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Review HP Compaq Presario CQ58-350SG Notebook

Not up to date. With the Compaq Presario CQ58-350sg Hewlett Packard offers a cost-effective notebook containing an AMD E1-1200 APU. The AMD APU is not one of the most powerful representatives of its kind, but scores with low energy consumption. Theoretically, HP should have an enduring office laptop in its repertoire. Our test will show if this assumption holds up.

For the original German review, see here.

Compaq Presario is HP's cost-effective notebook segment. We have already tested numerous examples from this series. With the CQ58-350sg (price: 340 to 400 Euros, ~$443 to $521), we hold another representative in our hands. In 2012 we tested the CQ58-148sg (Pentium B950, HD Graphics; currently about 440 Euros, ~$573), which is based on Intel technology. We will find out in our test if the CQ58-350sg is recommendable.

To classify the notebook, we compare it with its competitors Samsung Series 3 355E5C-S02DE (AMD E2-1800, Radeon HD 7470M) and Acer Aspire E1-531 (Pentium B960, HD Graphics).

Case

Wie wir testen - Gehäuse

The CQ58-350sg uses the same case as the CQ58-148sg. For this case HP uses black plastic. The backside of the screen as well as the palm rest have a shiny surface. The rest of the surface is in matte black. The shiny surface is especially susceptible to fingerprints. The cases of the Samsung and Aspire computers are also completely made of plastic.

The base-unit only gives in slightly under pressure. However, around the touchpad it can be bent. For a laptop of this price segment, the torsional rigidity is also more than acceptable. While the base-unit is solid, it is a different matter with the lid. It can be noticeably twisted. Especially in the middle it can be pushed in to a point where image alterations can be observed. The hinges keep the lid tightly in its position. It is not possible to open the lid with only one hand.

Everything is in black.
Everything is in black.
The shiny surface attracts fingerprints.
The shiny surface attracts fingerprints.
It has two maintenance covers.
It has two maintenance covers.

Connectivity

Wie wir testen - Ausstattung

All of the three computers which we compare the Hewlett Packard with come with the usual equipment. However, the CQ58-350sg is a little bit behind its competitors. The HP computer is the only one that offers a 10/100 Mbits/s Ethernet port. The competition offers Gigabit-Ethernet. Additionally, the Samsung notebook is the only one that contains USB 3.0 ports. Thus the CQ58-350sg is a little bit outdated. Some of the ports of the HP computer are poorly positioned and set in the front area of the left side.

Left: VGA, Ethernet, HDMI, USB 2.0, microphone jack, headphone jack, card reader
Left: VGA, Ethernet, HDMI, USB 2.0, microphone jack, headphone jack, card reader
Right: DVD burner, 2x USB 2.0, Power socket, Kensington lock
Right: DVD burner, 2x USB 2.0, Power socket, Kensington lock

Communication

The WLAN-module of the HP laptop is from Ralink and supports the WLAN-standards 802.11 b/g/n. The WLAN reception varies tremendously. Even within a close distance (about 3 meters) of the router, the Windows WLAN display swings between two and five bars – depending on how the notebook is positioned. The reason is found inside the laptop: HP uses only one WLAN antenna for its cost-effective notebooks – and this is also the same for the CQ58-350sg. At least two antennas should be used as standard. HP also fails to shine in the area of cable-supported networks, because only one Fast-Ethernet chip was fitted into the CQ58-350sg. A Gigabit-Ethernet chip ought to be included by today's standards. The webcam delivers slightly washed-out pictures up to a resolution of 320x240 pixels.

Accessories

Accessories are limited: Beside a quick-start poster, you will find a list of worldwide telephone numbers for HP support and a short manual for Windows 8.

Operating System and Recovery

HP delivers the CQ58-350sg with a preinstalled version of Windows 8 (64 Bit). A Windows DVD is not included. You can make a set of recovery DVDs with the HP Recovery Manager. Alternatively, HP offers the possibility to buy the corresponding DVD. The recovery DVD contains the operating system and also all drivers and preinstalled software. The price is currently about 38 Euros (~$49). The recovery medium can be ordered here. You need the product number of the notebook to order (which is stated on the packaging).

