New Compaq Presario CQ61z Laptop

Launching a range of budget computers with prices at netbook levels, HP were justly proud of their low-price achievement:
"Everyone deserves access to a high-quality computer, and HP makes that possible with the Compaq brand," said Steven Hoffman, director of worldwide marketing, Personal Systems Group, HP. "The Compaq portfolio delivers great design, strong performance and reliability that customers need for 'just right computing' at 'just the right price.'"

According to HP, the new budget-orientated PC's meet the needs of consumers and small business customers especially well in emerging and developing countries where first-time PC purchases are made on limited budgets. However, in the United States, where the struggling economy is currently a major factor in spending habits, the new PC's will provide consumers and small businesses greater flexibility in their computer purchase decisions.

The Presario CQ61z is an attractive machine: a piano black imprint finish combines well with a silver panel which covers the palmrest and touchpad. A high-definition display is offered on the 15.6-inch screen with it's up-to-the-minute 16:9 ratio supported ATI Radeon HD 4200 graphics card. Screen resolution is 1366x768 pixels

But this is not just a pretty face without depth to it's character. Beneath the surface is an AMD Sempron M100 processor, 2 GB RAM, a 160 GB HDD, and a CD/DVD burner. Also included are Integrated Nvidia GeForce discrete graphics, WiFi, and Windows 7 Home Premium. Completing the package are a 5-in-1 card reader, 6-cell Lithium-ion battery, and Altec Lansing speakers. The Compaq CQ61z will be available at the frankly astonishing introductory price of $399 (after $100 instant savings). This rebated price will only be available from October 18 to December 19.

With the 'street price pimps' already licking their lips at the prospects of huge sales, keep an eye out for the rock-bottoms in a couple of months, but a word of caution to the wise : don't wait for lower prices - get in right now at the generous opening offer and be the proud owner of this very impressive Compaq CQ61z

It's all too easy to get highly excited about a newly launched product, in this case the Compaq CQ61z. There is an argument to be made (and a pretty valid one, too) that HP wouldn't risk it's fine company reputation by offering a product which is not up to scratch. Did I hear someone say "Famous last words."? The counter argument states that you should look before you leap, and there is a strong argument to be made for that attitude as well.

The type of questions which I particularly want answered include:

* What's the built in battery life?"
* Is there a modem, and if so, what speed is offered?"
* What's the weight of the machine, and of it's charger, A/C adapter, etc.?"
* Guarantee period?

The reviews and test reports will shortly be hitting the web, and it may be advisable to wait for that data before committing to purchase. BUT that means you get into the back of the line and wait - and if CQ61z sales really take off, you're into a supply problem. So you takes your pick and live with the consequences. Good luck!