samwichse
06-06-2001, 08:14 PM
I have a friend who is thinking of buying one, and was wondering if you would reccomend this brand. If not, then what type would you buy?
Click to See Complete Forum and Search --> : are Compaqs good computers?
golfcart
06-06-2001, 08:23 PM
Lemme roll out the red carpet. Here comes the largest crowd of anti-compaq people you have ever met........
vintron
06-06-2001, 08:25 PM
NO NO NO
DO NOT BUY A BRAND NAME COMPUTER!!!!!
BELIVE ME...... i am telling u this because i know three people who bought brand name systems (dell,compaq, and hp) and are VERY unsatisfied about those..... especially when they compare it to my system (custom assembled by myself). Upgrades are almost impossible and parts prices are higher and harder to find. Also, since the big companies order cheap stuff in bulk, they dont care if it's THE BEST quality or not. The only thing they care about is the quality and performance upto the sale time.
Take my word on this.... get it assembled by somebody or assemble it urself.
DO NOT BUY A BRAND NAME COMPUTER!!!!!
BELIVE ME...... i am telling u this because i know three people who bought brand name systems (dell,compaq, and hp) and are VERY unsatisfied about those..... especially when they compare it to my system (custom assembled by myself). Upgrades are almost impossible and parts prices are higher and harder to find. Also, since the big companies order cheap stuff in bulk, they dont care if it's THE BEST quality or not. The only thing they care about is the quality and performance upto the sale time.
Take my word on this.... get it assembled by somebody or assemble it urself.
randy48
06-06-2001, 08:36 PM
A Compaq is a good computer for...
1. Someone new to computers who does not plan to upgrade anything.
2. A door stop.
3. Empty it out, cut out the front, add a hindge to the bottom and a red flag on the side, stick it on a post next to the road for a mailbox.
Next...
1. Someone new to computers who does not plan to upgrade anything.
2. A door stop.
3. Empty it out, cut out the front, add a hindge to the bottom and a red flag on the side, stick it on a post next to the road for a mailbox.
Next...
golfcart
06-06-2001, 08:54 PM
Ok, on a serious note. I must totally agree with vintron. Custom built is the way to go. If you or your friend are not willing to do it, try to find a reputable local dealer. Stay away from best buy, and cicuit city type places. Do not sign your life away on some internet access rebate contract either. It is just a big scam. If all else fails, there are a few people right on this very site whom I would recommend to anyone who needs a custom system built for a good price.
No Limit
06-06-2001, 08:57 PM
I bought a Compaq Laptop and it has been nothing but problems. The restore cd that Compaq gives doesn't even work. It takes two restore cds to be sent me to before I can actually reinstall the OS on my laptop. Lately I've been getting lots of blue screen errors on my laptop and I have just reinstalled the OS on it too. Stay away from Compaq.
booya
06-06-2001, 09:01 PM
the only good thing compaq have ever made is server .... but for a desktop computer its pure fresh made cow poo
tho i love my dual xeon 400 server anyone wanna buy it it is really good :p
compaq rulezzz...hahem suck
tho i love my dual xeon 400 server anyone wanna buy it it is really good :p
compaq rulezzz...hahem suck
RobRich
06-06-2001, 09:04 PM
Outside of few select Compaq notebooks, I would generally advise against purchasing from this corporation. If name brand is a must (?!), then I usually recommend looking towards IBM, Dell, or Micron IMHO. BTW, this is from personal experience, so results may vary....
Robert Richmond
Robert Richmond
LiLRiceBoi
06-06-2001, 09:36 PM
if you HAVE to buy a brand name, dell is pretty good
sharder8
06-06-2001, 09:38 PM
Oh boy, I get to follow RobRich!!! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif
NO!!!
In this order --
Custom build by yourself,
a friend (all of us here are your friend http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif ,
a local shop,
or check out the custom build HP's at Staples, after researching. (They're the one's that you pick the parts you want and then wait 1-2 weeks to get!)
Harder
NO!!!
In this order --
Custom build by yourself,
a friend (all of us here are your friend http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif ,
a local shop,
or check out the custom build HP's at Staples, after researching. (They're the one's that you pick the parts you want and then wait 1-2 weeks to get!)
Harder
GroundZero3
06-06-2001, 09:45 PM
yeah check around thru local stores before considering company built computers. Don't go towards compaq nor gateway. try Dell heard alot of good stories about them.
Jason
Jason
MrBaseball
06-06-2001, 09:51 PM
Well, I used a Compaq computer for four years and it worked like a charm for those four years. The compaq tech support was great and helped me a lot... ofcourse that was my first computer and thats when I typed at about 11 words a minute. I don't recommend a compaq only because of the price. If he wants a name brand, go with Dell because Dell in my opinion is the best, money wise.
