Compaq Armada E500

For the majority of its time, though, the E500 is likely to be sitting on a network performing more mundane chores, and the software Compaq includes indicates this: the Compaq Intelligent Manageability DMI 2 browser and Compaq Computer Security applet.

If you only need 64Mb of RAM, the E500 offers reasonable value for money, especially with such a large hard disk and a 10/100 Ethernet adaptor. Add to this the additional £171 to upgrade to 128Mb of RAM though, and it seems like less of a bargain. If you can make do with a 500MHz processor, and don't need a floppy and DVD-ROM at the same time, the Dell Latitude CPx H500GT (reviewed issue 65, p154) offers better value for money. However, if you want an all-in-one machine, this is the best we've seen. If Compaq included 128Mb of RAM, or offered an upgrade for a more reasonable price, the Armada E500 would be walking away with an award.

Author: Tim Danton