RSS
Subscribe to magazine
Follow us on:
  • Recommend:
  • 0 Comments

Compaq Armada 1500c

  

Compaq Armada 1500c


SUMMARY



PRO: Excellent audio, four programmable buttons, decent performance
CON: Battery life barely makes the grade, removing hard drive is difficult


If you're in the market for a sub-$2000 notebook with the best built-in audio available--or just hate manually opening the same programs every day--take a close look at the $1799 Armada 1500c, a budget member of Compaq's desktop replacement line of portables.

Like the higher-end Armada 1750 and Prosignia 140 and 160 notebooks, the 1500c boasts Compaq's superior stereo sound. Another plus: The CD-ROM drive is fixed, but you can swap the floppy drive for a second lithium-ion battery ($186) or a second hard drive ($1260 for 6.4GB).

Some components you might want to upgrade are unusually hard to reach. Both the hard drive and RAM modules sit under the keyboard, which won't lift open until you remove the floppy drive, the battery, and three screws on the bottom.

As shortcuts or for several users, you can launch different sets of apps by programming four buttons at the top of the keyboard with an infinite number of named schemes, Compaq says.

We get consistently good help from Compaq's around-the-clock toll-free service in our anonymous calls. But in our survey, Compaq users complain more about problems with notebook reliability than do users of most other brands.

Would you recommend this story? YES NO

  • Recommend:
  • 0 Comments

  • Become an Android authority

    Play music or games, run productivity apps and essential utilities.

    Get the Superguide now!

Lenovo Laptop Deals

Subscribe to the Daily Technology News Newsletter - 7 days a week

See All Newsletters »
Today's Special Offers
Editors' Picks