HP Compaq Presario CQ70-116 user reviews

FatalBusError 14 May 2009

Good: Price, Screen, Keyboard, Memory, Build Quality

Bad: Windows Vista, AOL Search, Norton FUD

Comment: I never thought I would find myself buying a TV advertised, 'just for Dixons' PC, however, here I am with a bargain machine. It took me all of three hours to download and install Ubuntu, Photoshop and Aptana - I now have a perfect web development machine. Speed is not a problem under Linux and none of the hardware had driver problems, it all just works. There is nothing else on the marketplace that offers so many pixels for such little money, the 1400+ by 900 pixels is only 'bettered' on machines costing twice as much.
The keyboard is the best I have used on a notebook for a very long time. The numeric keypad does not do it for me as I am left handed, however, the shift/control keys are big and on both sides. The notionally cramped arrow keys have not been a 'problem', even if I too had my doubts at first.
Under Ubuntu the mouse-track-pad works very well, it has not jumped randomly. There is also a little button to turn it off if using an external mouse.
I did not even notice the lack of PC-Card, all of the ports are well laid out, tough and not coming out the back - either the left or right.
Regarding the sound quality, it is the best I have experienced on a laptop. It does not go tinny and horrible at volume.
Admittedly 'Vista' is a joke, but this machine, under Ubuntu linux is a joy to use, highly recommended and at a price that cannot be argued with.

junaid87 10 May 2009

Good: nothing at all

Bad: compaq is total crab