Product Reviews

Compaq is one of the world's largest computer manufacturers, and the 1246 is one of its range of desktop and notebook PCs aimed specifically at Internet use. The curvy case, with its distinctive 'ears' at the front containing the large speakers, along with the shortcut 'Internet Zone' keys, and unconventional styling of the touch pad buttons, give this PC a look you'll either love or hate.

Portability

The Compaq isn't going to be your first choice if you really need to be mobile all the time. The chunky design is partly explained by the floppy and CD-ROM drives, which are integrated into the case. A second factor is the weight, which at 3.3kg is more than most. Battery life is much more encouraging, though: even with a nickel-metal hydride power pack, you still get nearly an hour and a half in our strenuous tests.

Ergonomics

The designers have incorporated several touches into the organic curves of the Presario that make it more pleasant to use than the competition. For starters, the keyboard is excellent: it doesn't flex and rattle when you type, and the keys are responsive, with decent travel, so you actually feel like you're typing on a keyboard as opposed to a wet fish. Second, the area in front of the keyboard where your wrists rest is slightly raised, and the machine has flip-out feet on its underside to angle the keyboard towards you,

At this price you can't expect an active matrix screen, but the 12.1in passive panel is the better than most, with reasonably good contrast.

Performance

Inside the Presario lurks an AMD K6-2 processor running at 400MHz, coupled with 32Mb RAM. The screen is driven by a Trident CyberBlade i7 graphics chipset. The Presario uses some of the system memory to run the display, but this doesn't have a serious impact on performance, and the Compaq turns in a respectable benchmark score, beating more expensive machines. The CyberBlade allows you to use an external monitor as a second, independent display. It does this using Windows 98's dual monitor support, which could certainly be useful. Audio performance is good too, with the JBL Pro speakers actually managing some semblance of bass. All right, it's not what you'd call hi-fi, but the Presario does enjoy the distinction of being one of very few notebooks which play music you can actually listen to.

Overall

While the Compaq may not be the lightest portable, it's got a lot going for it. If you think you'll be constantly carrying it around in your bag, then this may not be the machine for you. But if you're looking for a system that you'll transport mainly in the car, and use as a desktop replacement (that takes up less space than a full-size PC) at home, the Compaq offers the best combination of ergonomics, features and speed at the best price. It also offers the best office software in the form of Microsoft Works 4.5 and Word 2000. If you have more to spend, the posher screen and higher specs of the Atlas Flyer, or the diminutive charms of the Hi-Grade Notino 7200, may sway you, but the Presario offers the best bang per buck.