Compaq Presario 5400US Desktop (1.2-GHz Celeron, 128 MB RAM, 20 GB hard drive)

by Compaq

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 17 x 8.9 x 17 inches ; 25.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 36.5 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005UT2Q
• Item model number: Presario 5400US
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 7, 2002

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

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

The 5400US is priced as it is for several reasons. For starters, Compaq has not equipped the unit with a monitor. Prospective customers therefore must get their own viewing screen, perfect for those who favor a certain brand or size or already own an older monitor from a previous system. Nor is the system overly equipped. Bereft of a DVD drive, it won't play movies. Sporting a midlevel 8 MB video card, it's not well suited to demanding visual applications such as the latest animated graphic programs or 3-D games. And with just 128 MB of RAM, it won't effectively handle heavy-duty multitasking and barely meets the recommended RAM for its bundled Home Edition of the Windows XP operating system. Fortunately, users are able to upgrade their RAM allotment to an impressive 512 MB.

Regardless of its RAM configuration, the 5400US is more than adequate for a wide variety of users. Certainly it should suffice for basic everyday tasks such as simple accounting, word processing, light graphics, and homework. Teachers, students, home financial strategists, and children should find it quite acceptable, as should gamers who gravitate to older titles. Obsessive Internet addicts will have to supply their own network card and cable modem to really get up to speed, although the unit's 56K modem will handle less-demanding surfing. Music fans will love the integrated 8x CD-RW drive for burning and playing their own CDs, although they must provide their own set of PC speakers.

Though indeed a budget computer, the Presario 5400US in many ways doesn't feel budget. Its Compaq USB Internet keyboard offers a number of one-touch Internet, e-mail, and multimedia controls in addition to its standard allotment of keys. Its compact case features a variety of external connections and amenities, including a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive, four USB ports for plug and play peripherals such as joysticks and scanners, a speaker output and microphone jack, and a set of RJ11 phone-in and -out jacks.

The 5400US is powered by a 1.2 GHz Intel Celeron processor, which delivers plenty of juice for fundamental tasks. Its 20 MB hard drive, though somewhat below the norm for most current desktop systems, is certainly sizable enough to store and operate all the software Compaq has bundled with the unit, a list that includes Microsoft Money 2001, Microsoft Works 6.0, Selective QuickRestore, Quicken Financial Center/Quicken New User Edition, Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0, America Online 6.0, Netscape Navigator 6.1, and a one-year subscription to Microsoft Encarta Online Deluxe Encyclopedia.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Limited but effective appliance., January 13, 2002

By 

Rheumor (New Orelans) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Compaq Presario 5400US Desktop (1.2-GHz Celeron, 128 MB RAM, 20 GB hard drive) (Personal Computers)

If you are looking for a basic machine to do a little surfing, some household bookkeeping, and some regular emailing, there's nothing wrong with this Compaq. Certainly, the price isn't bad either. However, it does not include a monitor, which you'll need to buy separately, and it does not include any kind of NIC (network interface card), so if you have or will be having any type of broadband access (DSL, cable or satellite), you'll need to buy not only a modem, but a NIC as well (though some of the newer cable modems will utilize the USB port quite easily). The machine is certainly not set up for gamers either, with very limited graphics capabilities (a result of the low power NVidia card and the Celeron chip's inherent limitations) and mediocre ESS sound. Thanks to the rather small hard drive it would not be ideal for an MP3 collector either, though there is an adequate 8X CD burner included. 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. Lastly, Compaq's reliability has been acceptable, though its service has been less so.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Compaq Desktop, January 29, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Compaq Presario 5400US Desktop (1.2-GHz Celeron, 128 MB RAM, 20 GB hard drive) (Personal Computers)

This is an excellent computer for a person just getting into computers. Don't spend $$$ on stuff you do not need. I bought this Compaq for my 6 year old son and it is perfect. This is my third Compaq that I have purchased and they have never given me any problems. If you don't need a 80 gig HD, DVD player, CDR or a very fast CPU, this is the desktop for you.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful, February 1, 2002

By 

Casandra A Hester (Red Bay, Al 35582) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Compaq Presario 5400US Desktop (1.2-GHz Celeron, 128 MB RAM, 20 GB hard drive) (Personal Computers)

I purched this product Thursday of last week. I purched this product at the price of (Tax and all) 1090.00. At Radio Shack in Muscle Shoals, Al. Not very happy at this time, after seeing your cost!