Compaq Presario R3000 Review

Asmoday · Aug 4, 2004, 10:57 AM

"With the laptop PC marketplace flooding with both ultra-portable solutions and heavy desktop-replacement notebooks, some of the best deals can be found in the mid-sized category.
Take Compaq’s Presario R3000T platform for instance. The company offers the R3000T series with a 15.4-inch screen and a number of configurations that can keep it below the $1,000 price range or over $1,300. With integrated flash card readers, a host of optical drive options and good battery life, the R300T series has a lot to offer a wide range of consumers looking for a portable computer that won’t break the bank, or their backpack straps."

Review: Designtechnica

ncantongirl · Jan 4, 2006, 02:18 AM

I felt compelled to reply to this optimistic review that was posted sometime ago, for the off chance that someone may want to know the pro's and con's of this particular notebook. I bought mine 10 months ago through Best Buy and landed a deal after rebate that priced this notebook out the door at just under $900.00. At first it was a flashy and appealing laptop that sported a wide screen monitor, subperb JVC stereo system and an unbelievable video/gaming system that wowed both the gaming and movie enthusiasts in the household. I was impressed with it's ability to keep movig through my Graphic Design programs Adobe CS2 while carrying on with other programs without flaw. However, it wasn't long that my enthusiasm changed. Not even 10 months old, the backlight burnt out and had to be sent to the servicing center in California on 12/27/05. I received news today through an India tech/customer support center that my motherboard was damaged from a broken network connector (ethernet jack) and that it will cost me $315.00 to replace even though the notebook is still within its warranty period. This news came as a shock, of course, since I used the computer that very day FED EX picked it up for the repair. I was plugged into a T1 all morning and parousing the internet. So of course, I was a bit livid knowing such information was not true in the least. So unfortunately, I am left to battle with foreingers that at times are not even coherent but have little interest in getting to the bottom of the issue- my phone conversations with their team have gone escalated with no avail. I did however take interest in finding reviews and found that not only is this common practice but Compaq/HP knows of the faulty manufacturing and tries to charge customers often for their poor craftsmanship. Here are the cons: backlights burn out way before a notebook should, the fan runs hot from use, which causes the keyboard to get hot, there have been record complaints of the motherboard and power adapter plug going out and that the battery usually will not hold the charge more than an hour at a time. Which is a shame since I have loyally found Compaq to be a solid computer for the money. This is my first notebook and I am sorely ashamed of their line now, and will hesitate to purchase from Compaq or HP in the future.

My overall recommendation is to save a little more cash and buy something that would be more reliable. I guess it is true when they say, "if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is."

Aug 4, 2004, 10:57 AM	#1
Asmoday Demonic Join Date: May 2002 Location: In the cold, dark north... Posts: 5,184 Rep Power: 69 System Specs	Compaq Presario R3000 Review "With the laptop PC marketplace flooding with both ultra-portable solutions and heavy desktop-replacement notebooks, some of the best deals can be found in the mid-sized category. Take Compaq’s Presario R3000T platform for instance. The company offers the R3000T series with a 15.4-inch screen and a number of configurations that can keep it below the $1,000 price range or over $1,300. With integrated flash card readers, a host of optical drive options and good battery life, the R300T series has a lot to offer a wide range of consumers looking for a portable computer that won’t break the bank, or their backpack straps." Review: Designtechnica

Jan 4, 2006, 02:18 AM	#2
ncantongirl DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	I felt compelled to reply to this optimistic review that was posted sometime ago, for the off chance that someone may want to know the pro's and con's of this particular notebook. I bought mine 10 months ago through Best Buy and landed a deal after rebate that priced this notebook out the door at just under $900.00. At first it was a flashy and appealing laptop that sported a wide screen monitor, subperb JVC stereo system and an unbelievable video/gaming system that wowed both the gaming and movie enthusiasts in the household. I was impressed with it's ability to keep movig through my Graphic Design programs Adobe CS2 while carrying on with other programs without flaw. However, it wasn't long that my enthusiasm changed. Not even 10 months old, the backlight burnt out and had to be sent to the servicing center in California on 12/27/05. I received news today through an India tech/customer support center that my motherboard was damaged from a broken network connector (ethernet jack) and that it will cost me $315.00 to replace even though the notebook is still within its warranty period. This news came as a shock, of course, since I used the computer that very day FED EX picked it up for the repair. I was plugged into a T1 all morning and parousing the internet. So of course, I was a bit livid knowing such information was not true in the least. So unfortunately, I am left to battle with foreingers that at times are not even coherent but have little interest in getting to the bottom of the issue- my phone conversations with their team have gone escalated with no avail. I did however take interest in finding reviews and found that not only is this common practice but Compaq/HP knows of the faulty manufacturing and tries to charge customers often for their poor craftsmanship. Here are the cons: backlights burn out way before a notebook should, the fan runs hot from use, which causes the keyboard to get hot, there have been record complaints of the motherboard and power adapter plug going out and that the battery usually will not hold the charge more than an hour at a time. Which is a shame since I have loyally found Compaq to be a solid computer for the money. This is my first notebook and I am sorely ashamed of their line now, and will hesitate to purchase from Compaq or HP in the future. My overall recommendation is to save a little more cash and buy something that would be more reliable. I guess it is true when they say, "if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is."