Staples: Compaq Presario 2101US Laptop Celeron 1.7GHz, 256MB DDR, 20GB, DVD, 15" TFT $650 AR shipped, So is HP ZE4210!

[bit]

This weekly Staples has some hot laptop deals.

Staples has the Compaq Presario 2101US Notebook with Celeron 1.7GHz, 256MB DDR, 20GB, DVD, 15" TFT, ATI Mobility RADEON, modem/NIC, XP Home for $999 - $100 HP rebate (exp 6/1) - $150 staples rebate on any laptop (exp 2/1) = $749 w/ free shipping.

There are a couple of $100 off $1000 staples coupons floating around, if you find them the final price is $649 shipped AR!

$100 HP rebate
$100 Compaq rebate
$150 Staples rebate

Send the UPC copy for Staples rebate and original to HP. Explain to Staples that you sent originals to HP and there should be no problem. If you get rejected, call the rebate center and they will honor it.

Pavilion ZE4210 Notebook with Celeron 1.6GHz, 256MB DDR, 20GB, DVD, 14.1" TFT, modem/NIC, XP Home for $1000 - $100 HP rebate (exp 6/1) - $150 staples rebate on any laptop (exp 2/1) - $100 coupon = $650 w/ free shipping.

Pavilion ZE4209 Laptop with Celeron 1.6GHz, 128MB DDR, 20GB, DVD, 14.1" TFT, ATI Mobility RADEON, modem/NIC, XP Home for $899 - $100 HP rebate (exp 6/1) - $150 staples rebate on any laptop (exp 2/1) - $50 coupon = $599 w/ free shipping.

 

[bit]

nobody think this is hot? hmmm

 

[oaaltone]

Originally posted by: bit
nobody think this is hot? hmmm

I do

I'm actually looking for a good deal on a laptop for my uncle. This looks perfect!

EDIT: Just placed the order, including a $100 off $1000 from our friends at HeavyWallet. For $650 this is an awesome deal!

 

[bluesky]

Both rebates require original UPC code?
Staples gonna take a copy?

 

[pX]

I do. I am more looking at sku 502134 though, its 1.8ghz, 512ddr, 40gig hd, and a dvd/cdrw drive for 850AR

OR the HP 4219 thats 750AR which has a 1.6ghz, 256ddr, 30gig, and dvd/cdrw

 

[kerokeroppi82]

The ZE4209 seems like a great deal, but it doesn't have the $150 MIR on the page, are you sure it works for it?

 

[barryccc]

I called Staples rebate center and the CSR confirmed copy of UPC is acceptable for this rebate.
Also the rebate says "Rebate applies to a Any Desktop PC and Monitor or Notebook PC (Excludes BTOs and All in One PCs) purchased at Staples stores, Staples.com or Staples Direct only." so I think any model# is qualified...
Now let's just hope the $100 off $1000 coupon goes through.

 

[kerokeroppi82]

Just orded mines, but the scheduled ship date is on 2/7/03... hope everything goes fine w/ the $150 rebate

 

[sasa]

Also ordered mine, scheduled ship date is also 2/7/03...
They MUST honor $250, see this:
http://www.staples.com/products/SpotLights/030119/501675/Default.asp

Anybody has this 2101 laptop? Is it good? Apparantely it is very new, so I couldn't find any reviewes.
The 15' display + DVD and 256 MB as one stick looks very good, but I still have doubts.
I almost bought it yesterday from hpshopping for $800, so now I am so happy that I didn't.

 

[pX]

anyone know anything about the video card in this? its not a mobility radeon 7500 is it?

 

[sekim]

blank

 

[sekim]

posted by: olliebg
EDIT: Just placed the order, including a $100 off $1000 from our friends at HeavyWallet. For $650 this is an awesome deal!

have a link for this extra $100 off $1000 ?

