86 Responses

1. Corsarius

   July 19th, 2006 at 3:42 am

   1

   whoa! di ka nagkukuwento—you already had a new baby since the blogging workshop?! hehe, congrats! corsarify, meet the paqbook. be nice to each other

   altec lansing speakers? cool, man.

   that gives me an idea…if i have the time, maybe i can guest-write for bLaptops, for my BYON model? hehe.

2. J. Angelo Racoma

   July 19th, 2006 at 3:55 am

   2

   Heheh. I sort of hinted about it on bMonitors . I wanted to get a full review out first. But I’m kind of stuck at 50%. So preview muna.

3. J. Angelo Racoma

   July 19th, 2006 at 3:58 am

   3

   As for guest writing, sure! Not my blog, though (it’s under David’s care), but I think it would be all right.

4. Mikey

   July 19th, 2006 at 5:10 pm

   4

   2.5 hours?! I’m running a celeron too but only get one hour of battery life—TOPS. When you say 2.5 hours, do you have other peripherals activated? (i.e. WLAN card, IR, etc?)

5. jong

   July 19th, 2006 at 7:13 pm

   5

   hehe. nice. astig talaga yong itsura nyan. hehe

6. J. Angelo Racoma

   July 19th, 2006 at 10:08 pm

   6

   @Mikey, try minimizing watching porn DVDs, maybe you can reach at least two hours! Okay, scratch that. Actually I max out at 1.5 to two hours with regular use. 2.5 is without WiFi and with lowest brightness and with minimal load. Here are some suggestions for squeezing out as much juice from your batteries:

   • Add RAM - so your OS won’t have to swap to the HDD as frequently.
   • Decrease system color – change your system color from highest setting to a lower one (or the lowest one), say from 32bits to 16bits.
   • Minimize the number of running apps.
   • Minimize watching of pr0n DVDs. Do this when plugged in.
   • Turn off the ports you’re not currently using, like IR, Serial, Printer, etc. (wait, does anyone still have serial and parallel ports these days?). You can do this via the BIOS setup.

   Anyway, Pentium-M systems don’t have the problem of always running at full speed, since they have the SpeedStep chip onboard. That’s why they’re more expensive.

   @Jong, thanks! Yes, it looks very nice.

7. rodney

   July 22nd, 2006 at 9:26 am

   7

   I recently bought one last week at pcworx in gilmore. It is priced at Php30,950.00. Honestly, I really like it. Now I can write my reports and finish my work even after office hours. Not only that I can watch my favorite movies in a widescreen set-up. And I have tell you, upon seeing my laptop, most of my officemates have decided to buy one.

8. vance

   July 22nd, 2006 at 11:53 pm

   8

   nice for business related purpose… anyways, for me though i would have waited until i reach around 50 – 60 k, hehe, and get a toshiba laptop with duo core processor and dvd writer, thats just me. well aside from toshiba, I could also get a 13” widescreen macbook in US not here in Manila so expensive like 20k more fronm the original price..

   One thing though that I don’t like with the laptop it doesnt have a built-in wifi, btw is it really 4200 RPMS? not 5400 RPMS?

9. Joey

   July 24th, 2006 at 6:49 pm

   9

   “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.”

   I have an Asus A6R with a Celeron. It came with a utility, Power4 Gear, that throttles the CPU down to about half when in battery mode. For surfing and working with Office documents, the CPU slowdown isn’t really noticeable. Since you’re using a Compaq, maybe you can try a universal utility similar to that called SpeedswitchXP from this site: http://www.diefer.de/software/sswitchxp151.exe.

10. Migs

    July 25th, 2006 at 10:19 pm

    10

    Yes, low end laptop drives are 4200 RPM.

    J, did you add a PCMCIA WiFi card, like from your old laptop? I think the lack of onboard WiFi is why they discounted this unit.

11. J. Angelo Racoma

    July 25th, 2006 at 11:54 pm

    11

    Migs,

    I initially intended to add onboard WiFi via mini PCI. Apparently, though, the V2617 (and most Compaqs) have very strict device whitelists and the BIOS won’t accept the Broadcom card I tried to install (computer won’t boot up and gives a “doesn’t support this WiFi card” error message). AND the V2617 doesn’t seem to have internal wireless antenna(e), something that even low-end ODMs do (I stuck the Broadcom onto my dad’s Neo Q-Note M360 instead—anyway, it was just lying idle around the house so no loss on my end).

