Hewlett Packard PA-8800 900 MHz processor

Advantages: Cheap, good range of options and plugs
Disadvantages: Freezes/hangs often, limited memory upgrade space

...This laptop is fine for the average user, but for those that use processor intensive software, it is best to give it a miss. I do a lot of video conversion work, such as DVD to AVI, and experience a lot of hangs/freezes. Also, although it says it is designed for Windows XP, it experiences several issues with the automatic upgrades from Microsoft - these are to be avoided! The 16MB graphics card is unsuitable for most modern games, but it has a TV out facility allowing you to connect to a TV for a bigger picture. On board memory is 256MB, expandable to 496MB, while the processor, an AMD Duron 1.2GHZ is more geared towards internet browsing in my experience. Also, i have encountered issues with the pcmcia slot, with a firewire card inserted, in that the laptop crashes often with my external hard drive connected. This probably all only... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Cheap, Good power:cost ratio
Disadvantages: Not HighEnd

...When you're evaluating this product please don't forget that it's probably only costing you £15/£20 pounds and it IS a budget processor. There is speed to be had in this processor but it's NOT 333 Mhz of speed. It's a cleverly multiplied low-end processor which has a very high effective speed. The best situation for this chip is where you could normally only fit a P166 Mhz chip. Older machines. Once excellent place for this chip is in network servers. Laugh all you will but .... You can pick-up a rack-mountable Compaq Proliant server which support 4 processors (P166) for about £250. Buy four of these and fit them and you've got an awesome little server for under £350. Add extra memory and a good HD system and you've got a VERY capabale multi-function server capable of sevicing over 1000 users on a LAN. I know this as I've done... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Good build quality, excellent support
Disadvantages: None really

...I bought this product second hand, and found it to be very satisfactory. The laptop had lasted very well, and was in excellent condition (i.e. the build quality was good). It is a very stable machine as well, and the hardware support from HP is excellent. My only gripe with this laptop is the connection for the external CD drive, which has a flimsy cover over its port. The double mouse is very good and the screen is excellent quality. I would definitely buy one of these again if not another HP laptop.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful