The PaqBook – The Compaq Presario V2617TS
Wednesday
Jul 19, 2006
No, it’s not Manny Pacquiao’s latest book. It’s what I’m naming* this newest gadget of mine, the Compaq Presario V2617TS. It’s sort of my take on “MacBook.”
I’m sorry to say I had to retire my Thinkpad 390E (look it up—it’s a really really dated model, but that tells you how hardy ThinkPads can be) since it could no longer keep up to my requirements. I do hope it’s now in good hands.
The V2617TS is not top-of-the-line but it sure is a good deal for the price I paid. And it’s good enough for my needs as a writer, pro-blogger, occasional gamer and wannabe-photographer. SRP was PhP 35,950 but I got a discount of PhP 5,000 for paying cash, bringing down the price to PhP 30,950 or approximately US$ 580 (I think this is the price listed online at the Complink website).
It’s a Celeron-M model inside the V2000 form factor, so it looks just like the higher-end V2000 Centrinos and Core Duos, save for some differences which you would only see on closer inspection (and which non-laptop enthusiasts won’t know about anyway).
Yes, it’s teh sexy!
The specs
- Processor: Intel Celeron-M 370 (Dothan core): 1.5 GHz, 1 MB L2 Cache, 400 MHz frontside bus
- Memory: 256 MB DDR (upgraded to 768 MB)
- Chipset: Intel 915GM Express
- Graphics adaptor: Integrated Intel GMA 900, up to 128 MB shared video RAM (dynamically allocated by OS)
- Screen: 14” Widescreen XGA TFT LCD (very very bright!)
- Hard drive: 40GB 4200 RPM
- Optical drive: Combo drive (DVD-ROM, CD-R/RW)
- 10/100 LAN, 56Kbps modem, two 2.0 USB ports, RGB out, S-video out, one Cardbus slot
- Weight: 2.31 Kg
- (OS not included in the package)
I’ve always leaned towards the big brands (such as IBM, HP/Compaq, etc.) and that was my first priority in looking for a new laptop. There’s something about the design of these branded laptops (design meaning not only the style but the overall concept and construction) that gives them an edge over ODM or other BTO laptops. Firsthand experience tells me ThinkPads really are built like tanks. Compaqs and Fujitsus live forever, too. And Macs never lose their sex appeal.
Yes, I know I could have bought something else not badged with the “big brands” but with better specs. But I’m a design freak. What can I say?
And then, of course, you’re paying extra for the after-sales support and online firmware updates. Got that concept from fellow laptop junkies** from Cooltoyz. So what you lose in sheer specs you make up in being sure your laptop’s in tip top running condition.
Celeron?
As for choosing Celeron-M over Pentium-M (which runs the Centrino platform), it’s a matter of price. The Celeron-M is every bit as powerful as the Pentium-M all other things equal (save for L2 cache), but the major disadvantage is battery life, since Celeron-Ms always run on full clock speed. So I usually only get maximum of 2.5 hours on a single charge.
The lowest-priced Centrino V2000 would cost me twice. Go figure.
By the way, I have a knack for pronouncing “Celeron” with a hard C (like K) as in “Celtic.” I don’t know why. Just sounds cool, perhaps.
Photos
Again, pictures speak louder than words, so I’d suggest we go mosy over to my Flickr site for photos of the PaqBook. Here are some thumbnails. You can also hover your mouse over the thumbnails for some descriptions (if you don’t want to view the larger image).
A full review is in order and shall be posted onto bLaptops once finished. For the meantime, here’s a peek into how it feels to go wide (screen) and my review of the Samsonite Inventure laptop backpack I recently got for the PaqBook.
**Trivia: I used to run my BBS on a 386SX Toshiba Satellite. That was in 1995.
Updates, as of June 2007
If you’re interested with the V2000, be sure to check these out:
I was able to have my V2000’s front bezel, LCD and CPU fan replaced at the tail-end of warranty period. Since the new LCD enclosure had WiFi antennae, I was also able to install an internal WiFi mini PCI card.