    Sigh.

    Anyway, Cooltoyz offered to add an Intel pro 2200 (or is it the higher one) and two internal antennae for about PhP 4k. Pwede na. I’d have to part with my laptop for three days, though, and it would most likely void the warranty since the laptop would have to be opened up in order for the antennae to be installed on both sides of the LCD (“most likely” because the unit doesn’t even come with warranty stickers—something I find great since I can add stuff as needed, such as the stick of RAM I stuck in after I made the purchase).

    It’s one thing lacking on this model. So I have to contend with using an external WiFi card. But hey, that’s P30k for a Compaq V2000. Fair enough.

12. J. Angelo Racoma

    July 25th, 2006 at 11:55 pm

    12

    Rodney, it’s great to see other people are appreciating the V2617!

13. J. Angelo Racoma

    July 25th, 2006 at 11:57 pm

    13

    Vance,

    If I had P60k just lying around the house (or in my pockets) then I’d go for a higher-end unit—most likely a MacBook, which some direct importers sell for PhP 64k. Either that or I’ll get a higher-midrange Thinkpad.

    Mmm. Thinkpad.

14. J. Angelo Racoma

    July 26th, 2006 at 12:00 am

    14

    Joey,

    Thanks for the link. Great email exchange, btw. When can I publish the comments you sent?

    Anyway, according to the Intel chipset identifier, the V2617TS does, indeed, use the i 915GM/910GML chipst (most likely the 910GML, since it’s a Celeron-M) and not the 855GM chipset as the PC Corner website indicates (and as PC Corner sales/tech people insist in our IM/email inquiries).

15. J. Angelo Racoma

    July 26th, 2006 at 12:01 am

    15

    BTW, Rodney, why are you working after office hours? You should use your laptop for fun stuff (or for working on personal or extra income-generating projects).

16. Forever Geek

    July 27th, 2006 at 12:26 am

    16

    Touchpad Fun from Synaptics…

    I’ve been such a fan of laptop TrackPoints that I didn’t know you could have fun with the good ol’ trackpad, too. Since I got my Compaq Presario V2000 laptop, I’ve been looking for ways to get the most out…...

17. Lex

    July 27th, 2006 at 12:58 pm

    17

    NAAAAAAAAAX DUDE
    OK yang notebook. What they say about branded gears is the hardwares must conform to the brand unlike generic wares practically any hardware will fit depending only on the mainboard.
    Had you asked me, I’d recomend NEO cause I got one and its doing good at a cheaper price for a greater hardware

18. J. Angelo Racoma

    July 27th, 2006 at 2:25 pm

    18

    Lex, well, the hardware (the Broadcom mini PCI) actually fit on the board, but the V2617’s BIOS won’t accept it. I think it’s more of a branding issue rather than a compatibility one.

19. randy k

    July 30th, 2006 at 1:02 am

    19

    hi sir,

    gud day.

    im going to buy the same laptop next week. recently, a friend of mine said something about the compaq dvd/cd drive. according to my friend compaq dvd/cd drive doesn’t read generic/cheap cd (brand-less cds or cd’s being sold in cylinders), it only reads imation/3m or any branded cds. just want to now your opinion on this sir if you won’t mind.

    second, do you have any heating problems with your laptop? (after using for several hours)

    thank you for your reply.

    God bless!

20. qtconcepcion

    July 30th, 2006 at 1:52 am

    20

    hello stranger =) la lang… ive the same baby tas i was wondering how long its battery life is… whew. thank god. found ur blog very useful..told me everything i had to know.. hehe

21. J. Angelo Racoma

    July 30th, 2006 at 8:51 am

    21

    compaq dvd/cd drive doesn’t read generic/cheap cd

    No problem on my end. Maybe it’s an issue with some older models.

    second, do you have any heating problems with your laptop? (after using for several hours)

    It does get warm, especially when plugged in and charging, but not really hot. I have no problem with using it on my lap for a couple of hours or so.

22. J. Angelo Racoma

    July 30th, 2006 at 8:53 am

    22

    i was wondering how long its battery life is

    I get 1.5 to 2 hours on regular use (web browsing via WiFi). I recently installed a CPU throttling utility that lets the computer run at lower clock speeds when CPU demand is low. I’ve yet to see if I get any significant battery life improvements.

