Presario is a discontinued line of consumer desktop computers and laptops originally produced by Compaq and later by Hewlett-Packard. Introduced in 1993, Compaq has used the Presario brand for its home and home office product offerings.
After Compaq was acquired by HP in 2002, both HP- and Compaq-branded Presario machines under the Compaq brand name were produced from 2002 up until the Compaq brand name was discontinued in 2013.
History
Compaq Presario 425 all-in-one (1993)
In September 1993, Compaq introduced the Compaq Presario brand of IBM PC–compatible computers as the company's first foray into the retail computer market with the release of three models: the all-in-one 400 series, the horizontal desktop 600 series, and the tower-based 800 series. They were one of the first manufacturers of the 1990s to market a sub-$1000 computer, as well as the first major computer manufacturer to utilize CPUs from AMD and Cyrix in order to maintain the prices they wanted. Specifications of the three initial models of the Presario lineup include i486 processors from either Intel, AMD, or Cyrix, 4–8 MB of RAM, onboard video display controllers, 200–340 MB hard disk drives, a floppy disk drive, and a built-in V.32modem. These models came shipped with MS-DOS 6.x and Windows 3.1x preinstalled, with additional software included such as TabWorks. The 600 and 800 series were also offered in "CDS" configurations, which included a CD-ROM drive and an additional Sound Blaster 16 sound card as standard, in addition to all of the features of their non-CDS counterparts.
Over time, the Presario brand went through a number of iterations over the years, with five generations (or "Series") of computers being produced by Compaq prior to its acquisition by HP in 2002. These generations include several different design changes to the desktop and tower cases for each series of computers and many generations of Intel and AMD processors (with Cyrix processors being offered up until the mid-to-late 1990s), as well as introducing newer hardware at the time of each generation. In the mid-1990s, Compaq began manufacturing PC monitors under the Presario brand to complement other monitors that were made by Compaq at that time. From 1993 to 1998, a series of all-in-one units, containing both the PC and the monitor in the same case, were also released. The first laptop and notebook computers in the Presario family came to the market in 1996.
The Presario brand name would later be repurposed for a line of low-end home desktops and laptops made by Hewlett-Packard (HP) under the Compaq brand name as part of HP's strategy to use the Compaq brand for its consumer and budget-oriented products after HP acquired the company in 2002, and was sold concurrently with HP's other products such as the Pavilion. The Presario line of laptops also subsequently replaced the then-discontinued OmniBook line of business notebooks around that same year (with the brand name being reintroduced as a line of consumer-oriented laptops with AI technology 22 years later as part of HP's rebranding of its consumer products in 2024[1][2]). The name continued to live on for a few more years until the Compaq brand name was discontinued by HP in 2013.[a]
Timeline of models
Over five generations of computers produced by Compaq under the Compaq Presario brand were made before the company was acquired by HP in 2002. These generations are also known as "Series".
"Series 1" (1993–1996)
After the release of the initial models in 1993, new models started to become available as the Presario brand grew over time. The 500, 700, and 900 series (including the 5500, 7100, 7200, 9200, 9500, and 9600 series) were introduced to compliment and succeed the original lineup, making up the first generation of Presario computers produced from 1993 to 1996, also known as "Series 1".
The new models contained minor cosmetic changes to the case designs and used either i486 or Pentium (and Pentium-compatible) processors, and initially came shipped with MS-DOS 6.x and Windows 3.1x preinstalled. Later models from August 1995 onwards were shipped with Windows 95 preinstalled. "CDS" configurations continued to be offered in some models, including a CD-ROM drive and a Sound Blaster 16 sound card as standard. Later models produced after September 1995 came with a CD-ROM drive and sound card as standard equipment, which necessitated the removal of the "CDS" configuration as it was now made redundant.
"Series 2" (1996–1998)
Compaq Presario 4110 (1996)Compaq Presario 2200 desktop (1997) — the first model of the 2200 series
In 1996, a new lineup of Presario computers featuring all-new case designs were introduced, beginning the second generation of Presario computers produced from 1996 to 1998, also known as "Series 2". The new models were first announced on July 15, 1996,[3] and initially consisted of the 4000, 6000 and 8000 series, including a series of unique all-in-one unit known as the 3000 series. Later models released from 1997 onwards include the 2000 series. Altogether, models that were produced during this period include the 2200, 3020, 4100, 4400, 4500, 4600, 4700, 4800, 6700, and 8700 series. This was the last generation of computers in the Presario family to offer all-in-one form factors for desktop computers.
