Notebooks that offer processors other than Intel Corp.'s Pentium have been few and far between. Such units tend to take a hit in performance because they often include less performance-oriented components. One of the first major notebook vendors to brave the waters is Compaq Computer Corp. Compaq has started using alternative processors from AMD and CyrixCorp.in its Presario line of notebooks, which targets the SOHO and home markets. Its latest offering, the Presario 1621, features the 233MHz MMX-enhanced AMD K6 processor.
As an entry-level portable, the Compaq Presario 1621 has an aggressive list price of $2,199. The Presario's AMD K6 processor is accompanied by 32MB of SDRAM, 512K of pipeline-burst L2 cache, a Fujitsu MHA 2021AT 2.1GB hard drive, a Toshiba XM1-602B 20x CD-ROM drive, a 3.5-inch floppy drive, and a 56Kbps modem.
Everything is integrated into a 7.3-pound, 1.93x12.2x10-inch (HWD) form factor. Though the Presario's integrated design means you do not have to swap out devices, it adds to the unit's heft and does not allow the flexibility of a modular design.
Compaq claims that the Presario 1621 offers performance superior to that of other 233MHz notebooks, but its Business Winstone 98 score of 13.4 shows that it's slower than average when compared with 233MHz Pentium-based notebooks we have tested. Subpar disk performance was one reason for its below-average performance. On the Business Disk WinMark test, the Compaq scored a 666, vs. 897 for our 233MHz Pentium-based benchmark notebook. Graphics performance was also slower than average. The Presario did post an impressive CPUmark32 score of 506 and a CD-ROM WinMark 98 score of 1,050, which is typical for a drive of this speed. The Presario comes with a 3,500-mAh Enhanced Smart NiMH battery. Battery life was average, with a BatteryMark 2.0 score of 2 hours and 37 minutes.
Compaq claims that its 12.1-inch, High Performance Addressing (HPA) display delivers quality comparable to that of active-matrix displays. HPA uses narrower cell gaps and a lower-viscosity liquid to deliver a superior dual-scan image. The Presario's display is clearer and brighter than most dual-scan displays, but the picture quality is still a noticeable step down from that of an active-matrix display, and the optimal viewing angle is narrow as well. Ghosting does occur, but at a lesser rate than with most dual-scan screens. In short, the display quality is quite acceptable for most home and business tasks, but an external monitor is a must for presentations.
The Presario's 88-key keyboard has a light, sensitive response. The touch pad is intelligently designed with a larger left button, allowing easier access to this more frequently used button.
Also above the keyboard are the controls for the Presario's DisqPlay system. This system allows you to play audio CDs without powering up the notebook. The Presario's JBL Pro Audio with Bass Reflex speakers deliver rich, high-quality sound without any distortion, even at high volume levels.
The right edge of the notebook hosts a range of ports that complete the audio experience, including the headphone/line-out jack, the line-in jack, and the external microphone jack. The PC Card slots are here as well; they accept one Type III or two Type II cards with 32-bit CardBus support.
The rear edge hosts the keyboard/mouse, parallel printer, replicator, serial, and external monitor ports, as well as the AC adapter jack and security slot. Compaq did not include a USB port, which is found on some of its other models.
Compaq bundles a variety of software suited for the home and small-business user with this system, including Microsoft Works 4.5, Encarta 98, Bookshelf 98, and MotoRacer. Compaq's Easy Internet Access solution includes 50 free hours of Internet access with GTE. Though the reviewed notebook came with Windows 95, Compaq will provide an upgrade path to Windows 98. Options for the Presario include a 16MB RAM upgrade for $69.95, an additional NiMH battery for $99.95, and a port replicator for $119.95.
The Presario comes with a one-year parts and carry-in labor warranty that can be extended to two years for an additional $109 and to three years for $199. Compaq offers toll-free, multilingual, 24-hour phone support while the unit is under warranty. Compaq covers shipping costs as well.
The Presario is not as fast as most 233MHz Pentium-based notebooks we have seen. However, it does feature a vast array of multimedia features that are not found in other entry-level notebooks. These features, coupled with the software package, make it a good choice for the budget-conscious consumer.
The Compaq Presario 1621 has a variety of multimedia features, including JBL Pro Audio speakers and the audio CD DisqPlay system.
Compaq Presario 1621
Compaq Computer Corp.
P.O. Box 692000
Houston, TX 77269-200
800-345-1518
Fax: 713-518-1442
www.compaq.com
List Price: $2,199
For updated prices, see www.csprices.com
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