Customer Reviews

Compaq Presario 1525US Laptop (2.4 GHz Pentium 4, 512MB RAM, 40GB hard drive)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

There are two very comparable notebooks close enough in price to call a tie: the Compaq Presario 1525US and the Toshiba Satellite 1905-S303. On paper they look very similar: 2.4 GHz Pentium 4, 512MB RAM, 40GB hard drive, 15 screen, ATI Radeon graphics chipset (AKA M6-P). However a closer look gives the Compaq a slight edge.

Screen: Both 15 but the Toshiba is 1024-by-768 pixels while the 1280-by-1024 pixels. To your eyes the Compaq will be sharper because there are more and smaller dots on the screen. This matters a lot more than you might think (the Compaq is much easier on the eyes).

Weight: The Toshiba is 8.3 pounds, while the Compaq is 7.0 pounds. While neither is a lightweight, you will notice that extra 1.3 pounds if you carry your notebook around a lot.

On other issues they are pretty much the same: great for any use other than high-end 3D games (very few notebooks are).

Both are a little power hungry and dont have the best battery life (2-3 hours of good use). For more than that you need to spend a bit more on a notebook using a true P4-M processor (hands down the best notebook CPU ever made but it cost more). However these are very powerful mobile desktops that work great for those who have their notebooks plugged in most places they go. These machines will handle high-end computing tasks for many years to come, but the Compaq wins by virtue of its superior display.

The HP 1500 series is similar to the 900 series, though this higher end line uses the far superior Intel Pentium 4 chip as its CPU. The 1525 looks great, though it weighs in a little heavy at 7 lbs. The HP genes are apparent in its design and the result is pleasing. The CPU is an awe-inspiring 2.4 GHz P4, capable of more multi-tasking and graphics intense applications than most users will ever have a need for. The system memory is provided by a very fast 512 megs of DDRAM, easily doubled with another 512 slice. The hard drive is a generous 40 gigs. A DVD/CD-R/W combination drive is included. All the Compaq's connections are in the right place, though missing throughout the entire 15xx line is any USB 2.0 port. However, there are FireWire ports available, and these are quite fast for peripherals that are IEEE-1394 compliant (though it appears that USB 2.0 will be the winning technology in the high-speed peripheral connection protocol battle). The video card is an adequate ATI 32 megs (unfortunately, this is shared memory, not dedicated to video alone) driving a very sharp 15" active matrix display. (I am a fan of ATI graphics cards because they have been quite reliable over the long haul and because upgrading them from ATI's nice website is a snap. However, this machine should have been given 32 or 64 megs of *dedicated* video RAM) Overall, this is a very good machine that would be a great machine were it equipped with onboard USB 2.0 ports, a little beefier video memory, and were it to weight a pound or so less. Nonetheless, it's a winner made by a company that looks like it's here to stay.

I've had this mobile laptop for one month and two weeks now. I've traveled overseas during that time without running in to any major problems. This laptop weights around 7.0 lbs, which is not light if you ultimately have to do a lot of walking... so be ready to shop for a nice carrying case. My carrying case is a multi-function style design where I can hoist it on my shoulder or flip out the backstrap and turn into a backpack.

There were other laptops that I compared to this one and the only one under (at the time) US$2,000.00 was the Toshiba Satellite 1905-S303. My cost through special pricing and company connection resulted with the Presario 1525us to be cheaper than the lesser featured 1905-S303. Brand name recognition-wise, Toshiba has Compaq beat hands down. The features that Compaq 1525us has over the 1905-S303 is a bit more superior. Both laptops are made in China.

