The Compaq Presario brand, part of HP since 2002, became known for affordable, durable desktops and notebooks for basic home and small-office use. Its strengths - simple hardware, multimedia capability, and access to HP support - are reflected in current HP entry-level models. Buyers should verify whether a Presario is a legacy/refurbished unit or a current release, check specs (CPU, RAM, SSD), and compare warranty or HP Care Pack options before buying.

Compaq Presario - a quick history and why it matters

Compaq became part of Hewlett-Packard in 2002, and the Presario name became HP's mainstream consumer line for years after. The Presario models earned a reputation for affordable, no-frills desktops and notebooks suited to home users, students, and small offices.

If you're hunting for a low-cost machine today, the Presario legacy is useful context: many of the strengths associated with Presario models - straightforward hardware, basic multimedia capability, and extended support options through HP - still show up across HP's current entry-level lines.

Desktop vs. notebook: what Presario buyers liked

Presario desktops offered room for upgrades, standard monitor pairings, and basic multimedia features: DVD drives (now less common), optical and USB ports, and affordable graphics for casual gaming and video playback. Notebooks emphasized portability and battery life for everyday tasks: web browsing, email, document work, and light media use.

Modern equivalents in HP's current portfolio tend to follow the same split: larger, upgrade-friendly desktops for home media and small-office needs, and compact laptops for mobility. Both options historically balanced cost and capability in ways that appealed to budget-minded buyers.

Durability, support, and warranties

One reason customers trusted Presario models was the combination of simple hardware design and access to HP's support network. HP continues to offer telephone and online support, knowledge base articles, driver downloads, and extended service packages (HP Care Pack) for many systems. Those support options can reduce downtime and sometimes avoid shipping a device for repairs.

What to check before you buy

  • Confirm whether a model is a current release or a refurbished/legacy Presario.
  • Verify processor, RAM, and storage meet your needs: modern entry-level systems typically use recent Intel or AMD chips and SSDs for faster performance.
  • Optical drives are often omitted now; if you need one, check specifications.
  • Compare warranty and available HP Care Pack terms.

Bottom line

The Presario name stands for an approachable, budget-oriented line of PCs that historically gave reliable basic performance and solid support. If you find a Presario or a current HP entry-level model, focus on processor, storage, and warranty options to ensure it fits your everyday needs. For availability of new Presario-branded machines, check HP's official store or authorized resellers. 1
  1. Confirm current availability of new Compaq Presario-branded computers from HP or authorized resellers.
  2. Verify historical/discontinuation timeline for the Presario line (specific end-of-life dates for models).

FAQs about Compaq Presario Computers

Is Compaq still an HP brand?
Yes. Compaq was acquired by Hewlett-Packard in 2002 and the brand has been used by HP on various consumer products since then. Availability of specific Presario-branded machines varies by market and timeframe.
Are Presario computers still good for everyday tasks?
Historically, Presario models handled web browsing, email, document editing, and basic multimedia well. For today's needs, ensure the model has a modern CPU, at least 8 GB of RAM for smoother multitasking, and an SSD for faster performance.
Should I buy a refurbished Presario?
Refurbished Presarios can offer value if they have updated storage and sufficient RAM. Confirm the seller's warranty and return policy, and check that HP support resources or drivers are still available for that model.
Do Presario models still get HP support?
HP provides online support resources and service options for many legacy and current devices, and offers extended service plans (HP Care Pack) for eligible systems. Verify support coverage for the specific model you plan to buy.
What replaced the Presario in HP’s lineup?
HP consolidated many consumer lines over time; current HP consumer models (such as Pavilion and lower-tier series) occupy the entry-level and mainstream segments that Presario once served. Check HP's site for current product names and comparisons.

News about Compaq Presario Computers

Compaq Presario CQ5210F - Review 2010 - PCMag UK [Visit Site | Read More]

Compaq Presario SR1719UK Review - Trusted Reviews [Visit Site | Read More]

HP Compaq Presario CQ56-111SA review - TechRadar [Visit Site | Read More]

HP Compaq Presario SR5610f review: HP Compaq Presario SR5610f - CNET [Visit Site | Read More]

Compaq Presario V2410 Turion 64 Laptop Review - PC Perspective [Visit Site | Read More]

Do you own an HP or Compaq PC? It could be a fire hazard -- find out if it is recalled here - BetaNews [Visit Site | Read More]