Amazon.com Product Description

Like its slightly more powerful cousin, the 5430US, Compaq's 5423US easily handles most any application thrown its way and provides plenty of room for expansion and future upgrades. This unit is a great choice for users who place high demands on their system, but are willing to sacrifice a bit of power in the interest of budgetary restraint.

Topping the unit's impressive list of features is one of today's most potentprocessors, Intel's 1.6 GHz Pentium 4. Although pricier than most alternativeprocessors, including Intel's own Celeron and Pentium III and AMD's Athlon andDuron, Pentium 4 chips are generally faster where it counts most--clock speed.And of the numerous Pentium 4 processors Intel currently markets, the 1.6 GHzmodel is just a few rungs from the very top.

For the 5423US, Compaq matches this capable Intel processor with more thanenough high-end memory to operate any program currently available and most anyconceivable level of multitasking. With 512 MB of RAM at your disposal, it maybe years until you even need to even contemplate upgrading to the one fullgigabyte the system supports.

The 5423US offers something else most prebuilt computers do not--a decent videocard. Packed with a generous 64 MB of video memory, the system's nVidia GeForce2MX graphics board will comfortably operate all 2-D and 3-D tasks and pump outsmooth frame rates and detailed textures at all but the absolute highest 3-Dgame screen resolutions. Truly serious gamers may want the additionalperformance perks of a GeForce3 or GeForce4 card, yet had best be prepared todrop quite a few more dollars in the process.

With the 5423US, data storage, movement, and backup should never be a problem.Its monstrous 80 GB UltraDMA hard drive offers oodles of space for even the mostsoftware-intensive workplace or gaming environment. Its 16x CD-RW drive permitsfast burning of audio and data backup or data transferal CDs. Its 3.5-inchfloppy disk drive supports any programs or files you might still store on afloppy disk, and its 16x DVD drive smoothly and accurately plays your favoritemovies. And if you ever do want to add another drive, the unit's two spareexpansion bays are ready to accommodate.

The 5423US is packed with a variety of tools to enhance day-to-day computing. Abuilt-in 56K modem supplies basic Internet connection speed, and a 10/100 MbpsEthernet card offers multiple computer networking and high-speed Internetpotential. The system's Compaq USB Internet keyboard sports an assortment ofconvenient one-touch multimedia and Internet controls, and its IEEE 1394FireWire port supports fast data transfer between computers and peripheraldevices such as camcorders.

Other important amenities include four USB ports (two of which are handilypositioned at the front of the case), a serial port for older mice and externalmodems, a parallel "printer" port, and an integrated AC97 Soundmax II Audio chipwith support for Dolby Digital surround sound. Compaq has not included a monitoror speakers in the package, allowing users to choose and configure their owndisplay and audio setup. The list of pre-installed software includes the HomeEdition of the Windows XP operating system, Microsoft Money 2001, MicrosoftWorks 6.0, Quicken Financial Center/Quicken New User Edition, and InterVideoWinDVD. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Just Installation problems...
Im writing here again, to tell you that this computer is actually fast. Despite the missing TV-Out cable and the 2 memory banks being occupied, its fine.

I installed a clean install of Windows XP Professional, and it is now working flawlessly. The factory default installer is not good for me though, as it takes like a minute or 2 to shutdown, and like 2 to 3 minutes to boot up, still unlike my previous celeron system, which is considerably faster than this one. Right now, I have no plans on returning this system anymore, and the power of the pentium 4 can be actually seen on multimedia and office applications.

Excellent value.
Similar to the 5420 but substituting an Intel, P4 chip for the Athalon chip, both models double the RAM and hard drive size of the 5410 and like that model, include 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) as the 5410. The decision in the end between the 5420 and 5423 will be one of personal preference btwn Athalon and Intel chips, but either one should find few users dissatisfied with the all around performance of their machine.
(personally, I prefer the Athalon chip)

A bit dissatisfied...
I have had the Compaq Presario 5310US, with a Celeron 1.2GHz, and I was very happy with it because it is fast. with 256MB of SDRAM memory, 40GB Hard Drive... This new model was released, 5423US, and since I have had my computer for less than 30 days, I decided to return it and exchange it with the 5423US, which comes with the 1.6GHz Pentium 4, 512MB DDR SDRAM memory, 80GB Hard Drive, 16x writer, 16x DVD, Firewire ports, etc. I plugged it in, and it seems to be slower than the one I returned. I need to do more testing on it, to see how fast it is. My speakers, utilizing the built-in sound card, is making annoying noise when the computer is booting up, which i didn't experience on the Celeron system. The video card, advertised as having a TV-Out feature, doesn't come with the needed cable for you to hook it up on your TV, thus, leaving you no choice but to buy one to make use of it. The memory installed (512MB DDR-SDRAM) makes use of 2 banks on the motherboard, and is actually two 256MB DDR SDRAM modules.