Main differences between Compaq Presario 1525us and Toshiba 1905-S303:

1) Compaq - 7.0 lbs, Toshiba - 8.2 (approximately)
2) Compaq - USB 2.0, Toshiba - USB 1.1
3) Compaq - 512 DDR SDRAM, Toshiba - 512 SDRAM
4) Compaq - 32mb DEDICATED ATI 7500 graphics chip
Toshiba- 32mb ATI M6 graphics chip
5) Compaq - SXGA 15" screen, Toshiba - XGA 15" screen
6) Compaq - Max res: 1400x1050, Toshiba - 1024x768
7) Compaq - JBL Pro speakers, Toshiba - not sure

Pros and cons:
Toshiba has a very sensitive touchpad, which Compaq's touchpad is grooved that makes it more difficult to accidentally touch. Compaq's resolution under 1400x1050 is fuzzy. The keyboard keys are manufactured better. The air exits the rear of the laptop, Toshiba's air exits UNDERNEATH the laptop... you essentially can't put the laptop on your lap. Compaq's laptop was easy to find a carrying case for, that was not the case for the Toshiba 1905-S303's bulky, extra-thick design. Compaq does come with a 3-prong power cord, while the Toshiba comes with the more common 2-prong cord. I prefer 3-prongs because it offers you grounding, but going overseas or some places do not offer the 3-prong outlets ... so I have to use an adapter. Only one PC Card slot, but I only use it for wireless connection so I don't need an extra slot anyways. I would prefer XP Professional as pre-installed OS, but it only comes with XP Home Edition.

This Compaq Presario 1525us mobile "desktop" uses the "desktop" version Pentium 4 microprocessor. This means that you will not get the 4 hours+ usage time without hooking it up to a power cord. Maximum time on a single battery will probably be around 2.5 hours, even less if you watch DVD movies. Someone mentioned how the speed is decreased, but that is not true. The speed for this processor is not decreased as it is not designed to do so like the true mobile-version processors that are available now.

With that being said, this laptop really can replace a desktop easily. The system is fast, but I haven't ran any games on it to test out. I mainly use this laptop for communication purpose (e-mail, web browsing, MSN, ICQ, YAHOO, AOL, etc), graphics design and programming. I have watched DVD movies on it and I have to admit the graphics is fantastic. The JBL outputs very good quality sound for something that is built-in. The DVD/CD combo has been great, burning CDs have been easy without running into any problems. I have not experienced any dead pixel on the screen. Around the house, this laptop is very mobile and combined into a wireless network makes it extremely convenient to use around the house. Overall, this notebook is very nice and suits my daily activity perfectly. For the price, you really get a great deal of latest features and components (ATI, DDR memory, P4 2.4ghz CPU, 15" SXGA, USB 2.0), I'm just lacking an extra battery.... Oh, my laptop came with a free HP mobile mouse (smaller mouse than normal for portability) and I love using it when I'm stationed.

I've had this laptop for about a month now and have been pleased with its performance.

I want to clear up a few misconceptions before I begin. The ATI Radeon 7500 included in this laptop is DEDICATED video memory. ATI does NOT make a 7500 variant that uses shared video...

The 3d performance of this laptop is on par with some desktops. Counterstrike runs flawlessly, and so does the new Splinter Cell demo (which has a few slowdowns w/ everything maxed out).

I had no bad pixels on my screen and was impressed at the overall quality of the laptop. The only complaint I have is the rear port cover. It seems to be made of cheap plastic that will break over extensive use. Thankfully, you can remove this piece by removing 2 screws, but the fit was so tight I was reluctant to snap it off.

Have owned a 1525 US since October 15,2002. What a great performer. Lots of Power 2.4 , great display 15". I travel to job sites and with case and laptop at 7 lbs + its a little heavy, but the power is worth it. Battery time appears to be 2-2 1/2 hrs , easy recharge when plugged in. There was confusion on some 1525 us models having 60 g hard drives , mine has 40 g and thats plenty.Link this up with a 450cbi hp printer and you have a great travel combo.

