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Some cheap Compaq laptops this coming week

allisolm

allisolm

Elite Member
Administrator
Staples has, starting 1/18
Compaq Presario CQ60-210US notebook for $399.99 after $30 Easy Rebate SKU 773768. This is NOT national, so check the ad for your area.
AMD Athlon X2 QL-62 2.0G
2GB RAM
250GB hard drive
15.6" screen
DVD super Multi
media reader
Vista Home Premium

Best Buy has
Compaq CQ60-211DX notebook for $379.99 SKU 9168143
Intel® Celeron® processor 585
2GB DDR2 memor
DL DVD±RW/CD-RW drive
15.6" widescreen
160GB hard drive
Windows Vista Home Basic with SP1

Office Depot has
Compaq Presario CQ60-206US for $379.99 after $100 in 2 MIRs SKU 817575
15.6" screen
2GB mem
160GB drive
LightScribe SuperMulti dual-layer DVD
media reader

edit: looks like you can get a FAR HP printer if you buy it on the same day as the notebook. Not good for Best Buy purchases but Staples and OD ought to be okay. See http://hpshopping.speedera.net...rinter_pc_x070_1-3.pdf



 
I looked up both the Presario CQ60-210US from Staples and the Presario CQ60-206US from OD on HP/s site. The full specs are only available for the CQ60-210US, but the driver download page for both machines is identical. These appear to be the same machine, the only difference being that, for $20 you get a 250GB hard drive, instead of 160GB.

These machines have two RAM slots so you may want to check out current sales on 2 x 2GB DDR2 SO-DIMM's this week, especially if you intend to stick with Vista.

For those who want to try to putting XP on these machines, from my own experience, I've had fewer problems locating complete driver sets for Compaq lappies with an Athlon X2 and nVidia chipsets than with Intel, but that may be because it was what I needed at the time.

Also, before you try to install XP, I can't stress enough how important it is to create a Vista restore disk set. My model V6719NR (a Best Buy closeout for $309) required three blank DVD's or around 11 blank CD's. HP/Compaq ships these with the ability to burn exactly ONE set. Doing this will allow you to reset your machine to the original setup if your XP installation fails or if you want to go back to Vista, later.

FWIW, my lappy with 2GB of RAM is much faster on XP than it was on the original Vista installation. It was well worth the work to find the drivers. 😎
 
I'm posting from my new compaq laptop that I just purchased last week. I got it for 450 bucks, 486 after taxes in Phoenix, AZ best buy.

It's a model CQ60-215DX. Athlong X2 2.0 ghz, 2 gig of ram, 250 gig hdd, with a nvidia 8200m go gpu.

It's one hell of a computer even for that price, I would recommend these laptops, they have very good user reviews. I was really, really surprised because compaq has been known by me to be a crappy brand but I decided to give them a try and I'm glad I did.
 
Originally posted by: nboy22
I'm posting from my new compaq laptop that I just purchased last week. I got it for 450 bucks, 486 after taxes in Phoenix, AZ best buy.

It's a model CQ60-215DX. Athlong X2 2.0 ghz, 2 gig of ram, 250 gig hdd, with a nvidia 8200m go gpu.

It's one hell of a computer even for that price, I would recommend these laptops, they have very good user reviews. I was really, really surprised because compaq has been known by me to be a crappy brand but I decided to give them a try and I'm glad I did.
Click to expand...

I also recommend HP/Compaq lappies because their tech support has been aces whenever I've needed them. On their chat, some of them even helped me find the XP drivers for my V6719NR and pointed me to further discussions about it on their own user forums.

They won't give you free phone help once your warranty is up, but they also helped me via their chat system when I needed it for my older Compaq lappie that's well out of warranty.
 
Thanks for the heads up allisolm.

My sisters has been looking for a laptop and I have a few questions about the first model. Will this deal be in store only or online or both? Is the Vista Home Premium 32 or 64 bit? Is the Easy Rebate instant or is it basically a fancy MIR?

Sorry for the questions as I'm not familiar with Staples or Vista. Thanks!
 
Originally posted by: balloonshark

Sorry for the questions as I'm not familiar with Staples or Vista. Thanks!
Click to expand...