I recommend testing it, or at least visiting a nearest computer store (Best Buy, Fry's, CompUSA, Circuit City, etc.) and check out the performance... If you'll like it, then go for it. Now I am thinking of returning this again and get the 5410US instead, which comes with the Celeron 1.3GHz.

First one didn't work
Impressed by the specs and price I bought this unit. After hooking it all up it wouldn't let me do the registration and setup. Called Compaq, very helpful tech said software wasn't properly installed at factory. Said it'd take 3-4 days to get the recovery discs they'd send me! Called store where I bought it, sposed to get another unit from them today. Hope this isn't a indication of things to come! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Why settle for a custom-built clone when there's almost certainly a preconfigured, pretested Compaq Presario perfectly suited to your requirements and pocketbook? Developed for power users who already own a monitor and speakers or would prefer to find such components on a separate basis, the Presario 6020US is yet another example of how versatile this series has become.

A computer is only as fast as its processor allows it to be, and in the case of the 6020US that processor is the extremely nimble AMD Athlon XP 1900. With 128 KB Level 1 pipeline burst cache, 256 KB Level 2 pipeline burst cache, 266 MHz system bus speed and 1.6 GHz clock speed, this is one potent yet cost-effective chip. Compaq has paired the Athlon XP 1900 with 256 MB of 266 MHz DDR DRAM memory (upgradeable to 1 GB) and a 32 MB nVidia GeForce2 graphics card to fashion a powerful system nerve center capable of running virtually any program you can throw at it. Hardcore gamers may wish to upgrade to an even faster graphics board in order to maintain a smooth frame rate in the latest and most demanding 3-D games, but everyone else should be quite content with the unit in its stock form.

The 6020US offers lots of options and oodles of space for the movement, storage, and access of programs and files. Compaq has included a massive 80 GB hard drive for permanent storage, a 3.5-inch diskette drive for smaller files and quick backups, a superfast 24x (write) CD-RW drive for data and audio recording and playback, and a 16x DVD drive for error-free movie viewing. And if you ever do want to add another drive, the unit's spare expansion bay is ready to accommodate.

The 6020US is loaded with amenities to enhance day-to-day computing, including a built-in 56K modem for low-speed Internet access, a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet card for multiple computer networking and high-speed Web surfing, and an integrated SoundMAX III digital audio processor for clean stereo or Dolby Digital surround sound. The unit is geared for the future with no less than six USB ports for plug-and-play peripherals, a scrolling mouse, and a Compaq Internet keyboard with an assortment of convenient one-touch multimedia and Internet controls.

The 6020US is packaged with an impressive array of installed software, including the Home Edition of the Windows XP operating system, Microsoft Money 2001, Microsoft Works 6.0, Quicken Financial Center/Quicken New User Edition and Intervideo's WinDVD movie player. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great Value
I am a technology educator and I have had this system in my home for over 6 months. Bottom line - it runs great. You get a lot of features for the money. I bought mine at a local retailer on sale for [sale price]and have been pleased with its performance. The quality of this systems hardware has been very good. In fact it seems no worse than the Dells I work with everyday with teachers and students. The CPU case is easy to open and access.

Let's be honest, other than a car you will never spend more money on something that will be more worthless than technology. This system is a good overall value that will provide you with years of solid production and online research capabilities without breaking the bank.

The Reason why is called 1900+ (same as Penium4 1.9GHZ)
This computer runs same speed as Penium 4 1.9Ghz that is why is called 1900+
AMD makes diffrent CPU technology, many people are not aware that AMD makes faster CPU than Intel.
AMD makes more operation per cycle, that's why AMD MHZ does not corespond to Itel MHZ.
The point is AMD(model# 1900) runs same as Intel 1900GHZ.
I am very happy with this computer, in multimedia this CPU runs even faster from P4 1.9GHZ.
Made bechmarks thats why.
Highly recomanded, and some people should do more studies about these two CPUs, beacuse MHZ is not everything.

