Differences between HP & Compaq

The Difference Between HP and Compaq:
This topic came up for the last time today. I'm going to enumerate the specific differences betweeen the two here and then sticky it, along with some other HP-related questions.

The backstory is that a couple of years ago, HP purchased major competitor Compaq, but rather than merging the two companies' products, HP maintained two lines of nearly-identical computers. There are some slight differences, however, and those are enumerated here. These apply mostly to laptops, since that is what this forum is for.

-HP machines are either all black, inside and out (a la the L2000), or black on the bottom and inside with silver lids (a la the dv4000), whereas all Compaqs have black lids but sliver interiors, sides, and bottoms.

-Some Compaqs may not have the highest-level configuration options available to them, though their HP equivalents do. (e.g. Pentium-M 770 on the dv1000 vs. only 750 on the v2000, and Turion ML-37 on ze2000z vs. only ML-34 on the M2000z).

-Four HP machines (the ze2000t, the ze2000z, the dv8000z, and the zd8000) do not have Compaq equivalents. You may, however, hear of the Compaq equivalents to the zd8000, ze2000t, and ze2000z, which were the X6000, M2000, and M2000z, repsectively. Yes, they were discontinued some time last year (except the M2000z, which was just discontinued in February), and no, I don't know why, though my guess is that this is a sign of an attempt to liquidate the Compaq branding.

-The Compaq v4000t is just an HP dv4000 that starts confgured with the 128MB Mobility RADEON x700. The x700 is not an option on the standard v4000.

-There is an HP equivalent to the v2000z. It's called the L2000, is specially branded with the Livestrong logo, comes with a $50 donation to the Lance Armstrong foundation, and is available from the "HP special edition notebook PCs" link at HPShopping.com. It generally is so much more expensive than the v2000z that you would do better to avoid that hideous yellow branding, save some dough, and donate the $50 yourself.

-HP laptops (with a few exceptions, including the L2000 and zd8000) have a "quickplay" feature that allows you to watch DVDs and listen to music CDs without booting into Windows. No Compaq machine has this functionality. As an interesting note, though HP doesn't condone running Linux on their machines, the quickplay technology is based on a stripped-down Linux kernel.

-Some HP laptops (the dv1000 for instance) also have an IR port and a remote that fits into the PCMCIA slot. This feature too is absent from their Compaq equivalents.

-HP machines tend to start with higher prices but slightly better configurations. Ultimately, however, Compaq versions are cheaper almost every time, and generally offer more discounts.

-Compaq doesn't have its own business line.

Everything else (screens, wireless cards, hard drives, batteries, keyboards) are exactly the same between the two lines, regardless of what you may have heard. Especially regarding screen and build quality, any difference between HP and Compaq is purely unit-to-unit varience, not some master plan by HP to kill Compaq users or some such nonsense. In the end, it's a battle betwen fluff and price, which not surprisingly results in better sales for the Compaq versions. HP variants do carry a slight advantage at the top end, simply because of more high-level upgrade options.

As a note, it is almost always cheapest to get the least amount of RAM possible and upgrade yourself, which is another reason Compaqs are so popular (few HPs offer the 256MB RAM option; all Compaqs do).

 

Sorry, Lowly, but you're out of date. The dv4000, for example, is silver outside. So is the dv1000.

 

Are you absolutely sure on that? Because I heard that the dv4000 has a textured keyboard and a textured touchpad.. After a while, the dv4000 keyboard/touchpad becomes shiny from rubbing it.. My Compaq v4000t has a smooth keyboard and a very smooth touchpad (A little inconvenient when the fingers are sweaty..).. No Shine at all yet, but I've only owned it for about half a month.

 

Ah, thanks for pointing that out. Information corrected.

Sidicas, I haven't experienced any difference in the keyboard/touchpad, and I think there's a v2000 and L2000 comparison review here that doesn't mention that. Could just be, as I said, unit-to-unit build differences.

 

how much money could i save if i got the least amount of RAM, and how hard is it to upgrade it myself?

 

How much you save varies depending on how much RAM you want; the 1GB (2x512) PC2700 from HP is $175, but 2x512 PC3200 from NewEgg runs about $90. The 512MB (2x256) PC2700 from HP is $50 above the 1x256MB; another 256MB from Newegg is about $25 shipped. At the 2GB mark, you can save as much as $150.

Installing the RAM itself is a snap. The RAM compartment screws are labelled; just unscrew, pop the old 256MB stick out (if necessary) by gently prying apart the prongs, and place the new stick(s) in at a 45-degree angle then snap in place. It's simple and saves a good bit of dough.

 

wow!! thanks a lot.

