Is HP phasing out the Compaq brand?

I ask this because after visiting the HP Shopping site, there is not much of anything for Compaq all of a sudden. Two configurable notebooks and one desktop (which is not even available online). I don't ever remember seeing such a meager selection for Compaq, as if it is near the end of the line for the brand. Anyone have any insight?

 

It would kind of make sense. As it is, it seems like most of the recent Compaq-branded notebooks and desktops have basically been pretty much just alternate versions of HP models.

At this point it seems like the only point of even having Compaq-branded notebooks is just because some people might prefer the Compaq brand name to HP.

 

I wondered the same thing. My HP/Compaq v2000 says Compaq on the lid, but all of the software/support is HP. When Fiorina pushed the merger through, the thinking was the Compaq name would give a boost to HP. HP was mainly known for printers and they wanted more market presence.

I think they canibalized a competitor and as the supply contracts come to an end, the name will disappear.

 

Yeah, I guess you are right. The name is the only real difference but it was nice to have all of those choices of models. This will be my 3rd Compaq notebook (V5000z on the way), and it was always because I could get the Presario cheaper than the Pavilion.

Ironically, if you price the remaining units left, the Pavilions actually come out cheaper than the Presario counterparts when equipped similarly (not including rebates). Compaq units don't even have free shipping anymore, which brings up the "out-of-door" cost even more. Not exactly the attractive offer I am used to from Compaqs.

Needless to say, It is a little disappointing.

 

Actually, I think the Compaqs may still be more solid than the HP in physical terms. I know mine is solid - no flexing, nothing loose - and the thumbpad is in the middle.

The HPs I've looked at seem less solid (nothing definite, just a cheaper feel) and that thumbpad-on-the-left deal on the Pavilions is just annoying. Unless your right thumb is really huge!

 

Maybe the "economy" Compaq line is not what HP wants to be known for anymore. With their recent acquisition of Voodoo, it seems that HP wishes to grab the high-end spectrum rather than push millions of low-end/low-profit units. Unfortunately for them, volume is usually what keeps a brand profitable, not selling a few "niche" models. Just ask Gateway, as they have already learned this lesson the hard way.

 

Hmm, I love that feature.

Then again, I'm left handed.





But, I agree Compaq is either going to be on the way out, or stick around, but with a small about of models when compaired to HP.

 

Their business class Hp Compaq nc8xxx, 9xxx definitly feel of a higher quality than their entertainment dvxxxx models. They should just stay with the current situation by just adding the HP name in the beginning, while separating out the different levels. HP Voodoo for high end, HP Pavilion for Mid range entertainment, and HP Compaq for business

 

I spec'd out an HP DV6000 and a Compaq V6000 and the Compaq was still about $100 cheaper than the HP for the same thing.

 

I agree with you Tim.

Also, especially for people trying to get a good all-purpose notebook on a low budget, I thought Compaq had pretty good offerings. The HP equivalents just didn't appeal as much...

Plus they seem pretty sturdy. My dad has a Compaq that he's been using for years, and it still serves him great. There are a lot of threads here saying "this or that doesn't work well on my HP..." Not exactly encouraging.

And although a lot of people contend that HP and Compaq are about the same, I still think that Compaq is the better product. I will be sad if they get rid of it.

 

Well, if you looked at HP notebook offerings, you would also almost get an impression that HP is being phased out too. Only three notebooks!

In my opinion, they simple are in the transition period towards new models, since HP always has both the older generation and the newer generation models at the same time. Maybe they simply saw that it is not profitable anymore, since I dont imagine someone buying a dv8000 when the dv9000 is out.

 

HP Pavilion dv6000z customizable Notebook PC
RD167AV
– Genuine Windows XP Home Edition
– Mobile AMD Sempron(TM) 3400+ (1.80GHz/256KB)
– FREE Upgrade to 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen!
– NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 6150
– Standard Finish
– 512MB DDR2 SDRAM (2x256MB)
– FREE Upgrade from 60 GB 5400 RPM to 80 GB 5400 RPM
– FREE Upgrade: 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support
– 802.11b/g WLAN
– No TV Tuner w/remote control
– 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
– Microsoft(R) Works/Money
– System Recovery DVD w/Windows XP Home Edition
– HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
$793.99 minus $100 instant rebate/free shipping = $693.99


Compaq Presario V6000Z customizable Notebook PC
RD181AV
– Genuine Windows XP Home Edition
– Mobile AMD Sempron(TM) 3400+ (1.80GHz/256KB)
– 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x800)
– NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 6150
– Standard Finish
– 512MB DDR2 SDRAM (2x256MB)
– FREE Upgrade from 60 GB 5400 RPM to 80 GB 5400 RPM
– Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support
– 802.11b/g WLAN
– 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
– Microsoft(R) Works/Money
– System Recovery DVD w/Genuine XP Home Edition
– HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
$868.99 minus $150 instant rebate+$49 shipping = $767.99

The total "out-of-door" cost is more on the Compaq. This does not include the mail-in rebate, of course, but this is what you are billed. Generally, the Compaq has always been cheaper in the past. Not so in this case.

As for mail-in rebates, I still have yet to see mine on the R4000 I ordered over a year ago. I would be pleasantly surprised to get the rebates on the two V5000Z units I ordered this month. This is why I refer to the "out-of-door" cost.

 

R4000 - How'd you get a $100 rebate on the Pavilion? Isn't it only $50?

 

True, but the HPs have a multitude of configurable desktops, while the Compaq has none. This is what really caught my attention, as Compaq usually has 2 or 3 available at any given time.

This would be nice, but I find it unlikely that HP is already near to unveiling new models so soon after releasing the 2000/3000,6000 and 9000 series. I would guess that we would have to wait at least a year to see their slated replacements (IMO). I could be wrong, of course.

I did.

I purchased two V5000z units this month, when I could have bought the new V6000z models. Why? Because of price, product maturity and availability of parts. I have notebook DDR memory and PATA hard drives on hand, not so for DDR2 and SATA. I basically stuck with the basics and got a better deal all around (in my case).

Of course these two lappys are Sempron units, so I would have seen no advantage with a similar V6000z anyway (ala no dual-core).

If the V5000 was still available, I would have ordered a third. lol

 

That was the instant rebate that comes off in the shopping cart, not the mail-in one.

 

They've ditched the Compaq brand on their servers a while ago. All the formerly Compaq Proliant servers have been branded HP for quite some time now.

Wouldn't be surprised in the least of they ditched the Compaq name.

 

business notebooks are still HP Comapq

mine says HP on the outside, then Compaq nc6400 in the model part (bottom right of the screen)

 

They arent phasing anything out. I spoke with my case manager today concerning my overdue replacement laptop and I asked the question of why all of a sudden there isnt much left. The answer was they got rid of all the older models because the holiday season is coming up and they are about to release newer models for it. I dont know how much you put stock in what someone that works for them says but that was the answer I got. Have a good one.

 

Sweet! I wonder what they have in the works? I guess we'll find out soon. Thanks for the heads up!

 

Not a problem. I have no idea what they might have in store. I belive I recall reading somewhere that Intel was suppose to release quad core cpus sometime this year. Maybe they will have those as new models lol.