ASCII and ye shall RECEIVII. 😎

Compaq Presario CQ60-210US Notebook PC - Product Specifications.

It comes with Vista Home Premium installed. After you go through the first wakeup, before you do anything else, burn your restore DVD set.

If you don't already have an office suite, the version of Office they include blows up in 60 days, and they usually want more than you'd have to pay for a legal copy of Office to activate the trial version.

Uninstall the Wild Tangent games. Reported as spyware... or check for yourself if you want them.

If you want to stay with Vista, find a sale on 2 x 2GB DDR2 667 or 800. The machine uses shared video memory so it will help.
 
Originally posted by: allisolm
Staples has, starting 1/18
Compaq Presario CQ60-210US notebook for $399.99 after $30 Easy Rebate SKU 773768
AMD Athlon X2 QL-62 2.0G
2GB RAM
250GB hard drive
15.6" screen
DVD super Multi
media reader
Vista Home Premium
Click to expand...

How does that Athlon X2 QL-62 2.0G compare to a Core 2 Duo?
 
Harvey,

Thanks for your reply and tips. I plan to do everything you mentioned 🙂. I actually did search for the specs after reading your first post, but they only specify Vista Home Premium. It looks like it comes in both 32 and 64bit versions. I just didn't want my sister stuck with 64bit as it's hard to find software that is compatible. If it were me, I wouldn't mind because it would see 4GB of RAM.

I found the answer to the easy rebates question. It just a quick way to submit a rebate.
https://www.stapleseasyrebates...es/pop_difference.html

 
I just didn't want my sister stuck with 64bit as it's hard to find software that is compatible.
Click to expand...

You can run 32-bit software on 64-bit Windows. If it won't run on 64-bit Vista, it probably won't run on Vista, period. Ask Mem to cough up his list of games he runs on Vista 😉

Definitely make burning those Recovery DVDs your top priority. If you ever want to sell the lappie, you're going to be wanting those.
 
Originally posted by: balloonshark
Harvey,

Thanks for your reply and tips. I plan to do everything you mentioned 🙂. I actually did search for the specs after reading your first post, but they only specify Vista Home Premium. It looks like it comes in both 32 and 64bit versions. I just didn't want my sister stuck with 64bit as it's hard to find software that is compatible. If it were me, I wouldn't mind because it would see 4GB of RAM.

I found the answer to the easy rebates question. It just a quick way to submit a rebate.
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://www.stapleseasyrebates.com/img/staples/paperless/pages/pop_difference.html">https://www.stapleseasyreba......op_difference.html</a>
Click to expand...


Easy rebates require no mailing. Fill out everything online. They have worked flawlessly for me.

About the in-store/online thing. I don't know but the item is NOT currently online, so it may be in-store only. You can try checking the site in the morning to see if it is there.

You can also apparently get a free after rebate printer if you purchase it on the same day. http://hpshopping.speedera.net...rinter_pc_x070_1-3.pdf

 
mechBgon, Thanks for the info on Vista. I will also have her burn the recovery DVD's first thing on power up.

allisolm, Thanks for the rebate information. I'll have a look on their site tonight to see if it's online. I should be up anyways.

Cheers
 
I went to two (2) different Staples locations and the laptop was $549.99 at both locations. I gave them the SKU number, and at both stores, the price was $549.99. I went to Home Depot and scored on the laptop there. A lot of HD stores are closing. I don't think buying an extended warranty from them is a good idea at this time. Thanks for the deal.
 
I think you meant Office Depot?? I don't think that Home Depot carries laptops. Must be next to their big-screen TV section. 😛
 
Originally posted by: VirtualLarry
I think you meant Office Depot?? I don't think that Home Depot carries laptops. Must be next to their big-screen TV section. 😛
Click to expand...

I was gonna say... 😕
 
Originally posted by: VirtualLarry
I think you meant Office Depot?? I don't think that Home Depot carries laptops. Must be next to their big-screen TV section. 😛
Click to expand...

Doh! Yes, you are right, I went to Office Depot.
 
