Review HP Compaq Presario CQ58-148SG Notebook

A new member of Hewlett Packard's Compaq Presario CQ low-budget line is on our test bench. The test device features Intel's Pentium B950 processor (dual-core CPU) and Intel's HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) GPU for video output. The system is supported by four gigabytes of working memory. Data is stored on a 320 gigabyte hard disk. The laptop also harbors a DVD burner.
We compare it to HP's previous Compaq Presario CQ57-303SG (AMD E-450, AMD Radeon HD 6320) and Lenovo's B570e-N2F23GE (Intel Pentium B960, Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)).
Case
The casing looks a lot like HP's 655 in shape and design, but is a bit thinner. It is made completely of black, sleek plastic. The display's back and the wrist rest exhibit a glossy surface. The other parts of the base unit's top feature matte surfaces. The base unit only yields slightly under pressure, whereas the optical drive's area is a bit more pliable. The casing generally conveys a solid impression and corresponds to what you can expect for this purchase price. The hinges keep the lid firmly in position but are pulled too tight for opening the laptop with one hand.
Connectivity
The Presario CQ58-148SG does not reveal any surprises in connectivity and supplies all interfaces that you would expect and need nowadays. Regrettably, HP does not use any USB 3.0 ports in this model. At least one port would have been nice. In contrast to the Compaq Presario CQ57-303SG, the CQ58-148SG has gained an HDMI port.
Communication
Ralink's WLAN module "RT5390R" is in our test device and supports the 802.11 b/g/n standards. The laptop is a bit disappointing when it comes to Ethernet. HP merely installs a Fast Ethernet chip. Nowadays, a Gigabit Ethernet chip should actually be standard - even in low-budget laptops. The device does not support Bluetooth. For fans of Skype video calls, HP also installs a webcam in the display's bezel.
WLAN reception
The laptop's Wi-Fi reception varies strongly. We often only see one bar in Windows' indicator. The reason for this is found behind the maintenance cover. The Wi-Fi module is connected to the only available WLAN antenna. We observe this frequently in low-priced HP laptops - e.g. HP's 655 B6M65EA and Compaq Presario CQ57-303SG. Normally, Wi-Fi modules offer two and sometimes even three antennas. They should then also be used.
Accessories
The list of accessories is quite short: a quick start poster and a list of international telephone numbers for HP's support.
Operating System and Recovery
Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) is pre-installed on the laptop when the customer receives it. There is no Windows 7 DVD included. The system can be restored via the recovery partition. This proves to be very simple because system recovery is launched by using the key combination "Alt" and "F11" right after booting the laptop. This allows the user to restore the laptop to factory settings.
The recovery partition is naturally of no use when the hard disk is to be replaced with another model, such as a solid state drive. In this case, an installation DVD would be necessary for re-installing Windows 7. One of our news articles (German) reveals how the user can get a Windows 7 DVD - for free.
The user can alternatively purchase a recovery DVD for the laptop from HP. The advantage of a recovery DVD in contrast to an installation DVD is the recovery DVD contains all drivers and programs that are installed on the laptop ex-factory. The system can be set up on a new hard disk much faster via the recovery DVD. The recovery DVD for our test device costs 38.08 Euros (~$49) and can be ordered here.
Tip: Deleting additional, superfluous software - Clean Install
The laptop's recovery system enables a clean installation, i.e. only the operating system, drivers and selected software is installed. This way, any software HP installs additionally can be deleted easily.
Tip 2: Cash back on Windows 8 upgrade
Hewlett Packard refunds 15 Euros (~$19) if you invest this amount and purchase the upgrade to Windows 8 to be released in October 2012. How this works can be read on HP's corresponding website.
Maintenance
Two maintenance covers are found on the laptop's bottom and allow accessing the hard disk, RAM, BIOS battery and Wi-Fi module. The fan cannot be accessed. The laptop sports two working memory banks whereas only one is occupied (4 GB). Consequently the device can easily be upgraded to 8 GB without ado. This is also the maximum supported amount of working memory. The installed hard disk can also be exchanged by another model just as easily. Simply remove the retaining screw, take off the plate, fasten the new hard disk to the hard disk cage and insert the hard disk into the laptop again.
Warranty
Hewlett Packard includes a 12-month collect & return warranty on the laptop. In case of damage, the laptop is picked up from the customer and also returned to him. The standard warranty can be extended via HP's Care Packs. The customer can choose among four Care Packs for the Compaq Presario CQ58-148SG. Upgrades to a two or three-year collect and return warranty cost roughly 50 to 60 Euros (~$64 to $77), respectively 80 to 100 Euros (~$103 to $129). The buyer can view all available Care Packs on HP's website and also purchase it right away. Alternatively, the Care Packs can be bought in various online shops.
