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HP Compaq CQ50-215nr Video

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HP Compaq CQ50-215nr
Created: 10/28/2008
Video description: Despite its upscale looks, the 15.4-inch Compaq Presario CQ50-215nr laptop is marred by poky performance and abbreviated battery life.

HP Compaq CQ50-215nr Video Transcript

[ Music ] ^M00:00:03

>> Hi, I'm Michelle Thatcher, Senior Associate Editor for CNET.com and today we're looking at the Compaq Presario CQ50. So this is one of the extremely low cost laptops that we're seeing and show up in retail stores. This is a retail only configuration. And if you look at it, you can't believe it cost less than $600. Unfortunately, looks aren't everything and the attractive and thin design is about the only thing that this laptop has going for it. Overall, it's an extremely basic laptop. It has a 15.4-inch screen. There's no webcam in the display bezel. There's no media controls above the keyboard. Not even independent volume controls. What there is is an independent Wi-Fi On/Off button right above the keyboard and that's it. Otherwise, the keyboard is actually full-sized. It is really comfortable to type on and if you tend to drag your hands on your wrist rest like I do, there is a touchpad On/Off button which is a hold over for me to HP Pavilion mine and it's extremely welcome. Speaking of the touchpad, it's actually made of the same glossy material as the rest of the computer. So, it provides a whole lot of drag. It's really hard to navigate with this touchpad. Otherwise the system has a really basic set of ports and connections. It does not have an express card or even a PC card slot, so if you rely on any kind of expansion cards, you're out of luck with this system. Now you might think I'm being a little bit harsh on a laptop that cost less $600, I mean, how much can you expect, right? But the fact is that you'll get more for your money with an Acer Aspire 5735. It has a few more features and frankly, slightly better performance. Or if you can spend just a little bit more money, a Dell Inspiron 1525 or a Gateway T-6330U will serve you better. I'm Michelle Thatcher and this is the Compaq Presario CQ50. ^M00:01:57 [ Music ]

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