Laptop Microphone Usb
Laptop Microphone Usb
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Blue Yeti USB Microphone $149 The Blue Yeti USB mic combines 3 capsules and 4 different pattern settings, making it an ideal USB microphone for creating amazing recordings directly to your computer. THX Certified for exceptional sound and performance, the Blue Yeti microphone captures any sound with a clarity and ease previously unheard of in a USB microphone. The Yeti mic is equipped with Blue's innovative triple capsule array, allowing for recording in stereo or your choice of 3 polar patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional, giving you recording capabilities usually requiring multiple microphones. The Blue Yeti uses a high-quality analog-to-digital converter to send incredible audio fidelity directly into your computer. A built-in headphone amplifier offers zero-latency monitoring. Simple controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and microphone gain located directly on the microphone make the Blue Yeti as easy to use as it is versatile and exceptional in sound quality. The Yeti microphone's exceptional performance and fidelity have earned it the distinction of being the first THX Certified Microphone, a validation of the Blue microphone's incredibly low distortion, high fidelity, and balanced frequency response. There are no drivers to install—simply plug the Blue Yeti microphone into your PC or Mac's USB port, load up your favorite recording software, and record something amazing. |
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CAD U2 USB Headset with Microphone $29.66 The CAD U2 USB Headset with Microphone offers you a comfortable headband and soft ear pads, and a gooseneck microphone with boom. It's lightweight and durable, Windows and Macintosh compatible. |
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Blue Yeti Usb Microphone $149 The Blue Yeti USB mic combines 3 capsules and 4 different pattern settings, making it an ideal USB microphone for creating amazing recordings directly to your computer. THX Certified for exceptional sound and performance, the Blue Yeti microphone captures any sound with a clarity and ease previously unheard of in a USB microphone. The Yeti mic is equipped with Blue's innovative triple capsule array, allowing for recording in stereo or your choice of 3 polar patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional, giving you recording capabilities usually requiring multiple microphones. The Blue Yeti uses a high-quality analog-to-digital converter to send incredible audio fidelity directly into your computer. A built-in headphone amplifier offers zero-latency monitoring. Simple controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and microphone gain located directly on the microphone make the Blue Yeti as easy to use as it is versatile and exceptional in sound quality. The Yeti microphone's exceptional performance and fidelity have earned it the distinction of being the first THX Certified Microphone, a validation of the Blue microphone's incredibly low distortion, high fidelity, and balanced frequency response. There are no drivers to install - simply plug the Blue Yeti microphone into your PC or Mac's USB port, load up your favorite recording software, and record something amazing.4 settings: bidirectional, omnidirectional, cardioid, stereo Master volume Mute button Proprietary tri-capsule array Mic gain control Zero-latency headphone output with amplifier & volume control USB mini jack Standard threaded mic stand mount Custom base with cable management |
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Cad U2 Usb Headset With Microphone $39.99 The CAD U2 USB Headset with Microphone offers you a comfortable headband and soft ear pads, and a gooseneck microphone with boom. It's lightweight and durable, Windows and Macintosh compatible.VoIP compatible: Call friends and relatives over the internetPowerful headphone amplifier for full listening fidelityCardioid microphone pickup pattern for minimal background noiseFlexible gooseneck for easy microphone placement10' USB cable for more freedom |
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Nady USB-24M USB microphone $28.23 The Nady USB-24M makes it easier for you to record your music, podcast, or any audio source to your preferred recording software. Just plug the USB mic cable into your computer's USB port and launch your software. The microphone features a dynamic neodymium element and a 24-bit/96kHz digital audio conversion rate to capture sounds with extreme precision and offers plug-and-play operation with most recording applications. |
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Blue Snowball USB Microphone $99 The Blue Snowball is an easy-to-use USB condenser microphone that captures unheard-of detail whether you're recording a band in a professional studio or an acoustic guitar in your living room. The Snowball mic is ideal for podcasting as well. Plug-and-play your Snowball microphone with your PC or Mac with no added software. The Snowball mic's 3-pattern switch allows you to choose from cardioid, cardioid with -10dB pad, and omnidirectional. The dual-capsule design allows the Blue Snowball to handle anything you can throw at it, from soft vocals to loud garage bands. (No refrigeration necessary!) |
