TV with DVR & Internet: $84.90/mo
Reviews from around the WebPowered by alaTest
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alaTest.com
Editors' rating: 86
Summary: alaTest has collected and analyzed 113 reviews of HP Presario cq50 from international magazines and websites. Experts rate this product 61/100 and users 80/100. Comparing these reviews to 166610 other Laptops reviews gives this product an overall alaScore™ 86/100 = Very Good.
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goodgearguide.com.au
Editors' rating: 75
Summary: For running office applications, and even for some light media encoding, this laptop is ideal. It's well-suited to home users who want a second computer, or even as a first computer for the kids.
CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Laptops. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of laptop.
Microsoft Windows Vista for laptop computers
In addition to the core functionality of the Vista operating system, Microsoft portioned out extra features into different editions of Vista, aimed at different market segments and at differing price points.
| Feature | Home Basic | Home Premium | Business | Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU support | One physical CPU, but with multiple cores | One physical CPU, but with multiple cores | Up to two physical CPUs | Up to two physical CPUs |
| Maximum supported RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Windows defender & firewall | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Scheduled backup | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Aero desktop experience | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobility center (centralized access to controls often used on portables) | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Tablet PC support | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Windows SideShow (display support for a variety of secondary devices) | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Extended media and entertainment capabilities (Media center, games,HD, movie- and DVD maker) | Yes | Yes | ||
| Remote desktop connection | Yes | Yes | ||
| Windows Fax and Scan | Yes | Yes | ||
| Sound Schemes, DreamScene (video desktop "wallpaper") | Yes | |||
| BitLocker drive encryption | Yes |
See more Microsoft Windows Vista products
Laptop computer memory size
To maximize battery life, notebook computer processors are often designed to save more energy and run cooler than desktop processors. The drawback is slower performance, but more memory can help, which it won't consume energy or radiate heat. Even better, up to 4GB of RAM can now be found in budget configurations. If you want more memory later, expansion is often a simple procedure.
See more Notebook computer RAM products
Notebook computer processors
The central processor (CPU) is the heart of any computer system and an excellent litmus test as to whether a desktop computer or notebook fits your needs. The trouble is, processor names like Athlon and Celeron are as cryptic as system names like Latitude and Pavilion. Here's a quick guide to see which chip is a fit:
| Manufacturer | Processor name | Processing power | Designed use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel | Core 2 Extreme Quad | Very high | Gaming and graphics |
| Intel | Core 2 Quad | Very high | Gaming and graphics |
| AMD | Turion | High | Mainstream |
| AMD | Athlon | High | Mainstream |
| Intel | Core 2 Duo | High | Mainstream |
| AMD | Sempron | Medium | Entry level |
| Intel | Celeron | Medium | Entry level |
| Intel | Pentium Dual Core | Medium | Entry level |
| AMD | Athlon Neo | Low | Netbook |
| Intel | Atom | Low | Netbook |
| Via | C7-M | Low | Netbook |
| Via | Nano | Low | Netbook |
| Intel | Pentium | Low | Budget |
See more Notebook processor products
HP laptop reviews
Whether you're looking for a thin-and-light laptop for home use, or a business notebook with full desktop functionality, CNET Editors review top HP laptop products in popular series including the Pavilion, EliteBook, and Compaq Business series.
See more HP laptop computer reviews products
CNET product brief
Description: The HP Compaq Presario CQ50-130US is a 6.4-pound, consumer level notebook computer.Compared to other mainstream notebooks on the market, it is very inexpensive at around $505.The 15.4 inch widescreen has a native resolution of 1280 x 800, which is fairly standard among laptops.Powered by the Intel Pentium dual Core processor.This notebook has a 160GB hard drive and 2 GB of memory.
Pros: None noted, given available product data.
Cons: The poor battery performance of this notebook means it has to be recharged more often than other notebooks in its class.Shared video memory has a negative impact on system performance which may be okay for users with more modest graphics needs.Users with more demanding needs should look to a graphics solution that brings its own muscle.
Suitability: A consumer level notebook, suited for general mobile computing.If you have a wireless network at home, wirelessly browse the Web from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled notebook.Archive your digital videos using this laptop's DVD writer.An anti-theft security tether can be fastened into the built-in lock slot.
Value: In view of its very inexpensive price, this notebook has great features for the money.Generally, given the trade-offs between performance and low price, this item will likely only appeal to serious bargain hunters.
Suggestions: (1) Given this device's Wi-Fi capability, you may want to get a wireless access point for your home, so that you can browse the Internet more conveniently from any room.(2) For help in deciding if this is the right computer for you, see CNET's buying guide for notebooks.
CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.