Be warned not 1.9 GHZ!
One warning: this is a "Model 1900" but it is not 1900 MHZ. No it is 1600 MHZ. How do they get away with this? Beats me. Now for that price 1600 MHZ is a good deal, but I hate deceptive advertising.

Poor quality
My brother bought one directly from Compaq but otherwise its the same model. The hard drive sounds like a airplane flying by it's so loud. The case looks neat but it is cheaply put together. The power buttom came loose after a few days and jammed back and has to be unjammed with a screw driver. This happens constantly. Hopefully it will get fixed because he had to send it back because the cpu died. And I mean died, you could even smell smoke. Aparently the fan came loose in shipping and it fell off after a while. The cpu overheated and that was it!

If I were you I wouldn't buy this machine.

Athlon XP 1900
Super deal! Really great value with windows XP, and 256 MB memory and Athlon XP, could not find better deal. I have been using this computer for the last 10 days, and I am amazed with it. Fast 16x writeable cd! And huge 40 GB store hard drive, I have 4 movies on the hard rive and still lots of room for music and programs. Compaq makes really great products with stylish cases. Very fast computer there is no reason to pay more money for computer, because with this speed is already too fast for most applications, internet, and games. Athlon XP works great with windows XP; you just have to buy it to see. I give 5 out of 5, for this system and I highly recommend to everybody!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Of all the computers in the Compaq lineup, the Presario 5430US desktopmay well be the 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. In addition to thecomponents that come standard with the 5430US, this bundle includes Compaq's15-inch MV540 monitor and IJ650 color inkjet printer, making this option an evensmarter choice for those seeking a state-of-the-art computing experience.

Topping the unit's impressive list of features is one of today's most potentprocessors, Intel's 1.8 GHz Pentium 4. Although pricier than most alternativeprocessors, including Intel's own Celeron and Pentium III and AMD's Athlon andDuron, Pentium 4 chips are generally faster where it counts most--clock speed.And of the numerous Pentium 4 processors Intel currently markets, the 1.8 GHzmodel is just a few rungs from the very top.

For the 5430US, Compaq matches this capable Intel processor with more thanenough high-end memory to operate any program currently available and handlemost any conceivable level of multitasking. With 512 MB of RAM at your disposal,it may be years until you even need to even contemplate upgrading to the onefull gigabyte the system supports.

The 5430US offers something else most prebuilt computers do not--a decent videocard. Packed with a generous 64 MB of video memory, the system's nVidia GeForce2MX graphics board will comfortably operate all 2-D and 3-D tasks and pump outsmooth frame rates and detailed textures at all but the absolute highest 3-Dgame screen resolutions. Truly serious gamers may want the additionalperformance perks of a GeForce3 or GeForce4 card, yet had best be prepared todrop quite a few more dollars in the process.

With the 5430US, data storage, movement, and backup should never be a problem.Its monstrous 80 GB UltraDMA hard drive offers oodles of space for even the mostsoftware-intensive workplace or gaming environment. Its 16x CD-RW drive permitsfast burning of audio and data backup or data transferal CDs. Its 3.5-inchfloppy disk drive supports any programs or files you might still store on afloppy disk, and its 16x DVD drive smoothly and accurately plays your favoritemovies. And if you ever do want to add another drive, the unit's two spareexpansion bays are ready to accommodate.

The 5430US is packed with a variety of tools to enhance day-to-day computing. Abuilt-in 56K modem supplies basic Internet connection speed, and a 10/100 MbpsEthernet card offers multiple computer networking and high-speed Internetpotential. The system's Compaq USB Internet keyboard sports an assortment ofconvenient one-touch multimedia and Internet controls, and its IEEE 1394FireWire port supports fast data transfer between computers and peripheraldevices such as camcorders.

