At the time of its release in 2002, the Compaq Evo n800c laptop was considered to be a very solid, feature-laden business laptop. It ran on a P4 1.7GHz processor, and came with a decent sized 30GB hard drive. The n800c was one of the first notebooks to incorporate USB 2.0. As with other Compaq models released at this time, it didn't have built-in wireless. Instead, it came with a MultiPort, which could be expanded with an 802.11b wireless network adapter module.

In spite of its age, it only takes a few cost-effective upgrades increase the usefulness of this business laptop. Here are some simple tips for making the most of your Compaq Evo n800c:

1. Double the base system memory in your Compaq n800c for an immediate performance increase.
2. Fix performance issues by downloading the latest drivers for your Compaq Evo n800c laptop.
3. Add wireless functionality to your Compaq Evo n800c.
   

Action Steps
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Immediately increase the performance of your Compaq N800C with a memory upgrade

The Compaq Evo n800c notebook came with a standard 512MB of DDR266 PC2100 SDRAM. You can upgrade this to a maximum of 1GB. For this reason alone, I wouldn't recommend installing Vista on this laptop. 1GB is more than sufficient for Windows XP, but Vista needs at least 2GB to function properly.

I recommend: Purchase cheap memory for your laptop at Memory-Up. If you're uncomfortable picking out the memory yourself, Crucial will scan your system for you and automatically tell you which type of memory is right for your laptop. You can buy two 512MB modules for around $60 at either site.

Keep your Compaq Evo n800c notebook running smoothly with BIOS, firmware and driver updates

One of the first things you should do when inheriting an older notebook is make sure your drivers, BIOS and firmware are updated to the most current releases. The most recent Compaq Evo n800c BIOS update fixes an issue where the notebook can prompt for Power On password after restarting the notebook--even if you never set one. There is also a firmware update for the hard drive that makes it less noisy.

I recommend: Choose your operating system and then download whatever Compaq Evo n800c driver you need on the HP website. If you'd rather have your drivers updated automatically, download and run Driver Detective from PC Drivers Headquarters.

Bring your Compaq n800c into the modern age by adding wireless capability

There are a few different options available for making your Compaq Evo n800c wireless capable. This laptop has an open CardBus slot, a MultiPort and two USB 2.0 ports.

I recommend: Order the MultiPort 802.11b module from GetPartsOnline for around $30. Most wireless networks nowadays are running at least Wireless-G, and many are upgrading to the newest Wireless-N technology. They will probably remain backwards compatible with Wireless-B for a while, but to be safe you can order a Wireless-G CardBus adapter or USB adapter from Newegg or TigerDirect for under $30.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're using your Compaq Evo n800c to work from home or while on the road, and don't need a CD or DVD drive, you can swap out your unused drive out for a second battery. This upgrade will double your effective battery life from between 3 and 4 hours to between 6 and 8 hours.

When the Compaq Evo n800c laptop debuted in 2002 it became an immediate success. Stephens Institute of Technology gave one to every incoming student, many hospitals gave them to doctors to carry around and businesses everywhere were on top of this trend, buying the Compaq n800c for their office workers.

But soon, users realized their system may not be as worth the money as they thought when newer, cheaper models began to show up on the market. The systems aren't as fast as the other Pentium 4 models in the same price range. The Compaq Evo n800c wireless capability works great but weight--6.7-7.5 pounds with accessories--is slightly uncomfortable.

If you need to upgrade, or replace, your Compaq laptop:

1. Buy a new or used Compaq Evo n800 laptop and upgrade it yourself, making it more modern for a cheaper price.

2. Choose another Compaq or Hewlett-Packard business computer in place of the Evo n800c laptop.

3. Purchase another brand--other than HP or Compaq--in the same price range as the Evo n800c.

Action Steps
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Compare the new, used or refurbished Compaq n800c specs and purchase computers online

Compaq Evo n800c models come with up to 1GB RAM, a DVD/CD-RW combo drive and a battery that lasts 2 to 3 hours. One of the first computers to come standard with USB 2.0, the Evo n800c is a great option for business professionals who want a standard used computer for a lower price than its newer companions.

I recommend: Look over the specifications. If you decide to purchase this computer, search online at large retail websites such as eBay and Amazon. Browse computer retailers like Super Warehouse, USA Notebook.com and Used Laptops.com for new and used Compaq Evo n800c laptop models.

Upgrade your Compaq Evo n800c and make it more current for your small business

Purchase a new Compaq Evo n800c battery, AC adapter, memory card, sound card, video card or hard drive, to update your current Compaq laptop. You can customize your notebook with the features you need for your business. Install Compaq Evo n800c driver and update packages to keep your computer working smoothly and up-to-date.