Also, I decided to protect my touchpad and palm rest with frisket film, since after a year’s use the V2000’s paint had already faded due to contact with my sweaty, acidic palms and fingers.
Recently, I saw low-end V3000 Compaq Presarios (the V3120TU) selling for about the same price I bought my V2000 last year.
Comments
J. Angelo Racoma
August 18th, 2006 at 8:10 am
Hi michel. Can you include a link to the V1119? I think that’s an older model. If it’s this one , then it’s basically a higher-end, but older model.
That’s a Centrino, but the technology used is three processor generations ago. It uses the Banias-core Pentium M, with 1MB L2 cache. In comparison, the V2617’s Dothan-core Celeron M also runs at the same 1.5 GHz speed and also has a 1MB L2 cache.
The V1119 also uses an older Intel 855 chipset, which limits your Video RAM to a static 64MB, which is eaten away from the main memory.
You would get power saving advantages, with SpeedStep and deeper sleep. Also, the V1119 has other bells and whistles such as Firewire, Infrared, SD/MMC slots, JBL speakers (better than Altec Lansing). And of course, it has built-in WiFi—something the V2617TS does not!
It uses a 15” XGA screen, though, so it’s definitely a larger machine than the V2617.
Carlo
August 20th, 2006 at 12:10 am
Hey Angelo, I’m thinking of buying the same model as yours. I just want to know if your chipsets are intel 910 or 915 gm? Thanks:)
ardie
August 20th, 2006 at 12:25 am
Hi there guys I’m planning to sell my compaq m2511 i purchased this last june 2006 lang and upgraded narin ung memory nito 768MB na sya and also the video card is 128MB, there’s no scratch and parang bago pa sya the reason why i’m selling this because is i want to buy an apple mac laptop to my friend, and by the way my compaq is under 1yr warranty, the price of my laptop is PHP 39k negotiable just send me an e-mail for those interested and serious buyers only.
J. Angelo Racoma
August 20th, 2006 at 5:53 am
Carlo, here’s what the Intel chipset utility tells me.
Chipset – Detected Chipset: Mobile Intel® 82915GM/GMS/910GML Express Chipset family
Chipset Components – Memory Controller: Mobile 82915GM/GMS/82910GML – I/O Controller: Failed to identify your ICH – Integrated Graphics: Mobile Intel® 915GM/GMS, 910GML Express Chipset Family
It doesn’t say which, though I do think it won’t matter if you’ll stick with the default configuration. It would matter if you’re thinking of upgrading your processor to a Pentium-M, since the 915GM can run up to 533MHz, while the 910GML up to 400MHz.
J. Angelo Racoma
August 20th, 2006 at 5:54 am
What are the specs, ardie?
ardie
August 20th, 2006 at 6:40 pm
Compaq Presario M2511 · COMPAQ • Intel Celeron M Processor 380 – 1MB L2 Cache, 1.60 GHz, 400 MHz FSB • 256MB DDR Memory
upgraded memory to 768MB and 128MB video card.
ardie
August 25th, 2006 at 2:21 am
for those interested I’m selling my compaq presario laptop for PHP 38,500 it’s negotiable the above are the specs and 2 months used with 1 yr warranty., for details you can e-mail me @ khalvien@hotmail.com
Compaq Presario M2511 · COMPAQ • Intel Celeron M Processor 380 – 1MB L2 Cache, 1.60 GHz, 400 MHz FSB • 256MB DDR Memory
upgraded memory to 768MB and 128MB video card.
ardie
August 26th, 2006 at 1:29 am
question maganda ba ang apple mac na g4? other than laptop na windows.
ardie
October 4th, 2006 at 10:37 am
hello J. racoma wer in maginhawa pala u located bout me i’m from teacher’s village, I want to go there sana along mini stop to try the wifi connection aabot ba un sa mini stop?