In case of a defect, the operating system can be repaired with the help of the Windows 8 recovery system. To start it, you need to press the F11 key right after turning the notebook on. Besides repairing it, you can also set it back to factory settings or reinstall completely.

There is no support from HP if the preinstalled Windows 8 is replaced with Windows 7. HP only offers drivers for Windows 8. Many of the Windows 8 drivers should also operate under Windows 7. Only trial-and-error can show which drivers will work and which won't. Do not forget: Before deleting Windows 8, make a set of recovery DVDs.

Maintenance

The memory, hard drive, WLAN-module and BIOS battery are behind two maintenance covers. There is no access to the fans.

The CQ59-350sg is equipped with two memory slots. One slot is occupied by a 4 GB module. The memory can be extended up to 8 GB (manufacturer's information). Even with a second module, the memory does not operate in dual-channel mode, because the memory controller does not support it in this mode. It's easy to replace the hard drive. Only the fixing screws need to be loosened and the hard drive can be taken out. We had a 7mm hard drive in our test device. However, you can also use the common 9.5 mm hard drives. The frame of the hard drive can be attached to both types.

Warranty

Buyers of the CQ58-350sg have to be content with a 12 month bring-in guarantee. If a repair is required the owner sends the notebook to HP. Buyers of the Samsung or the Aspire laptop are better off. Both devices are equipped with a 24 month guarantee. The guarantee of the HP computer can be extended up to two or three years – including pick-up service. Extensions cost 60 to 100 Euros respectively (~$78 to $130). On HP's website all guarantee extensions are listed and can be bought in conjunction with the product number.

HP offers several carepacks for the CQ58-350sg.
HP offers several carepacks for the CQ58-350sg.
A recovery DVD can be purchased.
A recovery DVD can be purchased.

Input Devices

Wie wir testen - Eingabegeräte

Keyboard

For the CQ58-350sg HP does not fit a chiclet keyboard, but a conventional keyboard. The flat, smooth keys have a clear pressure point and a normal stroke. The key resistance could have been a little bit firmer though. While typing, the keyboard generally does not recoil. Only at the upper edge can slight recoiling be detected. The LED indicators which are integrated into the WLAN and Caps Lock key come in handy.

Touchpad

The 9.8 x 4.8 cm wide multi-touch touchpad is equipped with a dotted surface. It does not hinder the fingers while gliding. Each of the multi-touch gestures can be turned on and off individually in the configuration menu. The touchpad itself can be activated or deactivated by tipping with one finger in the recess of the upper left corner. Left to the recess is an LED indicator, which informs about the activity state of the pad. Both mouse keys are equipped with a clear, audible and noticeable pressure point and short stroke.

There is no keyboard backlight.
There is no keyboard backlight.
The touchpad is multitouch-capable.
The touchpad is multitouch-capable.

Display

Wie wir testen - Display

The glossy 15.6-inch display operates with a native resolution of 1366x768 pixels. Other displays are not offered for the CQ58. At 210.9 cd/m², the average brightness of the display is in the midfield area. The display of the Aspire is, with 211.3 cd/m², on a similar level. The screen of the Samsung (226 cd/m²) is only slightly brighter.

206
cd/m²
187
cd/m²
198
cd/m²
201
cd/m²
209
cd/m²
210
cd/m²
225
cd/m²
225
cd/m²
237
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 237 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 210.9 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 79 %
Center on Battery: 172 cd/m²
Contrast: 252:1 (Black: 0.83 cd/m²)52.9% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
74.1% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
51.6% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
HP Compaq CQ58-350sg vs. sRGB
HP Compaq CQ58-350sg vs. sRGB
HP Compaq CQ58-350sg vs. AdobeRGB
HP Compaq CQ58-350sg vs. AdobeRGB

Contrast (252:1) and black value (0.83 cd/m²) lie in the common area for this price level. The Samsung can score here (400:1, 0.59 cd/m²), but the best results are from the Aspire (709:1, 0.313 cd/m²). Even displays of far more expensive models often cannot reach those values. The color space of AdobeRGB and sRGB cannot be covered by the CQ58-350sg.

