HP Compaq Presario CQ58-100

We do have a soft spot for Compaq Presario’s. Let’s get things straight off the bat this isn’t a wonder of modern technology, it is, however, a reliable and affordable computer. If you need a computer for light work (e.g. word processing) or web browsing it’s not really necessary for you to spend more than the modest asking price of this Compaq Presario.

We also think it makes a good choice for students buying a laptop for university. Provided you’re not about to embark on something like a computer science course this laptop will definitely be able to stomach your workload.

What we like best

We see this laptop as targeted at first computer buyers. If you are trying to find a sturdy and inexpensive laptop for your child (or self) then the Compaq Presario is fairly safe choice. You get low-level capacities in terms of storage and speed so you’ll want to make sure you keep the system healthy (frequent malware checks and defrags). Provided you have a decent security package and don’t quickly fill up the computer with video files it should run smoothly.

Additions such as the integrated webcam will let you keep in touch with the family back home and the DVD drive for a bit of idle entertainment or software installation.

What we like least

It’s not particularly inspiring to look at; the large plasticky chassis has a liberal bit of pliancy which is never encouraging.

HP Compaq’s have a tendency to get a bit noisy after a while, the fan has to work harder and harder to keep the system cool and will eventually start to sound like a jet engine. In our experience this normally kicks in approaching the two year mark, so you’re still getting good value for the cost of this laptop.