Ritalin Kid
06-06-2001, 10:04 PM
LOL Compaq... LMAO!!... ok.. whew.. about 1 year ago my friends mom decided to but a computer I told her I could build her a small K6-2 500 Machine for around $650.. She went bought a Compaq K6-2 500 machine from some computer catalog company for $1200 and it was the same setup only with less stuff than what I had.. It also performed very poorly in comparison.. and she paid twice the amount.. I also did an upgrade for a lady on an HP the required 6 hours of Dremel skills and woodblocks to get parts to fit I should get some pics it was so funny but I did it.. even had to modify led wires to get them to attach to the upgraded board..
Bottom line.. do it yourself.. if you don't want to do it then find someone who will at a reasonable price.. if last if you must go with a brand name I prefer Alienware if you want a computer that performs.. if it's a first time buyer I would get a Micron. I would recommend them to my mom.. as a matter a fact she already has one.. great machines.. not so keen on Dells but that's another story..
[This message has been edited by Ritalin Kid (edited 06-06-2001).]
Bottom line.. do it yourself.. if you don't want to do it then find someone who will at a reasonable price.. if last if you must go with a brand name I prefer Alienware if you want a computer that performs.. if it's a first time buyer I would get a Micron. I would recommend them to my mom.. as a matter a fact she already has one.. great machines.. not so keen on Dells but that's another story..
[This message has been edited by Ritalin Kid (edited 06-06-2001).]
surrealchereal
06-06-2001, 11:22 PM
3. Empty it out, cut out the front, add a hinge to the bottom and a red flag on the side, stick it on a post next to the road for a mailbox.
Or
Empty it out, cut out the side, fill it with sand and get a cat! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif
Use the junk inside for aquarium decorations, they will be of no use for anything else.
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif
Or
Empty it out, cut out the side, fill it with sand and get a cat! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif
Use the junk inside for aquarium decorations, they will be of no use for anything else.
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif
surrealchereal
06-06-2001, 11:28 PM
I'd also suggest reading this thread (http://www.sysopt.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/012629.html)
booya
06-07-2001, 01:11 AM
ritalin kid
alien ware computer are clone
their not a brand of computer
they make computer with the spec u want
its just like a custum build comp
alien ware computer are clone
their not a brand of computer
they make computer with the spec u want
its just like a custum build comp
Yar1182
06-07-2001, 02:50 AM
I of course would also recomend having a system built. Everyone knows at least one computer geek. Usually they are more than happy to help you build a computer for beer, dinner or both.
If you must buy a name brand PC I suggest a Gateway or Dell. I'm leaning towards Gateway because they let you open your case to do your own upgrades without voiding the warrentee. If you work for a large corperation, medium or small bussiness you can get a discount from either Dell or Gateway. For example when I bought my Dell Laptop I got 10% off the total and 50% off shipping because I work for UPS. Gateway has a 5% off, $100 off shipping discount. On a side note you can fib a little because they really don't check. The best part is you use a special tech support number that the corperations use. I've never waited more than 1 minute on hold and the tech are more knollagable.
The top of the line Compaq stuff really isn't that bad. Then again if you spent that kind of money you could of got a Dell or Gateway. Then there is the fact that you still have to deal with Compaq's customer support which is one of the worst. Finally you have to put up with all the geeks who make fun of your compaq. Somehow Compaq doesn't sound so appealing.
If you must buy a name brand PC I suggest a Gateway or Dell. I'm leaning towards Gateway because they let you open your case to do your own upgrades without voiding the warrentee. If you work for a large corperation, medium or small bussiness you can get a discount from either Dell or Gateway. For example when I bought my Dell Laptop I got 10% off the total and 50% off shipping because I work for UPS. Gateway has a 5% off, $100 off shipping discount. On a side note you can fib a little because they really don't check. The best part is you use a special tech support number that the corperations use. I've never waited more than 1 minute on hold and the tech are more knollagable.
The top of the line Compaq stuff really isn't that bad. Then again if you spent that kind of money you could of got a Dell or Gateway. Then there is the fact that you still have to deal with Compaq's customer support which is one of the worst. Finally you have to put up with all the geeks who make fun of your compaq. Somehow Compaq doesn't sound so appealing.
struggles
06-07-2001, 05:04 AM
Good servers, lousy desktops. If you buy one, dont forget to hit yourself over the head with a rock.
mkehinde2
06-07-2001, 06:00 AM
Stay away from compaq.
