The 5.5 lb Compaq Evo n600c laptop was a respectably feature-laden corporate option when it was released almost a decade ago. It came from the factory preinstalled with Windows 2000 Professional, a 20GB hard drive, 128MB of SDRAM, a 14.1 inch screen and a 1.06GHz PIII-M CPU. It lacked integrated wireless, but provided a two-inch-wide silver module on the lid called a MultiPort that supported USB wireless connection option for 802.11b or Bluetooth.

There are a number of hardware upgrades that are recommended for making the most of Compaq Evo n600c laptops still in circulation in your office:

1. Order Evo n600c accessories that add wireless capability to your notebook.
2. Support an upgrade to Windows XP by installing a larger hard drive in your Compaq Evo n600c notebook PC.
3. Install additional Compaq n600c memory for an immediate performance boost.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase a MultiPort or USB adapter to add wireless functionality to your HP Compaq Evo N600c

The Compaq Evo n600c laptop doesn't have built-in wireless support, which immediately limits its business functionality. It does have a modem port, as well as a standard ethernet networking port. The specialized MultiPort will take either a specialized 802.11b wireless adapter, or a Bluetooth adapter. There are also two USB ports which can be used for pretty much anything.

I recommend: The old-school 802.11b wireless adapter for use with the Compaq n600c MultiPort is ridiculously expensive. If you're an accessories purist, you can order it from UpgradeBay.com or Impact Computers & Electronics for between $150 and $200, but it doesn't even support the current Wireless-G standard. You can purchase a wireless USB network adapter for under $20 from Geeks.com or TigerDirect.

Increase the viability of your HP Compaq Evo N600c with a hard drive upgrade

This laptop came preinstalled with Windows 2000 Professional. To ensure the best compatibility modern business applications, it's a good idea to upgrade to Windows XP. 20GB is a very little storage capacity in this day and age. To support a Compaq Evo n600c upgrade to Windows XP, throw in a new hard drive. This model of laptop will recognize up to 120GB hard drive without any problems.

I recommend: You can buy a Western Digital or Seagate 120GB notebook drive from Mwave.com or ZipZoomfly.com for under $60.

Immediately increase performance by upgrading your Compaq Evo n600c RAM

128MB of system RAM will greatly reduce the usability of this laptop. If you are even considering upgrading to Windows XP from the factory-installed Windows 2000 Pro you'll need to purchase additional SDRAM. The Compaq Evo notebook n600c supports a maximum of 1GB of PC133 SDRAM, which would be installed in two 512MB modules. If you're thinking of upgrading to Vista--don't even bother.

I recommend: You can pick up two 512MB modules of PC1200 SDRAM from Memory-Up or Kahlon for around $100.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As with any older computer, you can extend the life of your Compaq Evo n600c notebook PC by performing regular maintenance. Fully discharge your laptop battery on a monthly basis. Regularly defragment your hard drive. Always have an antivirus and antispyware program installed, and regularly update and run system scans. All of these things will help keep your laptop in the best possible condition.

Compaq released the Evo n600c in 2001, before the company's merger with Hewlett-Packard. The Compaq Evo notebook n600c boasted a 3-hour battery life, 802.11b or Bluetooth wireless capability and a Pentium 3 processor. Business executives considered this 5.2-pound laptop a good find.

With the merger of Compaq and Hewlett-Packard and the release of new technology, the company no longer makes and distributes the Compaq Evo n600c. You can still purchase new and used systems online or from computer retailers who may still have a few in inventory.

If your company has purchased or is considering purchasing a Compaq Evo n600c notebook PC, consider these 3 options:

1. Buy a new or used HP Compaq Evo n600c from large online retailers. Find cheap options that you can upgrade yourself after purchasing a system.

2. Update your existing model with Compaq n600c memory, video card, sound card and other hardware and accessories.

3. Choose another notebook similar to the Compaq Evo notebook n600c. Look for the models that have replaced the n600c.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase a Compaq Evo n600c laptop online or at a local retailer

Shop your local electronics retailers for leftover models in stock and search online for the discontinued Compaq Evo n600c laptop. You might even browse bidding websites, such as eBay, to find a large selection at the price you're willing to spend.

I recommend: Shop eBay to find used and refurbished Evo n600c models at a variety of prices. Browse other online retailers such as Amazon to purchase the Compaq Evo n600c laptop or compare it with other models.

Check the specifications and read the reviews for the Compaq Evo n600c

Have your tech support team read through the manual or tech sheet to find information about Compaq Evo n600c drivers, specifications and overall usage. Read reviews to find out what people think about the computer and make an informed decision based on your new knowledge. According to the PC World review, the model has an easy-to-use keyboard, a high quality combination drive and good speakers, but lacks the extra power of other models in its price class.

I recommend: Look over the Compaq Evo n600c overview and troubleshooting manuals to learn more about the computer's performance, and how to correct some of the basic issues. Compaq Evo n600 drivers can help with some of the incompatibility issues, but contact customer service for extra assistance.

Focus on a Compaq Evo n600c upgrade for your office

Add current Compaq Evo n600c drivers, RAM, hard drives and other internal hardware to keep your system current. The computer can only be upgraded to a certain point, but by maxing it out you ensure it'll last as long as possible.

I recommend: Install a new Compaq Evo n600c video driver and video card and extra RAM to keep your computer running smoothly. Add a new battery and adapter so your computer will run at its full potential while you're commuting from home to the office and anywhere else. Download Compaq Evo n600 drivers at the HP website.

Choose new Evo n600c accessories and programs to enhance your business operations

Along with adding internal upgrades like Compaq Evo n600c RAM, find accessories and software to make your business run a little smoother. Install updated operating systems and office organization programs to stay current in the field and add projectors, speakers and other equipment to make those presentations more effective.