23. randy k

    August 1st, 2006 at 8:45 pm

    23

    thank you for your reply j.

    i just got mine and i found out that i have to install/setup everything from scratch (drivers,OS,etc…

    oh my! anyways, i love doing the techie stuff. thanks again guys.

    God bless!

    randy

24. J. Angelo Racoma

    August 1st, 2006 at 10:41 pm

    24

    Randy,

    That’s what’s ironic about Windows XP. Ubuntu 6.06 detected everything, from the sound to the graphics adaptor, and even the MSI PC card WiFi adaptor I’m using. With Windows, you still have to install the drivers!

    This might help: Presario 2617TS Driver set for Windows XP

25. J. Angelo Racoma

    August 1st, 2006 at 10:46 pm

    25

    By the way, I read that there was a time the V2000 Presarios used the Intel 855GME chipset, and then they shifted to 915/910. Maybe that’s why PCCorner lists the V2617 as having the older 855.

26. randy k

    August 3rd, 2006 at 11:05 am

    26

    hi J.

    good day.

    thank you for your support. regarding the chipset, i really don’t know exactly what’s the difference between the two. i hope mine is using an updated chipset.

    do you know any bugs with the 855GME or the 915/910 chipsets?

    re the driver link:
    thank you. i have already downloaded the drivers but i’m still reading the set up tutorials on their website.

    i’ll keep you posted. oh btw, i’m from cebu. i’m teaching in a local univ here.

    thanks again j. God bless.

    randy

27. randy k

    August 3rd, 2006 at 11:09 am

    27

    oh, i just want to know your opinion about my plan to have the ram upgraded to 1GB.

    is 1GB too much? or i just go for 512mb?

    thanks j.

    randy

28. J. Angelo Racoma

    August 3rd, 2006 at 1:42 pm

    28

    Hi Randy. You can try using the Intel chipset identification utility here . Most likely it’s the 915gm/910gml.

    Here’s what Intel says about the 915 :

    The Mobile Intel® 915GM Express chipset is a component of the Intel® Centrino® mobile technology. Featuring the Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 900, the 915GM chipset enables 2x the graphics performance of the previous generation of platforms based on the Intel® 855GME chipset. The Mobile Intel® 915GM Express chipset also supports Intel® High Definition Audio which is a new enhanced audio specification for high quality audio enabling a premium home theater experience. Additionally Mobile Intel® 915GM Express chipset supports up to 2 GB of DDR2 system memory which enables up to 60% increase in peak memory bandwidth and power benefits over DDR memory and PCI Express* bus architecture, a highly scalable general purpose I/O for the latest industry peripherals like ExpressCard*.

    And here’s an independent review from MobilityGuru . It’s an upgrade over the older 855. I believe some other brands being retailed cheap these days are still using the 855.

29. J. Angelo Racoma

    August 3rd, 2006 at 3:18 pm

    29

    “is 1GB too much? or i just go for 512mb?”

    I’d say 512mb should be enough for casual computing. However, I do agree that with Windows XP, you can never have too much RAM—this means it’s best to get as much as you can!

    Do keep in mind that the video card would eat up to 128mb in this case (though Windows usually allocates only 10mb when you’re not doing videos or 3d games). If you can afford the extra 512mb stick, then good—that makes it 768mb. If you can afford an extra 1gig stick, then even better.

30. Joey

    August 3rd, 2006 at 4:31 pm

    30

    Just to chip in my two cents.

    For normal day-to-day usage, you won’t notice much difference between the 855 and the 915. It’s when you try to do some gfx intensive game that you might notice some improvement. no hardcore games here though. Besides, the 855GME is a DirectX 8 chipset, while the GMA900 do offer some DirectX 9 support. The ATI 200M is better in this regard as this is fully DX9 compliant allowing you to run Windows Vista Aero Glass.

    Since you already have a 256MB that came with the PC, you can just add another 512MB to make it 768MB. 128MB of that will be shared with the IGP, so you are left with 640MB… still plenty for Windows given that WXP needs 512MB minimum to run smoothly. That’s the best compromise you can get given that you’re not running the memory in dual-channel mode so no need for same capacity pairs.

