Compaq CQ40 or CQ20 ?
Posted in Gadgets | By AhTim @ March 25th, 2009
I plan to buy my first laptop end of this month or early next month. My initial plan was HP Pavilion tx2520AU Tablet but it obsolete already. Its latest HP TouchSmart tx2z model is too expensive for me.
While choosing another model, I reduce the budget to between $2000 to $2500 (RM). This is to save some money for a DSLR camera!
An intermediate performance model should serve purpose of minimal multimedia and mainly for blogging and Internet.
Compaq Presario CQ40 or CQ20?
After browse through laptops in the range, I found Compaq CQ40-154TU and CQ20-213TU suit my needs in term of performance, capacity, design and price.
The specifications for the two models are similar except disk capacity and screen size. CQ40 has larger 14″ screen and capacity 320GB while CQ20 only 12-inch and 250GB. I like mobility of 12″ screen but have to pay more $60 (RM) for it. Why pay more for smaller screen and capacity huh?
CQ40-154TU cost $2199 and $2259 (RM) for CQ20. The price have not include Windows Vista license. It does not matter because I decided to use Kubuntu. Support open source community.
Compaq CQ40-154TU / CQ20-213TU Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core2Duo 2Ghz (T5800)
- 1GB DDR2 RAM
- 320GB HDD (CQ40), 250GB (CQ20)
- Intel GMA4500 512MB Graphic Share
- DVD-RW, 100 LAN, Wifi
- 14.1″ HDMI (CQ40), 12.1″ HDMI (CQ20)
- Altec Speaker, Card Reader, Bluetooth (CQ20)
My Two Cents
I prefer CQ20 but not quite satisfy with its Intel T5800 2.0Ghz processor. Preferably Intel P8600 2.4Ghz, run faster and consume less power.
A local store selling at standard price with good deals. Free upgrade to 3GB RAM and accessory gifts.
Which model you prefer? Or you have other suggestion for me? You’re welcome to comment below 
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Tags: 12", 14", compaq laptop, compaq presario, cq20, cq40
March 25th, 2009 at 8:12 PM
I vote for CQ-40.
Why pay more when you’ll be getting worse specs?
14″ is very common and new units shouldn’t be as heavy as those old types. Besides, 320GB is always better than 250!
I had similar problem when deciding Dell Studio 14 or 15. Eventually I go for 15 simply because it has better specs and cheaper!
March 25th, 2009 at 9:58 PM
i vote for Apple MacBook Pro 17!!! Haha, just kidding…
March 26th, 2009 at 10:42 AM
I plan buy laptop too, if screen is below 14 inch what you think? I worry my eyes cannot see well
March 26th, 2009 at 10:45 AM
pc fair next month, you think can get it cheaper?
March 26th, 2009 at 11:35 AM
@CLF: Good point to consider.
@edwineyong: 17″ too large for me. And you know the price!? Impossible.
@Sherry: Don’t think PC fair get cheaper than this local store offer. Unless come out new model.
March 27th, 2009 at 9:02 PM
the laptop I see its getting smaller and I don’t like that as seeing it will be problem.
May 6th, 2009 at 4:22 AM
i had also the same problem but i did choose cq40. i sujjest u too for cq40/ thank you