These new models moved away from the boxy form factors of the "Series 1" Presario computers in favor of unique case designs. Initial models used a case design that had a beveled concave shape surrounding the exposed drive bays, while later models used a well-known spaceship (or rocket ship) form factor for the towers with smoked-black CD bezel covers. This spaceship design of Presario computers would last for several years until the introduction of "Series 5" Presario computers in mid 2000. In both cases, the towers had a set of buttons located on the top of the case called "Easy Access Buttons", which were introduced during this generation. Pentium and AMD K5–K6 processors were offered during this generation, with some models featuring Cyrix processors. Discrete graphics card options were available in some models via PCI. Certain models also featured PowerVR graphics accelerator cards. These models came shipped with Windows 95 preinstalled, usually OSR2 and OSR2.5 depending on the time of manufacture.
The first Compaq Presario laptops and notebooks arrived at the start of this generation, consisting of the 1000 series of notebook computers. The 1000 series was the company's first laptop/notebook models designed exclusively for the home market.[3] These models came with Pentium processors, a hard disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, a floppy disk drive, a built-in modem, one or two PC Card slots, a built-in 11.3" viewable LCD display and integrated speakers.
Most models of this series were discontinued at the start of the "Series 3" generation in 1998, however the 2000 series (especially the 2200 series) continued to be produced outside of the generation it was introduced due to its popularity, with various models of the series being produced until 1999. The last models of the Presario lineup to use the "Series 2" design were the Presario 2254, 2255, and 2256 desktop computers in 1998. These models removed a subset of "Easy Access Buttons" on the case, leaving only the sleep button. The 2000 series would be completely redesigned in late 1998 with the release of the Presario 2266 desktop computer that year.
"Series 3" (1998–1999)
The Compaq Presario lineup was changed again in 1998 with several new models, starting the third generation of Presario computers, also known as "Series 3". First announced on June 9, 1998,[4] models produced were the 5000, 5100, 5200, 5400, and 5600 series. All-in-one form factors were no longer produced; most models during this generation were produced exclusively in tower form factors, with some models using horizontal desktop form factors such as the Presario 2254, 2255, and 2256 desktop computers from the previous "Series 2" generation[b] as well as the newly redesigned Presario 2266 model in 1998 and the Presario 2286 and 2288 models in 1999. This was also the first generation to introduce build-to-order models for certain series of Presario computers (i.e. the 5600 desktop series and the 1600 laptop/notebook series) under its "Built For You" program, which can be acquired via kiosks (under the name of "Custom PC Center") or on Compaq's website.[5]
The spaceship design of the "Series 2" Presario computers was retained in this generation, albeit with a slightly squatter design that was more rounded. Some models (including higher-end models) housed in taller cases featured smoked-black plastic "easy access" flip-up doors on the bottom containing USB, audio and/or game ports behind it. These cases no longer have the "Easy Access Buttons" of the "Series 2" Presario computers, which were located on the top of the cases. New processor models were introduced, namely the Intel Celeron, Pentium II and Pentium III, as well as AMD K6-2 and K6-III processors. Cyrix processors are no longer available for desktop computers during this generation, instead being used for laptop and notebook computers. Discrete graphics cards were now available in the majority of the models, using the AGP form factor. Most models used ATIRage graphics onboard or on dedicated cards, typically the Rage LT Pro (a mobile-oriented graphics chip on an AGP card for desktop models). DVD-ROM drives were also available as an option on several models. The "Series 3" generation of Presario computers was also introduced at a time when the internet started to become popular in usage during the late 1990s, and as such, ethernet cards started to become available as standard equipment for several models of this generation of Presario computers alongside a 56k dial-up modem card.[4] These models came shipped with Windows 98 (original release) preinstalled.
Laptop and notebook computers in the Presario family continues to be offered during this generation, which includes the AMD K6-2 powered 1200 and 1600 series.[4] Laptop/notebook models used Intel, AMD, and Cyrix processors, and would also be the last generation of Presario computers to use Cyrix processors in any capacity.
Despite all desktop and most laptop/notebook computers being succeeded by the "Series 4" Presario computers in 1999, the 1200 series of laptops continued to be produced outside of the generation it was introduced, with various models of the 1200 series being produced up until 2000.
"Series 4" (1999–2000)
In 1999, a new lineup of computers in the Presario family were introduced, marking the fourth generation of Presario computers, also known as "Series 4". Announced on June 15, 1999,[6] this series includes the initial 5300 and 5700 series as well as the later 5800, 5900, 7300, 7400, 7500, 7800, and 7900 series. Other specialized models include the 3500 and EZ2000 series. Several of these models are also available in build-to-order configurations, which can be acquired via retail kiosks or on Compaq's website.
