Compaq Presario F560US 15.4" Laptop (AMD Sempron Processor 3500+, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, Vista Basic)

by Compaq

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 14 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000RGDDTC
• Item model number: F560US
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 17, 2007

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Nicely affordable and easily mobile, the HP Compaq Presario F560US notebook PC will keep you productive wherever you roam thanks to its large, bright 15.4-inch LCD and built-in 54g Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g). Optimized for mobile performance, this 6.6-pound laptop is powered by AMD's 1.8 GHz Sempron 3500+ processor for longer battery life. Its 15.4-inch WXGA BrightView display supports High-Definition playback and audio enhanced by built-in Altec Lansing speakers. Digital photo management is made easy with preinstalled HP Photosmart Premier. Other features include a 80 GB hard drive, 512 MB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum), NVidia GeForce Go 6150 graphics/video card, and a multi-format dual-layer DVD writer.

This laptop also comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, which delivers a safer, more reliable, and more productive computing environment. It integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

• Processor: A lower-end cousin to AMD's XP processor line, the 1.8 GHz AMD Sempron 3500+ found in this notebook is speedy enough for everyday computing needs and running office productivity software, but won't be quite enough for higher-end video editing or 3-D gaming. This processor features AMD's Cool'n'Quiet Technology, which conserves power while also keeping the notebook's decibels to a minimum. It also features up to a 1600 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and a 512 KB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

• Hard Drive: The 80 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) has become the average size for notebook PCs. It provides enough capacity for storing documents, digital media files, and productivity software. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 512 MB of installed RAM (1 x 512 MB DDR2) is enough to get you started, but you'll want to add more RAM to handle today's demanding multimedia and productivity suites. It provides two DIMM slots and has a 2 GB maximum RAM capacity. To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

• DVD/CD Drive: The multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 4x DVD-R DL Write Once, 2.4x DVD+R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R, 4x DVD+RW, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD-RW, 16x DVD-ROM, 40x CD-R, 24x CD-RW, and 40x CD-ROM speeds.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a full-sized 101-key keyboard and touchpad with four-way scroll zone on/off button and dedicated vertical scroll up/down pad.

Screen, Video & Audio
The 15.4-inch WXGA high-definition display provides razor-sharp graphics and plenty of room for your widescreen movies, thanks to its 1280 x 800-pixel resolution. Video is powered by the integrated NVidia GeForce Go 6150 graphics/video card, which provides up to 128 MB of shared video memory. It features NVidia's PureVideo technology--which provides great picture clarity, smooth video, accurate color, and precise image scaling for video content--and full support for Microsoft DirectX 9.0 for stunningly realistic cinematic effects for all DirectX-compatible applications. The built-in Altec Lansing speakers provide exceptional sound.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This notebook has an integrated 54g wireless LAN that's fully compatible with 802.11b/g wireless networks. You get a very basic offering of connectivity options:

• 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 VGA monitor port
• 1 S-Video port for connecting to a TV
• 1 headphone jack and 1 microphone jack

It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

Operating System
Windows Vista Home Basic is the operating system for users with basic computing needs, such as surfing the Internet, corresponding with friends and family using e-mail, or performing basic document creation and editing tasks. Additionally, Windows Vista Home Basic integrates new search tools throughout the operating system to help you quickly find the precise file or program you need.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office 2007 Student and Teacher Edition (60-day trial), Muvee Autoproducer, Roxio Creator 9 Basic, HP Photosmart Essentials, HP DVD Play, and Symantec Norton Internet Security 2007 (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 14.05 x 10.12 x 1.56 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 6.6 pounds.

Power
It's powered by a 6-cell lithium-ion rechargeable battery, which provides between 1.5 and 2 hours of battery life (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Compaq Presario F560US notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance for one year. Software is also covered for 30 days from date of purchase.

