Compaq Presario SR1030NX Desktop PC (2.16 GHz Athlon XP 3000+, 512 MB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, DVD+RW/CD-RW Combo)

Amazon Customer Reviews

(4 out of 5)

Compaq see's the light

This is the first new computer I have bought from a manufacturer in all the years since the IBM PS/2 systems first arrived. I have always upgraded or built my own from components. Why the change you may ask. Its due to the fact that this machine has two unusual features .

First off it has completely standard hardware and the case is among the simplest to access. The interior is well organized and cleanly laid out. All the expansions slots are easy to use and the case can be entered without even a screwdriver. This is a major change for Compaq. A large number of their previous systems had little modifications to the ATX form that made hardware changes difficult for the end user.

The second reason is that the included hardware has a great price to power ratio. Nothing in it is unworkable or even truly bargain basement in quality. The included DVD writer truly closed the deal for me.

Also of note is the software bundle. It includes a few standard applications and some media management software. Nothing to special it would seem. And that to is a plus as Compaq used to install a plague of customized software that caused endless issues for me in the past. Small bits of custom software remain but are now easily uninstalled or disabled.

The systems includes every port needed for easy device connection except a standard joystick connector. This isn't much of a fault in this age of USB devices.

For the devoted non-Microsoft crowd I can proudly say that after a little bit of effort I managed to resize the NTFS partition on the installed 160 gig hard drive. This system now gladly dual boots mandrake Linux 9.2 without any issues.

I would suggest only two affordable changes depending on your needs. One is if you are going to do any gaming add a AGP video card. The integrated savage video will serve the email and video watching crowd well. But gaming seems to be very limited on it. The addition of a left over Geforce 5200 turned my system into a acceptable games station . Also the on-board audio is good but not great. Add a SoundBlaster live value if you have one laying around its easy and well worth it.

One last design feature to mention is the fact that it has front ports for most any device. This truly comes in handy for those who love their USB cameras and joysticks. As well as any devotees of 1394 fire wire and the various flash memory card standards. It even includes microphone and headphone jacks.

(5 out of 5)

Very good!

I got this computer for $485 on amazon, under the "acceptable condition tab" which made me quite skeptical at first. Computer arrived on time--and it packs some serious power. 160 HD, 3000+ XP which is equivalent to a pentium 3.0 GHZ, and a 512 MB RAM.

Pros: fast, powerful, easy-to-use-ports on the front for hooking up audio, camera sticks etc etc. Very good condition, there were exactly two blemishes on the casing, very minor...AND an agp slot (unoccupied, i'll get back to that later). Recovery dics were included, mouse, keyboard. Norton antivirus subscription.

Cons: Comes loaded with lots of commercials (which can be easily uninstalled if you wish). PC power cable was embarrassingly short, the onboard graphics card is essentially useless, so that AGP slot will come in handy :P (a nice video card will improve your multimedia & entertainment options).
...and my biggest concern yet... NO SP pack 2. This can leave your computer vunerable to all sorts of $!@#. So get those windows updates as soon as you configure your internet settings.


Overall very good computer, add an AGP vid card (THAT'S A MUST if you plan on gaming).