These models redesigned the spaceship form factor of previous generation Presarios in a more curvature shape, and most of them had translucent purple plastic flip-up doors that provided access to USB and/or FireWire (IEEE 1394) ports. Processors ranged from the Intel Celeron to Pentium III, and the AMD K6-2 to Athlon. All models came with a floppy disk drive, CD-ROM drive, AGP graphics card, sound card, and a built-in modem as standard. DVD-ROM drives were also offered as standard equipment in select models. Being internet-focused models, they came with both ethernet and dial-up modem cards as standard equipment in several models. They came shipped with Windows 98 Second Edition preinstalled.
Laptop and notebook computers within the Presario family continues to be offered during this generation, including the AMD K6-2 powered 1200 and 1600 series, as well as the 1800 and 1900 series.[6] Laptop/notebook models exclusively used Intel and AMD processors; Cyrix processors were no longer available in any capacity within the Presario brand.
Compaq Presario EZ2000 series
The Compaq Presario EZ2000 series was a specialized model designed for ease-of-use and easier access to the internet, introduced in January 2000. It was offered in two models, the EZ2200 and EZ2700 (the latter being exclusively offered via Compaq's build-to-order program known as "Built For You", found via kiosks in retail stores or on Compaq's website). It features a unique case design with a blue exterior and translucent plastic feet along with a built-in on-screen display with controls known as the Digital Dashboard, which can assist the user with setup instructions as well as providing feedback and interaction with the user. A door on the front of the case provides access to the computer's optical drive, floppy drive, USB and IEEE 1394 (FireWire) ports. The case also has easy-open side panels to facilitate easier access to the hardware, such as memory and PCI cards. Processors ranged from the Intel Celeron to Pentium III. A redesigned monitor known as the MV730i was also made to go alongside it, as well as including JBL Pro speakers that featured blue speaker grilles. It came bundled with EZ2700 models.[7]
All models of the EZ2000 series came with 64 MB of RAM, integrated AGP graphics, an integrated SoundMax sound chip, 17–20 GB hard disk drives, a floppy disk drive, a 56k modem on a PCI card, and a CD-RW drive. An additional CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive is also available as an option, as well as the option for Ethernet connectivity.
"Series 5" (2000–2002)
Compaq Presario 4000 (2001)
The Presario lineup would be refreshed for one final time in 2000 with all-new models, making it the fifth and final generation of Presario computers produced by Compaq before they were acquired by HP in 2002, also known as "Series 5". This series includes the 5000 and 7000 series, and later the 4000, 6000, and 8000 series. Region-specific models include the Japan-only 3200 and 3500 series,[8] the latter of which being based on a similarly-named model from the previous series.
The initial two models of this generation were announced in a press release on June 21, 2000.[9] The lineup was then given a mid-cycle refresh on September 24, 2001 in time for Microsoft's then-new Windows XP operating system,[10] featuring several new models while updating preexisting ones. Like previous generation of Presarios since the third generation, several models listed above are also available in build-to-order configurations, which can be acquired via retail kiosks or on Compaq's website.
These models are more design-conscious than with previous generation Presarios, with most of the lineup opting for a more fresh and sophisticated design language with newly designed cases, monitors and peripherals. The cases in particular are all new, moving away from the traditional spaceship design language that was in use since 1996. Processor choices were once again Intel and AMD, ranging from the Intel Celeron to the Pentium III and Pentium 4, and the AMD Duron to the Athlon and Athlon XP. A floppy disk drive, CD-ROM or CD-RW drive, AGP graphics card, sound card, an Ethernet card, and a built-in modem were standard. DVD-ROM drives were also offered as standard equipment in select models. Earlier models from mid 2000 up until late 2001 came shipped with Windows 98 Second Edition or Windows Me preinstalled depending on the time of manufacture, with later models since late 2001 shipping with Windows XP.
New laptop and notebook models were also introduced, it being the 1400, 1700, and 1800 series. The 1200 series continues to be offered, utilizing both Intel and AMD processors. Other laptops produced during this generation include the 700, 2700, and 3000 series. All laptops/notebooks during this generation used Intel and AMD processors.
After Compaq was acquired by HP in 2002, some models of this generation of Presario computers such as the 6000 and 8000 series were carried over to the new company as entry-level computers produced by HP, coexisting with HP's other products of the time. They would all be discontinued in the mid-2000s in favor of newer Presario models.
Compaq Presario 5000 series
Compaq Presario 5000 (2000)
The Compaq Presario 5000 series was introduced in June 2000 alongside the 7000 series as the flagship models of the fifth generation of Presario computers from June 2000 to September 2001. The 5000 series was the entry-level computer for value and budget-minded customers, featuring hardware at an affordable price. It is unrelated to the "Series 3" 5000 series produced from 1998–1999 despite the similar model number.
