Compaq Armada 100S

WHAT'S HOT:

WHAT'S NOT: Despite carrying a slightly faster processor than its predecessor, the Armada performs no better, eking out a PC WorldBench 2000 score of just 85. Like many other inexpensive notebooks, the Armada Notebook 100S has a fairly basic case design. To upgrade the tough-to-access memory, less technically inclined owners will want to return the notebook to Compaq or to their dealer. The notebook lacks a docking connection. (Instead, Compaq offers a compatibility-tested Xircom Universal Serial Bus hub for docking.) It's deplorably easy to press the power button, located on the left side of the case, by accident. Also unimpressive are the tinny-sounding built-in speakers, which tend to distort on high treble notes.

WHAT ELSE: At 1.6 inches tall, 11.7 inches wide, and 9.4 inches deep, the fireplug-shaped Armada 100S cuts a more compact figure than most other notebooks, handy in work environments where desk space is scarce. The boxy black case includes nonremovable CD-ROM and floppy drives and a volume thumbwheel. The unit's 2.8-hour battery life beats its predecessor's 2.6-hour mark by 12 minutes. The notebook's operations manual is brief but covers all the features and includes nice line drawings and a helpful index. Compaq also provides a separate ergonomic guide.

BEST USE: The Armada 100S fills the bill for small businesses looking for a basic, inexpensive portable from a well-known company.

SUMMARY

Compaq Armada 100S PC WorldBench 2000 score of 85, AMD K6-2+-533, 64MB of SDRAM, Windows 98 SE, 13.3-inch active screen, 8MB of video memory, 5GB hard drive, 10X-24X CD-ROM drive, built-in modem, touchpad pointing device, 7.6-pound travel weight, Microsoft Office 2000 SBE. 1-year parts warranty, 1-year labor warranty; free unlimited support, 24/7 toll-free support. $1599 800/345-1518 www.compaq.com