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Nady Usb-24M Usb Microphone $31.99 The Nady USB-24M makes it easier for you to record your music, podcast, or any audio source to your preferred recording software. Just plug the USB mic cable into your computer's USB port and launch your software. The microphone features a dynamic neodymium element and a 24-bit/96kHz digital audio conversion rate to capture sounds with extreme precision and offers plug-and-play operation with most recording applications.Perfect for recording vocal tracks or voice-overs on your computer or for online communicationExcellent clear, crisp sound with smooth response.Dynamic neodymium element provides ultimate sensitivity with cardioid pick-upConnects directly to any computer with a USB 2.0 (or higher) input port for easy plug-and-play operation with most DAW softwareAD converter with 24-bit/96KHz sampling rateConvenient On/Off switch and USB connection LED indicatorEasy to use with computer recording softwareHeavy gauge mesh grill and durable construction |
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Blue Snowball Usb Microphone $99 The Blue Snowball is an easy-to-use USB condenser microphone that captures unheard-of detail whether you're recording a band in a professional studio or an acoustic guitar in your living room. The Snowball mic is ideal for podcasting as well. Plug-and-play your Snowball microphone with your PC or Mac with no added software. The Snowball mic's 3-pattern switch allows you to choose from cardioid, cardioid with -10dB pad, and omnidirectional. The dual-capsule design allows the Blue Snowball to handle anything you can throw at it, from soft vocals to loud garage bands. (No refrigeration necessary!) Condenser mic with USB connectivity Unique 3-pattern switch (cardioid, cardioid with -10dB pad, and omni) Dual-capsule design White finish |
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Blue Yeti USB Microphone 886830132971 $74.5 The Blue Yeti USB mic combines 3 capsules and 4 different pattern settings, making it an ideal USB microphone for creating amazing recordings directly to your computer. THX Certified for exceptional sound and performance, the Blue Yeti microphone captures any sound with a clarity and ease previously unheard of in a USB microphone. The Yeti mic is equipped with Blue's innovative triple capsule array, allowing for recording in stereo or your choice of 3 polar patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional, giving you recording capabilities usually requiring multiple microphones. The Blue Yeti uses a high-quality analog-to-digital converter to send incredible audio fidelity directly into your computer. A built-in headphone amplifier offers zero-latency monitoring. Simple controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and microphone gain located directly on the microphone make the Blue Yeti as easy to use as it is versatile and exceptional in sound quality. The Yeti microphone's exceptional performance and fidelity have earned it the distinction of being the first THX Certified Microphone, a validation of the Blue microphone's incredibly low distortion, high fidelity, and balanced frequency response. There are no drivers to install—simply plug the Blue Yeti microphone into your PC or Mac's USB port, load up your favorite recording software, and record something amazing. |
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CAD U37 USB Condenser Microphone $47.45 The CAD U37 USB condenser microphone is excellent for vocals and instruments. Use it to podcast on the the internet, to create your own audio for videos, or record your own songs. It's easy. Simply plug it into your computer's USB port with the supplied cable and start recording. Windows and Macintosh compatible. |
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Nady USB-1C USB Condenser Microphone $89.99 The Nady USB-1C Condenser Microphone is perfect for recording studio vocals, acoustic instruments, podcasts, ambient instrument audio, or any audio source to your preferred DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Just connect the mic to your computer's USB port with the supplied USB cable and launch your DAW. You are now ready to record! Powerful and versatile, the USB-1C microphone meets the stringent requirements of even the most demanding digital recording and live broadcasting applications. |
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Cad U37 Usb Condenser Microphone $69.99 The CAD U37 USB condenser microphone is excellent for vocals and instruments. Use it to podcast on the the internet, to create your own audio for videos, or record your own songs. It's easy. Simply plug it into your computer's USB port with the supplied cable and start recording. Windows and Macintosh compatible.Large condenser microphone element for warm, rich recordingsCardioid pickup pattern minimizes background noise and isolates the main sound sourceSmooth, extended frequency response is excellent for singing, speech and instruments-10dB Overload-protection switch minimizes distortion from loud sound sourcesBass-reduction switch reduces room noiseSide-address design used by broadcast, TV and recording studios10' USB cable for flexible mic placement |
