Editorial Review

Whether you're looking for a corporate, multimedia, or family desktop,Compaq's Presario 5410US is a solid choice. Just look at some of its features:an 8x (write) CD-RW and 16x DVD-ROM drive, a 1.3 GHz Celeron chip, and 256 MB ofRAM (expandable to 512 MB). Its price is lower than average both for desktops asa whole and among similarly rated products, continuing Compaq's price-conscioustradition. The product also includes a 40 GB hard disk, integrated graphics, a56K modem, and a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet NIC. In addition, this package featuresWindows XP Home as the pre-installed operating system, Compaq's MV540 15-inchmonitor, and their IJ650 color inkjet printer. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Compaq's Presario 4410US desktop computer is a great option for thosewho can't afford or don't require the speed and power of a priceystate-of-the-art machine. Powered by a reliable Intel 1.3 GHz Celeron processorwith 256 KB of Level 2 cache, 128 MB of 133 MHz SDRAM, and an 8 MB acceleratedvideo card, the 4410US offers plenty of oomph for applications such as datamanagement, word processing, Internet surfing, and some 3-D graphic design. Itdistinguishes itself from the slightly less expensive Presario 4400US by virtueof its integrated DVD-ROM drive, which at 16x is fast enough to capablyreproduce anything Hollywood has to offer.Read more

Reviews (2)

OK for Apps but not for games
At first the Compaq Presario 4410US seems like a great deal. 128MB RAM, a 40GB hard drive, and a 1.3 GHz Processor are in this under [$$] PC. It includes the latest version of Windows (XP) and has 4 USB Ports and a 56K modem. Now this would be fine if you rarely play games or mostly use applications that don't require much. But if you're a serious gamer like me, you should consider upgrading to a stand alone video card and/or more RAM and a faster processor. I have some "negative" things to say about this PC. First, the games run at a laughable 15-20fps. If you have a lot of Games that take up a lot of space(GTA:VC, Unreal 2, Microsoft Flight Sim 2002) you will run out of space in a matter of days. Also the boot up takes about 2 min. I just usehibernation instead. (30 sec.) If you have broadband at home consider adding an NIC card. A few positive points; great for business but it might not respond sometimes (ralely), The hard drive is roomy 40GB, and it's easy to use. I would highly recommend saving your money and bying a better computer if you play a lot of games. Great for businesses and people who need a budget system and don't play a lot of games.

Read this before buying Compaq
I am a systems engineer trained by IBM. Five months in this computer still doesn't work. Most problems are XP issues, but Compaq or Staples admit the Operat sys is flawed and don't understand it well enough to help. I asked for WIN 98 and they said no way, because the XP Op Sys you pay for isn't even givin to you...just a Compaq Recovery disk. Why can't I have the XP disc if I paid for the Licence? Your modem, sound, video etc. are whats called integrated "a chip on board instead of actual device". This is cheap and problem ridden, the Conexant modem keeps going out and the sound drivers also. Support will tell you to keep reinstalling the drivers until Warr on software is up after three months. Then your stuck with the problem. Clicking on ANY programs take a LONG time to open or doesn't respond, again no answers. I've had to use recovery and lose all data 5 times it gets so bad. All System experts will give you the same advice, either pay extra & go with a DEll only or order a computer from pricewatch.com. Actually yeeha-mall.com is highly recomended, you'll get twice the computer for less than half the price. My Fiance bought the Compaq at Staples before we met, not me...but it's my problem now. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Not all computer users are created equally, and neither are allCompaq computers. In fact, the Compaq desktop and notebook lineup isseveral dozen deep, each model configured slightly differently than thenext in order to reach every segment of the computing populace.Compaq's most affordable machine, the Presario 5400US desktop unit isdesigned to appeal to those who can't afford or don't require thecapabilities of its midrange and high-end machines or the portabilityof its notebooks. Slightly less machine than other Compaq computers,the Presario 5400US offers just enough power and accouterments tohandle most basic personal computing needs at a price so low it mayinitially look like a misprint.Read more

Reviews (2)

LOVE IT!
I have had this computer since 2000, and it has been working great! I did change the graphics card, beacuse I bought the Sims 2. But other than that it is great! I am getting a new computer (I ordered a new one today) but I am giving this one to my 13-year-old daughter.