Thanks

 

[barryccc]

go to chubby wallet

 

[TheDiggler]

[*]Link to Compaq Presario 2101US @ $999.00 (SKU #502130)
[*]Link to HP Pavilion ZE4209 @ $899.00 (SKU #502118)
[*]Link to HP Pavilion ZE4210 @ $999.00 (SKU #502121)

Note 1: For the posted HP Pavilion ZE4209 deal (in which a "$50 off $200" coupon is used), there's also a STACKABLE "$10 off $100" coupon floating around; however, according to the FW posts I read, you'll need to purchase your system w/ American Express when stacking.

Note 2: The HP laptops look very similar to one my dad purchased ~3 months ago. I don't know which model he bought (it's a P4 1.7, not a Celeron); however, he learned the hard way that his laptop can neither support a PORT REPLICATOR nor a DOCKING STATION. While the plastic molding has a spot where such an interface connection would exist, no connection actually exists. A call to HP verified this (on my Dad's laptop model). If this is important to you, verify w/ HP whether or not these "hot deal" models have such interfaces!

Note 3: If you need to add $1 to your order to qualify for the "$100 of $1000" coupon, here's a couple of suggestions:
[*]Khypermedia Optimum 48x 50 Pack CD-R @ $10.94 - $10MIR = $0.94AR (SKU #496732)
[*]Aurora HC101B Calculator @ $3.99 - $4MIR = -$0.01AR (SKU #491733)

 

[hans007]

the main thing that really sucks about these notebooks is that both use the ATI integrated IGP.



according to the pdf spec sheets on both these models, they use shared video (the compaq says up to 64mb, and the HP says up to 16mb, i am pretty sure , its really the same as they use the same IGP, though their bioses might be different).


so this deal isnt quite as hot as the OLDER ze4000 BTO (the staples deal) or the toshiba satelite 1115/1415 deals. those had non integrated video. likewise the older compaq 1500T used a radeon7500, the new 1510T uses a radeon IGP integrated. I think this is a good part of why these laptops are so cheap now (a real vid chip is probably $20, and the ram to go with it at least $5-10 for 16 to 32mb). not to mention added PCB space to put those in. all the laptops i've mention i believe dont have floppies either.


the integrated radeon igp btw, sucks really really really bad, for games. something like 30fps at 1024x768 or less at q3a. the toshiba and older ze4000s would get around 50 on the same benchmark. anyways dont buy these for games, and buy more ram for them.



ADDED: 8mb of ram should be enough for 1600x1200x32 bit. the external monitor resolution is usually 1600x1200 not the same as the LCD. you can use most of the newer laptops (i've never tried it on one with integrated video, but i know all the discrete video ones can do this) will be able to do dual head with the external monitor and LCD.

 

[T2T III]

Originally posted by: TheDiggler
[*]Link to Compaq Presario 2101US @ $999.00 (SKU #502130)
[*]Link to HP Pavilion ZE4209 @ $899.00 (SKU #502118)
[*]Link to HP Pavilion ZE4210 @ $999.00 (SKU #502121)

Note 1: For the posted HP Pavilion ZE4209 deal (in which a "$50 off $200" coupon is used), there's also a STACKABLE "$10 off $100" coupon floating around; however, according to the FW posts I read, you'll need to purchase your system w/ American Express when stacking.

Note 2: The HP laptops look very similar to one my dad purchased ~3 months ago. I don't know which model he bought (it's a P4 1.7, not a Celeron); however, he learned the hard way that his laptop can neither support a PORT REPLICATOR nor a DOCKING STATION. While the plastic molding has a spot where such an interface connection would exist, no connection actually exists. A call to HP verified this (on my Dad's laptop model). If this is important to you, verify w/ HP whether or not these "hot deal" models have such interfaces!

