Digital Trends

Compaq Presario R3000

August 2nd, 2004 | by Jeff Fila

Software and Upgrading

Compaq includes the usual “free” software with the R3600 bundle, and as is the case with other manufacturers, much of it was unwanted. But Compaq also does something that we haven't seen with many other manufacturers: they provide a system restore disk with only the operating system and don't force you to install the bundled third party applications. The company earns some nice points here because while we didn't want all of the “junk” they gave us, it was easy to get rid of.

They also include a version of Intervideo's WinDVD for watching DVDs and our model came with Microsoft's Works and Money 2004. One notable “freebie” in the packaging is a free month of T-Mobile Hotspot, which we used for high-speed Web access at coffee shops and bookstores during a few business trips.

There is only one device slot on the Presario R3000 models, occupied by default with the optical drive. With floppy drives a dying option, this shouldn't be an issue for most users, but we weren't able to find any internal floppy drives or additional batteries that fit in the slot.

The R3000 line has two DDR memory slots and can handle up to 1GB of memory with two 512MB sticks. Access for one slot is through the keyboard on the top (this is the one populated by default at the factory) and the other is through an easier to access bottom slot.

Removing or replacing the battery is a simple process with the quick-release lever and the hard drive can be removed with two small Phillips-head screws. One thing we really like about the Dell Inspiron 8600 and some other laptops we've seen is the quick release option to expose the processor fan or heatsink. This allows you to easily clean the dust out of the fins of the heatsink. Unfortunately the R3000 doesn't have such a feature, but the heatskink fins are exposed through a plastic grate, allowing them to be cleaned with a vacuum.

There isn't much besides the memory that can be easily upgraded. With the integrated graphics solution those thinking of future proofing their laptops for upcoming games may want to look at more upgradeable options.

Conclusion

Compaq's R3000 line of Pentium 4 notebooks is a solid performer with good looks and good features. While lacking some of the bells and whistles of other “multimedia friendly” competitors, its minimalist styling is both sleek and functional.

Backed by Compaq's one-year limited hardware warranty, the R3000 series offers a host of configuration options and add-ons. With integrated ATI Radeon 9000 graphics and integrated Broadcom 54G wireless, the R3000 is well-suited for the mobile professional or student who doesn't mind lugging around eight pounds, and the casual gamer who doesn't need the highest settings in the latest games. Its powerful JBL Pro speakers, DVD and CDR/W combo drive and 15.4-inch screen make this an excellent choice for multimedia use as well.

At over eight pounds it certainly isn't the most portable laptop available, but the weight compares favorably to competing products. If you're looking for a sturdy laptop that is somewhere between ultra-portable and a desktop replacement, Compaq's R3000 line, while not being flashy or innovative, is a good choice.