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Used Blue Yeti Usb Microphone $135.59 The Blue Yeti USB mic combines 3 capsules and 4 different pattern settings, making it an ideal USB microphone for creating amazing recordings directly to your computer. THX Certified for exceptional sound and performance, the Blue Yeti microphone captures any sound with a clarity and ease previously unheard of in a USB microphone. The Yeti mic is equipped with Blue's innovative triple capsule array, allowing for recording in stereo or your choice of 3 polar patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional, giving you recording capabilities usually requiring multiple microphones. The Blue Yeti uses a high-quality analog-to-digital converter to send incredible audio fidelity directly into your computer. A built-in headphone amplifier offers zero-latency monitoring. Simple controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and microphone gain located directly on the microphone make the Blue Yeti as easy to use as it is versatile and exceptional in sound quality. The Yeti microphone's exceptional performance and fidelity have earned it the distinction of being the first THX Certified Microphone, a validation of the Blue microphone's incredibly low distortion, high fidelity, and balanced frequency response. There are no drivers to install - simply plug the Blue Yeti microphone into your PC or Mac's USB port, load up your favorite recording software, and record something amazing.4 settings: bidirectional, omnidirectional, cardioid, stereo Master volume Mute button Proprietary tri-capsule array Mic gain control Zero-latency headphone output with amplifier & volume control USB mini jack Standard threaded mic stand mount Custom base with cable management |
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 Behringer C 1U Condenser Cable Professional Microphone  US $30.00
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 SAMSON C01U CONDENSER CABLE PROFESSIONAL MICROPHONE CO1U US $20.50
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 Behringer C 1U Condenser Cable Professional Microphone US $14.99
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 Blue Snowball Bundle USB mic Textured White microphone US $124.95
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 Samson C01U Professional Condenser Microphone w USB interface US $79.99
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 Samson C01U USB Studio Condenser Microphone US $18.50
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 Blue Eyeball 20 HD Webcam with high quality microphone US $99.95
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 Brand New Mini White USB Microphone Mini Microphone for Laptop or PC US $6.98
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 Samson Go Mic Portable USB Condenser Microphone SAGOMIC US $6.50
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 SAMSON GO MIC USB CONDENSER PORTABLE MICROPHONE with CASE US $5.00
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 Blue Microphones Snowball Plug Play USB Black KIT NEW US $99.99
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 Samson C01U Condenser Cable Professional Microphone US $90.00
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 Blue Snowflake Portable USB Microphone Digital Mic US $69.95
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 Blue Snowball Bundl USB mic microphone Brushed Aluminum US $129.95
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 SAMSON C01U Cable USB Studio Condenser Recording Professional Mic Microphone US $14.95
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 SAMSON C01U Professional Mic Cable USB Studio Condenser Recording MIC ONLY US $9.99
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 Samson C01 Condenser Cable Professional Microphone US $20.50
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 Samson CO1U Usb Studio Condenser Professional Microphone Stand SOFTWARE NEW US $59.99
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 Samson CO1U Usb Studio Condenser Professional MicrophoneStandFilter 05 L11919A US $.99
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 5 x Color Microphone Grill Foam Cover Audio Mic Shield US $2.99
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 OSP USB Microphone Adapter w Phantom Power US $29.99
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 Samson Go Mic Microphone WORKS GOOD LOOKS NEW US $19.99
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 Samson Go Mic Compact USB Microphone Plug n Play US $.97
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 SAMSON Meteor Mic USB Studio Condensor for Podcasting SAMTR US $1.04
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 Samson CO1U C01U USB Studio Condenser Recording Microphone US $79.99
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 SAMSON Meteor Mic USB Studio Condensor for Podcasting US $.99
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 Samson CO1U USB Condenser Microphone FREE NEXT DAY AIR US $79.99
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 Samson Go Mic GOMIC Portable Computer USB Condenser Mic US $49.00
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 USB Dynamic Microphone Mic Stand for PC Laptop Windows US $9.89
