Compaq Presario F572US 15.4" Laptop (AMD Athlon 64 Processor TK-53, 1 GB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium)

I purchased this computer for $350 after rebates from Fry's a few months ago. For basic browsing and office needs, this computer works just fine. However, I have some definite problems with this computer:

* 3 USB ports are not enough. Adding a hub will slow down your rate of copying large files back and forth to an external drive, so you will need to attach IO devices directly to the computer.

* The DVD burner takes a long time to burn a DVD, compared to my Compaq Presario desktop.

* The nVidia video card has a bug with an external monitor. Unless you turn off the monitor, if you let is automatically shut off, the cursor may disappear when using this screen. The workaround is to turn on cursor trails, but this makes the cursor less smooth to use.

* The hardware is 32-bit. I upgraded the memory to 4GB, but, due to the hardware limitation of the laptop, the amount of memory recognized is less than 3GB.

But, again, considering that this laptop sells at half the price of other laptops, it's a very good price, despite my irritations with it.

As advertised. Windows Vista Home premium has niced functionalities but one must get used to it and that may take a while. Resolution of the monitor is very good. Weight is a little too much. The bad thing is the power outlet is on the right side as opposed to the back (like most IBMs)

Bottom oine: a solid basic laptop computer, good for beginners

Though I have owned and/or used many computers, this is my first laptop. So far I love it. When I began using it I kept having unexpected shutdowns, Until I relized (probable as most laptop users relize) my laptop was overheating. I immediately purchased a cheap $15-20 dollar cooler pad. I have not only had no problems since, but am able to view a full dvd movie with no interruptions.
The new Vista is a little annoying with so many updates that don't always download in working order as they should, but I am in the hopes that as I have my computer for a while that this will let up.
PS...The big screen is GREAT!

I bought this computer for my college student daughter. She has been using it mostly for word documents, music downloads etc. We are both quite pleased with the computer speed in comparison with other models in the same class and higher price range. The large monitor is great also!

The laptop was just as described. I was leary of buying something "reconditioned", but it was fine. Only use it for internet searching and playing games, so don't need a large hard drive. Don't know how the performance would be if I had alot of pictures downloaded, etc., but it's adequate for my needs--especially for $399.