Compaq CQ62
The Compaq CQ62 is an updated version of the popular CQ61, in matte black with a new textured HP prism imprint finish which means you can avoid messy fingerprints.
The keyboard includes one-touch keys that you can set to give easy access to your favourite applications or activities. Lighter and thinner than the CQ61, the CQ62 still has a 15.6" HD LED screen with BrightView.
A Sempron V120 processor gives a high level of performance at a good price for this entry-level laptop.
Compaq CQ62 review
It's always good to lay your hands on a laptop from a tried and tested computer manufacturer like Compaq. In some ways it can be a little bit predictable because you know roughly what to expect, and in the case of the Compaq CQ62 there is a little bit of deja vu in that the laptop is basically an updated version of their popular CQ61. That's not a bad place to start as that model made a lot of friends with people who wanted a workmanlike machine that simply got on and did the job.
What are the pros of the Compaq CQ62?
We wouldn't say that the CQ62 boasts drop-dead gorgeous looks, it's a fairly standard design resplendent in matte black and there's a neat textured HP (who own Compaq) imprint, which helps to avoid getting the casing covered in grubby fingerprints. Build quality feels reassuringly rugged and size-wise the CQ62 falls into the medium category and that means a decent 15.6-inch HD BrightView display, which is just that. Not bad at all.
The keyboard is a decent size too and feels good on the fingers, especially if you're a rather unwieldy typist. It can accommodate most jobs with ease and there are one-touch options for the keys too, meaning that you can speed up your workflow once you've got the hang of how it works. A 160GB hard disk is decent enough too while 2GB of RAM and a 2.2GHz AMD Sempron processor is enough to push the machine along nicely while you're multi-tasking on the Windows 7 Home Premium operating system.
Connectivity was tops with our machine, and the 802.11 Wi-Fi proved highly dependable whenever we accessed our broadband supply. Browsing the web and carrying out email and social networking chores is the sort of thing that comes naturally to this laptop. However, at the same time it's a rock-solid PC that can cope with a variety of software applications and has the benefit of an 8x DVD drive. Graphics were pretty good as well, thanks to an ATI Mobility Radon HD 4250 graphics card.
Any CQ62 downsides?
Harsher critics might accuse the CQ62 of being a little on the dull side and while it won't win any prizes for its looks, this is a laptop that's more of a doer than a looker. Unfortunately, while the keyboard was excellent we found that the trackpad wasn't quite right and we never really got on with it.
The other main downside was battery life, which proved to be slightly disappointing. With the processor putting in overtime and our BrightView LED screen delivering movies the juice drained from the battery with depressing regularity. That could be a little bit annoying for anyone who snaps up this machine for it's reasonable specification hoping to stay online while they're on the move. It's possible, but remember to take your power lead with you just in case you can get a top-up on your travels. It's hard to hold that against this laptop though, simply because of its no-nonsense design, build and performance.
Sample Compaq CQ62 specification
- Model
- Compaq CQ62
- Manufacturer
- Compaq
- Screen
- 15.6"
- Processor
- 2.2GHz (AMD Processor V120)
- Memory
- 2GB
- Graphics card
- ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4250
- Hard drive
- 160GB (SATA 7200rpm)
- Optical drive
- 8x DVD
- Operating system
- Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
- Wifi
- 802.11b/g
- Dimensions (cm)
- 37.4 x 24.6 x 3.7
- Weight
- 2.20 kg