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 Samson Go Mic Portable USB Condenser Microphone US $49.00
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 Samson Go Mic Portable USB Condenser Microphone US $39.99
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 Samson CO1U Usb Studio Condenser Professional Microphone Stand SOFTWARE USED US $49.99
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 ART Voice Channel VOICECHANNEL PROAUDIOSTAR US $359.00
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 Samson METEOR MIC SAMTR USB Professional Condenser Studio Microphone Mic US $88.87
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 Blue Snowball Microphone US $69.99
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 Samson GO MIC Portable USB Professional Condenser Podcasting Microphone Mic US $42.99
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 Samson SAGOMIC Go Mic Compact USB Microphone Plug n Play good with MAC PC US $44.59
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 CARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE US $70.99
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 MARSHALL ELECTRONICS USB MICROPHONE FOR WEB CALLS US $93.29
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 MXLAC404 High Quality USB Conference Room Microphone US $95.21
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 Samson GO Microphone Portable USB Condenser US $63.18
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 Green MINI Pocket Microphone Karaoke Player Home KTV for iPhone iPad MP3 MP4 PC US $21.95
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 Marshall MXL Mic Mate Dynamic USB Interface PreAmp New US $55.00
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 Blue Microphones Snowball USB Condenser Microphone Wht SNOWBALL US $69.50
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 ART VOICE CHANNEL Microphone Preamp Channel Strip with Digital Outs NEW US $439.00
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 Samson C01U Condenser Cable Professional Microphone Spider Mount No Cable US $85.00
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 Samson GO MIC Portable USB Recording Computer Mic MICROPHONE US $59.99
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 Marshall Electronics MXLAC404 Microphone US $92.99
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 Logitech 980186 0403 USB Desktop Microphone US $19.99
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 Logitech 980186 0403 Microphone US $34.02
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Kinobo USB "Origami" Webcam 5mpx for Laptop/LCD/Desktop + USB microphone for Skype Sale Price: $13.99  |
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The Origami cam is so named because it can be folded into any number of configurations. Sit it on your desk using the stand provided, or adjust it to hang from your laptop or LCD screen. Fold it out flat, or collapse it completely - there's no end of ways you can use it... |
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Logitech USB Desktop Microphone List Price: $29.99 Sale Price: $19.54 |
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Experience plug and play convenience and enhanced audio quality of USB technology with the Logitech USB Desktop Microphone. The noise canceling microphone improves sound quality by blocking out unwanted noise... |
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6 LED USB Digital Web Camera Webcam + Microphone For Laptop Notebook PC for Live Chat Video Sale Price: $2.31 Used From: $50.00 |
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Connect with your world day or night using our Webcam with Night Vision. 6 LEDs will illuminate the darkness, and a high-resolution color sensor provides 24-bit true color. Twist the lens to focus it for an incredibly clear picture... |
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Kinobo B6 USB Webcam for Laptop/LCD screen/Desktop 5 Megapixel + USB Microphone for Windows XP/Vista/7 Skype Sale Price: $14.99 Used From: $14.99 |
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With a great quality picture, a USB microphone built in, and no additional drivers required to use this webcam - you'll be up and running in no time! This camera has one of the clearest pictures we've seen and works straight away with Skype, MSN and other webcam chat programs... |
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GTMax Red Flexible 12 Mega Pixel High Resolution USB Webcam with Microphone/Snapshot/6 LED Light/Clip for Laptop List Price: $49.99 Sale Price: $3.32 |
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Brand new non-OEM. 12 Mega Pixel CMOS sensor; Software interpolated pixel up to 12 Mega Pixel. Absolute high resolution and frame rate. Built-in USB port microphone. Rotate 360 degree to capture images from any angle... |
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CAD U1 USB Dynamic Recording Microphone List Price: $49.00 Sale Price: Too low to display |
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Offering excellent quality at an affordable price, the CAD U1 records directly to your computer via USB and is a great choice for both vocal and instruments as well as for creating podcasts and voiceovers for videos... |