I recommend: Install Microsoft XP Professional--Vista is too intense for the system and lacks support--or Linux to your Compaq Evo n600c model. Add Microsoft Office Small Business to keep your office organized and your business is on its way to becoming more efficient and modern. Consider a new HP printer to keep up with your growing printing needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep an extra Compaq Evo n600c AC adapter at home so you can carry your laptop without lugging around extra accessories. You can easily fit the 5.2 pound n600c in your briefcase or backpack for easy travel.
• •  Make sure to download updated drivers for Compaq Evo n600 models before spending money on tech support--the problem may be as simple as keeping your computer updated.

The Compaq Evo n600c is an older corporate laptop that was released by Compaq prior to their merger with HP. It weighs in at a hefty 5.5 pounds, and lacks integrated wireless. Although the Evo n600c accessories didn't include built-in wireless support, it came with a now out-dated MultiPort that accepted wireless 802.11 and Bluetooth expansion cards. This laptop came factory-loaded with Windows XP Pro. Built-in hardware included a 20GB hard drive, 128MB of SDRAM, a 1.06GHz Pentium III processor and a 14.1 inch screen.

Although there is really no reason to purchase this older laptop, you may still have some that are still being used in your office environment. The following Compaq Evo n600c basics will help you keep these older laptops in peak operating condition:

1. Download and install the most current Compaq Evo n600c drivers to keep your laptop running smoothly.
2. Add wireless support to your Compaq Evo n600c.
3. Keep hardware and service manuals for your Compaq Evo n600c notebook PC readily available.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Bring your laptop up to date with the latest Compaq Evo n600 drivers

There are a few different ways to make sure you are using the latest video, network and sound card drivers for your Compaq Evo notebook n600c. If you are relatively tech-savvy, you can manually download and install the drivers from the company website. Otherwise, there are several online sites that provide automatic driver updates through their proprietary driver scanning software.

I recommend: Access software and driver downloads, as well as support documentation, at the HP website. The Driver Detective at Drivers HeadQuarters will automatically scan your laptop and inform you of any updated drivers for Compaq Evo n600.

Add wireless support to your Compaq Evo n600c to bring into the modern age

The Compaq Evo n600c has two USB ports and two PC Card slots, as well as the aforementioned out-dated Multi-Port. Expansion cards for the Multi-Port are hard to find and expensive. You can add wireless support with either a wireless USB network adapter, or a PC Card wireless network adapter. This is a mainly a matter of personal preference. The USB adapters will stick out more from the laptop case, which can be unsightly. PC Cards are actually inserted into the laptop, keeping the laptop profile cleaner.

I recommend: You can get PC Card wireless adapters at TigerDirect. These are also called PCMCIA cards. Directron.com has a great selection of wireless USB network adapters.

Know where to find the user and maintenance manuals for your HP Compaq Evo N600c

Because this is an older laptop model, it is important that you have all the support documentation on hand. In addition to viewing the support manuals available on the HP website, there are other online websites that also provide documentation for your Compaq Evo n600c laptop.

I recommend: Download the Evo n600c service manual from eServiceInfo.com. The file comes in .rar format, so you may need to use a free unpacking utility like 7-Zip to open it. Retrevo is another great source for n600c user manuals.

The Compaq Evo notebook n600c was released nearly a decade ago, billed as a corporate laptop. Its feature set included a 20GB hard drive, 128MB of SDRAM, a 1.06GHz Pentium III-M processor and a 14.1 inch screen. It came preinstalled with Windows 2000 professional. Although it lacked wireless support out of the box, it came with a Multi-Port that could be upgraded with a USB wireless bluetooth or 802.11b option.

Obviously, you can't purchase this laptop new, but you can find great deals on this older laptop by finding out the latest Compaq Evo n600c pricing and costs:

1. Find a Compaq Evo n600c notebook PC for sale at a decent price, first.
2. Order a Compaq Evo n600c RAM upgrade to increase your system performance.
3. Purchase a simple yet effective Compaq Evo n600c upgrade—a larger hard drive.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Scour online retailers to find a great deal on an HP Compaq Evo N600c laptop

The going price for a refurbished HP Compaq Evo N600c seems to be between $350 and $400. This can seem expensive when you can purchase a new laptop for around the same price. If you have a fondness for this exact laptop, then it may be worth the price. Otherwise, it's in your best interest to shop around and see what else is out there.

I recommend: L.A. Computer Center has an n600c laptop for sale for under $400. They offer an extended warranty for about $50, which is always good when purchasing refurbished computers. Laptop Service Parts and Tronics offer around the same deal, under $400.

Increase the usability of your laptop with a Compaq Evo n600c RAM upgrade

If you're dead-set on purchasing the n600c notebook, one great way to immediately bring its performance up to speed is to purchase additional RAM. The Compaq Evo notebook n600c supports a maximum of 1GB of PC133 SDRAM, which would be installed in two 512MB modules. Some of the refurbished laptops come with more than the base 128MB installed, so check to see how much additional RAM you actually need. Windows XP runs great on 1GB, which is the maximum that the n600c supports.

I recommend: You can purchase two 512MB sticks of RAM for your n600c from All MemoryUpgrades, priced at about $25 each. MemoryTen offers more options, including 128MB, 256MB and 512MB sticks of Compaq n600c memory for sale for about $15, $20 and $50 respectively.

Upgrade the minuscule 20GB hard drive in your Compaq Evo n600c for more storage space

In today's information laden age, a 20GB hard drive won't take you far. You can easily upgrade that hard drive for minimal cost.

I recommend: You can find drives from 10GB to 160GB for between $40 and $125 at Drive Solutions. UCR has drives ranging in price from $50 to $200. By entering in your exact laptop model you can narrow down the search results even more.