Input Devices
Keyboard
HP equips the Presario CQ58-148SG with a conventional laptop keyboard without a number pad. The keys feature a clear pressure point and a normal stroke. The keyboard yields a bit under pressure - more in the upper area than in the lower area. The LEDs implemented in the Wi-Fi and caps lock keys prove to be very useful as they indicate whether caps lock or Wi-Fi is enabled or disabled.
Touchpad
The touchpad is 9.8 x 4.8 cm (3.9 x 1.9 inches) and is lowered. It's slightly pimpled surface does not impair the finger from gliding. The touchpad supports multi-touch gestures, such as pinch-to-zoom. Clever: When tapping in a recess located in the left upper corner, the touchpad can be enabled or disabled. Both mouse keys are below the touchpad and feature a clearly audible and palpable pressure point as well as a low drop. The keys fit tight and do not clatter.
Display
Like in HP's prior Compaq Presario CQ57-303SG, HP installs a 15.6 inch screen sporting a native resolution of 1366x768 into its Presario CQ58-148SG. LEDs illuminate the glossy-type screen. Screens with other features are not available for HP's laptop.
The screen's average brightness of 186.7 cd/m2 is at best in the midfield. Its precursor and Lenovo's B570e-N2F23GE exhibit even somewhat poorer rates with 175.9 cd/m2 and 178.4 cd/m2.
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Brightness Distribution: 89 %
Center on Battery: 188 cd/m²
Contrast: 152:1 (Black: 1.24 cd/m²)39.98% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
56.7% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
38.52% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
The black value of 1.24 cd/m2 is at best also located in the midfield. The contrast ratio of 152:1 is at the lower end. Both rates could be better but are still within the expected field for a laptop from this low price range. HP's Compaq Presario CQ57-303SG and Lenovo's B570e-N2F23GE both manage a slightly better black value of 1.1 cd/m2 and 0.9 cd/m2. The same is true for their contrast ratios of 175:1 and 202:1. The screen reproduces neither the sRGB nor AdobeRGB color space. However, this is not a problem since these color spaces are only required in the professional picture and graphics field.
This is not the right laptop if you are looking for a device for regular outdoor use. The screen's low brightness and its glossy display make outdoor use virtually impossible. The laptop can at most be used in shady places without direct sunlight.
HP's Compaq CQ58-148SG delivers exactly what is expected from a laptop from this price range in viewing angle stability. The image distorts soon when the vertical viewing angle is changed. In return, the horizontal viewing angle is much more generous.
Performance
HP's Compaq Presario CQ58-148SG belongs to the office device category. It is to cope with routine tasks such as Internet browsing, Internet communication, office tasks, playing DVDs and rendering Internet videos. HD videos can also be played without ado on the laptop. We tested playback using a Full HD video (1920x1080 pixels) and H.264 encoding. The processor's average capacity ranged around 25 percent (measured using DXVA Checker) and the video was rendered smoothly. The same is true for YouTube videos that exist in the aforementioned format. Thus, the laptop can be used as a video player in your living room. It can render all common formats, does it quietly and bids a HDMI port.
Processor
Our test device is powered by Intel's Pentium B950 processor. The CPU sports two cores and comes from the Sandy Bridge generation. The processor clocks with a speed of 2.1 GHz, but does not feature Turbo. The CPU's full clock was always available during our stress test (Prime95 and FurMark run simultaneously). We did not observe throttling. The GPU also clocks at full speed (1100 MHz). The CPU's behavior does not change on battery power, but the GPU permanently clocks at 650 MHz.
The CPU's full clock speed was also permanently available during the Cinebench tests. The test scores are on the expected level. A Compal Barebone that we equipped with a Pentium 950 was used for comparison. Even Lenovo's B570e-N2F23GE (Intel Pentium B960, Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)) is on a par with the Presario CQ58-148SG. The marginally faster processor virtually is unnoticed.
HP's Compaq Presario CQ57-303SG (AMD E-450, AMD Radeon HD 6320) cannot keep up with the Presario CQ58-148SG in Cinebench's CPU benchmarks. The CPU part of the AMD E450 APU is clearly inferior to the CPU part of Intel's Pentium 950 processor. The Compaq Presario CQ57-303SG cannot excel in Cinebench 10's GL test either. In return, it clearly wins Cinebench R11.5's GL benchmark. Cinebench R11.5's GL test is considerably GPU heavier than Cinebench 10's GL test. This explains the different results. AMD's Radeon HD 6320 GPU can first exhibit its strengths in Cinebench R11.5.
