Full Review

The Compaq Armada E500 is my particular corporation's high-end computer solution. This model and the M700 are the two that have passed muster for executive use. These machines are used extensively for both on the road use as well as desktop work in office. Here's my take.

First, the basics. The models we use come with a Pentium III chipset, which varies in processor speed depending on when we purchased the machine (more on this later). The model is a bit slimmer and lighter than the 1500 and 1700 Armada series and is easier to store, due to its squared off shape. The display is crisp, and while not superb for an LCD screen, it does the job well. Most of the components are generic enough not to arouse either too much excitement or suspicion. The models we purchased have a built-in modem, and it looks to have room for a built in network jack as well. Our solution was to purchase docking stations with PCI network cards installed, and configure them in a docked configuration after installing the OS. I must make note that these machines are pretty reliable for the most part, and that they tend to take a lot more day-to-day abuse (cold-boots, resetting) than the 1500 and 1700 models. Only one of our E500s came with a bad modem component, and removing and reinstalling this device, while not easy for the novice user, was not too complex for the intermediate/advanced PC repairman.

I have not been excited with some aspects of this machine. Compaq's greatest downfall, in my opinion, is the sheer number of machines they create. There are at least 30 or so models of Presario desktops, each with different configurations, ROMPaqs (shudder), and internal components. The problem with this is that all of these different models of Presario computers, with different motherboards, chipsets and components, ALL LOOK THE SAME EXTERNALLY. The E500 series is no different. Even if we have a restore CD for one model, it will not necessarily work on another, seemingly identical, Armada laptop. Finding the requisite software drivers for components that don't work correctly can often be a hit-or-miss endeavor, particularly at the Compaq website.

All of these particular problems aside, the E500 is for the most part a stable, dependable laptop. It's not the best or flashiest model out there, but it will do the job, and has proven to be reliable in the day-to-day operations.