I love this computer!
I bought this item from Amazon on March 27, 2002, it was delivered in my home on February 1, 2002.My 13 year old daughter had it up and running in about 5 minutes.We are having a blast with this thing!It's so easy to use and it's quite attractive.I think this is a terrific family computer. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The affordably priced Compaq Presario 5420US desktop is well equipped tohandle any level of business or task-oriented computing. At the heart of thesystem is one of the best combinations of value and high-end performance inAMD's processor lineup, the Athlon XP 1700+ CPU. This translates into extremelysnappy access to commonly accessed data and enough power for even the mostdemanding applications. To further ensure you won't get bogged down by continualhard drive accesses, Compaq has also included an enormous 512 MB of RAM.Read more

Reviews (3)

Too good to be true
I bought the computer at circuit city and it was a nightmare. it freezesup constantly. not very good for games,microsoft office, typing papers,or watching dvd's and on a fast network in college it freezess constantly. I wouldnt recomend it to anyone except and older person who uses the computer for really simple tasks not for college or home users. It will bring headaches and you will only have to buy another computer anyway. i have to buy another computer now. if u are a colege student stay away from it.

Compaq computer review
The computer was nice, however I was shocked that the price only contained a hard drive but the set up was easy and the programs included are really great. It's a kick-a-- hard drive.

Another big step forward.
The 3rd in the 5400 line, this model doubles the RAM and hard drive size of the 5410 and like that model, includes a NIC (network interface card) to make networking and fast access connections to the Internet more simple. It also features a CD burner that's twice as fast (16x). More importantly, the Athlon CPU (Central Processing Unit, or 'the brain') is much better than the Celeron CPU found in the lower end models. This will allow for better gaming graphics and faster overall function. Few users would find this machine inadequate. ... Read more

Editorial Review

One of the most affordable computers in the entire Compaq roster, the Presario S4100nx Desktop PC is a perfect low-cost solution for light home and home office applications. Serious gamers and businesspeople should look elsewhere, but for word processing, homework, Internet surfing and the occasional DVD movie, the Presario S4100nx is a wise and fiscally sensible choice.Read more

Editorial Review

Of all the computers in the Compaq lineup, the Presario 5430US desktopmay well be its most adept. Constructed only of top-level or near-top-levelcomponents, the 5430US easily handles most any application thrown its way andprovides plenty of room for expansion and future upgrades. If you're the typewho regularly challenges your computer with the latest and most demandingprograms, the 5430US is a smart choice.Read more

Reviews (5)

Old Faithful
I've had this comp since early '02, and it's served me well. Sadly, I think it's time for an upgrade.But on to the review!This comp was "top-of-the-line".When it was made I bought for around $1500 new.I can run Half-Life 2 at medium quality settings with the only upgrade I have is a $100 GeForce 6200, which is working even though I'm running it about 65 watts under power.Hasn't crashed or blue screened me ever.No conflics, came wired a good bit better than most other Compaq's I've seen.
Very Efficient!
The 512 MB Ram, 80 GB hard drive does all that I expected it to do. Presario 5430US
The 5430US is one of the best buys around. True, it doesn't use RDRam, but Intel is switching to DDR anyhow, and I'm glad to get ram that runs twice the speed of regular memory. Read more

Editorial Review

In the field of family or home desktops, Compaq's Presario 5300US is a solid contender. Priced very reasonably, the system features a Celeron 1.1 GHz chip, 256 MB of memory (expandable to 512 MB), and a 20 GB hard disk. Also included is a 40x CD-ROM drive, a Direct AGP 3D Graphics card, and a 56K modem. Throw in Windows XP, Microsoft's newest operating system, and you can see why this system is an all-around winner in the world of home computing. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Good Computer bad buy
I bought this computer in January of 2002. I have had so many problems with it. Every time I would call up compaq I would wait 2-6 hours just to talk to a support specialist then they would transfer me and again i would wait an additional 1-6 hours. I don't have the patience to wait and if you don't have 10 hours a month to wait on hold with compaq don't buy a compaq.

