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 25th 2008 at 8:18PM

It's no slate PC / digiframe hybrid, but it is a touch unorthodox. HP Compaq is reportedly preparing to launch a mini-Q nettop, though it could ship under a totally less exciting Presario 2030 / 2020 moniker. Packed within the diminutive box will be an Atom 330 / 230 CPU (respectively), Windows Vista / XP (also respectively), 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 160GB 7,200RPM hard drive, dual-layer DVD writer and a 6-in-1 card reader. No mention of a release date just yet, but pricing is expected at around NT$9,900 ($296) / NT$12,900 ($386).

[Via Electronista]

Walmart, Kmart announce Black Friday-esque deals for days other than Black Friday

by Laura June, posted Nov 7th 2008 at 8:24PM

Want to get a jump on your holiday shopping or find a couple of insane bargains to keep for yourself? A few retailers are offering what they've dubbed "Black Friday-style" price cuts for tomorrow -- Saturday, November 8th. Walmart's got a sweet 15.4-inch Compaq CQ-139WM (with 2GB of RAM and a 160GB hard drive) laptop for $298, in addition to a PlayStation 2 bundled with a $30 WalMart gift card for $129, and a PlayStation 3 with a $100 gift card for $399. Over at Kmart they're offering up a rad 32-inch Sylvania LCD HDTV for $439.99 (they usually go for for $550). They also have several deals for Sunday, November 9th, including the Wii Fit for $89.99. Is it safe to assume that every Friday (not to mention Saturday and Sunday) until Christmas will be "black"? For the full, mind-blowing rundown, hit the read links.

[Via CNET, I4U News]

Read - Kmart
Read - Walmart Backs Main Street

HP's Compaq Mini 700 thinks he's a Mini 1000, only better

by Thomas Ricker, posted Oct 30th 2008 at 6:18AM

Without a single official peep on the matter from HP (that we can find), its Compaq division has apparently announced a Mini 700 netbook in the UK that is a near spec-for-spec equivalent to HP's Mini 1000 already available in the US. Only get this, it will feature a 10.2-inch, 1,024 x 600 (16:10 aspect ratio) display and optional HSDPA data radio when it ships in mid December for a £299 starting price... that's 100 Quid less and two months before the UK's Mini 1000 with 10.1-inch, 1,024 x 576 pixel (16:9 ratio) display hits the UK high street. Hey, that's the hubbub in the British press. Care to elaborate HP?

[Via Trusted Reviews and Pocket-Lint]

Compaq's Presario CQ70: lots of screen, not a lot of dough

by Joshua Topolsky, posted Oct 9th 2008 at 8:06AM

It looks like Compaq has added a big-daddy to its line of Presarios just released, tacking on the 17-inch CQ70 to the gang. The new laptop (currently available at Circuit City) sports a 2GHz dual-core Pentium T3200 CPU, 3GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, a 1440 x 900 widescreen display, 802.11b/g/n, a 5-in-1 card reader, and a bunch of other expected goodies (you know, like USB ports). The CQ70 is listing for $729.99, but after a series of shocking rebates at the aforementioned giant electronics retail chain, it can be yours for $579.99.

[Via Electronista]