I use them @ work and they are CR_P
I build my own PC's
I use them @ work and they are CR_P
I build my own PC's
S.D.Willie
06-07-2001, 06:04 AM
compaq's...hmm,
my company is a compaq authorized service center. i would NEVER buy one due to the fact of how often they just **** out.
power supplies, system boards,you name it.
i replace those as often as i change my underwear. as these are newer systems im talking about too. ive built a few of my own machines and thats the best way to go. and this place is a great resource for help. good luck in your quest.
if you go the other road, dell is a pretty decent product from what i see and hear.
SD
my company is a compaq authorized service center. i would NEVER buy one due to the fact of how often they just **** out.
power supplies, system boards,you name it.
i replace those as often as i change my underwear. as these are newer systems im talking about too. ive built a few of my own machines and thats the best way to go. and this place is a great resource for help. good luck in your quest.
if you go the other road, dell is a pretty decent product from what i see and hear.
SD
daveleau
06-07-2001, 06:44 AM
The only thing Compaq has done right in systems recently was to sign a deal with AMD. I still would only buy Gateway though. Gateway has a deal with AMD as well and is a MUCH better system. Other than that, I only recommend Dell, and Sony (for laptops).
Dave
Dave
Dokeman
06-07-2001, 06:49 AM
definatly go to you local computer shop and get one custom built. But beware, not all custom built pc are better than compaqs. Just remember, you get what you pay for. I own a computer shop and primarily what we do is build custom PC's. If you do decide yo a custom built, make suer you them to use good parts.(asus or abit motherboards, IBM or western digital harddrives, name brand memory) If you have any doubt in what to get, just ask someone. And also, most computer shop will lie to people who dont know much about computers so they can charge twice as much and say "why do you want the $100 peice, this $12 piece is just as good", so if your unsure i would get a parts list from someone to take to the shop with you.
benchristian
06-07-2001, 01:18 PM
I'm gonna have to go against compaq...my friend's mom just got a compaq about a year ago and signed her soul over to compusuck for a stupid $400 rebate. The restore cd's are ****, and they waste 2 gigs of your harddrive with a restore partition that also won't do any good if you have booting problem. Also, it took forever to get into the bios because of the stupid *** startup screen so you can't see what button to push to enter the bios. then there's the fact that once you're in the bios, it's really really unorganized. All that aside, my friend's computer no longer boots because of a disk controller failure. maybe there would be hope for it if you could see the error codes or not have that gay startup screen hiding important info.
compaq BAD!
compaq BAD!
benchristian
06-07-2001, 01:18 PM
I'm gonna have to go against compaq...my friend's mom just got a compaq about a year ago and signed her soul over to compusuck for a stupid $400 rebate. The restore cd's are ****, and they waste 2 gigs of your harddrive with a restore partition that also won't do any good if you have booting problem. Also, it took forever to get into the bios because of the stupid *** startup screen so you can't see what button to push to enter the bios. then there's the fact that once you're in the bios, it's really really unorganized. All that aside, my friend's computer no longer boots because of a disk controller failure. maybe there would be hope for it if you could see the error codes or not have that gay startup screen hiding important info.
compaq BAD!
- edit - did i meantion the layout of the hardware inside?? there's a big spot for where the power supply should go...do they put it there?? NO, they put it sideways above the processor (when the comp is on it's side it's above the cpu), making pretty much all upgrades to your cpu, ram, cd drive, hard drive, mobo, and fans impossible (the power supply also gets in the way of the IDE connectors, which is why you have to move it to add or replace drives).
- edit -
compaq BAD!
[This message has been edited by benchristian (edited 06-07-2001).]
compaq BAD!
- edit - did i meantion the layout of the hardware inside?? there's a big spot for where the power supply should go...do they put it there?? NO, they put it sideways above the processor (when the comp is on it's side it's above the cpu), making pretty much all upgrades to your cpu, ram, cd drive, hard drive, mobo, and fans impossible (the power supply also gets in the way of the IDE connectors, which is why you have to move it to add or replace drives).
- edit -
compaq BAD!
[This message has been edited by benchristian (edited 06-07-2001).]
Warthog
06-07-2001, 01:27 PM
BAD!!!!
DO NOT buy from them. They use cheap, off-brand materials and cost a fortune!
I've had really good luck with 2 Dell systems in the past two years. My dad has had his Dell system for 3 1/2 years. Anytime a problem arose, they would replace it with next day air service or walk him through how to fix it.
Sure, building is the best way to go, but not everyone wants/knows how to (a)build it themselves, (b)have someone else do it and/or (c) have no tech support at all.