Not too shabby, but.....
it still suffers from some typical Compaq flaws. This is a handy all around household unit with some gaming features that make it more playable than the 5400. Certainly, the price isn't bad either. However, it does not include a monitor, which you'll need to buy separately. The machine's limitations for gamers lie in its limited, mothboard-bound graphics capabilities (a result of the low power NVidia card) and its mediocre ESS sound. There is an aqequate sized hard drive and a pretty good 12X CD burner, so MP3 collectors will not suffer too much. Anyway, like I said, it's a good, basic machine and if that's your interest, you'll be happy with the unit. I should point out that expanding these Compaqs (a lot like their HP bretheren) is a daunting task; things are tight in the case and adding cards and drives is a challenge, so you better like the machine the way you get it, and not the way you envision it upgraded. Lastly, Compaq's reliability has been acceptable, though its service has been less so.

Compaq the Weapon of Choice
I own a lesser of the line of Compaq (I have a 950 mhz). I have tried Windows XP though. I find that Compaq is a very high quality product. It is up with Dell, above Hewlett Packard. I highly suggest that you do no purchase a Hewlett Packard because of many reasons (see my review on it). I like the audio, keyboard, and all the small things about a Compaq. CD-RW write drives are a must for the future. Windows XP is wonderful for multiple users. It has a sign in screen. You can personalize your sign in with things such as your own wallpaper, sounds, pointing arrow, etc. I also prefer Windows above Apple. Apple is only good if you are looking for the most simplicity. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Presario   

Editorial Review

Not all computer users are created equally, and neither are allCompaq computers. In fact, the Compaq desktop and notebook lineup isseveral dozen deep, each model configured slightly differently than thenext in order to reach every segment of the computing populace.Compaq's most affordable machine, the Presario 5400US desktop unit isdesigned to appeal to those who can't afford or don't require thecapabilities of its midrange and high-end machines or the portabilityof its notebooks. Slightly less machine than other Compaq computers,the Presario 5400US offers just enough power and accouterments tohandle most basic personal computing needs at a price so low it mayinitially look like a misprint.Read more

Editorial Review

If you're in need of a home desktop system, Compaq's Presario 5300US is worth a good look. Its price is about average for desktops as a whole and a bit higher than average among similarly rated products. It includes a 1.1 GHz Celeron processor, 256 MB of memory (expandable to 512 MB), a 20 GB hard disk, a 40x CD-ROM drive, a Direct AGP 3D Graphics card, and a 56K modem. For convenience and added functionality, the system is bundled with a Presario MV540 15-inch monitor and IJ650 color ink-jet printer. In addition, the Presario 5300US features Windows XP, Microsoft's newest operating system, designed to better support peripherals and games while providing a new user interface. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

TECHNOLOGY AT HAND
OUR EALRY PARENTS MAY HAVE USE CHARCOAL ON THE CAVE WALLS BUT NO MORE GOING BACK TO THE DAYS WE HAD TO USE FEATHERS AND INKS. TECHNOLOGY IS HERE TO STAY AND NO ONE CAN MAKE IT GO AWAY. WITH COMPAQ PRESARIO 53000US DESKTOP YOU ARE TOP. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Like its slightly more powerful cousin, the 5430US, Compaq's 5420USeasily handles most any application thrown its way and provides plentyof room for expansion and future upgrades. In addition to thecomponents that come standard with the 5420US, this bundle includesCompaq's 17-inch FS740 monitor and IJ650 color inkjet printer, makingthis option an even smarter choice for those seeking a state-of-the-artcomputing experience for a down-to-earth price.Read more

Editorial Review

No matter what level of computer you need, chances are that at least one model in Compaq’s wide-ranging Presario 6400 series of desktop computers is a good fit. Near the upper end of the scale lies the Presario 6450nx Desktop PC, a robust unit that lacks high-end 3-D performance and DVD burning but is otherwise capable of taking on most any leisure or business task.Read more

Reviews (6)

Poor workmanship, but a good budget box
I needed a new development box and webserver in a pinch, and this machine's specs and price perfectly fit the bill.However, when it arrived, the CD-RW drive was improperly installed, loose and recessed inside the case instead of being flush with the front of the bay.I cannot comment on the bundled software, as I wiped everything and installed Linux on the first boot.The performance from this machine has been wonderful over the year it's served me, despite the physical defects.