Other important amenities include four USB ports (two of which are handilypositioned at the front of the case), a serial port for older mice and externalmodems, a parallel "printer" port, and an integrated AC97 Soundmax II Audio chipwith support for Dolby Digital surround sound. Compaq has not included speakersin the package, allowing users to choose and configure their own audio setup.The list of pre-installed software includes the Home Edition of the Windows XPoperating system, Microsoft Money 2001, Microsoft Works 6.0, Quicken FinancialCenter/Quicken New User Edition, and InterVideo WinDVD. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Pretty well built PC
This computer, while being very well built, should have to max out the video part of the computer should have the Nvidea GForce 2 graphics system, and perhaps maybe a flat panel lcd screen. Now that would be PHAT. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Compaq Presario 5330US is an impressive desktop system well suited to performing virtually any computing task. Consider, for example, its 12x (write) CD-RW and 12x DVD-ROM drives, 1.7 GHz Pentium 4 processor, 512 MB of RAM (expandable to 1,536 MB), and nVidia GeForce2 MX graphics card. In addition to these features, it boasts an 80 GB hard disk, 56K modem, and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet NIC. For convenience and added functionality, the system is bundled with a Presario FS740 17-inch flat-screen monitor and IJ650 color ink-jet printer. Compaq has even installed Windows XP, Microsoft's newest operating system, designed to better support peripherals and games while providing a new user interface. All this for a price that compares well with similarly rated and equipped products makes this Presario 5330US bundle a solid solution to all your desktop needs. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Compaq’s Presario 6300 series lineup of desktop PCs includes an impressive range of models offering extensive combinations of performance, expandability, multimedia features, and bundled software. The entry-level Presario 6300 offers a strong mix of budget-priced computing power, expandability, networkability, and graphics and multimedia support for basic home office and gaming needs--particularly for consumers who already own a monitor and speakers.

A 1.4 GHz Intel Celeron processor delivers cost-effective, solid performance for running a wide range of productivity applications and popular PC games. The tower system’s 40 GB hard drive provides more than ample application and data file storage capacity for typical home office PC users. Its 128 MB of 133 MHz DDR SDRAM--expandable to 512 MB--and 32 KB of primary cache with 256 KB of secondary cache make it easy to run several productivity applications simultaneously.

The 14.5-by-16.6-by-6.9-inch Presario 6300 tower includes a 48x CD-ROM drive, a 3.5-inch 1.44 MB floppy disk drive, a 10/100Base-T Fast Ethernet port, and an integrated 56K V.90 modem. Expansion options include three PCI slots (two available), two 5.25-inch bays (one available), and one external and two internal 3.5-inch bays (one internal bay available).

Connecting peripherals to the Presario 6300 is flexible and easy through four USB ports (two front, two rear), an external VGA monitor port, and single serial and parallel ports. The system includes a Compaq PS/2 Internet keyboard and a Compaq PS/2 scroller mouse.

Installed software includes Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Works 6.0, Microsoft Money 2002, Microsoft Encarta Online Deluxe, Intuit Quicken Financial Center/Quicken 2002 New User Edition, RecordNow powered by Veritas, Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0, Norton AntiVirus 2002 with six months of free upgrades, and two free Game Channel titles. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Cheapest computer I could find...
I needed to replace an aging computer. With limited dollars to
spend I looked for the cheapest computer I could find. The
Compaq 6300 was it. After setting up the computer it turned on and worked! This is a bare bones computer great for email, word docs and internet surfing. On the minus side the box looks cheaply made. When a CD is inserted in the CD drive the drive is very noisy. If this computer last more than 4 years I will be
very happy. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

As one of the two least expensive PCs in the entire Compaq roster, the Presario S4000nx Desktop PC delivers computing essentials at a rock bottom price. Definitely not intended for businesspeople, gamers or anyone who even occasionally pushes the capabilities of their equipment, the Presario S4000nx is nevertheless quite satisfactory as a second or third computer, performing basic duties such as word processing or simple homework.

Sporting a cost effective 2.40 GHz Intel Celeron processor, a bare minimum 128 MB PC2100 DRR SDRAM memory and an Intel Extreme Graphics video chipset with 32 MB of shared (not dedicated) memory, the Presario S4000nx delivers good value but is substantially less powerful than most current notebooks. To store and transfer your data, Compaq has equipped the unit with a smallish 40 GB hard drive, a 3.5-inch diskette drive, and a CD drive through which you can load applications and play audio CDs. The system does not permit CD burning or DVD playing and recording without upgrades to the optical drive.

The system features a variety of connectivity options, including serial and parallel ports, a 56K V.90 flex modem for low-speed communication, a high-speed 10-Mbps/100-Mbps Ethernet network port, and a whopping half-dozen high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play peripherals. Compaq has also equipped the unit with an entry-level Presario keyboard and non-scrolling Presario mouse, but has not enclosed a display, wireless networking, or a FireWire port (a common data link with external devices such as digital camcorders).

