Compaq Presario 3050US Laptop (3.06-GHz Pentium 4, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive)

by Compaq

Product Details

• Item Weight: 8.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 12 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00008X3S6
• Item model number: DC925A#ABA
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,750 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 4, 2003

Product Description

Amazon Product Description

The Basics
The Compaq Presario 3050US Notebook PC is a beefy mobile computer that's just a bit behind the technological curve in some areas but delivers plenty of raw power for a comparatively affordable entry fee. A strong business-oriented machine, the system features such amenities as a fast Pentium 4 processor, high-resolution 16-inch display, spacious 60 GB hard drive, and enough memory for efficient multitasking. The unit is a bit bulky when compared to some of today's ultra-lightweight notebooks and it won't burn DVDs or smoothly display complex 3D graphics, but it's priced accordingly and is ready for tasks that would cripple less powerful notebooks.

Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. The Presario 3050US sports an Intel Pentium 4 processor operating at a speedy 3.06 GHz. This is not a particularly attractive CPU in terms of battery efficiency, and it isn't one of Intel's most recent Pentium 4s that feature new performance-enhancing technologies such as Hyper-Threading and upgraded Level 2 cache. Yet it's clock speed is so high that most users won't need to upgrade for years.

Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The Presario 3050US incorporates 512 MB of 266 333 MHz RAM. This is a typical allotment for today's high-end notebooks, though its rated speed is not especially fast. Nevertheless, it will provide satisfactory multitasking and keep you moving quickly during demanding situations.

Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need assistance translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). The best graphics controllers feature on-board "dedicated" video memory rather than "sharing" portions of the system's all-important main memory. This unit features an SiS 650 UMA Graphics 4X AGP controller with 64 MB of shared video memory, and thusly will have some trouble displaying high-end 3D applications such as advanced games and sophisticated animation. It is, however, perfectly sufficient for most 2D tasks and some 3D work.

Display
One of this notebook's most obvious attractions is its display, a roomy 16-inch SXGA TFT screen with 1280 by 1024 maximum resolution for clear, detailed images.

Hard Disk
The Presario 3050US features a large 60 GB hard disk. This level of data storage is a welcome perk indeed for those who require a smaller notebook but need to operate a broad range of applications and also keep a library of space-gobbling music and/or multimedia files.

Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system sports a DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive through which you can play and burn CDs and play DVDs. DVD burning is not offered in this stock configuration.

Audio
The unit is equipped with two miniature stereo speakers, a mini microphone jack and a stereo mini headphone jack.

Keyboard and Controls
You'll control your notebook via an 88-key keyboard and touch pad with on/off button and dedicated scroll.

Connectivity and Expansion
The Presario 3050US offers a wide variety of ways to keep in touch, including a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access, an RJ-45 LAN port for high-speed wired network and Internet, and integrated 54g wireless technology for fast cord-free e-communication at home, at the office or on the road via a public hotspot. Other key amenities include four high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras and an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders).

Operating System and Software
Compaq has stocked the Presario 3050US with a variety of software, including Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system, Microsoft's Works 6.0 productivity suite, Microsoft's Money 2003 financial centre, and a selection of helpful utilities and time-limited trials.

Dimensions and Weight
Notebook computers are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and weights. Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and therefore too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two lbs and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. At 13.83 by 11.82 by 1.73 and 8.2 lbs, the Presario 3050US is of average size.

Power
The unit is equipped with a 12-cell Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Good for office, not games., December 8, 2005

By 

Farren (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Compaq Presario 3050US Laptop (3.06-GHz Pentium 4, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

Ok, I bought this laptop before I knew anything about comps. I wasn't even thinking about the integrated video card because it was my graduation present and i just chose the best comp from some flyer.

I can multi-task fine. I can't play wolfenstein - Enemy territory. I can play older games such as Unreal, blood, starcraft, even warcraft III FINE without much lag. Just not the newer games. Plays web games lightning fast. I enjoy playing online games at http://www.venusarcade.com with this laptop, it has no problems with any of the games at VenusArcade.com, runs great.

Most compaq laptops have a major flaw: The AC input plug in the back BREAKS frequently. If you want to avoid hundreds of dollars for a SIMPLE $12 soldering job I have done myself _TWICE_ then don't buy this laptop.

Another bad thing about this is there's this HUGE wire bundle inside that gets in the way of everything if you open it up to fix it. It takes so much effort to snuggly place it back so that you can actually close the thing.

Get an Apple iBook or VIAO or something better. Dell And Compaq laptops have frequent AC adapter plug in breakage. The soldered joint has all the stress on it when you plug the ac adapter in and out of the back, so it breaks after a little while of use.

The processor is fast, even for today.. and this laptop is more than 2 years old.

Overall this is a great laptop, although the problems mentioned would make it a living nightmare for the average user.