The 5000 series uses a brand-new case design featuring removable translucent plastic faceplates, which are offered in six colors. It also featured an optional disc holder on the bottom of the case, allowing one to store up to five optical disc-based media. The 5000 series was housed in a mini-tower case, featuring two 5.25-inch and 3.5-inch drive bays.
Hardware-wise, processor options ranged from the Celeron to the Pentium III and Pentium 4 for Intel-powered models, and the Duron to the Athlon for AMD-powered models. The 5000 series predominantly came with onboard graphics for most models, especially for Intel-powered models, which were limited in graphical power compared to discrete graphics cards. Discrete graphics card options include the RIVA TNT2 M64 and GeForce 2 MX. Intel-powered models lacked an AGP port, while AMD-powered models have an AGP port. It also featured onboard sound hardware. The specs and features of the 5000 series can also be configured by the user via Compaq's build-to-order program known as "Built For You", which can be found via kiosks in retail stores or on Compaq's website.
The 5000 series was initially shipped with Windows 98 Second Edition preinstalled upon its introduction in mid 2000, and later came with Windows Me preinstalled between August and September of 2000. Windows XP came preinstalled on the 5000 series starting in September 2001; an upgrade offer for Windows XP Home Edition was provided for select models of the 5000 series made between June 2001 and January 2002 from that point onwards.[11]
Due to popular demand, the 5000 series was given an update in September 2001 and continued to be produced up until early 2002 for most of the retail models, coexisting with the 4000 and 8000 series of Presario computers. Some limited release models of the 5000 series were produced up until mid 2002, making it one of the last computers made by Compaq prior to the 2002 merger.
Compaq Presario 7000 series
The Compaq Presario 7000 series was introduced alongside the 5000 series in June 2000 as the flagship models of the fifth generation of Presario computers from June 2000 to September 2001. The 7000 series was the high-end computer in Compaq's lineup at the time, serving as a niche product for the high-end performance market.
Compared to the 5000 series, the 7000 series featured discrete graphics card options and powerful processors. It reuses the same case design of the 5000 series in a more taller case, also featuring the same removable translucent faceplates offered in six colors as well as an optical disc holder at the bottom. The 7000 series was housed in a mid-tower case with three 5.25-inch drive bays and two 3.5-inch drive bays. The 7000 series also featured IEEE 1394 (FireWire) ports built into the case, with one located at the front of the case alongside two USB ports and another one or two on the back of the case.
Hardware-wise, processor options ranged from the Pentium III and Pentium 4 for Intel-powered models, and the Athlon for AMD-powered models. The 7000 series exclusively featured discrete graphics cards with no onboard options available. Discrete graphics card options included the low-end RIVA TNT2 M64 and GeForce 2 MX, and the high-end GeForce 2 GTS and GeForce 3. Additionally, it uses a Creative Sound Blaster 128 PCI sound card (based on the Ensoniq AudioPCI ES1373 chip) instead of integrating onboard audio. Like the 5000 series, the specs and features of the 7000 series can also be configured by the user via Compaq's build-to-order program known as "Built For You", which can be found via kiosks in retail stores or on Compaq's website.
The 7000 series was initially shipped with Windows 98 Second Edition preinstalled upon its introduction in mid 2000, and later came with Windows Me preinstalled between August and September of 2000. Windows 2000 Professional was also offered as an option for select 7000 series models, especially for AMD-powered models.[12] Windows XP was not officially preinstalled on the 7000 series due its replacement with a new model in September 2001, however an upgrade offer for Windows XP Home Edition was provided for select models of the 7000 series made between June and September 2001 from that point onwards.[11]
The 7000 series was replaced with the 8000 series in September 2001 following the latter's introduction that month.
Design and features of the Presario 5000 and 7000 series
The 5000 and 7000 series of Presario computers featured a brand-new set of towers with a redesigned aesthetic. Specifically, the towers moved away from the spaceship-derived design of previous generation Presarios in favor of a new front case design that had a more sleek and stylish look-and-feel to it, distinguishing these towers from previous Presario towers. Its matching monitors and peripherals were also redesigned as well with the release of the new models, being made in the same design language as the tower cases themselves.