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6 LED USB Digital Web Camera Webcam + Microphone For Laptop Notebook PC for Live Chat Video List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $2.70 |
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Connect with your world day or night using our Webcam with Night Vision. 6 LEDs will illuminate the darkness, and a high-resolution color sensor provides 24-bit true color. Twist the lens to focus it for an incredibly clear picture... |
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Kinobo USB 2.0 Microphone for VOIP, Skype, MSN, Desktop/Laptop Sale Price: $9.79 |
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Ideal for adding a microphone function to your desktop, or for improving on the built-in microphone on your laptop. This USB microphone sets the standard in VOIP and is great for Skype. It's also designed to be used for voice dictation and is compatible with all dictation software. |
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Blue Microphones Snowball USB Microphone (White) List Price: $99.00 Sale Price: Too low to display Used From: $57.49 |
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Create studio-quality recordings with Blue Microphone's Snowball, a USB microphone with exceptional sound-capture capabilities. Using Blue Microphone's award-winning dual-capsule and circuit design, the Snowball produces crisp, clean recordings that are free of feedback and distortion... |
Buy Compaq Presario V2000 Laptop Experience
As a busy medical student, I was looking for a portable notebook computer that would fit easily into my bag and would not weigh me down. I did not need an expensive, top-of-the-line computer for high-demand applications or gaming. I simply needed a computer for writing emails, browsing the internet, writing papers, creating Power Point presentations, working with Excel spreadsheets, syncing with a PDA, watching DVD movies, and listening to music. My new computer had to have a built-in wireless card, a DVD-ROM drive, a long battery life, an audio output port for connecting headphones or external speakers, and USB ports. The most important feature, however, was a price that a student can afford. I was willing to forego some features in order to keep the price below $1000. I considered several popular computer models, including Dell Inspiron, Sony Vaio, Toshiba Satellite, and IBM ThinkPad. Most of these brands came with price tags that placed them just beyond my reach. Although I knew that Hewlett Packard and Compaq made affordable computers, I associated these brand names with heavy, bulky notebooks. After a few weeks of searching for an affordable computer that satisfied my demands, I discovered the Compaq Presario V2000 (compaq presario v2000 battery) and its Hewlett Packard cousin, the DV1000 (hp pavilion dv1000. I checked out both of these models at a local office supply store. I was surprised to find the HP and Compaq names on smaller, more compact notebooks. Much has been written about the similarities and differences between these two computers. For my needs, the only obvious advantage I saw in the DV1000 over the V2000 was the Quick Play feature, which allows you to watch movies or listen to CDs without going through a complete Windows start-up. Because I could not see myself using this feature very often, I decided to buy the slightly less expensive Compaq V2000, which is marketed as the "take it anywhere" model in the Presario line.
Purchase
I found that I could get the best price on a V2000 by ordering a custom notebook on the HP website. Customizing the V2000 allowed me to save money by downgrading some of the options that were not very important to me. I saved even more by taking advantage of HP's student discount. The major decisions in customizing my V2000 were the operating system, the processor, the display, memory, hard drive size and speed, CD drive, battery, and wireless option. The configuration I purchased is as follows:
- OPERATING SYSTEM: Windows XP Home
- PROCESSOR: Intel Pentium M 710 -- 1.4 GHz
- SCREEN: 14.0" WXGA Widescreen (not the BrightView)
- MEMORY: 256 MB SDRAM (1x256)
- HARD DRIVE: 40 GB 4200 rpm
- CD DRIVE: DVD/CD-RW combo drive
- BATTERY: 6-cell lithium ion
- WIRELESS: Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG WLAN (without Bluetooth).
The HP website seems to always be offering specials or rebates. Sometimes you can get lucky and find a coupon code for additional savings. At the time that I placed my order, HPShopping was offering free shipping, a $30 rebate on custom notebooks, and a free upgrade to the DVD/CD-RW drive. Shipping to most states in the US does not incur a sales tax. The total on my computer with the student discount was $920.26, and the $30 rebate brings it down to $890.26. I also purchased the 2-year Express Repair extended service for an additional $99.99. In the course of shopping, I also talked myself into buying the HP Deskjet 5850 wireless inkjet printer for $101.24. Purchasing the computer and the printer at the same time entitled me to an additional rebate of $50. I was very happy with these prices, but the only drawback to ordering a custom notebook on the website is that it may take a few weeks to deliver. My computer took 13 days from order to delivery.
Form & Design
The V2000 is well-designed and sharp-looking. The inside of the notebook is silver, and the top and bottom are black plastic. The specs from the website report the weight as 5.21 lbs, and the physical dimensions as 13.15 in. x 9.1 in. I was pleasantly surprised when I first picked it up -- the computer looks as though it should be a lot heavier than it is. The widescreen design allows for a very functional screen size that does not make the computer too bulky or heavy. The thickness of the computer is greater at the rear (1.53 in.) than it is in the front (1.29 in.). This puts the keyboard at a slight upward angle, which turns out to be a comfortable ergonomic feature. But it may look strange when you first close the display and notice the top is not level.
The design of the V2000 has a few minor flaws. First, the power cord connects to the back of computer. This can be cumbersome when you need to go to AC power. Second, there is a little slack in the door for the CD drive on the right side panel. I notice it when I pick up the computer from the sides. In order to protect the CD drive door when I travel with the computer, I (hp pavilion zd8000 battery) bought a new bag that came with a protective laptop sleeve. The only other significant design issue is the thickness of the unit. It is slightly thicker than I initially expected. Using the protective sleeve adds even greater thickness to the unit. This takes up precious space in my school bag.
The screen size is where the V2000 earns my respect. The 14-inch widescreen design gives a screen height comparable to a standard 12 inch or 14 inch screen, but the width of a 15 inch display. This keeps the dimensions of the computer small and portable while providing a display that is very functional and easy to use. The widescreen design allows me to see the entire width of a document, even when working in landscape mode. It also allows me to easily view two documents side-by-side. I have also discovered that I can play a DVD movie in a small window in the corner of the screen and still have enough usable screen area to work on other applications.
The V2000 (hp pavilion dv4000 battery) only has two custom options for the display: widescreen or widescreen with BrightView. The BrightView screen is a more reflective surface that provides more vivid color and higher contrast. Although I read many glowing reviews of the BrightView screen, I decided against it. I was concerned that the increased reflectivity of the brighter display would cause problems with glare and increased visibility of dust and fingerprints. Also, the BrightView screen seemed to be an additional cost that I did not think was absolutely necessary for my needs. At the time that I bought the computer, the BrightView option added $50 to the price. Since that time, HP has dropped the price to $25 for this upgrade. I do not regret choosing the standard display, as the image quality is sufficient for most of my needs. The only time I really notice the shortcomings of the standard display is when I watch DVD movies. The DVD video quality is a little washed out and grainy, especially when viewing in full screen mode. If I were buying the V2000 at today's prices I would probably spend the extra money and get the BrightView.
Speakers
The V2000 comes with JBL stereo speakers mounted on the front panel. The audio quality is great for watching movies, listening to CDs, or streaming audio. I am very pleased with the quality of the sound at all volume ranges. I hooked the computer up to a set of external speakers, and it sounded even better. Like most notebook computers, the audio quality of the V2000 cannot compete with your home entertainment center. But for a computer, the audio is pretty impressive.
Processor and Performance
At first I considered ordering my V2000 with a Celeron processor to save even more money. But after doing a little research, I decided that this was one area where I did not want to downgrade too much. I decided to go with the least expensive Centrino option, which at the time was the Pentium M-710, 1.4 GHz. I also selected the least expensive hard drive option (40 GB, 4200 rpm) and the minimum amount of memory (256 MB). At first I noticed that the performance of the computer was not as snappy as I would have liked. Some programs and windows seemed to take a long time to open and close. I tinkered with the visual effects and startup options to minimize the number of processes that were running in the background. This seemed to help somewhat, but it became obvious that I had underestimated the amount of memory that I would need. Luckily, the V2000(not as the compaq presario r3000 battery) has two memory card slots, and I was only using one slot with the 256 MB that I ordered in the initial configuration. I installed an additional 512 MB card into the second slot. I purchased the additional memory card from a local computer store for about $60 after rebate. The memory upgrade has greatly enhanced the computer's performance. Programs seem to open and close a lot faster and I no longer feel that the computer is running a few seconds behind me. Furthermore, I was able to get a 768 MB of memory for less than it would have cost me to order the initial configuration with 512 MB. I do not regret my choices on the processor or the hard drive size. After the memory upgrade, the performance is snappy enough for my demands, and I still have 30GB of free space available on the hard drive.