We have measured the screen (target color space sRGB) in its factory settings and have found very high DeltaE-2000 deviations for white, cyan and gray. The rest of the colors do better with DeltaE values between 5 and 10. The screen has an obvious blue cast.

CalMan - color accuracy
CalMan - color accuracy
CalMan - grayscales
CalMan - grayscales
CalMan - color saturation
CalMan - color saturation

The screen is not suitable for outdoor use. The display’s brightness and contrast are not high enough for it. Additionally, reflections make it more difficult to read.

As expected, changing the vertical screen viewing angle causes image alterations. The horizontal direction performs better. Even from the side (nearly 180 degrees) the screen content can be recognized. However, it darkens significantly.

Viewing angles: HP Compaq Presario CQ58-350SG
Viewing angles: HP Compaq Presario CQ58-350SG
The CQ58-350sg outdoors.
The CQ58-350sg outdoors.

Performance

Wie wir testen - Leistung

The AMD APU used in the CQ58-350sg is not designed for high performance, but for low energy consumption. However, the processor can handle daily tasks like internet communication, editing, internet browsing and playing videos. Even Full HD videos (1920x1,080 pixels, H.264-coding) can be watched. The integrated decoder (UVD3) carries out the main part of playback. We have tested playback with the DXVA Checker tool and established a CPU usage of 10%.

The CQ58-350sg is currently available for about 340 to 400 Euros (~$443 to $521). HP sells countless more models inside the CQ58-series – with Intel as well as AMD technology.

Systeminfo CPUZ CPU
Systeminfo CPUZ Cache
Systeminfo CPUZ Mainboard
Systeminfo CPUZ RAM
Systeminfo CPUZ RAM SPD
Systeminfo GPUZ
Systeminfo HWInfo
System information: HP Compaq Presario CQ58-350SG

Processor

Inside the CQ58-350sg is an AMD E1-1200 APU. The CPU part of the APU consists of a dual-core processor which runs at a speed of 1.4 GHz. There is no turbo available.

The results of the Cinebench benchmarks hold no surprises: The CPU runs through all tests at 1.4 GHz, which causes the results to fall into the expected area. The CQ58-350sg scores lower in the CPU tests than the Samsung laptop (AMD E2-1800, Radeon HD 7470M) and the Aspire (Pentium B960, HD Graphics). This is due to the fact that the HP notebook is fitted with the weakest CPU. In the GL tests, the HP notebook again cannot keep up with its competitors. The only time it can keep up with the Aspire is in the GL test of Cinebench R11.5. Owing to its dedicated GPU the 355E5C always leaves both competitors far behind.

Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
918
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
1791
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
1818
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
1008 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
1913 Points
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
1802 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
0.27 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
0.47 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
7.64 fps
Help
Cinebench R11.5 - OpenGL 64Bit (sort by value)
HP Compaq Presario CQ58-350SG
Radeon HD 7310, E1-1200, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
7.64 fps
HP 650-B0Y92EA
HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), B970, Seagate Momentus 5400.6 ST9500325AS
7.35 fps -4%
Asus F55A-SX099D
HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), B980, Seagate Momentus Thin ST320LT020-9YG142
7.35 fps -4%
Acer Aspire E1-531-B9606G50Mnks
HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), B960, Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD5000LPVT
7.69 fps +1%
Lenovo B575e
Radeon HD 7340, E2-1800, WDC Scorpio Blue WD5000BPVT-00HXZT3
8.53 fps +12%
Dell Vostro 2520
HD Graphics 3000, 2328M, Seagate Momentus Thin ST500LT0 12-9WS142
9.24 fps +21%
Samsung Serie 3 355E5C-S02DE
Radeon HD 7470M, E2-1800, Hitachi Travelstar 5K750 HTS547575A9E384
14.5 fps +90%
Cinebench R11.5 - CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
HP Compaq Presario CQ58-350SG
Radeon HD 7310, E1-1200, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
0.47 Points
Samsung Serie 3 355E5C-S02DE
Radeon HD 7470M, E2-1800, Hitachi Travelstar 5K750 HTS547575A9E384
0.64 Points +36%
Lenovo B575e
Radeon HD 7340, E2-1800, WDC Scorpio Blue WD5000BPVT-00HXZT3
0.64 Points +36%
Acer Aspire E1-531-B9606G50Mnks
HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), B960, Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD5000LPVT
1.66 Points +253%
HP 650-B0Y92EA
HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), B970, Seagate Momentus 5400.6 ST9500325AS
1.78 Points +279%
Asus F55A-SX099D
HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), B980, Seagate Momentus Thin ST320LT020-9YG142
1.82 Points +287%
Dell Vostro 2520
HD Graphics 3000, 2328M, Seagate Momentus Thin ST500LT0 12-9WS142
2.1 Points +347%

System Performance

Basically, the system runs smoothly. It only starts to struggle when the built in APU is overtaxed. This happens, for example, when too many browser windows are simultaneously open. You always have to keep in mind that the advantage of the AMD APU is low energy consumption and it is not classed as a powerful processor. The result of the PC Mark 7 Benchmark lies where we expected to find to after numerous tests of this specific APU. Once again, it is no surprise to find the 355E5C (AMD E2-1800, Radeon HD 7470M) and the Aspire (Pentium B960, HD Graphics) ahead of the HP computer. Both laptops are equipped with more potent hardware.

3.5
Windows 8 Experience Index
Processor
Calculations per second
3.5
Memory (RAM)
Memory operations per second
5.5
Graphics
Desktop performance for Windows Aero
4
Gaming graphics
3D business and gaming graphics
5.7
Primary hard disk
Disk data transfer rate
5.9
PCMark Vantage Result
1916 points
PCMark 7 Score
1073 points
Help
PCMark 7 - Score (sort by value)
HP Compaq Presario CQ58-350SG
Radeon HD 7310, E1-1200, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
1073 Points
Lenovo B575e
Radeon HD 7340, E2-1800, WDC Scorpio Blue WD5000BPVT-00HXZT3
1237 Points +15%
Samsung Serie 3 355E5C-S02DE
Radeon HD 7470M, E2-1800, Hitachi Travelstar 5K750 HTS547575A9E384
1348 Points +26%
Asus F55A-SX099D
HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), B980, Seagate Momentus Thin ST320LT020-9YG142
1678 Points +56%
HP 650-B0Y92EA
HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), B970, Seagate Momentus 5400.6 ST9500325AS
1742 Points +62%
Acer Aspire E1-531-B9606G50Mnks
HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), B960, Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD5000LPVT
1873 Points +75%
Dell Vostro 2520
HD Graphics 3000, 2328M, Seagate Momentus Thin ST500LT0 12-9WS142
2071 Points +93%

Storage Devices

HD Tune
HD Tune
CrystalDiskMark
CrystalDiskMark

HP uses a hard drive from Hitachi's Travelstar Z5K500 series for the CQ58-350sg. The drive has a capacity of 500 GB and spins at 5,400 rpm. CrystalDiskMark reports a reading speed of 101.2 MB/s. HDTune delivers an average transfer rate of 77.9 MB/s. Basically, those are very acceptable values for a 5,400 rpm hard drive. However, the 4k transfer rate could be better. This is important since a lot of data is stored in blocks of 4kb size. The access time also leaves something to be desired.

Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
Transfer Rate Minimum: 21.6 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 109.3 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 77.9 MB/s
Access Time: 19.9 ms
Burst Rate: 104.3 MB/s
CPU Usage: 10.4 %

Graphics Card

The Radeon HD 7310, which is integrated into the E1-1200 APU, serves as the GPU. This entry-level GPU supports DirectX 11 and runs at a speed of 500 MHz.

In the 3DMark benchmarks, the results of the CQ58-350sg did not come close to the results of the 355E5C (AMD E2-1800, Radeon HD 7470M) and the Aspire (Pentium B960, HD Graphics). Since the HP computer is equipped with the least powerful CPU, this does not come as a surprise.

3DMark 06 Standard Score
1462 points
3DMark Vantage P Result
881 points
3DMark 11 Performance
286 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
14589 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
1161 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
200 points
Help
3DMark 06 - 1280x1024 Standard Score AA:0x AF:0x (sort by value)
HP Compaq Presario CQ58-350SG
Radeon HD 7310, E1-1200, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
1462 Points
Acer Aspire E1-531-B9606G50Mnks
HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge), B960, Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD5000LPVT
3230 Points +121%
Samsung Serie 3 355E5C-S02DE
Radeon HD 7470M, E2-1800, Hitachi Travelstar 5K750 HTS547575A9E384
3537 Points +142%

Gaming Performance

Those looking for a gaming notebook should avoid the CQ58-350sg. The integrated AMD APU is not suitable for playing current 3D games. The games do not even run smoothly with a low resolution and on low quality settings. Even a game like FIFA 13, which has very low hardware demands, cannot be played. Unfortunately, fitting a second memory module would not increase the frame rate, because the memory control of the notebook only supports single-channel mode.

Those looking for a low-priced and gaming-grade 15.6-inch notebook should have a closer look at the Acer Aspire E1-571G (Core i3-3110M, GeForce GT 620M) or the HP Pavilion g6-2200sg (Pentium B980, Radeon HD 7670M).

low med. high ultra
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011) 9.3
Anno 2070 (2011) 16.2
Fifa 13 (2012) 6.7

Emissions

Wie wir testen - Emissionen

System Noise

During idle, we notice a volume level of 32.4 dB. Though the CQ58-350sg is not loud, the value is slightly too high for such a low-performance and economical device. The 355E5C (31.2 to 34.8 dB) and the Aspire (32.1 to 33.3 dB) are at about the same level as the HP laptop. With 37.9 dB and 37.7 dB, the HP laptop shows no difference during medium load (3D Mark 06 running) and full load (Prime95 and Furmark running). In both cases the Samsung notebook (35.4 and 37.5 dB) runs a little bit more quietly. The Aspire generates more noise, at least during full load (37.2 to 40.4 dB).

Noise Level

Idle
32.4 / 32.4 / 32.4 dB(A)
HDD
32.9 dB(A)
DVD
38.7 / dB(A)
Load
37.9 / 37.7 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance)

Temperature

CQ58-350sg: Stress test
CQ58-350sg: Stress test

The case of the CQ58-350sg does not warm up noticeably at any time. During idle and full load the 30 °C line is rarely crossed. Thus the notebook can be placed on your thighs without any heat issues. The temperature of the palm rest also allows for comfortable working. Both competitors warm up more – especially during full load –than the HP laptop.

Our stress test (Prime 95 and Furmark running for at least one hour) works both on the CPU and the GPU with full speed, during AC power operation as well as battery operation (CPU: 1.4 GHz; GPU: 500 MHz). The CPU temperature levels off at about 58 °C during main operation.

Max. Load
 27.9 °C
82 F
29.2 °C
85 F
27.1 °C
81 F
 
 31.3 °C
88 F
29.7 °C
85 F
25.6 °C
78 F
 
 26 °C
79 F
25.3 °C
78 F
24.7 °C
76 F
 
Maximum: 31.3 °C = 88 F
Average: 27.4 °C = 81 F
25.1 °C
77 F
32.6 °C
91 F
29.7 °C
85 F
23.5 °C
74 F
30.1 °C
86 F
29 °C
84 F
23.7 °C
75 F
27.1 °C
81 F
27.2 °C
81 F
Maximum: 32.6 °C = 91 F
Average: 27.6 °C = 82 F
Power Supply (max.)  43.7 °C = 111 F | Room Temperature 21.7 °C = 71 F | Voltcraft IR-360
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 27.4 °C / 81 F, compared to the average of 29.5 °C / 85 F for the devices in the class Office.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 31.3 °C / 88 F, compared to the average of 34.2 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 32.6 °C / 91 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 25.2 °C / 77 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 27.2 °C / 81 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (+0.5 °C / 0.9 F).