J. Angelo Racoma
October 4th, 2006 at 11:15 am
Hi Ardie,
I think there’s a WiFi place beside Mini Stop, but I’m not sure if it’s free. If you’re passing along Maginhawa, you can try detecting either my signal here at our new place near Holy Family school, or the WiFi B router I left for use by my siblings (near JMX computers). Just SMS me for the WEP / WPA key.
You can also try if my signal reaches any of the restaurants/cafes along this strip, such as Friuli, Ababu, etc.
J. Angelo Racoma
October 4th, 2006 at 11:21 am
Ardie, as for your question about G4, it will really depend on your needs. The G4 is worlds away from the usual Wintel-based laptops because primarily it’s a Mac. You would have to use Mac OS (I use OS X tiger – 10.4.7 on my PowerBook), and consequently the software that runs on Mac OS. While virtually all office and productivity apps for Windows machines are available on the Mac, too (and even more improved!), you might not be able to run some apps that are PC-only, such as some games and some downloadable programmes.
Also, the OS X and Windows interfaces are worlds apart. While I think the OS X interface is more intuitive and powerful, not all people coming from the PC camp might have an easy time migrating.
If you want the power of a Mac (and the cool factor that comes with it) but don’t want to let go of Windows as easily, you can get yourself one of the newer Macs, which are Intel-based. You can officially install Windows XP (and even Vista) on it, with Apple’s boot camp software. You can then dual boot to both OS X and Windows, so you can have the best of both worlds.
ardie
October 4th, 2006 at 11:37 am
elow j racoma, how can i send u an sms? dont know ur number, near lang kami sa holy family if u know eunilane grocery store were near there in also in clarete school, still have ur compaq laptop? i’m planning to sell this compaq laptop and buy a new v3000 compaq, 3 months old and under warranty pa sya just e-mail mo ur number na lang. baka may friend kang interested.
ardie
October 12th, 2006 at 10:15 pm
elow j racoma, I have a question maganda ba ung msi s260-s na laptop? because i’m planning to buy eh and 12” lang sya and the battery would take 4hrs other than compaq, any suggestion or feedback about msi laptop tnx..
Henry
April 6th, 2007 at 1:56 am
good bro..
I just want to ask where is the service center for compaq notebook in manila..I have a compaq presario.
Richard
April 18th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
Sirs,
I need your help po. I want to upgrade the memory of my Compaq Presario V2617TS. Does anyone know po the part number of the 512 memory for this laptop? Where can I buy the memory and how much is the average cost of a 512mb. Thank you in advance!
J. Angelo Racoma
April 18th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Hi Richard. I’m not sure of the part number, but you can get any compatible DDR1 RAM module. Make sure it’s for laptops (it’s usually called SODIMM). The stock memory of the V2617TS is 256MB PC333, but there is one empty slot (assuming you bought it without any add-ons/upgrades).
You can put in an extra SODIMM stick, even if it’s PC400 or even PC533, but these will only run at 333 MHz, because the original module is at that speed. (If you remove the original RAM module, you can run the new RAM at its native clock speed, but you’d have less RAM).
512MB modules usually cost about PhP 2,500 to PhP 3,000.
Richard
April 18th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
Thank you very much Sir! Unfortunately most stores do not have stocks right now while some stores who have are over charging PHP 4,500 to PHP 5,500. =( Btw I bought this laptop last year after reading your review. =) It’s really nice! Thanks again! More power! God bless!
J. Angelo Racoma
April 18th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
That is expensive. That could get you a 1GB stick. What shops have you been trying? If you’re in Manila, you could try PC Express or Villman. Cheapest I’ve 512MB stick I’ve seen in stores in malls is a Samsung DDR1 400 at PhP 2,600 at ABC Computers in SM Megamall Cyberzone.