The computer gets a little warm during routine use, but not beyond what I would expect for a notebook computer. The cooling fans kick on occasionally when running high-demand applications or multiple processes. The cooling fans are slightly louder than I originally expected, but it is not a significant issue. The cooling fans activate periodically when playing DVD movies or listening to music directly from a CD. This can drown out the audio if you are listening at low volumes.
The keyboard and touchpad are among the nicest features of the V2000. The keys have a comfortable, springy feel. The widescreen design accommodates a wider keyboard layout. Above the keyboard there are several buttons: main power, wireless button, and volume controls. I like the placement of these additional buttons because they are close enough that they are easily accessible but still separate from the main keyboard. The touchpad and mouse buttons work extremely well. The touchpad also has a region that serves the same function as the scroll wheel on a mouse. The only problem that I have noticed with this feature is that my right palm sometimes brushes the touchpad when I am typing and the screen scrolls a few lines. This is easily remedied by turning the touchpad off when typing long documents or when using an external mouse. The touchpad control button sits between the space bar and the touch pad. There is an orange LED that lets the user know if the touch pad control is on.
Input and Output Ports
There are multiple ports on both side panels of the computer. The left side panel contains the following ports:
- PMCIA slot
- USB 2.0 port
- Phone line and Ethernet ports
- Expansion base port (expansion base is sold separately)
- VGA monitor video output
In addition to the CD drive, the right side panel contains the following ports:
- 6-in-1 memory card reader
- Firewire port
- Two USB 2.0 ports
- S-Video output
The front panel contains the audio output, the microphone input, the display release button, various status lights, and stereo speakers. The AC power input port is located on the rear panel. Overall, I am impressed with the input and output port options on the V2000. It is nice to have three USB ports, and it is even nicer to have them on both side panels. My only complaint with configuration of the ports is that the AC power input is not very convenient to access on the rear panel. I would rather have the AC input port on one of the side panels, and have one of the less frequently used ports (VGA monitor or S-Video output) moved to the rear panel.
Wireless
I ordered my computer with the Intel PRO/Wireless 2200 (without Bluetooth). The wireless card can be turned off directly from the keyboard by pressing the wireless button. There is a blue light on the wireless button that tells you when the card is turned on, and there is also a blue indicator light on the front panel that lets the user know when the wireless card is turned on. The wireless card has worked for me every time, and I am happy with its range and performance.
Battery
There are two battery options on the V2000 : 6-cell lithium ion or 12-cell lithium ion. Because I was trying to minimize both the cost and the weight of the computer, I ordered the V2000 with the 6-cell battery. With everyday use, I can get almost three hours out of the 6-cell. This has worked out very well for my demands. I mainly use the computer at home, the school library, and at coffeehouses. Because I never seem to be very far from a power source, the battery life of the 6-cell has worked well for me. However, for those who need a longer battery life and are not bothered by a little extra weight, the V2000 can be ordered with a 12-cell battery (instead of the 6-cell) for an additional $25.
Operating System and Software
The V2000 comes with either the Home or Professional editions of Windows XP. The operating system was already installed when the computer was delivered, and the operating system disks were included with the manuals. The computer was delivered with a thin "Getting Started" manual. The more comprehensive manual is on a CD that comes with the computer.
Warranty and Customer Support
Although I was on a quest to keep the cost of this computer as low as I could, I purchased an additional warranty so that I could have a little extra peace of mind. I bought the 2 year Express Repair coverage for $99.99. The warranty information was delivered in a separate box with the extended warranty information, a warranty sticker, and mail-in registration forms. I have not had a chance to evaluate this coverage yet because I have not had any problems with the computer.
Conclusion
Although the Compaq Presario V2000 is not the smallest and lightest notebook on the market, I am happy that I bought this computer. The widescreen design gives the V2000 a significant functional advantage with little impact on its portability. Despite a few minor design concerns (the AC input on the back panel, the CD drive door, and the thickness), I would recommend this to computer to someone who wants a middle-of-the-road computer for decent price. The custom options allowed me to build a computer that suited my basic needs while keeping the cost within my range. The custom options are also flexible enough that more sophisticated users can upgrade to more powerful options. This makes the V2000 well-suited to a wide range of users.
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