Home > Consumer Reviews > Compaq Presario 900US - Athlon XP 1700+ / 1.47 GHz - RAM 256 MB - HDD 30 GB - CD-RW / DVD - Mobility Radeon - Win XP Home - 15" TFT 1024 x 768 ( XGA )

I've just got my Compaq 900US notebook a few days ago and I am pleased with it. I've been unable to find any good reviews on the system; hopefully this will help future purchasers.

The system comes equipped with an Athlon XP 1700+(1.47Ghz and a 266Mhz FSB), 256 MB PC-2100 DDR Ram, ATI IGP320M chipset and integrated graphics, a 30GB 4200 RPM ATA 100 hard drive, and DVD(x8)/CDRW(8/8/24) combo drive and a 15" TFT screen (1024x768 max resolution).

What I like: The screen is large and bright, though in my opinion not as good as a high quality CRT. The graphics capabilities are average and will be enough for a person who wants to play the latest games at lower resolutions and detail settings. I was able to run Jedi Knight II at 800x600 with high quality and Return to Castle Wolfenstein at 640x480 with medium detail settings. I've also done some benchmarking using 3dMark 2001. The scores at the default setting were around 2600. I haven't noticed any ghosting, which can occur when images on the screen move very fast. The sound is fairly loud and sounds good on DVDs and MP3s or music Cds. The notebook runs MS office apps with ease and all programs start almost instantly. Also, I've hooked it up to my TV with an s-video cable and an audio cable and watched a few DVDs without any problems. In addition, the battery life is outstanding going over 3 hours if you do basic tasks like typing. It also lasts for over two hours if you watch movies or play games. On average, I would say it lasts just over 2.5 hours. That is better than most P4 based notebooks, especially the ones using desktop CPUs. Finally the system comes with a mail in form for a free wireless card to connect to the Internet. You only have to pay shipping and handling plus tax on the shipping.

What I don't like: The system can run hot near the memory, especially when the CPU runs at its full speed. It never gets to the point where it will burn you though. Don't believe this is only an athlon problem, because I've used a P3 1 GHz Compaq Armada 500 notebook that ran as hot, if not hotter. If you set the power settings to "max battery" the system clocks itself down substantially and the system runs cool. The speakers can also crackle or get distorted when a music file or game with a lot of bass is playing. This does not happen often and is not really a huge problem. Another thing I don't like is the preinstalled software. The system comes with MS works and a load of other useless apps like AOL and CompuServe. I just uninstalled all of the apps I didn't want. In addition, the system is a bit heavy, but lighter than many "desktop replacements" like the Dell 8200. Also, I would have liked to have seen USB 2.0 ports, but a simple add on card ... could fix the problem. It does have a fire wire port though. Finally, the documentation is not very good, though a CD-rom with more detailed instructions is included. If you know nothing about computers you should still be able to figure things out. For people like me, with more expertise than the typical user, I would liked to have had more detailed specs and information.

Summary: I would recommend this system to anyone who wants good performance for a low price. If you like to play games don't expect the performance of a Geforce 4, or even 3, but some gaming is possible. What kept this system from getting 5 stars was the documentation, extra software, and average game performace. This system can do and MS office apps, plays DVD movies, and burn cds (with Adaptec Easy CD creator). If you need a notebook for college, a desktop replacement (if you don't want to run Quake 3 at 300 FPS), or just a system to travel with, the 900US is a great buy.

I ordered this laptop for college use and it is everything I have hoped it to be. It looks very sleek and doesn't feel too heavy. It runs very smooth; I haven't run into any problems yet. This laptop has a great battery life and runs nice and cool. The features on this thing are awsome! And for all of you who are wondering... the 256 MB of memory is installed in only one of the two SODIMM slots, so it is easily upgradable.

This machine is fast (in Excel recalc 40-50% faster than a Pentium IIIM 1.2 GHZ, 5 times faster than my old PII 366 running XP, but in MP3 conversion only 3 times faster than my PII 366, perhaps because the memory setup is not the fastest) but too thick because of the useless floppy that is included and also perhaps because of the heat sinks. It runs very hot on the bottom but luckily not on the palm rest (like the left side of my Compaq Evo N160). Strangely, the DVD/CDR's tray is also extremely hot on the bottom. One (for me) major plus is that I discovered that the hard drive is a Toshiba and not an IBM whose reliability is usually mediocre.

When you power on, you have the option to set the video memory at 16, 32 or 64 Mb, all being eaten from the RAM. Not too bad since I have all 512 Mb of them.

On the very down side, I have a cluster of 2-3 bad pixels (what are my options?)

The speakers are OK (but have almost no bass, DVD playback is excellent but there is no integrated microphone. If there had been detailed specs publihed somewhere, perhaps this would have been a deal breaker. By the way, what is the BUS speed of this machine?

Finally, documentation is absolutely mediocre. You are practically on your own.

My desktop PC was too outdated, so I decided that it was time for a new computer. Since I'm a student and on the brink of going to college next year, I decided that my best bet would be a mobile, notebook. Like most computer users, I sought various sources of opinions before settling on the best one. Why COMPAQ? My old desktop was a HP Pavillion and it included tons of software. However, most were never used and my HP Pavillion was "preset" to a certain look, such as the way in which all the programs under Start up are labeled and grouped. I think Compaqs are less "customized" to a certain look, you know what I mean? Its simplicity allows you to customize it to your taste without having the need to delete excess junk.

Well, I considered several Compaq models... the 732US, 725US, and the 900US. I chose the 900US, because there is more GB, considerably faster, and a larger 15" screen. Although it is not that light, the size is alright and absolutely manageable. I'm not going into the specifics, because I believe that has already been said.

Overall, I am VERY satisfied with this notebook. It has almost everything I need and the price was economical. Although the software selections weren't great, Microsoft Works 6.0 is adequate for all my lab write-ups, essays, spreadsheets, graphs, tables, and all those extra fun stuff. Besides, this laptop is expandable and upgradable! This is great selection for any home user, college student, and typical office user. I believe it consists of all you need as far as workability is concerned. I believe this notebook will suffice to provide for the typical gamer. Initial setup was a breeze and Windows XP is easy and fun.

I am able to transfer images from my desktop, edit images, and more. A serious digital artist may need a better screen though. Nevertheless, IT IS 15" and the 1024X768 is awesome... perfect. The screen is clear, nice, and bright. The sound is great with CD's AND DVD's, but music from the internet, AOL radio specifically, can be sketchy at times... probably due to my internet connection though. By the way, DVDs play GREAT!

This notebook is fast, slick, economical, and it fulfills all that I need in a computer. I'm very satisfied with this purchase. I love using it :)

This Compaq has all the hardware you need plus the speed. You can always add software (Compaq is frugal with the software). Yes, the cd drive gets hot...all the notebooks my friends have do also.Not a problem. Your battery time will vary depending on what your doing. Cd burning sucks the battery down fast...
The screen is just fine. It seems that to get the u or s screen you have to $pend alot or trade down in RAM.
It is heavy with the battery installed. You get ALL the ports you could need incld.I'm very Happy with my Compaq 900US...you will be too.