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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.
Mid-size laptop computer
Not all midsize laptops are inexpensive, but most inexpensive laptops are midsize. Why? Whereas a desktop replacement is designed to deliver high performance and a thin-and-light is optimized for portability, the typical midsize laptop isn't specialized. Rather, a midsize laptop gives you everything you need for basic computing (word processing, storing digital photos), home entertainment (burning CDs, watching DVDs), and online communication (e-mail and Web surfing). Slightly smaller than desktop replacements and with limited battery life, midsize laptops aren't particularly well suited for regular travel.
Read more in the Laptop Buying Guide
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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
Microsoft Windows 7 system requirements
Ready for Windows 7?
If you want to run Windows 7 on your PC, here's what it takes:
- -1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
- -1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
- -16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
- -DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
Additional requirements to use certain features:
- -Internet access (fees may apply)
- -Depending on resolution, video playback may require additional memory and advanced graphics hardware
- -For some Windows Media Center functionality a TV tuner and additional hardware may be required
- -Windows Touch and Tablet PCs require specific hardware
- -HomeGroup requires a network and PCs running Windows 7
- -DVD/CD authoring requires a compatible optical drive
- -BitLocker requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2
- -BitLocker To Go requires a USB flash drive
- -Windows XP Mode requires an additional 1 GB of RAM, an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space, and a processor capable of hardware virtualization with Intel VT or AMD-V turned on
- -Music and sound require audio output
from windows.microsoft.com
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Home user laptop computer
Home users are increasingly turning to notebook computers as their primary PCs, as they like that laptops can offer similar performance and features to those of a desktop PC, and can be easily moved from room to room. Though of course almost any notebook computer will do for typical home use, there are two types of laptops most suitable for home users: mid-size notebooks, which tend to be budget-friendly, and desktop replacements, which are usually packed with features.
Read more in the Laptop Buying Guide
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
CNET product brief
Description: The HP Compaq Presario CQ60-220US is a 6.6-pound, mainstream notebook computer.Compared to other consumer level notebooks on the market, it is very inexpensive at around $540.The 15.6 inch widescreen has a native resolution of 1366 x 768, which is better than most laptops.Runs on the Intel Pentium dual Core CPU.This unit has a 250GB 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 frequently than other laptops 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: Suited for those who just need a basic notebook.If you have a wireless network at home, wirelessly browse the Internet from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled laptop.Archive your digital videos using this laptop's DVD burner.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.
