Pc2700 Notebook Memory

While Compaq offers the R3000 series with several different settings, our test machine for this review included an Intel Pentium 4 CPU running at 2.8 GHz and 512 MB of PC2700 DDR memory. Our model widescreen 15.4-inch also included a Hitachi 40GB 4200RPM HDD, ATI Radeon 9000 integrated graphics processor and an internal Broadcom 802.11b / g mini-PCI card. Compaq sells the R3000 series with Microsoft Windows XP Home or, as our system is configured with Windows XP Pro.

The 15.4-inch TFT WXGA wide angle screen runs at a native 1280x800 resolution. Compaq also offers the R3000 with WSXGA + (1680x1050) and WUXGA (1920x1200) options, and a new "BrightView" WXGA screen version, which is supposed to offer a higher contrast image.

Smooth rounded corners give the black ribbon Presario R3000 and a sleek look that has proven to be very durable in a few months of use. The top and bottom of the computer are black plastic with the center, including the keyboard and palm rest, finished in a silver plastic thin-feeling. The caseback has rubber feet solid in all four corners and edges through, probably to help dissipate heat.

The choice of a different design than other laptops, Compaq has placed most of the expansion ports and interfaces on each side of the machine instead of the back. Those tired of having to turn around a computer or awkwardly reaching behind to plug a USB device appreciate Compaq design choices here. The only interfaces to the back of the computer are existing devices - a VGA port, one parallel port and a telephone modem. Although we did not use, we were pleased to see a parallel port, since many new laptops do not understand the world, but many people and businesses still have parallel printers only.

The left side of the Presario R3000 features optical drive, two USB 2.0 ports, Type II / Type III PC Card slot and a 5-in-1 flash card reader. The player can handle SmartMedia, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digital, MemoryStick and MemoryStick Pro flash storage formats. Missing is the most popular Compact Flash format, but those with a CF card can find a PC Card adapter for under $ 20.

On the right side of the laptop is another USB 2.0 port, an IEEE 1394/Firewire audio controls and sockets, a 10/100 Ethernet port and an S-Video. There is a button to increase volume, decrease volume and mute as a headset and a microphone jack. The right side also has a port that plugs into HP / Compaq base of the laptop expansion, an optional docking station that includes a wireless keyboard and mouse and speakers Altec Lansing.

The front of the computer has a button for turning internal wireless on or off, and amber lights indicating hard drive activity, power system, and AC / power. The power button blinks slowly when the system is in standby mode which is useful if you close the lid and can not remember if you have activated the device off or just go into standby mode. Also featured on the front panel are speaker grilles hide JBL speakers included Pro and a push button to release the cover latch. The display hinges and lid solid single lock really gives the Presario R3000 quality printing. We really liked this mechanism the metal U-shaped lock was easy to open and release and kept the lid tight when closed.

With many competitors offering multimedia buttons on their laptop, the R3000 offers not only the volume buttons above. Compaq keyboard utility configures the F-keys to be used as multimedia keys, but they must grow in conjunction with the function key. Since many media applicable.