Compaq Presario v2000z Review (pics, specs)

Thank you for the speedy response. I think I will go with the Brightview screen, as I wont have any other way to watch DVDs while in germany. I think I can handle the glare. Also now that I have looked at some prices for the double layer burners, that is a pretty good deal.

Another question I have, is I believe that the 512 MB RAM is enough for what I will need, but I could upgrade it to 1GB for $100. But I have seen a lot of posts of everyone adding more RAM theirselves. Right now I am getting 2x(256MB). They want to add $25.00 for 1x(512MB). Or i could just order the basic 256MB and save 50 dollars. I guess I have 4 options here....sorry if this is getting complicated.

Options:
1. Purchase the 512MB (2x156MB) and leave as is.
2. Purchase the 256MB (saving me $50) and then add 512MB on my own as soon as I get it for a total of 768MB.
3. Purchase the 512MB (1x512MB), and then upgrade myself to 1GB when I get back from Germany.
4. Purchase the 1GB now for an additional $100.

I know some of this might come down to preference, but what would you do, and what is the best deal money wise? I'm leaning towards 2 and 3, they look a lot cheaper.

 

2. Purchase the 256MB (saving me $50) and then add 512MB on my own as soon as I get it for a total of 768MB. -

Buy a Corsair 512MB DDR400 for $45 and add yourself. 768MB is pretty good with most applications and games.

 

That sounds pretty good to me. I read in an earlier post that even if you add additional RAM at DDR400, it will only run at DDR333 if thats what the other RAM is, and I know that the 256MB that will come with this v2000z are DDR333. Is this a problem I should worry about, or is it not really that big of a deal.

Also a friend said that upgrading myself will void the warranty, is that right?

 

The memory supplied by HP is DDR333, but you can add DDR400 RAM, and both run happily at DDR333 speed. But when you to upgrade to 1GB later, you just buy another 512MB DDR400 stick and replace 256MB DDR333. Then whole memory will run at DDR400 speed( DDR400 helps in all area and can add upto 10-15% improvement including video).

No, upgrading memory DOES NOT VOID warranty. So, do not worry about it.

 

Alright, that all sounds fantastic, I think I'm ready to buy, I just have to figure out whether its cheaper online with hp or Office Depot. Thank you so much for all of your help.

 

I finally ordered my v2000z earlier tonight.

AMD Turion 64 ML-34
40 GB 4200 RPM HD
14.0 WXGA BrightView Widescreen
512MB Memory (1x512MB)
DVD+/-R/RW Drive - Double Layer
Windows XP Home w/SP2
ATI RADEON XPRESS 200M w/productivity ports
6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
54g 802.11b/g WLAN w/ 125HSM/SpeedBooster
HP PSC 1410 all-in-one

$805! I'm pretty happy about it. I'm going to upgrade the RAM later, but I figure that will at least get me through my trip fine. I probably don't have time to mess with it now anyway since I will have to leave for Germany probably as soon as it gets here. Thanks for all your help chinna n!

 

Thanks chinna_n and strider70 for your responses. For strider70, have you ever tested your modules with Memtest86 or Prime95? I have finally tested the 2 individual OCZ 512 MB RAM modules (DDR400) and they both fail with Memtest86+, in tests 3,4,5...Yet either of these OCZ modules PASS when run at DDR333 (well 167 really as I understand) with the original OEM 256 MB. Is this is an issue with this particular motherboard not being compatible with DDR400? Also confused because CPU-z says I have Chipset ATI RS480 rev. 10 while Memtest has a line which says "ATi482". I am not sure if they are talking about the same thing and whether it's an issue. I am happy to try Corsair's RAM but worried about the motherboard. Anything else I can try?

 

First off, wow, awesome thread, I have learned so much by reading through it. Secondly, thanks alot to all the great people answering questions.
This is a tricky one and if anyone could take a crack at it it would be greatly appreciated.
1. I just ordered a 400 mhz ocz 512 mb for my compaq presario m2105 (2800 sempron). I already have a 400 mhz stick working fine, but it has a CL of 3, while the ocz has a CL of 2.5, will this be compatible, cause problems, will the 2.5 just run at 3, or can they run at different CL's?

2. While doing testing, I noticed a reasonable fps increase (16%) when using a 400mhz stick compared to a 333 (presumably because the gpu uses shared memory). So I'd like to know if someone knows from which slot the gpu uses the memory and if it would be preferable to put the lower CL stick in that slot.
Thanks alot to anyone who gives it a try!