Unique to the design of the towers were removable translucent colored plastic faceplates that are integral to the design of the towers. Removable speaker grills and keyboard panels offered in a similar fashion were also produced alongside the faceplates. These became part of a set of removable accessories officially known as the "MyStyle Accent Color Kits". Six colors of each kit were offered; one of them was used as the default color for all 5000 and 7000 series towers and peripherals produced for retail with the other five being offered as options.[c] One out of the five optional colors were included with some 5000 and 7000 models purchased between 2000 and 2001.[9] Another set of removable faceplates and speaker grills known as the "WildStyle Accent Color Kits" were exclusively offered in the 5000 series as an option from 2001 onwards, featuring six color options.[d]
The cases also have small translucent (later solid) plastic flip-open doors for the USB ports (along with FireWire (IEEE 1394) ports on the 7000 series), as well as an optical disc holder for CDs and DVDs, accessible by a colored translucent door at the bottom that matched with the other faceplates. The optical disc holder can store up to five optical discs, with one directly integrated into the case and the other four in two separate double-sided disc holders. As part of an effort to improve the ease-of-use for users upgrading their hardware, a subset of tool-less "easy access" designs were integrated into the case, such as the inclusion of removable, "screwless" drive rails to facilitate easier removal of disk drives and optical drives.[9]
Released at a time when the internet was steadily growing in popularity in the early 2000s, the 5000 and 7000 series were designed with a focus on internet connectivity in mind, with the two models including an Ethernet card alongside a dial-up modem as standard equipment. Its bundled keyboards also had additional buttons that would link to internet-related functions. Both models even included a LogitechQuickCam webcam in select models, allowing for such things like videoconferencing, among others.[9]
Compaq Presario 8000 series
The Compaq Presario 8000 series was introduced in September 2001 as part of the newly-revamped lineup that year to replace the previous 7000 series, serving as the high-end performance model of the Compaq Presario series from that point onwards. It was one of the last series of computers that were made by Compaq under the Presario brand before being acquired by HP in mid 2002.
Compared to the 5000 and the previous 7000 series, the towers of the 8000 series have been redesigned and are largely based on the towers of the Compaq Evo series of business computers (albeit in a beige case design), using a modular case design that can function as either a desktop or a tower. This new case design does not use the translucent colored plastic faceplates of the 5000 and the previous 7000 series. Later models of the 8000 series would adopt the same black and silver design as those found in the Compaq Evo series. The 8000 series can hold up to two 5.25-inch drive bays and one 3.5-inch drive bay, and featured at least three IEEE 1394 (FireWire) ports,[13] with one built into the case and the other via a PCI card.
Hardware-wise, the processor options ranged from the Pentium 4 for Intel-powered models, and the Athlon and Athlon XP for AMD-powered models. Like the preceding 7000 series, it exclusively featured discrete graphics cards with no onboard options available. Discrete graphics card options included the low-end GeForce 2 MX, and the high-end GeForce 3 Ti200/Ti500 and Radeon All-In-Wonder. Unlike the previous 7000 series, it featured onboard audio as standard. A Creative Sound Blaster Live! sound card was also offered as an option. Like other previously-released models, the specs and features of the 8000 series can also be configured by the user via Compaq's build-to-order program known as "Built For You", which can be found via kiosks in retail stores or on Compaq's website. All models came with Windows XP preinstalled, usually Windows XP Home Edition. Windows XP Professional was also offered as an option for select 8000 series models.
The 8000 series was produced concurrently with the value-oriented 5000 series, which continued to be produced with upgrades made to support newer hardware at the time due to its popularity. Another value-oriented model known as the 4000 series was also produced earlier in 2001, while the mid-range 6000 series came later in 2002. The 8000 series was originally produced up until Compaq merged with HP in 2002, making it (alongside other models at the time) the last computers made by Compaq prior to the 2002 merger.
Production of the 8000 series (as well as the 4000 and 6000 series) was subsequently resumed by HP after the merger was completed that year, and continued to be produced up until the mid-2000s when it was discontinued alongside other Presario models at the time. This makes it one of the very few pre-merger models in the Presario lineup to be reintroduced following the 2002 merger.
Post-merger models (2002–2013)
After the 2002 merger with Compaq and HP, the Presario brand was repurposed as a line of entry-level computers made by HP under the Compaq brand name alongside HP's other offerings, which includes their own line of consumer-oriented computers such as the Pavilion and Envy. Unlike previous generation of Presario models produced by Compaq prior to the 2002 merger, these models are not referred to by such as "Series" to determine each generation of computer models.
Models produced by HP under the Compaq Presario brand includes the SG, SR, and CQ series of desktop computers, as well as the 2100, 2200, 2500, M2000, R3000, V2000, V3000, V5000, V6000, X6000, C500, C700, F500, F700, and CQ series of laptop computers. The hardware for Presario computers during this timeframe consisted of low-end to mid-range hardware, with the majority of Presario desktops using processors such as the Pentium Dual-Core and Athlon II as well as (in most cases) having onboard graphics and sound. Presario laptops mostly consisted of near-identical rebrands of HP models, such as the Presario V2000 being based on the Pavilion dv1000 series of laptops. All models came with Windows XP preinstalled from 2002 to 2006, Windows Vista from 2006 to 2009, and Windows 7 from 2009 to 2013. Compaq-provided software was subsequently replaced with HP-provided software following the 2002 merger.