Speakers

HP chose stereo speakers from Altec Lansing. The speaker apertures are located at the bottom and front of the device. The sound of the speakers is quite satisfying. However the bass – like in most notebook speakers – is underdeveloped. Nonetheless, we would like to see speakers like this in many other notebooks. Most of the speakers we have listened to do not sound this good. Those who are not satisfied with the sound can always plug in external speakers or headphones.

Energy Management

Wie wir testen - Akkulaufzeit

Power Consumption

Since the HP computer only employs an economical AMD APU, the power consumption is rather low. During idle, we ascertain between 7.7 and 12.4 Watt. The power consumption of the Samsung notebook (9.7 to 15.3 Watt) turns out to be slightly higher, while the Aspire (6.9 to 12.8 Watt) roughly draws level with the CQ59-350sg. During medium load (3D Mark 2006 running) or full load (Prime95 and Furmark running), the HP notebook appears to be the most economical with 23.1 to 29.4 Watt. The Aspire (32.6 to 51.6 Watt) as well as the 355E5C (35.2 to 43.9 Watt) are less economical.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.1 / 0.3 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 7.7 / 11.5 / 12.4 Watt
Load midlight 23.1 / 29.4 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Voltcraft VC 940
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Battery Runtime

During idle, the CQ58-350sg achieves a runtime of 8:33 h. The 355E5C (6:07 h) and the Aspire (6:10 h) lie far behind. The runtime during idle is determined by the Battery Eater Reader's Test. The screen is running with minimum brightness, the energy saving profile is activated and all radio modules are turned off. Under full load, the battery does not quit until 2:15 h. This places the HP laptop behind the Samsung notebook (2:47 h) but far in front of the Aspire (1:13 h). We use the Battery Eater Classic Test to ascertain the runtime under full load. The screen is running with maximum brightness, high-performance profile and radio modules are activated.

The more relevant WLAN test ends after 4:22 h. The 355E5C (3:51 h) and the Aspire (3:55 h) have to end their operations earlier. During the WLAN test, websites are automatically opened for 40-second intervals. The energy saving profile is active and the display brightness is set to 150 cd/m². One charge of the battery provides DVD playback time of 3:51 h. Once again, the competitors (Samsung: 3:24 h, Acer: 3:10 h) fail to keep up. The DVD test is conducted with activated energy saving profile (or a higher profile, if the DVD does not run smoothly), full screen brightness and deactivated radio modules.

The runtime of the three devices is easily comparable because of their similar battery capacities (Samsung, Acer: 48 Wh; HP: 47 Wh).

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
8h 33min
WiFi Surfing
4h 22min
DVD
3h 51min
Load (maximum brightness)
2h 15min

Verdict

Wie wir testen - Fazit

The HP Compaq CQ58-350sg.
The HP Compaq CQ58-350sg.

The HP Compaq CQ58-350sg offers low energy consumption, low case temperature, moderate system noise and good battery runtimes. Despite those advantages, it is difficult to recommend buying this notebook. The low-contrast screen is not very convincing and neither is the twelve-month guarantee. Additionally, latest interfaces are missing from the device (USB 3.0, Gigabit-Ethernet).

If low energy consumption is not the main purchase criterion then there are better notebooks in the price segment of 300 to 400 Euros (~$391 to $521). For example, the Dell Vostro 2520 offers better battery runtimes and much more computing power. The Acer Aspire E1-531 is suitable for when a good display is needed. The Aspire's high-contrast screen is difficult to come by in this price segment. Anyone who prefers a matte screen should turn to the Samsung 355E5C-S02DE .