31. Ardie

    August 3rd, 2006 at 8:29 pm

    31

    Hi there i’m using compaq m2511 is very cool and ok naman sya there’s no problem I used my compaq 2.5 to 3 hrs, question meron bang bluetooth na built in un? i know some other compaq there’s a
    bluetooth built in, I think my compaq there’s no bluetooth i guess, anybody using a smart bro wifi? mabilis ba un?

32. J. Angelo Racoma

    August 3rd, 2006 at 9:48 pm

    32

    Hi Ardie. The M series is good too. I purchased one back when I was working at dotPH, after quite a long selection process (we had foregone more expensive machines). It was the least expensive Presario at that time, at PhP 45k. It was a Celeron-M 1.4 (Banias core, I think) with the usual 256MB RAM, 40GB HDD, but this time with internal WiFi. My only gripe with the M series is the size! It’s a 15-incher, which is more than what I would be comfortable with.

    Anotehr gripe with 15-inchers is the screen resolution. You’d think for that size you should already have higher than 1024×768, as with IBM ThinkPads (15-inchers usually come with 1600×1200 or so).

    As for Bluetooth, I’m not so sure. Do check the specs with http://www.HP.com.

    Regarding Smart Bro, it’s definitely a no-no. Smart Bro sucks! Do check out the Smart WiFi Chronicles for horror stories.

33. Ardie

    August 3rd, 2006 at 10:07 pm

    33

    hi there J. Angelo Racoma tnx for the reply and i’m satisfied with my compaq M series and I dont have any problem yah it’s 15 inch the screen but is ok for me, I think ur from maginhawa right? by the way i’m from teacher’s village and tnx for giving me info about smart sucks bro wifi hehehhee.

34. randy

    August 3rd, 2006 at 10:39 pm

    34

    thanks a lot j for everything. thanks too joey.
    i really learned a lot..tc

    randy

35. Joey

    August 4th, 2006 at 2:08 am

    35

    Much better than maxing out to 1GB memory, I will highly recommend a switch to a 5400rpm hard drive. There is a very perceptible improvement between that and the kit 4200rpm drive. The jump to 7200rpm from 5400rpm wouldn’t be that great a difference though, except in benchmarks.

    As an analogy, the jump from 256MB to 512MB will be more perceptible than from 512MB to 768MB and even to 1GB. Windows really need at least 384MB as the barest minimum to avoid too much swapping to the hdd as the OS loads, same as with applications too. It is only when you begin opening multiple (and we’re really talking multiple) windows and memory intensive applications that you will need 512MB or better.

36. J. Angelo Racoma

    August 4th, 2006 at 2:21 am

    36

    Thanks for the contributions, Joey (sorry I wasn’t able to reply to your earlier comment).

    For normal day-to-day usage, you won’t notice much difference between the 855 and the 915.

    I do agree. At any rate, I don’t think people would be using these laptops for serious gaming, anyway. That’s why Corsarius opted for something with discrete graphics!

    ... just add another 512MB to make it 768MB. 128MB of that will be shared with the IGP, so you are left with 640MB …

    What’s great with the 915GM/910GML chipsets is that they now let the operating system (or maybe it’s just Windows) dynamically allocate RAM to the video. In contrast, the 855 chipsets always allocated the maximum available by default. This means the graphics chip will only eat about 10MB minimum from your RAM in normal circumstances.

    However, the tradeoff is some performance loss due to the need for the to process this dynamic allocation. But still it sort of cancels out—in the long run, it’s better not to give an entire 128MB (or 64MB, as with the maximum of the 855 chipset) of RAM to video when you don’t need it anyway when you’re doing casual surfing or office apps.

    I will highly recommend a switch to a 5400rpm hard drive.

    Sigh. This comes with half a day’s headache of reinstalling software and transferring files, unfortunately. Heheh. But if you have enough RAM and the system doesn’t have to swap as much, this won’t be noticeable, unless you’re doing some photo/video editing perhaps.

    Still, a fellow laptop enthusiast told me this when I asked him about bus speeds and hard drive RPMs:

    He would rather go for higher capacity anytime.

    So he’d rather go for 786GB RAM at 333MHz (as in my case) over having 512MB at 400MHz (My 512MB RAM stick is a PC3200 - 400MHz, while the original 256MB is a PC2700 - 333MHz, which makes them both run at 333MHz).