The impressive bundled software package features Microsoft Works, Microsoft Money 2003, Intuit Quicken Financial Center, and several audio-video utilities. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

It wasn't so long ago that desktops in this price range were incapable of anything other than absolute basic tasks. But with the new Presario SR1000 series of personal computers, Compaq proves those days are over. Similar in many respects to the entry-level Presario SR1010NX but with enough enhancements to bring it up to midlevel status, the Presario SR1020NX won't quite suit ultra-demanding business environments or dedicated gaming studios, but it will definitely fit right in to most any home, home office or school dorm environment.Driven by a cost-efficient Intel Celeron processor running at 2.8 GHz, an ample 512 MB main memory and an integrated Intel Extreme Graphics video controller with 64 MB shared (not dedicated) video memory, the Presario SR1010NX is not a world-class speed machine or 3-D powerhouse. However, for basic computer duties such as word processing, spreadsheets, electronic communication and homework, it is more than adequate. With double the memory of the SR101ONX, it will deliver adequate multitasking performance right out of the box. However, gamers will definitely need to add a faster video card to enjoy smooth graphics in 3-D games.Data handling options are also much improved over the entry-level model. Apart from the standard 3.5-inch diskette drive, Compaq has doubled the size of the hard disk to 80 GB and replaced the CD-RW drive with a DVD/CD-RW combo drive that handles DVD playing as well as CD burning and playing. In its stock configuration, the system does not support DVD playing or writing. Nor does it include an IEEE 1394 "FireWire" port (normally used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders), though it does feature a half dozen high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play peripherals and gadgets such as USB-capable digital cameras and printers.Other desirable amenities include an integrated 10/100Base-T networking interface for fast Internet and network communication, a low-speed dial-up 56K modem, a Compaq keyboard and scrolling Compaq mouse, and two free PCI slots for adding devices such as high-powered video and audio cards and additional connections. A display screen is not enclosed, thus allowing you to utilize your current monitor or select from the many alternatives currently available. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Compaq's new and very wide-ranging Presario SR1000NX series of PCs targets most every segment of the computer buyer market -- from financially strapped students to high-power business executives. This model, the Presario SR1050NX Desktop PC, is a full-featured and capable rig that most definitely suits the latter. It would also make a wonderful multimedia platform and an acceptable gaming or 3-D design machine too, though serious 3-D aficionados may want to upgrade the unit's video card for maximum performance. Though not the absolute fastest computer currently available, the Presario SR1050NX delivers all that the vast majority of computer users need -- including top-notch data handling capabilities -- at a price that won't leave you with a bad case of sticker shock.

Driven by an AMD Athlon XP 3200+ CPU running at 2.2 GHz and an ample 512 MB alloent of main memory, the Presario SR1050NX sports plenty of processing and multitasking power. The graphics subsystem, an integrated nVidia GeForce4 MX card with 64 MB of dedicated video memory, is just fine for midlevel or older 3-D games and some 3-D animation, but won't quite cut the mustard when it comes time to display the most demanding 3-D applications. Fortunately, the unit features two available PCI slots for future video card additions.

Data handling options are near state-of-the-art. Apart from a standard 3.5-inch diskette drive, Compaq has installed one of the largest hard disks currently available -- a whopping 200 GB model -- and two optical drives -- a high-speed CD burner and a DVD+RW/CD-RW drive. With this setup, you can play and burn audio CDs, archive your files to long-lasting digital media, watch DVD movies, burn home movies to convenient DVD format, and execute super-quick CD copies.

The Presario SR1050NX is very well connected, with five high-speed USB 2.0 ports (one on the front) for plug and play peripherals and gadgets such as digital cameras and printers, two IEEE 1394 FireWire ports (commonly used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders), and a 9-in-1 card reader for downloading information from today's most popular memory cards.