Yes, a bit heavy and short battery life but I knew that going into it as I wanted a full powered P4 (so I accept the weight and heat and short battery life). I've had it for 2.5 years now and I still use it regularly due to the firewire and usb 2.0. MiniDV in, Pinnacle Studio video editing and rendering. I just wish it had a DVD Recorder. I came across these reviews and thought I'd add my 2c with as I'm searching for a DVD Recorder upgrade I hope I can find one! [...]

Overall this is a very powerful laptop and has an awesome display at 15" and SXGA, I'll NEVER buy anything less again. It looks great and although, it is heavy, I like being able to play my graphics intense games when I'm traveling. Battery life is rather short (approx 2 hours). My main concern is that my system hangs sometimes, and the only way to recover is to restart. I boots quickly, so when it hangs, I'm up and running within 45 seconds. If the hanging gets worse, I'll have it serviced, but overall, this laptop is great. Also the video card is dedicated memory, not sharred. The ATI radeon 7500 is a great laptop chip.
Overall, I'd still recommend this laptop.

I love this laptop I have hade it for a month now I use it for surfing the web and flight simulators (flight simms take alot of power in order to not lag especally Falcon 4.0 in its real time campaine). Lets just say I have this laptop on all the time and it does not get hot!
I can notice right off the bat the dispay is beautiful and bright when it is home I hook up a monitor and turn the laptop screen off. The 32MBDDR video card is a champ I have had no stuttter in my simms in the heat of battle. Also 512MBDDR RAM is a big pluse for multi tasking when you want to surf the web and run othe applications at once.
2.4GHZ is as fast as the come at this time in laptops and the processor really moves for all aplications I have used it for.Take my advice spend the little more money for more than you need for latter when you want faster in the laptop world it is hard to upgrade you almost have to buy new. This laptop will last me well in the next couple of years, also take my advice and buy the extra waranty from compaq so that if it does break it will be up and running in 48hours with thier at home pick up and drop off in 48hours.

Had good experience since purchasing it 2 weeks ago. The SXGA screen is good for watching DVD movies. The laptop has good exterior styling. To add to the confusion on the USB ports, mine says USB 2.0 and I was able to transfer videos (1 minute to transfer for a 1-minute video clip) from my Mini-DV camera to the laptop through the USB.
The fan switches on and off periodically. The fan could be quieter though.
All in all it is a good laptop for the price and I recommend it.

In addition to what the other folks have said, I love this machine.
The keys have a very solid feel. When I checked the Compaq website (actually HP now) this model is described as having 32 MB of dedicated video ram. Some other sellers of this model also quote the dedicated memory aspect while other sellers still refer to shared video ram but this really is 32 MB dedicated video memory

One thing I notice is that, at 2.4 GHz, it's not really that fast. I suspect Win XP is a resource hog and the 4200 rpm hard drive is not as fast as the 7200 rpm in a desktop. Boy, it takes almost a minute just to do the shutdown function!

LCD screen was perfect - not one damaged pixel.
The USB ports are 2.0 but there are only two. How many of us have only two devices we want to plug in to the PC?

The ports are in back of machine with a flexy plastic hingy thing. With time, this is sure to break off, maybe after a year or two.

Sucka is heavy and a bit slippery - hold on tight to it or SPLASH goes [$$$].

IR port is on CD drive, next to beautifuly done silver eject button; thus, I keep getting fingerprints and smudges on the IR.

Nine thumbs and one pinky up on this notebook PC.

Updated 07-March-2003:
I've had this for 2 1/2 months now and have not had any of the problems other people have mentioned. I've had it up and running for days at a stretch and did not experience any hanging.
My only complaint is that there is only one [CTRL]-key and it is on the left side. This makes it really hard to do a [CTRL] click if you set the mouse/pointing device to left-handed use.
A big plus is the SXGA+ resolution on this seemingly small 15" screen. You get 1400 *1050 and even most 18" lcd screens only go up to 1280 * 1024.
It's a great disappointment (for others) that amazon.com no longer sells this model as I got a great deal when I purchased this laptop from them.