    And he’d rather go for an 80GB hard drive running at 4200RPM (is there such a thing?) rather than a 40GB one running at 5400RPM.

    It is only when you begin opening multiple (and we’re really talking multiple) windows and memory intensive applications that you will need 512MB or better.

    I run several Firefox windows with dozens and dozens of tabs each. Makes the extra RAM worth it (or maybe that’s why I’m so unproductive).

    Cheers.

    J

37. Ardie

    August 4th, 2006 at 2:25 am

    37

    I upgraded the memory of my compaq m2511 before 256mb now 768 I added 512mb and the video card is 128mb, my compaq is become faster and now I can play now need for speed most wanted the graphics is so good…

38. J. Angelo Racoma

    August 4th, 2006 at 2:32 am

    38

    That’s great, Ardie. So you play NFS on your Presario, eh? BTW, is that a Centrino or a Celeron?

    Hmm. This is the second most popular post to date, in terms of comments (second only to the PayPal4PH post).

39. Ardie

    August 4th, 2006 at 2:51 am

    39

    it’s celeron m dothan… it’s good and also I played red alert.. and guys there’s a new release battery for compaq it will take the battery life to 10hrs that is the 12-cell lithium check on the hp website for details..

40. Joey

    August 4th, 2006 at 3:03 am

    40

    Hi J.Angelo! I don’t know much about tags so I’ll just answer directly:
    I beg to differ with your friend on the hdd as much as I agree with him on the RAM. You won’t notice ANY difference running a 333Mhz stick as opposed to a 400Mhz one simply because the faster spec’d memory will still be taking the speed of the bus even if it’s capable of running faster. In this case your money’s better served by adding on capacity rather than higher specs.

    On the other hand, a 5400rpm drive will always be spinning at that speed… so you’ll always be getting the benefit of the faster drive spin. For laptops, 5400rpm is the sweet spot for system drive, as 4200rpm is just too darn slow. What is it good for then? They are just perfect as mobile USB hdd or for those portable media players. You hit the law on diminishing returns going to a 7200rpm though… as they are too darn expensive for the slight increase in performance.

41. J. Angelo Racoma

    August 4th, 2006 at 5:05 am

    41

    You’re probably right, Joey. Memory would only run as fast as bus speed, and frankly the performance improvements are marginal, unless you’re doing high-end processing. As with the hard drive—since apps load from the hard drive, you would probably notice slower program startups with slower spinning HDDs.

42. ardie

    August 8th, 2006 at 10:58 pm

    42

    hi there ask ko lang pwede bang upgrade ung motherboard ng laptop
    like compaq m2511 celeron m 1.6 pero when i saw at the mall same lang sila ng style ng laptop ko
    difference is pentium m un possible ba un?

43. J. Angelo Racoma

    August 9th, 2006 at 5:23 am

    43

    Hi Ardie. I do think you can upgrade a laptop’s motherboard, but that would be quite difficult and expensive. Perhaps a few years into the life of a laptop, you could—when you already have a lot of aftermarket spare boards for sale on eBay or laptop shops (mostly salvaged from broken laptops, I think).

    And it’s most likely that you wouldn’t even need to upgrade your motherboard. If your concern is upgrading to Pentium-M, then that would be easier.

    The M2000 series looks the same as the V2000 but it’s taller (and hence bulkier). Some other differences:

    • It has a 15-inch screen at a 3:4 aspect ratio (non-wide).
    • The M2000 doesn’t have a touchpad switch.
    • I think your model has a built-in card reader (SD, MMC, MemStick).
    • Some models have more USB ports (I only have two).
    • Some use JBL Pro speakers (mine uses Altec Lansing).

44. memo

    August 9th, 2006 at 1:32 pm

    44

    Very positive review… yes it has a sexy look but wait… looks r not that important when your battery dies on you… yes that’s the biggest flaw of the Compaq brand … and the after service here in manila is like one star rating. (Very bad) remember that the priority of the service center here in manila is still there banner brand HP. Been using Compaq for several years and like I said the battery will kill you, because you cant use a generic one … the original battery cost over ¼ of the laptop. I think Toshiba would be the better investment … or if you go for budget viper by ACI of UK would be ok.