Other desirable amenities include an integrated 10/100Base-T networking interface for fast Internet and network communication, a low-speed 56K dial-up modem, a Compaq keyboard and a Compaq mouse with scrolling wheel. The comprehensive software package includes Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system, Microsoft's Works productivity suite, Quicken's New User Edition financial center, and everything you need for playing, burning and ripping CDs, editing movies, playing and writing DVDs and setting up digital photo albums. A display screen is not enclosed, thus allowing you to utilize your current monitor or select from the many alternatives currently available. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Compaq Presario 5330US is an impressive desktop system well suited to performing virtually any computing task. Consider, for example, its 12x (write) CD-RW and 12x DVD-ROM drives, 1.7 GHz Pentium 4 processor, 512 MB of RAM (expandable to 1,536 MB), and nVidia GeForce2 MX graphics card. In addition to these features, it boasts an 80 GB hard disk, 56K modem, and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet NIC. Compaq has even installed Windows XP, Microsoft's newest operating system, designed to better support peripherals and games while providing a new user interface. All this for a price that compares well with similarly rated and equipped products makes the Presario 5330US a solid solution to all your desktop computer needs. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Good value!
I've bought 3 Compaq Presarios in the past few years. Their machines, in general, offer great value for the money. However, they are not terribly well-built or well-designed. It can be a frustrating task to add hard drive or CD drive to the system yourself. On some models, I practically had to dismantle all the drive bays before I can fit a new drive in. This can be a blessing though: my house was burglarized once and the computer literate burglar decided to steal all the add-on cards in my Compaq instead of taking the whole machine which was too heavy. He got the cards all right, but couldn't figure out how to remove the hard drives and left my 2 drives with valuable data behind. I should be grateful to the Compaq hardware designers. :-)

A Great Computer
This computer is AWESOME! I just got it and it has never frozen in the month that i've had it. It has alot (512 MB) of RAM which makes windows XP run great. The 1.7 GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor is flawless and makes the computer run fast, very fast. The 80 GB hard drive is great for storing big files. It also has a great graphics card (GeForce MX 400) which makes games such as Max Payne run really well, and the graphics card also has a whopping 64 MB of memory and an S-Video TV out port. The EA Games and EA Sports bundles that came with it includes awesome games, such as Need For Speed: Porcshe Unleashed, Simcity 3000 Unlimited, Tiger Wood's Pro PGA Golf 2001, Madden 2001, and Triple Play Baseball. DVD's run on it great, due to the fast DVD drive. And with the fast CD-RW drive and Roxio's Easy CD Creator 5 Software making CD's is very easy. The Smart Credit Card Keyboard is conveinent, if you have a Smart Credit Card and don't know what to do with it. The Ethernet Card is also a nice feature if you want to hook up a network, or if you have or want to get Broadband Communications. Overall this computer deserves 5 stars because it's a steal at ... and it has great features.

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

Amazon.com

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 value!
I've bought 3 Compaq Presarios in the past few years. Their machines, in general, offer great value for the money. However, they are not terribly well-built or well-designed. It can be a frustrating task to add hard drive or CD drive to the system yourself. On some models, I practically had to dismantle all the drive bays before I can fit a new drive in. This can be a blessing though: my house was burglarized once and the computer literate burglar decided to steal all the add-on cards in my Compaq instead of taking the whole machine which was too heavy. He got the cards all right, but couldn't figure out how to remove the hard drives and left my 2 drives with valuable data behind. I should be grateful to the Compaq hardware designers. :-)

A Great Computer
This computer is AWESOME! I just got it and it has never frozen in the month that i've had it. It has alot (512 MB) of RAM which makes windows XP run great. The 1.7 GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor is flawless and makes the computer run fast, very fast. The 80 GB hard drive is great for storing big files. It also has a great graphics card (GeForce MX 400) which makes games such as Max Payne run really well, and the graphics card also has a whopping 64 MB of memory and an S-Video TV out port. The EA Games and EA Sports bundles that came with it includes awesome games, such as Need For Speed: Porcshe Unleashed, Simcity 3000 Unlimited, Tiger Wood's Pro PGA Golf 2001, Madden 2001, and Triple Play Baseball. DVD's run on it great, due to the fast DVD drive. And with the fast CD-RW drive and Roxio's Easy CD Creator 5 Software making CD's is very easy. The Smart Credit Card Keyboard is conveinent, if you have a Smart Credit Card and don't know what to do with it. The Ethernet Card is also a nice feature if you want to hook up a network, or if you have or want to get Broadband Communications. Overall this computer deserves 5 stars because it's a steal at ... and it has great features.

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

Amazon.com

Whether you're looking for a corporate, multimedia, or family desktop, Compaq's Presario 5310US is a solid choice. Just look at some of its features: an 8x (write) CD-RW and 12x DVD-ROM drive, a 1.2 GHz Celeron chip, and 256 MB of RAM (expandable to 512 MB). Its price is lower than average for desktops as a whole and lower than average among similarly rated products, continuing Compaq's price-conscious tradition. The product also includes a 40 GB hard disk, a Direct AGP 3D Graphics card, a 56K modem, and a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet NIC. In addition, the Presario 5310US features Windows XP, Microsoft's newest operating system, designed to better support peripherals and games while providing a new user interface. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Good value!
I've bought 3 Compaq Presarios in the past few years. Their machines, in general, offer great value for the money. However, they are not terribly well-built or well-designed. It can be a frustrating task to add hard drive or CD drive to the system yourself. On some models, I practically had to dismantle all the drive bays before I can fit a new drive in. This can be a blessing though: my house was burglarized once and the computer literate burglar decided to steal all the add-on cards in my Compaq instead of taking the whole machine which was too heavy. He got the cards all right, but couldn't figure out how to remove the hard drives and left my 2 drives with valuable data behind. I should be grateful to the Compaq hardware designers. :-)