 

Well no, but they're called HP Compaq.

 

Yeah, I was going to post about that, but then it's got the word "HP" in it. Is it HP, or is it Compaq. It's kinda like that Liquid Ice thing I saw on TV. Is it liquid, or is it ice?

On another note, if it's possible, I think the title should be renamed to "Differences between HP and Compaq." Just looking at the title, I didn't know what the topic was about. Therefore, people browsing the forums looking for the differences between the two would look past this thread, and would instead make a thread about it, making people mad about redundant posts.

 

the keyboard and mouse bad are textured, as mentioned above, there are the addition of seperate quickplay buttons and the lids are all silver to my knowledge.
the hp equivalents are also thinner, and heavier (~0.1-.2lbs), due to the thicker casing (on the lid, i suspect). this of course leads to a sturdier body (i've noticed hp screens when pressed are much harder to ripple than compaq).
although i own a compaq v2305ca, if there was an hp equivalent at that price range (at the time), i would've definately gone for the hp. the extra durability, remote, quickplay, textured interface, and thinness are well worth the 50-150$ premium.

 

The laptops you all are talking about, are not made by either Compaq or HP as you may know. But OEM vendors. The dv5000 (which I own) is made by Compal. Whereas the business line of HP (HP Compaq) are made by Inventec.
Some of the systems are made by Quanta (which I would avoid, along with the Inventec ones) The dv5000 is based off of the dv4000 but with the most of the design flaws removed. I'll have to see about which units exactly are made by Quanta. HP just specifies what they will look like, and what the names will be.

 

...that is the case for every major laptop seller in the world.
very few companies manufacture their own laptops...
and to clarify, the companies specify the body of the laptop, and assemble them to their liking once they've been shipped from the oem to their facilities.

 

my presario V2000 was built by Quanta. Build so-so, most here complain about a loose latch. How could so many units be made with the same loose left latch? Nicely laid out and priced unit but poor quality control with that one flaw.

 

How do you know who built your laptop? My dv1000 is a great design, but build quality is so so. The lid is a little tighter on one side than the other, so when you latch it closed there is a little gap that is bigger on the right than the left. Not a huge deal, a bunch of the display v2000s and dv1000s also had the problem, but it is still annoying.

I still think I got the best laptop out there for 1000 CDN. Latch gap or no latch gap, I couldn't find anything with such an amazing screen, core duo, and half decent keyboard for the same price... But I do plan to go with a Thinkpad or HP business line next time... I know they are built to last unlike the majority of consumer notebooks.

 

Couple of points, off-topic from the thread - I can delete later if you want the thread to stay on topic.

I just bought a HP DV8000z and compared graphics cards to the Compaq V2000 and the HP has the 128M dedicated ATI GE 200 while the Compaq had 128M shared - These are apples-to-oranges models though, so don't know if this filters down throughout their lines.

Is it necessary to run RAM symetrically? In other words, do I have to run 2x512 or could I run a single 1G stick or even a 1G stick paired with a 256M stick?

Does it matter (to the above) whether I have the Turion or Core Duo processor?

I know the Nforce desktop mobo's used dual-channel RAM and recommended symmetrical (or even matched-pair) sticks of RAM, but also read reviews that said the performance gain was rather negligible (around 1-2% IMS). I also have noticed that Intel systems tend to have both slots filled and AMD seems to go about 50-50 between both and single slot systems, but don't know if there's a connection.

 

Just a note on the condoning of the use of Linux...

HP will be 'certifying' Suse on select notebooks.

http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=190301147&cid=RSSfeed_IWK_All

 

Ummm... The business machines are called HP Compaq, not Compaq. Compaq = HP = Consumer Line.

 

Found this list which may be useful for this forum.
The FULL name of the laptops is given here, including the often understood HP vs. Compaq naming.

My next task is to understand what the REAL differences are b/n the product lines, and I don't mean asthetics, etc. There must be real competetive reasons for the 3 lines of laptops. My current thinking it's just plain confusing, which means that to the average Joe looking to buy they must also think the same thing.
If I find anything I'll post it (provided it's not HP confidential... yes I work for HP )

Business Notebook PCs
* HP Compaq nc2400 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nc4200 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nc4400 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nc6110 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nc6120 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nc6140 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nc6220 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nc6230 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nc6320 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nc6400 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nc8230 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nc8430 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nw8240 Mobile Workstation
* HP Compaq nw8440 Mobile Workstation
* HP Compaq nw9440 Mobile Workstation
* HP Compaq nx6110 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nx6120 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nx6125 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nx6310 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nx6315 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nx6320 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nx6325 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nx7400 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nx8220 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nx8420 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nx9040 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nx9420 Notebook PC
* HP Compaq nx9600 Notebook PC

