Compaq Presario 4410US Desktop (1.3-GHz Celeron, 128 MB RAM, 40 GB hard drive)

Rating:
Summary: OK for Apps but not for games
Review: At first the Compaq Presario 4410US seems like a great deal. 128MB RAM, a 40GB hard drive, and a 1.3 GHz Processor are in this under [$$] PC. It includes the latest version of Windows (XP) and has 4 USB Ports and a 56K modem. Now this would be fine if you rarely play games or mostly use applications that don't require much. But if you're a serious gamer like me, you should consider upgrading to a stand alone video card and/or more RAM and a faster processor. I have some "negative" things to say about this PC. First, the games run at a laughable 15-20fps. If you have a lot of Games that take up a lot of space(GTA:VC, Unreal 2, Microsoft Flight Sim 2002) you will run out of space in a matter of days. Also the boot up takes about 2 min. I just use hibernation instead. (30 sec.) If you have broadband at home consider adding an NIC card. A few positive points; great for business but it might not respond sometimes (ralely), The hard drive is roomy 40GB, and it's easy to use. I would highly recommend saving your money and bying a better computer if you play a lot of games. Great for businesses and people who need a budget system and don't play a lot of games.

Rating:
Summary: Read this before buying Compaq
Review: I am a systems engineer trained by IBM. Five months in this computer still doesn't work. Most problems are XP issues, but Compaq or Staples admit the Operat sys is flawed and don't understand it well enough to help. I asked for WIN 98 and they said no way, because the XP Op Sys you pay for isn't even givin to you...just a Compaq Recovery disk. Why can't I have the XP disc if I paid for the Licence? Your modem, sound, video etc. are whats called integrated "a chip on board instead of actual device". This is cheap and problem ridden, the Conexant modem keeps going out and the sound drivers also. Support will tell you to keep reinstalling the drivers until Warr on software is up after three months. Then your stuck with the problem. Clicking on ANY programs take a LONG time to open or doesn't respond, again no answers. I've had to use recovery and lose all data 5 times it gets so bad. All System experts will give you the same advice, either pay extra & go with a DEll only or order a computer from pricewatch.com. Actually yeeha-mall.com is highly recomended, you'll get twice the computer for less than half the price. My Fiance bought the Compaq at Staples before we met, not me...but it's my problem now.