Product Description

HP F560US Compaq Presario 15.4 in Notebook PC. The Compaq Presario F500 series Notebook PC delivers a striking design whose overall rectilinear shape is repeated in patterns throughout the system, from the cut out speaker grill to the vents on the bottom casing. Minimalist but even more. With a surface resembling matte steel, it stands apart. And a light up port adds subtle sophistication. From the simple step by step through easy support tools with preinstalled Advisor, the F500 series gets you up and keeps you running. Watch DVD movies on the the full screen using HP DVDPlays simple media controls. Burn audio CDs with integrated Roxio CD Creator. Make great movies without the hard work with muvee autoProducer. And edit, store and share photos with Photosmart Premier. For those seeking the great mobile performance technologies and high impact design, the Compaq Presario F500 series Notebook PC provides breaking technologies and easy to use digital entertainment features. Optimized for desktop comparable mobile performance, its 6.6 lb design supports AMD mobile processors and high speed wireless LAN. Its 15.4 in WXGA BrightView display supports high resolution video playback enhanced by Altec Lansing audio.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This laptop has 1GB RAM!, July 8, 2007

By 

P. Kwan (Foster City, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Compaq Presario F572US 15.4-inch Laptop (AMD Athlon 64 Processor TK-53, 1 GB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

The previous reviewer was either misguided about the amount of RAM in his or her notebook, or was writing about an older version of the laptop. The present laptop has 1GB of RAM, which is quite adequate for Vista Home Premium (included with this laptop). I have just purchased it for $479 from Staples. I found it running Vista just fine. If you are new to Vista, there is some adjusting to do, because quite a bit of the interfaces have changed. If you install Linux then this laptop is very good value for its price.

There are however some weaknesses: (1) Battery life is short. For me, it has been about 1.5 to 2 hours. There are two reasons for this: (a) this laptop only has a 6-cell battery, and surprisingly Compaq does not even have a 9-cell battery upgrade for this model; (b) secondly, this laptop uses the (relatively) more power hungry Athlon X2 processor, usually used in desktop computers. You will find that other notebooks that use AMD's Turion processors will give you better battery life, perhaps 1.5 times of what Athlon will give you.

The second weakness is what I consider a design flaw -- the touchpad is located right at the center. It is a problem because when I position my index fingers at "F" and "J", my right palm will be touching the touchpad and subsequently will inadvertently drag the cursor around while I am typing. I will try to look for a way to make the touchpad less sensitive to my "palm-click" and report here if I find one.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent computer!, July 12, 2007

By 

chatin - See all my reviews

This review is from: Compaq Presario F572US 15.4-inch Laptop (AMD Athlon 64 Processor TK-53, 1 GB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

I purchased this one for my finacee for her birthday, and I have used it more than she has. The performance scores for "Vista Experience" are finally where they should be for an entry level machine - 4.5 or higher on everything except graphics. This makes for one fast machine!

The DVD burner is nice as well as the Altec Lansing speakers. I don't mind the Athlon X2 CPU, because it seems to pack more power than my Turion X2 at work!

Very smooth and desirable note! : )

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice laptop when you get rebates and special offers- worth looking at, August 6, 2007

By 

Lanae (Alexandria, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Compaq Presario F572US 15.4-inch Laptop (AMD Athlon 64 Processor TK-53, 1 GB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) (Personal Computers)

I am new to laptop's and I wanted to get a basic cheap laptop that would perform simple internet surfing and school work. I bought the Compaq F572US from Home Depot for $629 plus $180 in rebates so the total price was $449.99 + taxes. This computer has the Premium Vista system, 1GB memory, CD/DVD burner w/lightscribe, 60 harddrive, Windows Media Center, and much more. This thing has more than I wanted but, I'm glad i got it. I thing that I don't like about it is how hot it gets underneath the mouse pad it get's very warm after an 1 hour of use, not sure if all laptops are like this but, I def. need to buy a cooling pad for it since I put it on my lap to use. The cooling fan is extra quiet you can't even tell it is running, the cd/dvd player on the other hand you can hear when it's loading. There is alot of bundle software crap that def. can be erased if you want to free up more hard drive space. I bought a Linksys G wireless router to work with this laptop and so far it is working excellent - highly recommeded combo! Overall this laptop is well worth the money spent, I am happy and I'm hoping I will be able to enjoy it for many years to come.


UPDATE: 08/31/08

Computer worked in the morning when I used it and then when I returned later that day it did not. I pushed the power button it lit up for a second and then shut itself off, the unit won't even power up anymore! I did see where HP has posted a notice about problems with the BIOS in certain serial numbers of these model computers and they might if your eligable will repair the item once mailed into them. I am very upset and aggravated that after 1 1/2 years it would not even power on! I had an e-machines that lasted almost 4 years before the motherboard went bad on it. This laptop runs very hot when on longer than 1 hour where it literally will burn your lap or hand if laid against the back side. This has been the worst purchase I have ever made. I bought a new laptop from DELL with a 3 year warranty because I am not making the same mistake twice. I hope I am more successful with this new laptop than with a HP/COMPAQ product.

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