My specs
Presario m2105CA, paid 700$ CAD
512 mb 333mhz, 512 mb 400mhz, another 512 mb 400 on the way
Sempron 2800 1.6ghz, undercloakable to 720 mhz min, overclockable safely to 1820 mhz
40 Gb, 4200 rpm

 

If anyone still wants to answer my questions it would be very interesting to know but you dont need to since I have asked the company to cancel my order (I didn't read the posts with the bad ocz 400 mhz reviews before ordering ) and will now order what seems to be the safer bet with the corsair sodimm pc3200. My other stick has a CL of 3 clocks anyways.

 

i got 52C for the harddisc, poor design harddisc module.

 

Unfortunately, it is true for several Thin N Light notebooks, esp HP ( L2000/V2000/V2000z, DV1000 etc). There is no proper cooling provision for HDDs in many of these laptop. It also depends on HDD you have, some run quite hotter than others.( old gen Toshiba and Hitachis little little hotter thab Fujistu and Segates).

 

I find popping the PCMCIA dummy card out lowers the HDD temp a few degrees. I do this usually during defrag or when transferring large files.

 

Yes, I was wondering why the PC3200 RAM works in the system. The board is a FSB 333, so how would Faster RAM work in it. You might be able to install it, but it should still run at 333mhz.

I'm also wondering how to get it so I can share more RAM with the Video Card. Games will run better, and I am going to have 2 GB of RAM soon enough. However 128 MB for the Video is a little less than I would like. Can anyone tell me if they know how to make it so I can share atleast 256?

 

No the board supports DDR400 because, ATI's RS480/482 chipset supports DDR400 RAM. That is the chipset used in V2000z/L2000 laptops. ( Go thru the thread it has snap shots too). Even dv5000z is same thing.

And which is stable in these laptops, I use Corsair DDR400( see my sig) and it runs at DDR400 speed. This improve Video performance by 10+% . (see the thread again!!). Because of HyperMemory feature, if you allocate 128MB in the Bios( provided you have more than 512MB), the driver HyperMemory feature allocates another 128MB, making it total 256MB.( same like Intel DVMT).

Ofcourse how good it is even with 256MB is a different story.

Appreciate if you read the thread, before posting some assumed/guessed info.

 

I recently downloaded memtest 3.3 and ran it with my 2x512 MB of
OC400512VSO. I stopped at 100% coverage. At this point, I had 1845 errors about problems copying data to location of word pairs. Upon stopping memTest, the program just hanged and my hdd was being read non-stop.
I had to end task it.

I tried running memtest again after several laptop shut downs. But the program just hangs upon execution. I'll play around with the ram more once finals are over.

Does anyone know a way to underclock my RAM from ddr400 to ddr333 w/o having to replace my sodimms? Im not allowed to do this in the BIOS neither (there was no option to allow me to).

 

You could do it once windows is loaded with A64Tweaker application, But I would suggest replace those DIMMS with Corsair DDR400 which has higher latency, should work fine( I am using those).

 

I decided to run memtest 3.3 again (sure why not). And this time I have 49 errors at 100% coverage. It would be naive of me to think this number will decrease the more times I run memtest

Yeah, I wasted a good 105 bux on RAM. But hey at least the RAM behaves enough when Im not stressing it. I can still play counter-strike on medium settings

Thanks chinn_n for the software advice. Though Im not sure I'd want to fiddle with it. IF only the BIOS would let me adjust it. OR I could just swap out one of my sodimms with a 256mb ddr333. But what a waste of a 512 ram.
ARG

 

please forgive me if this is has already been answered as this is a long thread and I have not read all of it just yet.
Also I don't know a whole lot about computer hardware but I do know a fair amount of physics.
this problem sounds like an issue due to charge build up on the touch pad specifically
this could be the cause

if you are useing a 2 pronged power cable or an adaptor it does not have the ground wire to disipate the static biuld-up caused by useing an AC(alternating) power source. the battery is a DC power source and would not cause static build up (at least as much) on the laptop. this would explain why the promblem stops for a while when you switch plugs because when you touch the plug you ground it. the reason jumps and double clicks is because the touchpad works by picking up the electric field around your finger. if there was a static dischage it would cause a sudden increase in the field strength and cause the appearance of you tapping the pad twice very quickly.
if this is the case switching to a 3 pronged plug would fix the problem

I hope this helps and again I'm sorry if this has already been answered.