45. J. Angelo Racoma

    August 10th, 2006 at 3:10 am

    45

    Hi Memo. Of course, looks are not that important, but overall design is—I take it from a usability perspective. Do you have a bad experience with Compaq batteries? I do think EDP sells aftermarket batteries for different brands (bought my old Thinkpad a great 3-hour batt a few months back). Also, valuepc.com.ph is capable of repacking any kind of battery (he’s the resident laptop battery expert here in Manila)

46. Ardie

    August 10th, 2006 at 3:20 am

    46

    where can i find a store selling of battery for compaq presario m2000, need to know if ever i need to buy a 12-cell lithium i think the battery hours if 10hrs? i guess when i saw on the hp website.tnx

47. J. Angelo Racoma

    August 10th, 2006 at 3:28 am

    47

    You can try Silicon Valley, TCA or Complink. I’m sure one of these are HP/Compaq distributors (I remember getting in touch w/ the marketing office for an M2000 when I was canvassing for a laptop for dotPH).

    If you need to have one imported from the US, you can ship via Johnny Air Cargo. Have HP ship the batt to the NY JAC office, and the NY office will ship it here. They have a branch at SM Megamall, I think. Here’s the branch directory.

48. Ardie

    August 10th, 2006 at 3:44 am

    48

    so you still awake, tnx for the info… and just wanna ask how much would the cost for the battery of compaq m2000? what is the model again of your compaq? question if i’m using everyday my laptop and get charged not every hour but every 3 hours becauce we know that the life hours of our compaq is 2.5 to 3 hrs right? and is it possible to damage my battery? because i’m downloading some movies and mp3z that’s why i left my laptop on for the downloading…. tnx so much.

49. Ardie

    August 10th, 2006 at 3:47 am

    49

    By the way did u try to buy something using johnny air service? how long it will take? and how much for the service charge? do u have any idea how long will it last the battery of our compaq presario laptop? tnx….

50. J. Angelo Racoma

    August 10th, 2006 at 3:53 am

    50

    Well, you caught me during my peak problogging hours. Anyway, the batt costs $179 at the HP store , or $129 after the $50 rebate. That’s about PhP 6.5k after rebate. Ouch!

    My Presario is a V2617TS.

    I have a post on bLaptops about Li-Ion tips.

    As for JAC, I haven’t tried it myself, but that’s what the company I used to work for used for US-to-Philippines parcel delivery. I would think the 12-cell batt would last 4 hours on a Celeron-M or Sempron based Presario and about 6 to 7 hours on a Centrino or Turion based Presario.

51. michel

    August 18th, 2006 at 7:53 am

    51

    i’m planning to buy a laptop and i’m torn between presario v2617ts and v1119. i honestly don’t know anything about laptops so i’d like to ask which one is a better choice? Thanks!

52. J. Angelo Racoma

    August 18th, 2006 at 8:10 am

    52

    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.

53. Carlo

    August 20th, 2006 at 12:10 am

    53

    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:)

54. ardie

    August 20th, 2006 at 12:25 am

    54

    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.

55. J. Angelo Racoma

    August 20th, 2006 at 5:53 am

    55

    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.

56. J. Angelo Racoma

    August 20th, 2006 at 5:54 am

    56

    What are the specs, ardie?

57. ardie

    August 20th, 2006 at 6:40 pm

    57

    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.

58. ardie

    August 25th, 2006 at 2:21 am

    58

    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.

59. Advertising on Laptop Lids - Laptops Blog

    August 25th, 2006 at 3:11 pm

    59

    [...] and probably earn some extra dough. August 22nd, 2006 Posted by J. Angelo in Articles at 9:22 pm 3 Comments » Related Posts: Averatec 1050 Laptop ReviewLenovo ThinkPad Z60t 2513 ReviewHP Compaq PresarioV5000Z ReviewWindows ‘error’ Could Leave Drives Open to HackersSolid $500 Laptops [...]

60. ardie

    August 26th, 2006 at 1:29 am

    60

    question maganda ba ang apple mac na g4? other than laptop na windows.