A Great Computer
This computer is AWESOME! I just got it and it has never frozen in the month that i've had it. It has alot (512 MB) of RAM which makes windows XP run great. The 1.7 GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor is flawless and makes the computer run fast, very fast. The 80 GB hard drive is great for storing big files. It also has a great graphics card (GeForce MX 400) which makes games such as Max Payne run really well, and the graphics card also has a whopping 64 MB of memory and an S-Video TV out port. The EA Games and EA Sports bundles that came with it includes awesome games, such as Need For Speed: Porcshe Unleashed, Simcity 3000 Unlimited, Tiger Wood's Pro PGA Golf 2001, Madden 2001, and Triple Play Baseball. DVD's run on it great, due to the fast DVD drive. And with the fast CD-RW drive and Roxio's Easy CD Creator 5 Software making CD's is very easy. The Smart Credit Card Keyboard is conveinent, if you have a Smart Credit Card and don't know what to do with it. The Ethernet Card is also a nice feature if you want to hook up a network, or if you have or want to get Broadband Communications. Overall this computer deserves 5 stars because it's a steal at ... and it has great features.

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

Amazon.com

It would be hard to go wrong with a system like the Compaq Presario5320US. Equipped with a 1.5 GHz Pentium 4 processor, 40 GB hard disk drive, and512 MB RAM (expandable to 1,536 MB), it has all the basics covered--and thensome. For ease of use, improved multimedia, and better support of peripherals,Compaq has installed Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft's next-generationoperating system. To enhance multimedia applications and Internet connectivity,this system includes a 12x (write) CD-RW and 12x DVD-ROM drive, an nVidia Vantagraphics card, a 56K modem, and a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet NIC. All these featuresat a price lower than most comparably equipped desktops make this system aversatile addition to any home or office. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Good value!
I've bought 3 Compaq Presarios in the past few years. Their machines, in general, offer great value for the money. However, they are not terribly well-built or well-designed. It can be a frustrating task to add hard drive or CD drive to the system yourself. On some models, I practically had to dismantle all the drive bays before I can fit a new drive in. This can be a blessing though: my house was burglarized once and the computer literate burglar decided to steal all the add-on cards in my Compaq instead of taking the whole machine which was too heavy. He got the cards all right, but couldn't figure out how to remove the hard drives and left my 2 drives with valuable data behind. I should be grateful to the Compaq hardware designers. :-)

A Great Computer
This computer is AWESOME! I just got it and it has never frozen in the month that i've had it. It has alot (512 MB) of RAM which makes windows XP run great. The 1.7 GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor is flawless and makes the computer run fast, very fast. The 80 GB hard drive is great for storing big files. It also has a great graphics card (GeForce MX 400) which makes games such as Max Payne run really well, and the graphics card also has a whopping 64 MB of memory and an S-Video TV out port. The EA Games and EA Sports bundles that came with it includes awesome games, such as Need For Speed: Porcshe Unleashed, Simcity 3000 Unlimited, Tiger Wood's Pro PGA Golf 2001, Madden 2001, and Triple Play Baseball. DVD's run on it great, due to the fast DVD drive. And with the fast CD-RW drive and Roxio's Easy CD Creator 5 Software making CD's is very easy. The Smart Credit Card Keyboard is conveinent, if you have a Smart Credit Card and don't know what to do with it. The Ethernet Card is also a nice feature if you want to hook up a network, or if you have or want to get Broadband Communications. Overall this computer deserves 5 stars because it's a steal at ... and it has great features.