Consumer Presario Home Notebook PCs
* Compaq Presario M2000 Notebook PC Series
* Compaq Presario R4000 Notebook PC Series
* Compaq Presario R4200 Notebook PC Series
* Compaq Presario V2000 Notebook PC Series
* Compaq Presario V3000 Notebook PC Series
* Compaq Presario V4000 Notebook PC Series
* Compaq Presario V5000 Notebook PC Series
* Compaq Presario V6000 Notebook PC Series
* Compaq Presario X6000 Notebook PC Series

HP Pavilion Home Notebook PCs
* HP Pavilion dv1000 Notebook PC Series
* HP Pavilion dv2000 Notebook PC Series
* HP Pavilion dv4000 Notebook PC Series
* HP Pavilion dv5000 Notebook PC Series
* HP Pavilion dv5100 Notebook PC Series
* HP Pavilion dv6000 Notebook PC Series
* HP Pavilion dv8000 Notebook PC Series
* HP Pavilion zd8000 Notebook PC Series
* HP Pavilion ze2000 Notebook PC Series
* HP Pavilion zv6000 Notebook PC Series

HP Special Edition Home Notebook PCs
* HP Special Edition L2000 Notebook PC Series

Rugged Notebook PCs
* HP nr3610 Rugged Notebook PC

 

HP Compaq = Business series, better build quality, more security features, less flashy colors (all black)

HP Pavillion = Consumer line PCs

Compaq Presario = Same as HP, with a few minor differences (see first post in this thread)

Rugged Notebook PCs = Just that. Designed to take a big beating. Think of Panasonic Toughbooks.

 

OK, model lines ups for the Business range:

Business Notebook PCs

Within the line there are:
* “nx” models, such as the nx8220 for fast technology transitions;
* “nc” models, such as the nc8230 for companies that prefer longer, more stable product life cycles, managed transitions, proactive change notification, single images across products, and legacy OS support;
* "nw" models, such as the nw8240 Mobile Workstation, with ATI Mobility FireGL V5000 workstation-class graphics and workstation certification on leading CAD and content creation applications.

 

Do both companies share the same customer support lines?

 

Yes.


---------------

 

Thanks for your details.

 

Lots of good info in the above posts... Wish someone in the "know" would take the above list, and add who makes "what".

On the comments about the HP business models... I'm curious as to:

1: What exactly is "bad" about gettting a Inventec mfg unit.

and

2: How do you tell "who" makes it? .. I ask because I returned a HP dv8000t, and purchased a HP business model... nx6325 RB526UT#ABA http://www.notebookforums.com/thread176205.html



EDIT: Found out the above nx6325 RB526UT#ABA is made by Inventec ... Has been rock solid so far... Very nice machine.

3: Curious to why a mfg would have it's business models made by a mfg "that you should stay away from", "avoid".

Found the following blurbs about Inventec:

Friday, Sep 29, 2006, 4:03 pm
Apple Computer will focus its new video iPod orders at Inventec rather than distributing to both Inventec and Quanta Computer, according to component makers cited in a Chinese-language Commercial Times report.

Inventec Receives Orders from Fujitsu Siemens
July 13, 2006

Notebook computer manufacturer Inventec recently added Fujitsu Siemens to its list of major clients, which include HP and Toshiba, having receiving orders for a shipment in Q4

Inventec to ship over 2.4 million notebooks to HP in 2006
Apple Daily, May 15; Carrie Yu, DigiTimes.com [Monday 15 May 2006]

Inventec will ship around 2.4 million notebooks, over 40% of its total output, to Hewlett Packard (HP) this year, according to the Chinese-language Apple Daily. Other HP notebook suppliers this year include Quanta Computer, Compal Electronics and Wistron, the paper said.

 

I read with particular attention what lowlymarine wrote about the differences that exist between hp and compaq.I am one hundred percent in accordance with what he said.Since i bought a brand new hp pavilion dv 5163cl i have been comparing it to compaq laptops and other laptops around.That is how i came to realise these differences.I think that the hp pavilion dv 5163cl is a good laptop but for the fact that the battery lifespan on autonomy is too short and for the fact that the laptop lacks an integrated bluetooth device.It makes it difficult for me to connect to my hp printer.I donot like using connecting cords cos they are very combersome

 

Hi...yesterday I bought a "HP Pavilion DV61xx ea"...or this was what it was written on the label close to a "Compaq V6000" in the shop (Auchan...is a french international chain of ipermarket wellknown in europe). So I started my research about HP and Compaq and thanks to this forum I found out they are the same thing.....I've also found on the web that the only difference beetween the 2 brands (in the specific case of my laptop) is that the Compaq has an AMD processors......but I've not...I've a Core Duo T2050...as an HP....I'm confused...I would know (if someone has experienced something similar) if what I bought is a mixture between the 2 laptops but Compaq branded, made only for Auchan (as sometimes happens for the big shop) or it's something normally sold everywhere.....anyway I guess it's not so "normal" selling the same laptop...with 2 different brand....in the same market (Italy for sure) and with the same assistence center....really funny...