I was able to find the notebook at Staples web site (search for the SKU #). However, I can't add it to my cart -- says not available for my location. Office Depot has it, but as a general rule I NEVER buy anything with TWO rebates. I guess I could check out Home Depot 🙂
 
Originally posted by: freshspace
I went to two (2) different Staples locations and the laptop was $549.99 at both locations. I gave them the SKU number, and at both stores, the price was $549.99. I went to Home Depot and scored on the laptop there. A lot of HD stores are closing. I don't think buying an extended warranty from them is a good idea at this time. Thanks for the deal.
Click to expand...

That's why it's always a good idea to check the ads for your own area. I just looked at the ad online where you are and, sure enough, it's advertised for $549.99 there. I don't know if that is true elsewhere. Sorry. I will edit the OP to reflect that this is not national.

 
Originally posted by: balloonshark
Harvey,

Thanks for your reply and tips. I plan to do everything you mentioned 🙂. I actually did search for the specs after reading your first post, but they only specify Vista Home Premium. It looks like it comes in both 32 and 64bit versions. I just didn't want my sister stuck with 64bit as it's hard to find software that is compatible. If it were me, I wouldn't mind because it would see 4GB of RAM.

I found the answer to the easy rebates question. It just a quick way to submit a rebate.
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://www.stapleseasyrebates.com/img/staples/paperless/pages/pop_difference.html">https://www.stapleseasyreba......op_difference.html</a>
Click to expand...

Come out of the darkness of FUD and know ye that most software now will run on 64 bit as is known.. You do not have to have 64bit counterparts are Vista can do both.

/thought we were all through with the 64 bit being no good era.
 
Originally posted by: Harvey
Oooh!! Looky what I found... Sources for XP drivers on HP's forums. :thumbsup: 😎

NO guarantees, but if you're successful, the machine should run a lot faster. As I said, before, do NOT attempt this without burning your Vista restore DVD set, first.
Click to expand...

Why anyone would want to return the computer to the state it was when you bought it is beyond me. First thing I do when I get the laptop is download all the latest drivers + burn them to a DVD, and then download the *.iso of whatever OS the CD-key is for.
Gets rid of all the garbage they put on by default//hp search bar//etc.

Does the burning software verify the data on the disk?
 
Originally posted by: soccerballtux

Why anyone would want to return the computer to the state it was when you bought it is beyond me.
Click to expand...

If you want to give or sell it to someone, it's how the new owner puts his/her name on it.

If you intend to try to install XP, it's not a sure thing until it's done. Honest. I've done it.

If you need help from HP/Compaq, you may need to restore it, depending on what's wrong.

Lastly, it's always possible for a hard drive to fail or become so virus infected that the ONLY solution is a new installation.

Does the burning software verify the data on the disk?
Click to expand...

I don't know. You could call HP's support to ask.

If it doesn't they can sell you a set, and it isn't too expensive because you already have your Windows license. It's the sticker on the bottom of the machine. They're just providing the media that allows you to install your copy.
 
Originally posted by: Damn Dirty Ape
Originally posted by: balloonshark
Harvey,

Thanks for your reply and tips. I plan to do everything you mentioned 🙂. I actually did search for the specs after reading your first post, but they only specify Vista Home Premium. It looks like it comes in both 32 and 64bit versions. I just didn't want my sister stuck with 64bit as it's hard to find software that is compatible. If it were me, I wouldn't mind because it would see 4GB of RAM.

I found the answer to the easy rebates question. It just a quick way to submit a rebate.
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://www.stapleseasyrebates...es/pop_difference.html"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://www.stapleseasyrebates.com/img/staples/paperless/pages/pop_difference.html">https://www.stapleseasyr.........ifference.html</a></a>
Click to expand...

Come out of the darkness of FUD and know ye that most software now will run on 64 bit as is known.. You do not have to have 64bit counterparts are Vista can do both.

/thought we were all through with the 64 bit being no good era.
Click to expand...
Umm, I would be the "tech" for this machine. I'm trying to keep it simple LOL. I do my best to keep her updated every time I visit. Sometimes she scares me with the questions she asks.

I hang out at security forums and I do see that some programs are not 64 bit compatible. Although, from what I understand, 64 bit Vista is supposed to be fairly secure. I guess it has something to do with that patch guard thing...

Drivers are another thing that I would consider. She has a ton of cameras, mp3 players a printer etc. that I would have to find drivers for right? Or am I missing something?

PS, I'm not trying to be smart, I'm here to learn.

 
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