I purchased the HP Compaq CQ61-420US as a replacement for my old laptop.  I have been very pleased with the speed and memory storage available on it.  I mostly use my laptop for writing/composing and recording music and producing movies.  These activities can be very strenuous on computers, and I've always been impressed with how the HPs hold up (my last laptop was also an HP).  The screen is very wide, which is very helpful in composing music.  The only thing that I have had any amount of dissatisfaction's with (and its pretty minor) is the height of the screen.  While the screen is wider than my previous laptop, it is also shorter in height.  Not too big a deal, but for me it means I can not see as many of the instruments in a music score on the screen at once as I could on my old laptop. Battery Life Actually had a problem with the battery, but I'm quite certain Windows 7 was to blame. I believe this problem has been since fixed. On certain laptops (including this one) Windows 7 gave certain programs by default the power to overide standby. There were many occassionals where my laptop, while running on battery, was put on standby, but was not on standby when I returned to it. This resulted in the battery becoming overly discharged and damaged. Unfortunately I discovered this too late to save the battery (it only lasts about 10 minutes now). As I said, I believe Microsoft fixed this issue, but keep an eye out for it just in case. Support & Service Not applicable.... Have not used support and service (my brother is a computer repair tech so I bring any problems to him) Speed/Performance It's plenty fast for the price. I do a lot of video work, so I wish it was faster. However, for the price it delvers a more than reasonable speed. Durability Accept for the above mentioned battery/Win 7 issue, it has proved to be pretty durable. However, recently I have begun having issues with the left "mouse" button not working well or sticking. To be fair though, I use a "mouse" button more often than most. I click music into a music notation program and do a tremendous amount of video editing (which involves a lot of "mouse" button usage). The touchpad does offer an alternative to using the button.

earthshinemusic4u

Newport News, VA

I don't believe in paying premium prices when you can get something that has the same features and does the same thing for less. that describes my Compaq laptop.With Windows 7 installed, the start up time is lightning fast.The display is perfect for what I use the laptop for. With plenty of ram and a big hard drive, i can surf the internet, store videos and pictures and documents and have plenty or room left for anything else. I can play casual games or watch tc shows with no lag time. The laptop is solid and everyting has worked as advertised. the only thing I would like to see improved is the keypad. although it works good, i just wish the buttons were a bit more sturdy but after more than a year there have neen no problems. If yu are looking for  a basic laptop that you want to normal things like internet, pictures, games and the like, i recommend this laptop. Ot is a reasonably prices brand and goes on sale often. No need to pay premium prices when you can get this to do the same.

BabaBooey2010

Allentown, PA

I tried to clean it up by erasing some of the old files on the Compaq laptop. To make a long story short, I somehow deleted the file or app or something that actually makes a laptop portable. It was a used laptop from the begining (my mom is a VERY thrifty shopper) and after I was done with it all it was was a very nice typewriter. So I began to shop for a new one that fit in my price range. Which was a very small range. There were very few I could afford and being I am not a big computer guy to start off with I wasn't looking for anything special. So as I am looking I came across this computer. Absolutely one of the best buys in my thirty one years of life. It has plenty of memory the picture is great. The screen is a perfect size. The best part is that I don't spend days waiting for it to load things up or to navigate the web. Like I said I don't do much as far as technical stuff with it but what I do do with it is wonderful.

JohnnyChang

San Francisco, CA

Compaq Presario CQ61 Notebook PC is a great buy for a great price. I have two and love them both. This notebook works well for students, office, or simply play. I cannot think of a better choice. I love it because it is a subsidary of Heward Packard which provides excellent customer service. It is wise to get a service plan on any laptop or anytype of electronic that you spend over 50.00 on but I have only had to use my service plan once and that was because the battery died. It was my fault and they were very helpful and mailed me a new battery within days. I enjoy my notebook it goes everywhere I go. It does not run slow and I have downloaded several things on it and it lets me know when it is time for updates or to clean the hard drive. There are not enough great things I could say about my Compaq Presario CQ61 Notebook but one thing I will say is that every day I do not feel as if I wasted my money in any way.