Warthog
DO NOT buy from them. They use cheap, off-brand materials and cost a fortune!
I've had really good luck with 2 Dell systems in the past two years. My dad has had his Dell system for 3 1/2 years. Anytime a problem arose, they would replace it with next day air service or walk him through how to fix it.
Sure, building is the best way to go, but not everyone wants/knows how to (a)build it themselves, (b)have someone else do it and/or (c) have no tech support at all.
Warthog
Richard_Cranium72
06-07-2001, 01:48 PM
In addition to all the above.
Name brand computers do one thing that really hurts you.
Background running programs that you CAN NOT turn off. Called TSR's
I bought a 800mhz Dell, the thing was a PIG, took over 2 minutes to boot up.
When running, there were about 8 background programs running that I could NOT disable, even through "msconfig" under the "run" button.
Get a machine "Custom" built by a local reputable computer shop.
Even if this means settling for a lower powered processor it will out-perform a "NAME BRAND" machine of faster CPU nameplate.
I built a 500mhz AMD K6-2 for a pal.
His kid commented as to how much faster he could play "The Sims" on it than grandma's 700mhz machine that cost $1700.00
DrVette
Name brand computers do one thing that really hurts you.
Background running programs that you CAN NOT turn off. Called TSR's
I bought a 800mhz Dell, the thing was a PIG, took over 2 minutes to boot up.
When running, there were about 8 background programs running that I could NOT disable, even through "msconfig" under the "run" button.
Get a machine "Custom" built by a local reputable computer shop.
Even if this means settling for a lower powered processor it will out-perform a "NAME BRAND" machine of faster CPU nameplate.
I built a 500mhz AMD K6-2 for a pal.
His kid commented as to how much faster he could play "The Sims" on it than grandma's 700mhz machine that cost $1700.00
DrVette
daveleau
06-07-2001, 02:00 PM
It is also not that difficult to build a system yourself. Most computer shops charge outrageous rates compared to mass produced systems and home built systems. We could help with recommendations for hardware and the assembly process as well.
Good luck
Dave
Good luck
Dave
Cygnus-X1
06-07-2001, 07:57 PM
My Compaq runs fine. A presario 7940.
We also have a HP at home as well - I learned how to screw things up on that one. heh heh..
I hear Dells are pretty good, next comp I get though I will build myself.
We also have a HP at home as well - I learned how to screw things up on that one. heh heh..
I hear Dells are pretty good, next comp I get though I will build myself.
bdunn
06-07-2001, 08:21 PM
http://www.compaqsucks.com
need I say more
need I say more
Virjo
06-07-2001, 09:38 PM
I agree with the many ppl before me that compaqs really really REEAAALLLY suck!
But, thay arent the only ones who suck.
take IBM, for example. We just a pIII 800
with 128mb RAM, and my friend has a pII 400, with 64 mb RAM, which he built himself & overclocked it (whatever that means...), and I think it it just as fast, if not faster, than mine!
Besides, their customer service is shoddy as well. We had a problem that caused our computer to freezze up when ever I tried a game, but not a business program (go figure), so we rang up. They refused to help us, even though the computer was 3 weeks old! they effectively told us where to go because we didn't buy one of their business machines. It ended up being a prodduction ffault with the motherboard, apparently. Dont ask me why it only froze on games, but it did.
in conclusion, any "good" brand computer is a waste of money. Build your own! much ccheaper, plus you learn much more...
But, thay arent the only ones who suck.
take IBM, for example. We just a pIII 800
with 128mb RAM, and my friend has a pII 400, with 64 mb RAM, which he built himself & overclocked it (whatever that means...), and I think it it just as fast, if not faster, than mine!
Besides, their customer service is shoddy as well. We had a problem that caused our computer to freezze up when ever I tried a game, but not a business program (go figure), so we rang up. They refused to help us, even though the computer was 3 weeks old! they effectively told us where to go because we didn't buy one of their business machines. It ended up being a prodduction ffault with the motherboard, apparently. Dont ask me why it only froze on games, but it did.
in conclusion, any "good" brand computer is a waste of money. Build your own! much ccheaper, plus you learn much more...
Ritalin Kid
06-07-2001, 09:46 PM
In reply to Booya.. Alienware does make custom PC's but they also have their own makes/models of PC's such as the Area 51 and offer Warantees and Tech Support which pretty much makes them a Brand name computer to me almost like Micron.. they to build custom PC's but they are a brand name.
dragonB
06-07-2001, 10:55 PM
Yea, compaq sucks.