Note 3: If you need to add $1 to your order to qualify for the "$100 of $1000" coupon, here's a couple of suggestions:
[*]Khypermedia Optimum 48x 50 Pack CD-R @ $10.94 - $10MIR = $0.94AR (SKU #496732)
[*]Aurora HC101B Calculator @ $3.99 - $4MIR = -$0.01AR (SKU #491733)

Thanks for the great break-down. About the only difference I can see between the HP ZE4209 and ZE4210 is that the 4210 has 256 MB of memory and the 4202 only has 128 MB. You'll have to determine if you can get a SO-DIMM for a decent price to reveal which configuration is better for you. Most 256 MB modules of memory for these laptops run about $99 - so, going for the 4209 might be the better option.

I picked up my 4210 about 2 weeks ago from Best Buy for $549 (after rebates and discounts.) So far, it has been a great laptop. I don't have a need for using a port replicator, so I'm OK with that limitation. One thing to consider, these notebooks/laptops are not necessarily designed as business machines, so you might have to step up a few notches to gain access to port replicator capability. The notebooks are designed to be used mainly as mobil devices and not desktop devices. However, if you don't mind connecting a few cables (LAN, mouse, keyboard, video) each time you get home to your desk, you should be fine when using as a desktop device, too. But, keep in mind, the video resolution tops out at 1024 x 768, so you will be limited a bit by the desktop monitors that you pair it up with (e.g. - you wouldn't want to use a 21" monitor at that resolution.)

 

[oaaltone]

Just checked my order status and it shows the laptop has "shipped" already. Wow. Too good to be true? I'm going to try to coax a tracking number out of them...

 

[jamesd1343]

for those interested in a port replicator option...

I bought a mobility easydock 1000ev from ebay for $69. Very nice...

uses the pcmcia slot and replicates parallel, serial, 2usb, ethernet, and video. Works extremely well with my HP1210.

On that note does anyone know the pcmcia socket type on either the HP or Compaq, Im considering an upgrade but want to be sure the easydock will work with them, some types it doesnt like.

Anyone know of a cdrw option for this thing??

 

[jamesd1343]

How about paying the little extra for the cdrw/dvd drive...HERE

 

[bit]

Originally posted by: jamesd1343
How about paying the little extra for the cdrw/dvd drive...HERE

that's a good deal too.

 

[Poliphili]

I just purchased the 2100US for $1099 rather than the 2101 for $999.

My price breakdown is thus: $1099 - $100 coupon = $999 x .06% sales tax = $1058 - $50 GiftCard = $1008 - $250 in rebates ($150 Staples + $100 Compaq) = $758 ($808 without GiftCard). For me this price was slightly better than any comparable Dell, Gateway, etc. that I could configure (missed out on the HP deal) in addition to having a better feature set and being available for in-store pickup/14-day exchange. In addition, this purchase will guarantee me a $100 Business Rewards Platinum check for this quarter.

My reasoning in choosing the 2100 over the 2101 was this: The 2101 has a [marginally] faster processor (1.7 vs. 1.6) and a larger screen (15" vs. 14"). However the 2100 comes with a larger HD (30 GB vs. 20 GB) and a DVD/CDRW combo drive instead of a plain DVD drive. The difference in processor speed is virtually non-existent in the real world and because both screens are XGA (1024x768) the 15" version will have less than ½" more of useable real estate. Additionally a DVD/CDRW combo and larger hard drive are far more valuable to me personally and the smaller screen and slightly slower processor should actually provide increased battery life (I am getting about 3 hrs for apps/surfing and 2 hrs-40min for DVDs).

A couple of interesting things: The laptop has a mini-PCI slot on the bottom (some models come with 802.11b) but the antennae wires are missing. Does anyone know if the antennas are actually installed and just need connector wires thus enabling wireless with the addition of a card or are they just not installed? If they are not installed can they be? Also, both Sandra and CPUID report the processor as an Intel Mobile Celeron w/256K L2 cache. I know that Sandra is often inaccurate but why would Intel?s own tool report this inaccurately? Particularly when the tool menu says that it can recognize the difference between both mobile and desktop Celerons. Why would Intel?s tool inaccurately report on an Intel chip? Couldn?t this be construed as some sort of fraud on Intel?s part if this was true? Therefore isn?t it reasonable to assume that the part is in fact a mobile version (the 2100 series is brand new after all) despite Compaq?s blurb sheet?