ebony1908

Orlando, FL

After looking for what seemed like forever for a laptop that would not leave me poor, I found the Compaq. This laptop came with plenty of RAM and a good CPU. I don't do much heavy work on the computer, but when needed I like to be able to access my programs quickly. I like Windows 7, but I do not like that when you install some programs you have to do it from Admin. The Compaq came loaded with programs, but most won't work until you either buy a key code or a subscription, like the games. The battery on the Compaq is reasonably long lasting, and does charge quickly. A longer lasting battery can be ordered if you need one that lasts longer than 2.5 hours between charges. The battery does go quickly if you are doing anything graphic intensive. The screen is nice and clear, and the smoothness of the screen makes it easy to clean. Movies watched on this laptop are very pleasing. I would reccomend this computer to anyone looking for a nice laptop.

CmdrMeinhardt

Marion, AR

The Compaq Presario CQ61 Notebook PC is an awesome electronic! I have one and it has made my life much easier. Besides the obvious benefits of being a laptop (portable, fast, etc) this notebook is great because it is sleek and light weight. Gone are the days of slugging around a heavy, thick laptop whenever you need it. With The Compaq Presario CQ61 Notebook PC you can easily put it in a padded backpack or laptop case and take it where you need to. Additionally, this notebook is easy to use and very convenient. The wireless connection is very fast so no waiting forever for stuff to download. There are only a few cons to this notebook though. I've noticed that the battery does not last as long as I'd like. This can be a major problem for some. In addition, it does not have a webcam, so no Skype for you unless you build in or attach a webcam. Besides that, this PC is great. It is not too pricey considering it's good quality. I would definitely recommend it!

laurenismark

Bloomington, IN

I am dissappointed with this product.  it was my first laptop so what was cool at first was horrible later! I could not play any good games on it.  The batterylife was horrible. And it would get so hot that it would burn my leg. And it was really really noisey, like an airplane was in the room.  I dislike this computer and would not reccomend it to anyone!

linlin498

Carol Stream, IL

Compaq has definately jumped out of the box over the years - granted hp has taken the company for the better. This laptop has the all new windows os and is fairly user friendly.  Getting on the internet and finding simple programs is easy and can be fun with the new GUI interface.  The only down side is the add consumer security. It can be annoying trying to delete a file and having to click OK three or more times.  If your not computer savy then changing this setting can be difficult.  Other than the annoying security the computer is self maintained. It will download important updates automatically and install drivers for most usb devices without a disc or cd.  Also the new compaq is fast and easy on the eyes. New settings allow you to customize and personallize your laptop to fit your personality. So, If I were asked if this would be a good laptop to buy for a teenager, or business man/ woman; then I would say yes.  The Presario is a fantastic, all-around laptop that I would recommend. 

hmpayne22

Winder, GA

This is by far a great notebook computer. I've only had it for almost a month and I love it. I like to play on Facebook especially the games, surf the internet and forums, send emails and "play" at photoshop...this unit does all those things with ease...its fast and responsive, the colour is brilliant. I got an extra 2gb ram so mine has 4gb. My old Compaq presario was still going strong after 5 yrs but was rather dated...this one is a joy to work on...the widescreen is weird to play games on but you do get used to it...the built-in webcam etc is fun ...shame Office was only a trial, would have liked full version. I only use this laptop now and it has all the features and room I need plus I can take it away. The battery is not too bad as we set it to conserve energy...at highest consumption you get about 75 minutes power...much longer if you change the settings to "energy efficient". Great laptop for the price.

rsouy

Lakewood, NJ

The Compaq Presario CQ61 Notebook PC is a great laptop.  This is the most recent laptop that I have purchased.  I purchased this about a year and a half ago and I have never had one single problem or issue with it since I got it.  I think it is one of the better laptops out on the market today.  One of the best things about it is that it doesn't have a juge price tag associated with it.  You can find the Compaq Presario CQ61 Notebook PC in a large number of stores and online locations.  There is a reasonable price associated with this laptop at all locations.  The graphics are great on this laptop.  It is a pleasure watching tv and movies on this screen.  The screen is very large for that option.  The laptop is large enough to get a great movie experience, yet small enough to bring around with you and it not be a hassle.  There are no complaints from me about the COmpaq Presario Q61 Notebook PC at all!

hlazarus18

Rockville Centre, NY