After merging with Hewlett-Packard, Compaq has maintained its brand by producing similiar models to its counterpart.
The Compaq V2000 is nearly identical towards the Hewlett-Packard Pavilion dv1000,
using the only notable difference is the aesthetic design and the quickplay function found only on the dv1000 . Students and house users demand a laptop that is inexpensive and lightweight, with sufficient energy to perform basic tasks.
The Compaq V2000 is aimed directly at this niche, offering a mid-range Pentium M 725 in a lightweight 5.25 lb chassis, starting at an inexpensive $1000. While overall performance is certainly not the fastest, the V2000 handles perfectly as an on-the-go multimedia machine. Energy users who desire the V2000's little footprint and light weight, but would choose much more power can upgrade the device to suit their needs, such as upgrading to a faster CPU, difficult drive, and RAM. Unfortunately, the integrated graphics isn't upgradable. The V2000 includes a gorgeous 14-inch widescreen with BrightView, JBL Pro speakers, and a number of features to appeal to the avid multimedia users.
The Compaq V2000 is compact and portable, about the size (13.15" x 9.1" x1.53") and weight (5.21 lbs) of an typical textbook, producing it a great machine for carrying around to work or to class. Although the outer material is constructed out of plastic, it seems really resilient and solid, adding to its value as an on-the-go laptop. It can very easily slip in most mid-size backpacks and carrying cases.
The V2000 laptop computer casing is made of reinforced plastic. The black and silver outer shell feels durable and strong, but not as that of a metal shell. It has a matte finish, with a slightly rough texture. The hinges are constructed with the exact same material but seems durable enough for long term use. A metal shell would have been preferable, aiding in durability. Nevertheless, you should face no problems with the V2000 case shell.
Even though the keyboard is a bit stiff, the keys aren't shallow and are of regular size, producing typing an enjoyable experience. When depressed, the keys make a distinct clicking sound, which may turn out to be annoying after time. Note the numerous function keys and the pseudo numeric keypad. Interestingly, the volume control doesn't reside as function keys, unlike other laptops. Instead, it's placed towards the Power button.
The V2000 offers many function keys. Besides the V2000 have the standard monitor brightness adjustments, it has multimedia keys this kind of as stop, play, and pause functions. The power button is located in the center of the laptop computer, and glows a pleasing orange-red color. The wireless on/off switch glows a cool blue.
The touchpad is very well built. The upper button turns the touchpad on or off, which is a good feature to have should you choose to attach a mouse. It also has the added benefit of providing minimal lighting if you're working in the dark. The up/down and left/right scrolls are nicely done as nicely. The left/right click buttons are rubberized. Nevertheless, they make a loud clicking sound, which might become annoying. Also, the touchpad is really a bit small compared to most laptops, but this shouldn't turn out to be a major issue.
The V2000 has the minimal user requirements of one headphone and one microphone jack. The LCD display is unlocked by depressing the "Compaq" button. The status lights fit in perfectly with the overall style, adding towards the laptop's sleek asthetics. However, it would have been preferred to place the LEDs inside, to be able to see the laptop's status without too much effort.
Since the V2000 utilizes the low-power Pentium M, which only uses 21W, the V2000 is usually really silent. Most likely, the fan is really OFF! The activates every few minutes to remove excess heat. Regrettably the fan only has two settings: off and on. I would prefer that the fan constantly run at the lowest setting. Even though the V2000 gets warm, it never gets too hot, even after extensive use.
HP provides the xb2000 Notebook Expansion Base to use the V2000 being a desktop pc. The dock provides Harman Kardon speakers, wireless keyboard and optical mouse, three USB ports, S-Video, composite-out, S/PDIF, microphone jack, I/R receiver/window, headphone out, RJ-11, RJ-45/Ethernet, and charges your notebook. Note that it's just as simple to charge your notebook without having the base, and also the V2000 sound system is already above average.