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

Amazon.com Product Description

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 and Compaq's MV540 15-inchmonitor. ... Read more

Amazon.com

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

Amazon.com

Whether you're looking for a corporate, multimedia, or family desktop, Compaq's Presario 5310US is a solid choice. Just look at some of its features: an 8x (write) CD-RW and 12x DVD-ROM drive, a 1.2 GHz Celeron chip, and 256 MB of RAM (expandable to 512 MB). Its price is lower than average for desktops as a whole and lower than average among similarly rated products, continuing Compaq's price-conscious tradition. This unit also includes a 40 GB hard disk, a Direct AGP 3D Graphics card, a 56K modem, and a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet NIC. For convenience and added functionality, the system is bundled with a Presario FS740 17-inch flat-screen monitor and IJ650 color ink-jet printer. In addition, the Presario 5310US features Windows XP, Microsoft's newest operating system, designed to better support peripherals and games while providing a new user interface. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

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, the Presario 5410USfeatures Windows XP Home as the pre-installed operating system. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

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.

Included in this package is the Compaq MV540 15-inch monitor. However,bereft of a DVD drive, this system won't play movies. Sporting amidlevel 8 MB video card, it's not well suited to demanding visualapplications such as the latest animated graphic programs or 3-D games.And with just 128 MB of RAM, it won't effectively handle heavy-dutymultitasking and barely meets the recommended RAM for its bundled HomeEdition of the Windows XP operating system. Fortunately, users are ableto upgrade their RAM allotment to an impressive 512 MB.

Regardless of its RAM configuration, the 5400US is more than adequatefor a wide variety of users. Certainly it should suffice for basiceveryday tasks such as simple accounting, word processing, lightgraphics, and homework. Teachers, students, home financial strategists,and children should find it quite acceptable, as should gamers whogravitate to older titles. Obsessive Internet addicts will have tosupply their own network card and cable modem to really get up tospeed, although the unit's 56K modem will handle less-demandingsurfing. Music fans will love the integrated 8x CD-RW drive for burningand playing their own CDs, although they must provide their own set ofPC speakers.

Though indeed a budget computer, the Presario 5400US in many waysdoesn't feel budget. Its Compaq USB Internet keyboard offers a numberof one-touch Internet, e-mail, and multimedia controls in addition toits standard allotment of keys. Its compact case features a variety ofexternal connections and amenities, including a 3.5-inch floppy diskdrive, four USB ports for plug-and-play peripherals such as joysticksand scanners, a speaker output and microphone jack, and a set of RJ11phone-in and -out jacks.

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

Reviews (1)

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

Amazon.com

If you're looking for a well-equipped but still affordable multimedia, gaming, or home and family system, you'll like the Presario 5102US. It has a fast AMD Athlon processor running at 1 GHz, 128 MB RAM (expandable to 720 MB), and a 40x read/8x write CD-RW drive. A 40 GB hard disk drive provides ample storage for all but the most demanding multimedia applications, and a 56K modem and 100 Mbps networking are included. The installed operating system is Windows Me, Microsoft's consumer-oriented platform. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Good value!
I've bought 3 Compaq Presarios in the past few years. Their machines, in general, offer great value for the money. However, they are not terribly well-built or well-designed. It can be a frustrating task to add hard drive or CD drive to the system yourself. On some models, I practically had to dismantle all the drive bays before I can fit a new drive in. This can be a blessing though: my house was burglarized once and the computer literate burglar decided to steal all the add-on cards in my Compaq instead of taking the whole machine which was too heavy. He got the cards all right, but couldn't figure out how to remove the hard drives and left my 2 drives with valuable data behind. I should be grateful to the Compaq hardware designers. :-)

A Great Computer
This computer is AWESOME! I just got it and it has never frozen in the month that i've had it. It has alot (512 MB) of RAM which makes windows XP run great. The 1.7 GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor is flawless and makes the computer run fast, very fast. The 80 GB hard drive is great for storing big files. It also has a great graphics card (GeForce MX 400) which makes games such as Max Payne run really well, and the graphics card also has a whopping 64 MB of memory and an S-Video TV out port. The EA Games and EA Sports bundles that came with it includes awesome games, such as Need For Speed: Porcshe Unleashed, Simcity 3000 Unlimited, Tiger Wood's Pro PGA Golf 2001, Madden 2001, and Triple Play Baseball. DVD's run on it great, due to the fast DVD drive. And with the fast CD-RW drive and Roxio's Easy CD Creator 5 Software making CD's is very easy. The Smart Credit Card Keyboard is conveinent, if you have a Smart Credit Card and don't know what to do with it. The Ethernet Card is also a nice feature if you want to hook up a network, or if you have or want to get Broadband Communications. Overall this computer deserves 5 stars because it's a steal at ... and it has great features.

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