If someone can help me thanks in advanced,

Francesco

 

I once bought a Compaq v3000 series due to it's specs and all black varnish finish. It was so cool to look at but sometimes it would shut off or freeze. I re-installed from the recovery discs (took 3hours). A month later the laptop died (in-store return policy expired). Everytime I started the laptop all it did was give me 4 beeps and nothing!

I called the service center and followed their instructions on how to reset the laptop (battery out, memory reseated, etc) and still nothing. They instructed me to return the laptop, sent me the box and everything (free shipping).

4 days later someone from HP called and said they were having problems fixing the laptop at their repair facility and had to send it to Corporate in Texas to see what had happened. They were going to inspect it further and see what caused this laptop to stop functioning.

In the meantime they offered to replace the laptop with an HP Pavilion model dv2000 series with the same specs and some extras. They felt bad about me not having a laptop for 3 days. After them describing the extras I couldn't refused.

When I got the HP I could feel the quality difference. Their service is excellent. The thing is that it has a silver keyboard cover area instead of black.

 

Just curious as to why Quanta made units should be avoided. My Compaq V2000 was made by them and has performed quite well for over a year with heavy usage. Only flaws are a slightly loose latch (apparently on all of this model) and a KP that tarnished early.

 

hello.. I bought a Compaq V6000, hard Disk 120Gb, I would like to divide my hard disk or can I say create one partition more...

When I try using my DVD's Recovery system it allowed me just to format all the hard disk and didnt give any option to split.

If I try my other windows XP copy, installing a new copy, at the begging when I try to create a partition with the normal windows XP procedures, it says " no hard disk is in your system

Anyway... how to create or divide my Hard Disk using the Pc Recovery from compaq/

I would appreciate if someone could help me.

Donigilo
[email protected]

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=1805086&postcount=4["] http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=1805086&postcount=4[[/URL]

 

Would I be correct to assume that Inventec makes the nw series? I ask because I love my nw8240 but unfortunately had a string of bad luck as it took three tries to get it right. The first 8240 the mouse via either the touchpad or pointer just flat locked up constantly. The machine wouldn't lock but the cursor would until I popped a usb mouse in. The second sent the happy screen (bsod) right off the bat all day long. Fortunately our vendor set me up with a great lady at hp who asked no questions and just replaced the notebook twice and the third time was definitely the charm. The percentages are terrible but i'm happy as can be on the third nw8240 (lower end of the 3? I believe) now that it works as it should. Never had a problem in the year i've had this one. It is a PZ093UA that has been flawless through both a memory and hard drive upgrade so no complaints.

 

yeah about the shine and wear and such. i own a compaq r4000, Amd 64 Athlon chip, yadda yadda. i have used this thing like hell, and it's pretty funny because i've played so much FPS games that there is a wear mark that fits exactly the bottom half of my left hand, below the keyboard. (note this notebook is black casing on the outside, and silver on plastic on the inside. a silver spray i'd assume) on the touchpad there is a shine in the middle if you look at it from a low angle. also to boot, i've dropped this thing many times, i've dented the side heat sink, and broken the plastic lining for the heat sink. damaged the cord but is in working condition. even, the ' w a s d ' keys are worn off, (lol) but it's working like new. durable notebook, i'd have to say.

 

I bought a Compaq V5000Z last year that had a keyboard problem.They sent a box to send it in to get fixed.Well it came back with XP pro instead of xp home which was nice however it still had the keyboard problem.They replaced it with a V6000T with many bells and whistles the other V5000Z lacked.I am very satisfied with this machine.I have upgraded the ram to max and hard drive.I run many apps simultaneously.I have the hard drive duel booted with xp home and Vista Ultimate.

 

This might be the thread to ask in:

What is the primary differences between the nc and the nw series?

I'm mostly interested in the build-quality, materials etc.
I'm finding it very hard to find any reviews of the nw8440 that I'm contemplating - what would be a model with the same (or very similar) chassi, if I could find reviews of that?

 

This topic needs an update.

 

Agreed. I still have mine but have not used it for months. It just sits underneath my V5000.