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Specifications

HP Compaq Presario CQ58-350SG (Compaq Presario CQ58 Series)
Processor
AMD E1-1200 2 x 1.4 GHz, Zacate
Graphics adapter
AMD Radeon HD 7310, Core: 500 MHz, 8.982.10.5000
Memory
4 GB 
, DDR3, 2 memory slots, max. 8 GB
Display
15.00 inch 16:9, 1366 x 768 pixel, TN LED, glossy: yes
Mainboard
AMD A60M
Storage
Soundcard
AMD Hudson-2 High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
3 USB 2.0, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: Headphones output, microphone input, Card Reader: SD, MMC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, xD
Networking
Realtek RTL8102E Family PCI-E Fast Ethernet (10/100MBit/s), Ralink RT5390R 802.11b/g/n 1x1 Wi-Fi Adapter (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/)
Optical drive
HP DVD RW DS-8A8SH
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 35.8 x 376 x 247 ( = 1.41 x 14.8 x 9.72 in)
Battery
47 Wh Lithium-Ion, 10.8 V
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 8 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HP TrueVision HD Webcam
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, Keyboard Light: no, Cyberlink PowerDVD, Cyberlink Media Suite 10, Cyberlink YouCam, Microsoft Office 2010 (text version), Norton Internet Security (60 days test version), Windows Essentials 2012, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
2.45 kg ( = 86.42 oz / 5.4 pounds), Power Supply: 242 g ( = 8.54 oz / 0.53 pounds)
Price
359 Euro

 

The DVD burner reads and writes all kinds of DVD.
The DVD burner reads and writes all kinds of DVD.
The hinges keep the lid tightly in its place.
The hinges keep the lid tightly in its place.
Inside is AMD technology.
Inside is AMD technology.
...and has a maximum power output of 65 Watt.
...and has a maximum power output of 65 Watt.
The power supply weighs 242 grams...
The power supply weighs 242 grams...
...and offers a capacity of 47 Wh.
...and offers a capacity of 47 Wh.
The battery only weighs 249 grams...
The battery only weighs 249 grams...
The WLAN reception varies, since HP only fitted it with one WLAN antenna.
The WLAN reception varies, since HP only fitted it with one WLAN antenna.
The BIOS battery is accessible.
The BIOS battery is accessible.
The hard drive can be changed easily.
The hard drive can be changed easily.
It has two memory slots.
It has two memory slots.
The opened maintenance covers.
The opened maintenance covers.
The speaker apertures are found at the bottom and front.
The speaker apertures are found at the bottom and front.
The keys have a normal stroke.
The keys have a normal stroke.
The CQ58-350sg outdoors.
The CQ58-350sg outdoors.

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Pros

+Case stays relatively cool
+Low energy consumption
+Decent speakers
 

Cons

-Unreliable WLAN reception
-Single-channel RAM

Shortcut

What we like

The low system noise and low case temperature.

What we'd like to see

For the CQ58-148sg we'd like to see USB 3.0, Gigabit-Ethernet and a display with better contrast.

What surprises us

Hewlett Packard builds a low-cost notebook which is equipped with decent speakers.

The competition

Samsung Series 3 355E5C-S02DE, Acer Aspire E1-531, Lenovo B575e, Asus F55A, Acer Aspire E1-571G, Fujitsu LifeBook A512, HP 650, Dell Vostro 2520, HP 655, Acer TravelMate P253-M, Lenovo IdeaPad N586.

Rating

HP Compaq Presario CQ58-350SG - 03/25/2013 v3(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
75%
Keyboard
78%
Pointing Device
80%
Connectivity
61%
Weight
82%
Battery
89%
Display
68%
Games Performance
54%
Application Performance
70%
Temperature
93%
Noise
88%
Add Points
78%
Average
76%
78%
Office - Weighted Average
Sascha Mölck, 2013-04-16 (Update: 2018-05-15)