 

Just bought myself a V2000Z. Got the 2.0GHz Turion, and separately upgraded to 1GB of Corsair DDR400 from CheifValue or.. whatever that place is called - thx for that suggestion chinna_n! Also upgraded to a 60GB 5400rpm Hitachi drive from NewEgg.

Some thoughts:

I like the machine a lot - it's a fine replacement for my 2001 Dell Latitude C600 850MHz laptop, which has soldiered on well but finally couldn't keep up with what I pushed it to do.

I like the large keys on the keyboard. Wireless works great and connects instantly to my router. The built-in speakers have surprisingly good sound - enough that some mids can be heard. And the screen has a very bright, sharp picture which is easy to look at.

I bought the 12-cell battery. It lasts a very long time, and I do like how it props up the back of the machine when using it on a tabletop. But the battery is quick heavy - more noticable than I expected.

Which leads to my question:
- Is there a recommended source to buy a 6-cell battery for this machine? They're $125 from HP, I'm not paying that. $50-60 would be much better. Having both the 6-cell and 12-cell would allow an idea mix between long life and easier to carry around.

Overall, if you're thinking about picking up one of these laptops, go for it! A few things about it could be better, but it is an amazing value for the price. I'm very glad I bought mine.

 

Congrats! I hope you will enjoy this laptop.

About the 6-cell, even I would not buy from HP, if you look at eBay( or froogle) you can find one with shipping around $60, some are even original HP batteries and some are OEM versions. All those are 4400mAH which is good for around 3:00Hrs and reduces your lappies weight by almost 0.6-0.7 pounds(feels lot lighter).

 

Hey Guys Great review..
I just order my v2000z and I had two questions

1- Which of this two hard drive did you purchase ? (Chinna n)

TOSHIBA MK4032GAX 40GB 5400 RPM ATA-6 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM or TOSHIBA Super Slimline HDD2193 (MK4026GAX) 40GB 5400 RPM ATA-6 Notebook Hard Drive - OEM

2- How difficult is to back up from one disk to the other ?

Thank you all in advanced//

 

The one bought is MK4026GAX which is older model. The new model is 4032, looks like little cooler than 4026, But again, you have man other options, like seagate is much better, or Samsung or Hitachi.

About backing up the data, that same as any other setup. Only things is, you can not connect as slave as we do on a desktop. So either you have to connect the drive as external USB drive to backup the data.

 

Hey chinna, I've had my v2570z (ML-32) for a few weeks now, and after being displeased with the operating temperature, decided to use RMClock (1.3, I know it's old but it was what a tutorial used) to reduce voltages. Overall, I'm very impressed with the difference, but I've encountered a strange issue I haven't seen on any of the forums. Whenever the performance profile changes, the screen flickers. I'm wondering if you think this is the result of using an older version of RMClock, or if it has something to do with the shared video memory. Any help would be appreciated.

 

After looking around for a decent small light machine to take to school with me and store some music and what not I pretty much narrowed my search to this machine. I liked the way the model I saw at Best Buy looked and felt, and this review pretty much put the nail in the coffin. I ordered mine yesterday!

- Compaq Presario V2000Z CTO NB
- Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition with SP2
- AMD Turion(TM) 64 ML-37 (2.0GHz/1MB L2 Cache)
- 14.0 WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x768)
- ATI RADEON(R) XPRESS 200M w/productivity ports
- 1.0GB DDR SDRAM (2x512MB)
- 120 GB 4200 RPM Hard Drive
- DVD+/-RW/R & CD-RW Combo w/Double Layer Support
- 54g(TM) 802.11b/g WLAN w/ 125HSM/SpeedBooster(TM)
- Extra 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- Microsoft(R) Works/Money

I went with the big drive because I want to store my entire music collection that I have ripped from CD on this little machine. If the drive is as easy to replace as everyone says it is, I may end up replacing this first. Just wanted to thank everyone that responded to this. This little machine looks like exactly what I am looking for. Decent price, decent performance, and a nice little package. Ill let you know what I officially think once mine arrives!

 

Excellent configuration. Only thing I would change is only take 256MB from HP and get 1GB DDR400 from newegg for around ($95). This way you would get faster memory at cheaper price.

About HDD, that is personal preference. If would taken 100GB 5400RPM drive rather than 120GB 4200RPM drive.

BTW remember 12-cell adds substantial weight to the laptop( about 0.7 punds approx).

 

I thought the 12-Cell added only half a pound to the laptop, which is negligible to me, but maybe not for others...