All models of the Presario brand produced by HP were produced up until 2013, when the Compaq brand name was discontinued by HP that year.
Image gallery
Presario SR1050NX, taken in 2009
Presario SR5130NX
Presario SR5120AN (with HP Personal Media Drive bay) — this is the Australian version of the desktop
Presario 2200 notebook
Presario V3000 (V3614AU)
Presario C700 (C758CA)
Presario F700 (F767CL)
Presario CQ43
Presario CQ56
Presario CQ62
Desktops
Many generations of Compaq Presario computers have been produced since 1993, with a variety of models featuring many different components and features. Each computer was manufactured in either a desktop or a tower form factor.
Desktop PC series
(NOTE: This is a non-exhaustive list and may never satisfy completeness, but shows some of the more or less common models of desktops under the Presario brand.)
Beginning in 1998 with the "Series 3" Presario computers, a one, two, or three letter suffix located on the model number, if present, indicates special information about the computer as well as indicating what features the computer may have, such as the type of processor used and/or the country it was offered in. In most models, these suffixes would be affixed to the model number in the following format:
----xxx
Where "----" indicates the model number in four digits and "xxx" is a one/two/three letter suffix (e.g. 7000T, 7000US, 5101RSH). This format may differ from model to model.
The following chart below describes each of these suffixes. Most of them would later be inherited by HP after their 2002 merger with Compaq, with some of these suffixes listed below being introduced post-merger.
i, N, Y: Configure To Order (CTO), "Built For You"
CL: Club model offered exclusively in discount shopping clubs
SE, SE1: Special Edition
WM: Model offered exclusively to Walmart retailers
V, A, C, F, R, X, AX, KS, IL, NL, NX, SR, RSH: Unknown
etc.
These suffixes describes the country (or region) that the computer was sold to.
US: United States
CA: Canada
LA: Latin America
EA/(E/e + a letter): Western & Eastern Europe
AU/AN: Asia/Australia
JP: Japan
etc.
Notebooks
The Compaq Presario lineup also includes laptop and notebook computers, which are produced since at least 1996. Some laptop models were rebrandings of Compaq's other laptop computers such as those from the Compaq Evo series, whilst others produced after the 2002 merger between HP and Compaq were rebranded HP laptop computers such as the Pavilion.
Notebook series
(NOTE: This is a non-exhaustive list and may never satisfy completeness, but shows some of the more or less common models of laptops under the Presario brand.)
Beginning in 1998 with the "Series 3" Presario computers, a one, two, or three letter suffix located on the model number, if present, indicates special information about the computer as well as indicating what features the computer may have, such as the type of processor used and/or the country it was offered in. These suffixes were usually affixed after the model number in many models.
The following chart below describes each of these suffixes. Most of them would later be inherited by HP after their 2002 merger with Compaq, with some of these suffixes being introduced post-merger. See the Model number suffixes section under "Desktop PC series" above for more info.
TA: Configure To Order (CTO) ("Built For You") models with an Intel-based processor
ZA: Configure To Order (CTO) ("Built For You") models with an AMD-based processor
NR: No rebate model
CL: Club model offered exclusively in discount shopping clubs
SR, RSH: Unknown
etc.
These suffixes describes the country (or region) that the computer was sold to.
US: United States
CA: Canada
EA: Western & Eastern Europe
AU/AX: Asia/Australia (AU = AMD processors with UMA graphics; AX = AMD processors with discrete graphics)
TU/TX: Asia/Australia (TU = Intel processors with UMA graphics; TX = Intel processors with discrete graphics)
etc.
All-in-one
From 1993 up until mid 1998, all-in-one computers from the Compaq Presario lineup were produced. These contained the PC and the monitor all within the same unit.
Various computer monitors of different display types and sizes have been produced under the Compaq Presario brand since the introduction of "Series 2" Presario computers in 1996. These monitors are also known as the "Compaq Presario Multimedia" monitors. New monitors within the Compaq Presario brand were typically introduced at the start of each generation, while some monitors were introduced mid-generation.