I recommend: Read your Compaq Evo n800c manual and troubleshooting guides to fix your computer's small problems. Purchase new batteries and adapters from NexTag and Apex Battery to keep your computer usable at the office or on the go. Add Compaq notebook-compatible memory to make your laptop run faster with your business multi-tasking.

Choose accessories for your Compaq n800c laptop

Along with installing a new Compaq Evo n800 battery and hard drive, consider new external accessories to make your work a little easier. Choose accessories to carry your laptop with you and run a business wherever you need to go.

I recommend: Search for carrying cases and travel kits to keep you organized and make sure your Compaq Evo n800c is safe. Find projectors, external keyboards and speakers or headsets and other equipment for your business meetings, and consider a new HP printer to keep on top of all your growing printing needs.

Give your business an edge over the competition-add new software to your Compaq

As a small business you need certain software to keep up with the larger companies in your field. This software can range from basic word processing to human resources and payroll organization and design suites. Choose the latest editions and best programs you can afford to stay on top in your field.

I recommend: Install Microsoft XP Professional onto your Compaq Evo n800c computer. Vista is too complex for your processing system and lacks support. For your basic business needs make sure you have Microsoft Office Small Business--using the industry standard will help you communicate better with clients and colleagues. Use Adobe Acrobat to create, view and update PDFs. And, of course make sure to use a strong computer protection program like McAfee.

Review, compare and purchase other laptops similar to the Compaq n800c online

If you decide not to purchase a Compaq Evo n800c notebook, choose another computer similar in price and performance. Buy a laptop from Hewlett-Packard or Compaq, or search for another brand, depending on your business needs.

I recommend: Browse online for Compaq or HP notebook computers. These are the systems that replaced the Evo n800c laptop and come with the same great customer service and performance. Consider other options such as Dell, Gateway and Apple laptops, which are alike in performance and features. The prices are similar to slightly higher than the Evo n800c.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look for Compaq Evo n800c driver information online and keep your computer updated with every upgrade. Contact Compaq support to assist you with finding the right driver for your system.
• •  Keep your Evo n800c laptop clean and free from dust, which can clutter the inside and slow down the system. Keep covered when not using.

Whether you want to purchase one Compaq N800C or multiple notebooks for your office, Compaq Evo n800c advice and ratings will help you determine if this is the model to fit your business needs. Reading technical or customer-submitted reviews can help you see if the Compaq Evo n800 battery has a long enough life for your travel needs, if the Compaq Evo n800c video is what you require for presentation or if the Compaq Evo n800c wireless is present.

Before you go and spend money out of your departmental budget for laptops that won't fit the growing needs of your group, make sure you have read enough information that covers the technical or consumer sides to the product. Remember the following when looking for advice and ratings:

1. Educate yourself on the company that makes the Compaq Evo n800c

2. Locate reviews of the Compaq Evo n800c laptop in electronic and technical magazines

3. Read reviews of the Evo 800c laptop that consumers have submitted

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

Learn about the company behind the Compaq N800C product

Before you dive into reviews and ratings, get a feel for the company behind the Compaq N800C. It's a good idea to know if the company has good customer service ratings or repair service scores. If the opinion about the company is poor, it might cause you to reevaluate your purchase.

I recommend: There are reviews submitted by consumers at My3cents that detail both the company, product and repair service. You can find more consumer written reviews at ResellerRatings.com. Reviews at both these sites are free and do not require you to register at the respective sites.

Evaluate the Evo n800c laptop by reading technical reviews

A good source of technical reviews are electronic or technology focused publications. These publications give product ratings submitted by editors and also give additional technical specifications about the product that you may not be able to find in consumer-submitted reviews.

I recommend: Find a review and full specifications for the Compaq Evo n800c at CBS Interactive's CNET. The specification, which details items such as the processor speed, memory and video capabilities, includes information on the Compaq Evo n800c driver also. PCMag.com also has a full review that has the technical specifications within the review.

Peruse consumer submitted reviews on the Compaq N800C

Sometimes, the best advice you can get comes from your peers and people with experience with the product. Don't discount consumer-driven reviews, because while an editor might have used the product a few times, a consumer might own the product and use it daily.

I recommend: There is a message board at Internet Tablet Talk that deals specifically with the Compaq Evo n800c battery and it's life. You can find multiple reviews submitted by users at Epinions.com that detail the pros and cons of the notebook.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  One of the most important things to find out about a company is their return policy. If you research a product, purchase it but then find out it doesn't suit your needs after all, what are the requirements for a refund?