Richard
April 18th, 2007 at 10:16 pm
TCA, Silicon Valley and PC Corner po Sir. They do not have stocks at PC Express and Villman. Check ko po sa ABC Computers. Maraming salamat po Sir. =)
joey
April 19th, 2007 at 8:32 am
Bought mine at pc options for i think P2,250, and that was last year. So now it could be cheaper or at least it hasn’t changed much. I now have 1GB of PQI 2×512mb in my V2615US (sempron 1.8 Ghz), which amounts to 896mb since 128mb is being taken by the video/graphics board. PC Options is in Gilmore, near St. Paul… noticing that you’ve only shopped around SM Cyberzones.
Richard
April 19th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Thanks for the info Sir Joey! I have checked the computer stores at Makati but it is either out of stock or too expensive.
Btw, There is someone who offered a 256mb DDR333 pc2700 sodimm for only P1,000. He said that it is from his dell laptop. Would you recommend that I should buy it and have a total of 512mb or should I look for 512mb to have a 768mb? Thanks sirs!
J. Angelo Racoma
April 19th, 2007 at 10:27 pm
Thanks, Joey. The Sempron’s chipset gets 128MB because video RAM is fixed, I presume. The Intel 915GM chipset adjusts video RAM according to current requirements, with the minimum being 8 MB. Still, I believe the advantage of the AMD Sempron over the Intel Celeron-M is the power management.
Richard, I suggest you get an extra 512MB chip, funds permitting. But you would get noticeable improvement if you double your RAM from 256 to 512.
But if you’re using Windows XP, and if your RAM is less than 1 GB, I would say 768 is better than 512—the difference in performance is big (above 1GB, the performance differences are marginal).
Richard
April 19th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Thanks Sir J. Angelo! I’am learning a lot of things from this blog. God bless!
mocing rosario
May 25th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
hi! do you know where is the service center for compaq? or contact number prehaps? my friend bought a laptop from thailand with thai characters on the keyboard. i liked to change it.. thanks! more power!
LEO
June 7th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
Hi Mr. J. Angelo Racoma
I’m planning to buy a COMPAQ PRESARIO C501 laptop this weekend. I saw that on display in many of the computer stalls in megamall. Honestly, it is the only laptop that I like most with the budget I have. It ranges from 29950 to 31K. I must admit that I am not that expert when it comes to buying computers that’s why your opinion will be greatly appreciated sir.
BTW, the laptop is specified as follows:
Specifications:
• Intel Celeron M Processor 430 – 1MB L2 Cache, 1.73 GHz, 533MHz FSB
• Mobile Intel 940GML Express Chipset
• 256MB SODIMM Memory
• 15.4” WXGA Widescreen Brightview LCD
• 80GB Hard Disk Drive
• CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo Drive
• 802.11b/g Wireless LAN (54 Mbps)
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900
• 10/100 Mbps LAN
• 56Kbps Fax Modem
• 3 x USB 2.0 Ports
• Li-Ion battery pack
• FreeDOS Operating System
• Weight: 2.9 Kgs.
Do you think it’s cool? Or are there any other else with a greater feature than this with a budget like I have?
Thank you and more power sir.
Mike
June 12th, 2007 at 10:34 am
Sir i am planning to buy a compaq laptop same as yours, you know it really interests me a lot when i saw that laptop i know i had to buy it, although it’s not a high-end laptop but for the price, the specs and the design panalo na! specially the widescreen its like a plasma tv and also the color i love the color and its uniqe design. Congratulations!
J. Angelo Racoma
July 12th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
Leo, sorry for the late response. Were you able to buy your laptop already. It’s okay for that price, if you really want to buy a branded unit. I think that model sells for about PhP 25k these days. The V3120TU (the lowest-end V3000) sells for PhP 30k.
J. Angelo Racoma
July 12th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
Moncing, try MSI-ECS. Their website is http://www.msi-ecs.com.ph/