Timeline
1996-1998 – 1x25, FXx00
1998-1999 – MVx00, FPx00
1999-2000 – MVx20, MVx30, FPx20
2000-2002 – MVx40, CVx35, FSx40, FPx40
1x25 and FXx00 series
The 1X25 monitors were the first monitors made by Compaq under the Presario brand in 1996, succeeding the previous monitors that were in use by the Presario brand since its inception in 1993. Designed for use with "Series 2" designed Presarios such as the Compaq Presario 4100, 4700, 6700, and 8700 series as well as the later 4500, 4600, and 4800 series, These monitors all shared the same design cues from the towers they were meant to match: all of them had a split lower bezel which ran down the middle. The monitors had analog dials for brightness and contrast, plus a volume dial for speakers, which also acts as a power button when pressed. It also has a mute button for the volume on the left side of the monitor, and featured four additional analog dials behind the bottom panel for manual display adjustment (these were replaced with digital controls on the 1725 model). An on-screen display similar to that of contemporary televisions of the era is present for all monitors, which is used for volume control and adjustment. The monitor also has a built-in microphone located on the top of the monitor.
There is also a very rare set of monitors (the FX series) which are all black and had built-in speakers and a subwoofer, plus three extra USB ports. They are designed to go with the 4800 series Presario multimedia towers (specifically the 4830 to 4882), as they were all black just like the FX monitors.
Compaq Presario 1425
Compaq Presario 1525
Compaq Presario 1725
Compaq Presario 1725b
Compaq Presario FX500
Compaq Presario FX700
All of these monitors came with JBL Pro speakers which could be mounted to the sides of the monitors. The FX is the only exception, which had built-in JBL Pro-powered speakers with a subwoofer in the rear of the casing.
MVx00 and FPx00 series
The MVX00 and FPX00 monitors were the second monitors made under the Compaq Presario brand in 1998, designed to be sold with "Series 3" designed Compaq towers as well as some "Series 2" designed Presarios such as the Presario 2254, 2255, and 2256. Like the previous monitors before it, these monitors were designed to match the design cues of that generation of Presarios. These monitors had their brightness and contrast dials of the previous monitors removed in favor of digital controls accessible by a button on the monitor. The four hidden dials for display adjustment as previously featured on the 1425 and 1525 monitors were also replaced with the aforementioned digital controls as well. On the MV500 monitor, six LED lights were present on the monitor to indicate the type of control being used, while the MV700 and MV900 monitors removed the LED lights in favor of on-screen display digital controls. The volume dial (which acted as a power button) and mute buttons from the previous monitor were also removed, with a standard power button in place of the volume dial. The MV700 and MV900 monitors also featured a dedicated degauss button. The monitors retained the built-in microphone from the previous monitors, located on the top of the monitor.
Flat panel displays were introduced during this generation of monitors, which featured a flat panel LCD screen. They were one of the first flat panel monitors to be offered for a home consumer PC. These monitors were designated with the letters FP.
Compaq Presario MV400
Compaq Presario MV500
Compaq Presario MV700
Compaq Presario MV900
Compaq Presario FP500
Compaq Presario FP700
Compaq Presario FP5315
As with the previous monitors, they came with JBL Pro speakers which could be mounted to the sides of the monitors (with the exception of the FP series).
MVx20, MVx30, and FPx20 series
The MVX20 monitors were the third monitors made by Compaq for the Presario brand in 1999, designed for use with "Series 4" designed Presarios. Like previous Presario monitors, these were designed to match with that generation of Presarios as they shared the same design cues. All monitors featured on-screen display digital controls as opposed to the six LED lights that indicated the type of control being used, which was only used on the MV500 monitor. As with previous Presario monitors, these monitors featured a built-in microphone within the monitor. These monitors also dropped the "Presario" name from the monitors, with only the words "Compaq" and "MVX20" being written on the monitors.
In early 2000, the MVX30 monitors came to the market alongside other monitors of this generation with the release of a singular model, the MV730i. These monitors were similar to the MVX20 monitors but with a refreshed exterior design that shed most of its boxy-styled angular design from this generation of monitors in favor of a more curvature exterior. This change in design was only done on the front portion and stands of the monitor however, as its rear portion retained its angular box design. An on-screen display with digital controls and a built-in microphone were standard, and featured silver accents on the microphone and power buttons. It was designed for use with the EZ2000 series of Presarios as it shares some design cues from the monitor it was made to go for. This monitor was the precursor to what would eventually become the MVX40, CVX35, and FSX40 monitors, as they all share the same design aesthetics.
Flat panel LCD displays continued to be offered with this generation of monitors, designated with the letters FP.