Shoddy Workmanship
This is a quick follow-up to my previous review of this item.Sure enough, when I got the CPU back from the shop after having had the floppy drive replaced, the first cd I burned was marred with glitches, just as was the last one I burned right before the machine went for repair.Guess I'll have to have the DVD and CDR drives replaced now!Folks, whatever you do, stay away from this particular model: I couldn't even consider recommending an electronic product which I'd had to take for repair twice within the first two months of ownership (and yes, it was purchased brand new.)HP/Compaq really ought to be embarrassed.It may not look like a duck, but it sure quacks and desecrates like one!

Frustrating Experience Part II
The previous reviewer gave you a pretty good thumbnail sketch of the flaws with this product, so I won't belabor the point.Apt to say, though, mine found itself in the repair shop within days after I purchased it from Amazon.Why?Because the floppy drive did not work, right out of the box: Could not snap a disk in the drive.I've been buying electronics for longer than I care to recall, and I don't think I've ever seen such ineptness so soon after a product's purchase.I needed the drive to install a few programs I wanted, so I couldn't put the repair off.Further, I noticed around the same time that a cd I burned had a few glitches in the recording (not in the original, of course.)The drive looks perfectly normal and all was clean, but you can bet that the next time I hear something like that, this machine will be back in the shop again.As the previous reviewer lamented, the money's already spent--so I guess I'm stuck with it--but I cannot in good conscience recommend a product laden with such problems right out of the package.This thing looks real nice, both outside and inside, is very fast and strong in processing and memory, and the price is nice, but if you don't enjoy headaches and hemeroids, stay clear of it. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Like its slightly more powerful cousin, the 5430US, Compaq's 5423US easilyhandles most any application thrown its way and provides plenty of room forexpansion and future upgrades. In addition to the components that come standardwith the 5423US, this bundle includes Compaq's 17-inch FS740 monitor and IJ650color inkjet printer, making this option an even smarter choice for thoseseeking a state-of-the-art computing experience for a down-to-earth price.Read more

Editorial Review

Like its slightly more powerful cousin, the 5430US, Compaq's 5423US easilyhandles most any application thrown its way and provides plenty of room forexpansion and future upgrades. In addition to the components that come standardwith the 5423US, this bundle includes Compaq's 17-inch FS740 monitor, makingthis option an even smarter choice for those seeking a state-of-the-artcomputing experience for a down-to-earth price.Read more

Editorial Review

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Reviews (2)

Slow At First!
First off this computer is very very slow at first.We bought it about one month after it came out.It comes with 128MB of ram which I don't know why they didn't add more since Windows XP at the very least needs 256Mb's.I've added 1GB of ram which makes a tremendous difference to this computer.The 32MB integrated graphic chip will be a horrible experience if you want to play 3-D games.Good thing it has an AGP slot to put in a video card. I've put in a ATI Radeon 9000pro 128MB card which works fine for me.Also the 40GB 5,400rpm Hard Drive is a little slow and will get eaten up fast if you work with multimedia.Which is fine cause you could get another one but then you find yourself doing alot of upgrades for this machine!Anyways I would say that if your not going to upgrade 2-3 hundred dollars worth then invest your money into something better then this system.

Nice computer at a great price
I purchased a Presarrio Athlon 1600+ this summer and was impressed by its speed so I when I saw this one I recommended it to a friend.Computer was easy to set up.Paired it up with roadrunner high speed internet access and web surfing is super fast.Compaq seems to have worked out the kinks with java windows. Compaq has also added some nice desktop themes. Set up was easy without any calls to technical support.The only disappointment was that it came with a black keyboard with grey keys instead of the silver internet ready keyboard with black keys, which much nicer.Also Compaq now requires you to make your own restore disks - however the process was pretty easy (provided you have some blank CD-R disks on hand) and seemed pretty fool proof. Computer also comes with a very readable user's manual.All and all a great computer experience at a nice price. ... Read more