 

Sorry it's taken me so long to post again. I posted in the past that I have tried 4 different 512 MB sticks of OCZ DDR400 and they always gave errors unless I used one along with the original 256 MB DDR333. I recently bought a 1 GB stick of Corsair ValueSelect RAM and it works for my system/mobo. When installed by itself, it runs at 200 MB/s as it should, passed Memtest and Prime 95. So I'd avoid the OCZ sticks. Sorry Strider70 that we couldn't discover this earlier! Thanks again chinna_n for all your help.

 

BTW, V2000z is certified as Windows Vista Capable. One of our user posted image also. I am adding for reference info related to V2000z.

See this thread.
http://forums.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=48039
And for the image see the attachment

 

Grrrrr

Fedex has mine at the Local Fedex, but I dont think it will deliver today. Im almost tempted to call HP and see if they can change the shipping method to hold for reciever to pickup.

EDIT: Now on truck for delivery. It must have just made the cut off. After all the stories I read about HP not paying for 2 day shipping, in this case it is not true. The lappy shipped yesterday, and will be here sometime today!!

 

I am very happy with this notebook. When I first turned it on, I was a little turned off by the bloatware installed. I burned myself a factory recovery DVD, and then installed an extra copy of XP home from an old machine I did not use anymore. Now its very fast, and only has the stuff I need. Finding drivers was a tad tricky, but all and all worth the effort. The screen is wonderful. There are reflections sometimes, but if you turn the brightness way up that will not bother you. With the 12 cell battery it is a tad heavier, but the extra life (and ability to leave the screen brightness high at times) is very much worth it. I am also dual booting Fedora Core 5 x64, but have not gotten around to setting much up on it yet. I was surprised that sound, video, and wired network all worked right off the install disc without any messing around. Thank you everyone for the positive feedback. I am very happy with my v2000z.

 

Glad you like it daremo, also glad to see a fellow FFXI player on the boards.

 

I just got my v2000z a couple of weeks ago. Overall I thought it was great but I was also disappointed with all the bloatware. I want to put a fresh version of XP home on it, but I have a question. The laptop came with an XP Home Product key. Does this mean I can use any XP Home cd or do I have to buy the one from Compaq?

 

You can use any.

 

I installed my own XP home copy and used the key off my own disc. I used the compaq software to backup the original install so I could return it to factory settings if need be first, and reloaded everything off a fresh disc. I am now running both Windows XP Home SP2, and Fedora Core 5 x64. Finding all the drivers for Windows was somewhat tricky. The most important ones were on the compaq website;however, I couldnt get the sound card working until I ran the updates from windowsupdate.com and downloaded the drivers there. Very much worth the effort though, the machine runs GREAT.

 

Well Ijust got my preario V2000Z ? the Z is my question//
I do have a 2.0 turion however in top right side of the displays i just reads V2000 not Z (v2000z)
and also in the back where the serial is it reads V2000 what's up with the Z.. Are the ripping me off

2nd question: out of the 1024 memory, I'm only showing 896mb; I guess the rest goes for my video card... 128mb... Can I just use 64mb ? would it be ok ?
if so how do I do it..

Pardon my ignorance if I miss something / This is my 1rst laptop..
ThAnk you all

 

The name of the computer on the screen is just V2000. The letter "Z" is not displayed there. The "Z" stand for the AMD version of this laptop. So no, you did not get cheated!
See also the HP page as referenz:
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/s..._presario&series_name=V2000_series&catLevel=2

You are right with the memory. With 1GB you easily could and should afford 128 MB of shared RAM for the video card. When you really want to change that to 64 MB or even less, you could do so within the BIOS setup. I wouldn"t recommend it!

Have fun with your new laptop!

 

Thank you....(Aljoha)
Understood...
Just my 2 Cents (this little monster is like a Mini Cessna Citation CJ2 with super charger, nitro and Turbo at the same Time.....
HEHEHE...

 

Yes, V2000 is the series, same for Intel and AMD versions. So do not worry about it.

About, video memory, yes you can go to bios and change it to 32MB, so you have more memory for other applications. Even with 32MB, ATI can grab another 32MB from system dynamically if needed.( normally it does not, but if you game then it grabs another 32mb).

I have been using 32MB only as I do not play games, but I need more memory for my apps.