61. A Missed Opportunity (My Thoughts on the Globe Innove Bloggers’ Meetup) » The J Spot

    September 1st, 2006 at 3:26 pm

    61

    [...] For instance, I’m pretty sure my writeup about my Compaq Presario V2617 and my PTB article about the price drop of branded Centrino laptops helped people make a choice about the laptops they buy. And talking about connectivity, Abe has blogged about his experiences using Smart GPRS during his stay in Vigan. Arnold has written about connecting thru Globe’s 3G at PTB. I, too, have tried PLDT’s WeRoam a year back, and the connection was really slow. Don’t forget Smart Bro! Most posts I’ve read about it say its crappy—in strong language, no less (see the Smart WiFi chronicles for links)! [...]

62. ardie

    October 4th, 2006 at 10:37 am

    62

    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?

63. J. Angelo Racoma

    October 4th, 2006 at 11:15 am

    63

    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.

64. J. Angelo Racoma

    October 4th, 2006 at 11:21 am

    64

    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.

65. ardie

    October 4th, 2006 at 11:37 am

    65

    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.

66. ardie

    October 12th, 2006 at 10:15 pm

    66

    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..

67. What You Want for Christmas (And What 2006 Has Given You) » The J Spot

    December 22nd, 2006 at 12:08 am

    67

    [...] New toys. This year, I was able to acquire: a Compaq Presario V2000, an old PowerBook Pismo, a new refrigerator, a car, a new (cheap) mobile phone, an iPod Video, new Canon digital camera (to replace the Nikon that broke this January), and numerous other stuff. While these are all material, these are tools that make life easier. What I think matters is the added productivity and happiness that these bring about. With the computers, I can work (and play) better. With the car, the family can travel in comfort. [...]

68. Henry

    April 6th, 2007 at 1:56 am

    68

    good bro..

    I just want to ask where is the service center for compaq notebook in manila..I have a compaq presario.

69. Richard

    April 18th, 2007 at 2:19 pm

    69

    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!

70. J. Angelo Racoma

    April 18th, 2007 at 3:59 pm

    70

    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.

71. Richard

    April 18th, 2007 at 9:41 pm

    71

    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!

72. J. Angelo Racoma

    April 18th, 2007 at 9:51 pm

    72

    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.

73. Richard

    April 18th, 2007 at 10:16 pm

    73

    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. =)

74. joey

    April 19th, 2007 at 8:32 am

    74

    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.

75. Richard

    April 19th, 2007 at 3:59 pm

    75

    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!

76. J. Angelo Racoma

    April 19th, 2007 at 10:27 pm

    76

    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).

77. Richard

    April 19th, 2007 at 10:45 pm

    77

    Thanks Sir J. Angelo! I’am learning a lot of things from this blog. God bless!

78. mocing rosario

    May 25th, 2007 at 2:40 pm

    78

    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!

79. LEO

    June 7th, 2007 at 7:45 pm

    79

    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.

80. Mike

    June 12th, 2007 at 10:34 am

    80

    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!

81. Cheap Laptop Find: Compaq Presario V3120TU at PhP 29,900 | The J Spot

    July 2nd, 2007 at 6:25 pm

    81

    [...] display in SM Megamall Cyberzone last weekend. It’s the upgrade to my own low-end V2000 (which I bought for about PhP31,000 a year ago). the V3120TU runs on a Celeron-M 420 (1.6 GHz), 256MB DDR-2 533, 60GB hard drive and has a 14-inch [...]

82. My New Laptop | The J Spot

    July 11th, 2007 at 3:34 am

    82

    [...] a what-was-i-thinking moment a couple of weeks ago, I was considering selling my trusty Compaq Presario V2617, possibly to finance an upgrade. I posted on TPC I had a lot of offers for the price (I got dozens [...]

83. Protecting Your Laptop Palm Rest and Touchpad With Frisket Film | The J Spot

    July 12th, 2007 at 8:41 pm

    83

    [...] I first got my Compaq Presario V2000 I thought it would be invulnerable, like my old Thinkpad. However, a few weeks into use, I realized [...]

84. J. Angelo Racoma

    July 12th, 2007 at 8:59 pm

    84

    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.

85. J. Angelo Racoma

    July 12th, 2007 at 8:59 pm

    85

    Moncing, try MSI-ECS. Their website is http://www.msi-ecs.com.ph/

86. where can i download a fax program for windows vista

    January 29th, 2008 at 7:02 pm

    86

    where can i download a fax program for windows vista…

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