Anyway, I have to say that so far I am quite pleased with the 2100US considering the price I paid. Not a screaming hot deal perhaps but pretty good IMHO. It?s doesn?t have blinding speed or graphics (RTCW gives me something like 15-40 FPS) but then no <$750 laptop will. And if you turn down some of XP?s graphics it can be quite speedy. Also, at 6-6.5 lbs with battery and combo drive it really is portable, near-desktop replacement.

 

[hans007]

Originally posted by: Poliphili
I just purchased the 2100US for $1099 rather than the 2101 for $999.

My price breakdown is thus: $1099 - $100 coupon = $999 x .06% sales tax = $1058 - $50 GiftCard = $1008 - $250 in rebates ($150 Staples + $100 Compaq) = $758 ($808 without GiftCard). For me this price was slightly better than any comparable Dell, Gateway, etc. that I could configure (missed out on the HP deal) in addition to having a better feature set and being available for in-store pickup/14-day exchange. In addition, this purchase will guarantee me a $100 Business Rewards Platinum check for this quarter.

My reasoning in choosing the 2100 over the 2101 was this: The 2101 has a [marginally] faster processor (1.7 vs. 1.6) and a larger screen (15" vs. 14"). However the 2100 comes with a larger HD (30 GB vs. 20 GB) and a DVD/CDRW combo drive instead of a plain DVD drive. The difference in processor speed is virtually non-existent in the real world and because both screens are XGA (1024x768) the 15" version will have less than ½" more of useable real estate. Additionally a DVD/CDRW combo and larger hard drive are far more valuable to me personally and the smaller screen and slightly slower processor should actually provide increased battery life (I am getting about 3 hrs for apps/surfing and 2 hrs-40min for DVDs).

A couple of interesting things: The laptop has a mini-PCI slot on the bottom (some models come with 802.11b) but the antennae wires are missing. Does anyone know if the antennas are actually installed and just need connector wires thus enabling wireless with the addition of a card or are they just not installed? If they are not installed can they be? Also, both Sandra and CPUID report the processor as an Intel Mobile Celeron w/256K L2 cache. I know that Sandra is often inaccurate but why would Intel?s own tool report this inaccurately? Particularly when the tool menu says that it can recognize the difference between both mobile and desktop Celerons. Why would Intel?s tool inaccurately report on an Intel chip? Couldn?t this be construed as some sort of fraud on Intel?s part if this was true? Therefore isn?t it reasonable to assume that the part is in fact a mobile version (the 2100 series is brand new after all) despite Compaq?s blurb sheet?

Anyway, I have to say that so far I am quite pleased with the 2100US considering the price I paid. Not a screaming hot deal perhaps but pretty good IMHO. It?s doesn?t have blinding speed or graphics (RTCW gives me something like 15-40 FPS) but then no <$750 laptop will. And if you turn down some of XP?s graphics it can be quite speedy. Also, at 6-6.5 lbs with battery and combo drive it really is portable, near-desktop replacement.

i got in on the toshiba satelite 1115 deal, and its got a mobile celeron too. 256k cache. i looked it up on intel's site and well mobile celerons have twice the cache of desktop ones. the reason the 2100 US is so slow at 3d is it uses a radeon IGP, not a discrete graphics card, that was one of the reasons i bought a toshiba s1115 over it even though the cpu in the 1115 is only a 1.5 not a 1.7

 

[Jack159]

Anyone know if the Cpu's can be easily removed/upgraded on these? I have an older CTX laptop that has a p1 in it that could easily be removed - allowed me to upgrade from 150MHz to 200Mhz - A nice jump for the times

Jack

 

[RossMAN]

Poliphili - Great post, do you know how the 2100US compares to the 1500T?

 

[DTBH]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Poliphili - Great post, do you know how the 2100US compares to the 1500T?

Hmm that I would like to know too... not specs or anything but user preferences.