But, similar to alienware is Nutrend. I got some from them before wiseing up and building my own.
Well built, decent price.
Only drawback is not quite enough upgrade options on all computers.
They get ranked in pcworld though.
I was most impressed by them, when my parents got a hd, and cd. It came with the hd on the primary ide, cd on the secondary ide. I know I'm strange, but I thought that was a nice touch.(Compaq would have had both on primary with an extra short ide cable that barely fit!)
laters, dragonB
But, similar to alienware is Nutrend. I got some from them before wiseing up and building my own.
Well built, decent price.
Only drawback is not quite enough upgrade options on all computers.
They get ranked in pcworld though.
I was most impressed by them, when my parents got a hd, and cd. It came with the hd on the primary ide, cd on the secondary ide. I know I'm strange, but I thought that was a nice touch.(Compaq would have had both on primary with an extra short ide cable that barely fit!)
laters, dragonB
MrBaseball
06-08-2001, 12:41 AM
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I have a compaq p2 300 running 24/7 most of the time and have never had a problem with hardware.
n715dp
06-08-2001, 12:56 AM
no
samwichse
06-08-2001, 03:04 PM
Sorry, I have this hard headed friend who is shopping for a computer, and wouldn't believe me, so I just asked and emailed them a link of this topic.
nunyadam
06-08-2001, 06:10 PM
Yes they are great!
(BOAT ANCHOR'S)
Seriously consider building your own. you will learn more about computer's that way.
There are several member's here that will walk you through building it ,or will build it for you. O.k. you say they offer tech support, Well you have(I.M.O.) some of the best tech support in the world right here 24/7/365 for free. you might have to wait for an answer,but call them and see how long you sit on hold!
if you don't know anything about building a cpu start here (http://www.sysopt.com/buildpc/)
And one last thing if you buy a compuke ,gateway,or whatever do'nt plan on upgrading until after the warranty run's out.(opening the case will void your warranty)
A couple year's ago I could'nt hardly turn on a computer I have now built,repaired ,upgraded several.(it would be alot more if I had the money.)
nunya
(BOAT ANCHOR'S)
Seriously consider building your own. you will learn more about computer's that way.
There are several member's here that will walk you through building it ,or will build it for you. O.k. you say they offer tech support, Well you have(I.M.O.) some of the best tech support in the world right here 24/7/365 for free. you might have to wait for an answer,but call them and see how long you sit on hold!
if you don't know anything about building a cpu start here (http://www.sysopt.com/buildpc/)
And one last thing if you buy a compuke ,gateway,or whatever do'nt plan on upgrading until after the warranty run's out.(opening the case will void your warranty)
A couple year's ago I could'nt hardly turn on a computer I have now built,repaired ,upgraded several.(it would be alot more if I had the money.)
nunya
marc666
06-08-2001, 07:37 PM
Compaqs are great computers if you have the following
1: A Boat
2: Need an Anchor
1: A Boat
2: Need an Anchor
Mr Miyagi
06-08-2001, 10:03 PM
Compaq makes some of the worst desktop systems, but they do pretty good with laptops. I'm using a Presario 12XL510 and it is plenty fast and trouble free, for a laptop. Their laptop easily contend with the expensive ones like ThinkPad.
JacobM5727
06-09-2001, 01:42 AM
His kid commented as to how much faster he could play "The Sims" on it than grandma's 700mhz machine that cost $1700.00 i think i am addicted to that game, i got through the 100 game days in one night and after one hundred days the game says "wow you must really like this game alot" lol anyway onto compaqs they are good if you have alot of money and little or no computer skills. i agree that dells are the better brand name also, some of my friends have them and they dont care for them. i would also reccomend not getting an nec computer system. i have had one for about three years, and if anyone has noticed, my posts are more problems then advice http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif
samwichse
06-09-2001, 10:24 AM
Like I said, I was just trying to convince a hard-nosed friend, I already knew they sucked http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif.
Warthog
06-09-2001, 11:32 AM
You are truly the wise one, samwichse
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif
Warthog
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif
Warthog
voogru
06-10-2001, 12:30 AM
COMPAQ Desktops= EVIL! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif
Compaq's SUCK they just plain STINK.
I think you should build yer own pc. im only 14 i did the whole thing myself.
my dad couldnt help me becuase he dont know much bout comps.
if a 14 year old can do it so can you!
-voogru
Compaq's SUCK they just plain STINK.
I think you should build yer own pc. im only 14 i did the whole thing myself.
my dad couldnt help me becuase he dont know much bout comps.
if a 14 year old can do it so can you!
-voogru
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