 

Update on Fedora Core 5 x64: Got the wireless working now. Seems that everything runs just fine. I'm almost shocked at how easy it was. The only thing tricky was the wireless, but once I found the right 64bit driver it just kinda worked. This little lappy kicks ass ^-^

 

Where did you get the 64-bit wireless driver. That was my problem when I installed 64-bit.

 

I got 2 questions.

1. Is it possible to use a laptop cooler with the 12 cell battery?

2. Is it a huge hassel to do a fresh install of windows due to finding driver/software to reinstall afterwards like I read about the Sony Vaio SZ.

 

I use a cooling pad with mine frequently. The 12-cell makes it a little odd but it still works and it even helps it ventilate better. The only time that it doesn't work well is when I take the batery out because the gap doesn't allow the rubber stopper prop it up for ventalation. But I just turned it around and it works OK, not real great, but OK.

As far as the drivers go I think that they are all on the compaq support site. Although I would suggest downloading them all before you reinstall and save them to a CD so that you don't have to worry about being able to find them afterwards.

 

I appreciate your response. I just order my v2000z and can't wait till it arrives. Kinda disapointed that there wasn't free shipping but oh well. I paid $878.61 for this and gonna have to wait for a $50 MIR.
Compaq Presario V2000Z customizable Notebook PC
EPP_00_ET059AV

* – Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition with SP2
* – AMD Turion(TM) 64 ML-37 (2.0GHz/1MB L2 Cache)
* – 14.0 WXGA Widescreen (1280x768)
* – ATI RADEON(R) XPRESS 200M w/productivity ports
* – 256MB DDR SDRAM (1x256MB)
* – 40 GB 4200 RPM Hard Drive
* – 8X DVD Drive
* – 54g(TM) Integ. Broadcom 802.11b/g WLAN & Bluetooth
* – 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* – Microsoft(R) Works/Money
* – HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

 

Hi guys,

I've had my V2000Z since the end of February. Since then, I've noticed that the screen has started getting blotches on it. They are not very noticeable when I am looking straight at the screen, but looking down at the screen from an angle, it looks like someone sprinkled dust all over the back of the screen. It is especially noticeable in the center, and I am starting to notice the screen flaw when I am looking directly at the screen. It's not a huge deal, and there are no dead pixels, thank god, but this laptop is only 2 months old! Should I try to get a replacement screen, or should I just live with it?

Thanks all,

J

 

Compaq should exchange your laptop with a new one!

I have an R4000 with the same problem... I bought it used however.

The only complain I have about this laptop is actually not the laptop itself but about Compaq service and customer support... truly the worst in the industry!!!

 

OK, I think I got a heck of a deal on my notebook. What do you think??

In February, I purchased the following Compaq v2000z for $700.14 (after $50 rebate). Here are the specs.

- Genuine Windows XP Home Edition
– AMD Turion(TM) 64 ML-37 (2.0GHz/1MB L2 Cache)
– 14.0 WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x768)
– ATI RADEON(R) XPRESS 200M w/productivity ports
– 512MB DDR SDRAM (1x512MB)
– 40 GB 4200 RPM Hard Drive
– Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support
– 54g(TM) 802.11b/g WLAN w/ 125HSM/SpeedBooster(TM)
– 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

So far so good. The laptop is running great. It runs so good that I Just bought my wife a Compaq v5000z with similar specs. I got hers with the following specs for $823.36.

- Genuine Windows XP Home Edition
– AMD Turion(TM) 64 ML-40 (2.2GHz/1MB L2 Cache)
– 15.4 WXGA BrightView Widescreen
– ATI RADEON(R) XPRESS 200M w/hyper memory (128mb dedicated)
– 1GB (1x1GB)
– 80 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
– Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support
– 54g(TM) 802.11b/g WLAN w/ 125HSM/SpeedBooster(TM)
– 12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

 

Yes!!! Very good deals...

 

Im going to order one of these in the next day or two, but I have a really noob question. Now I've built my past 2 desktops, but when im not in the market for parts I don't read up on them. I was going to go with the Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support instead of the FREE Upgrade from DVD to DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive!! . The multi drive does everything the dvd/cd-rw does ,but also burns dvd's right? It can play a cd/dvd too?

Thanks.

 

Yes, the Super drives can burn/read both DVD's and CD's.

 

Cool thanks. Oh, and one more thing. I am able to get a 200m and 200m with productivity ports that adds firewire, 6in1, etc. Does the laptop allready have these ports? If so, then I have no need to pay 25 more dollars for these ports. The only reason I ask is because when I click on the standard features button it doesn't mention anything about firewire or a 6in1.