Compaq Presario MV520
Compaq Presario MV720
Compaq Presario MV920
Compaq Presario MV730i
Compaq Presario FP720
Unlike the 1X25 and MVX00 monitors, these monitors (aside from the FP series) lacked the side mounting holes for the speakers. Instead, it relied on separate JBL Pro speakers, which were redesigned to match the monitors and towers but are not mountable. The EZ2000 series also came with the same JBL Pro speakers offered in this generation but with blue speaker grills.
MVx40, CVx35, FSx40, and FPx40 series
The MVX40, CVX35 and FSX40 monitors were the fourth and final monitors made by Compaq under the Presario brand prior to its acquisition by Hewlett-Packard in 2002, and was produced in mid 2000. These monitors were designed to be used with "Series 5" designed Presarios such as the sleek and stylish Compaq Presario 5000 and 7000 series as well as the later 4000 and 8000 series. The monitors were refreshed with the release of the 5000 and 7000 series, which were mostly similar in design to the previous MVX20 monitors but with a more curvature exterior instead of the boxy-styled angular design of previous monitors, fitting in with the design cues of the 5000 and 7000 series. This new design debuted a few months earlier with the MVX30 monitors, with a singular model (MV730i) featuring the same design aesthetics as with this generation of monitors. The majority of these monitors continued to use a built-in microphone as with previous monitors, and all of the MVX40 and FSX40 monitors featured silver accents on the microphone and power buttons. The CVX35 monitors lacked the built-in microphone the MVX40 and FSX40 monitors had, as well as having the silver accents being replaced with the ones that matched the monitor's casing. All monitors featured on-screen displays with digital controls as standard.
Flat-screen CRT displays were introduced alongside the MVX40 monitors and are designated with the letters FS. Flat panel LCD displays were also available, designated with the letters FP.
Compaq Presario MV540
Compaq Presario MV740
Compaq Presario MV940
Compaq Presario CV535
Compaq Presario CV735
Compaq Presario CV935
Compaq Presario FP745A
Compaq Presario FS740
Compaq Presario FS940
Unlike with the preceding MVX20 and MVX30 monitors, these monitors had the side mounts for the speakers as with the 1X25 and MVX00 monitors, since all of these monitors came with JBL Platinum Series speakers that could be mounted on the sides of the monitors. The speakers also featured speaker grills that were removable and was offered in the same six color configuration as with the 5000 and 7000 series, matching with the case design of the aforementioned models. One out of the six colors was used as the default color for all retail models while the other five colors were offered as options. It also has a line-in jack for audio input, which allowed for other audio sources to be used for output via the speakers. The FP745A is the only exception, since it has integrated speakers built into the monitor.
^It has been said that the Compaq brand name was discontinued in 2013 due to "marketability issues", however this has not been officially confirmed as such by HP.
^The Compaq Presario 2254, 2255, and 2256 desktop computers were introduced during the "Series 3" generation, however they technically belonged to the previous "Series 2" generation of computers as they retained the same design language as the "Series 2" Presario computers with some minor changes.
^The six color options for the MyStyle Accent Color Kits include Smokey Quartz (gray; standard color for all models), Emerald Green, Ruby Red, Amber Orange, Sapphire Blue and Amethyst Purple.
^The six color options for the WildStyle Accent Color Kits include Carbon Fiber, Burl Wood Grain, Brushed Steel, Cobalt Blue, Leopard and Light Wood Grain.
^ abcdModels equipped with a CD-ROM drive and a Sound Blaster 16 sound card as standard equipment from 1993–1995
^ abcdefghijklmOffered via Compaq's "Built For You" program (configurable models offered via kiosks in retail locations and on Compaq's online store)
^Build-to-order models of the Compaq Presario 5000 series offered via Compaq's "Built For You" program (sold via kiosks in retail outlets and on Compaq's online store)
^Build-to-order models of the Compaq Presario 7000 series offered via Compaq's "Built For You" program (sold via kiosks in retail outlets and on Compaq's online store)
^Club model offered exclusively for discount shopping stores
^Build-to-order "Configure To Order" model offered on the Compaq/HP online store
^Rebranded as "Evo N1005" in the Compaq Evo series
^Rebranded as "Evo N1000/N1020" in the Compaq Evo series
^Rebranded as "HP Compaq nx9100" in the HP Compaq series
^Rebranded as "HP Pavilion dv1000" and "HP Pavilion ze2000" in the HP Pavilion series, "Presario ze2000" in the Compaq Presario series, and as "HP Compaq nx4800" in the HP Compaq series
^Rebranded as "HP Compaq nx9600" in the HP Compaq series
^Rebranded as "HP Pavilion dv1000" and "HP Pavilion ze2000" in the HP Pavilion series, "Presario V2000" in the Compaq Presario series, and as "HP Compaq nx4800" in the HP Compaq series
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