Cinebench R11.5 | |
OpenGL 64Bit (sort by value) | |
HP Compaq Presario CQ58-148SG | |
Compal Barebone | |
HP Compaq Presario CQ57-303SG | |
Lenovo B570e-N2F23GE | |
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value) | |
HP Compaq Presario CQ58-148SG | |
Compal Barebone | |
HP Compaq Presario CQ57-303SG | |
Lenovo B570e-N2F23GE |
System Performance
The subjective routine work speed is satisfactory. However, the impression is negative due to the slow speed and access time of the hard disk. Starting applications is always a bit sluggish. A faster hard disk would remedy this. The PCMark test results are on the expected level. The Compaq Presario CQ57-303SG is clearly defeated. We notice the much weaker CPU part of AMD's E-450 APU that cannot compete with the CPU part of Intel's Pentium B950 processor.
PCMark Vantage Result | 3788 points | |
PCMark 7 Score | 1700 points | |
Help |
Storage Devices
HP equips the Presario CQ58-148SG with a Toshiba hard disk (MQ01ABD032). The hard disk features a storage capacity of 320 gigabytes and spins with 5400 revolutions per minute. The average transfer speed of 61.9 MB/s is in the lower midfield of 5400 rpm hard disks. The same applies to the access rate of 17.1 ms. More would be possible here if the hard disk were replaced by a 7200 rpm model or a solid state drive.
Graphics Card
The GPU in the Compaq Presario CQ58-148SG also comes from Intel. The integrated Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) GPU supports DirectX 10.1. Intel has not given this GPU a more detailed label. It is based on Intel's HD Graphics 2000 chip and is the weakest GPU member that Intel currently has available. It is a downright entry-level GPU that lacks functions like Intel's Quick Sync (supports video converting and rendering).
The results of the various 3DMark tests are on a par with other laptops featuring Intel's HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) GPU as expected, e.g. Lenovo's B570e-N2F23GE (Intel Pentium B960, Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)). In the 3DMark tests, HP's Compaq Presario CQ57-303SG (AMD E-450, AMD Radeon HD 6320) achieves slightly lower scores but it is the only one of the three laptops that can finish the 3DMark 11 benchmark. The reason: Intel's HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) GPU does not support DirectX 11.
3DMark 03 Standard | 6442 points | |
3DMark 05 Standard | 4832 points | |
3DMark 06 Standard Score | 2509 points | |
3DMark Vantage P Result | 953 points | |
Help |
Gaming Performance
As can be gathered in view of the low purchase price, the laptop is not suitable for ambitious computer gamers. Sophisticated 3D games cannot really be played smoothly. The frame rates of the games we tested are simply too low for that. You could venture a game in the lowest resolution and quality settings. Less demanding games, such as FIFA 12 and FIFA 13, can be played on the laptop quite smoothly.
low | med. | high | ultra | |
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StarCraft 2 (2010) | 60.1 | 12.38 | 8.26 | |
Fifa 13 (2012) | 65.9 | 39.6 | 19.1 |
Emissions
System Noise
Like the Compaq Presario CQ57-303SG, HP's Compaq Presario CQ58-148SG is a laptop that operates fairly quietly over the entire load range. We measure a noise level of 31.3 dB(A) at idle. It increases to 36 dB(A) during load (Prime95 and FurMark run simultaneously). When the DVD burner is used during idle mode, the laptop reaches a noise level of 35.5 dB(A).
Noise Level
Idle |
| 31.1 / 31.1 / 31.1 dB(A) |
HDD |
| 31 dB(A) |
DVD |
| 35.5 / dB(A) |
Load |
| 31.1 / 36 dB(A) |
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30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
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Temperature
HP's Compaq Presario CQ58-148SG does not work up a sweat. We recorded acceptable temperatures while idling. The laptop reached temperatures ranging from 24 to 28 degrees Celsius on both the top and bottom. These temperatures enabled pleasant working and it was possible to place the device on the lap. The temperatures ranged between 26 and 36 degrees Celsius during full load (Prime95 and FurMark run simultaneously). However, the battery's temperature reached 44 degrees Celsius on the bottom. The wrist rest's temperatures were clearly below 30 degrees Celsius.
The CPU's full clock speed of 2.1 GHz was available on battery power as well as in AC mode in our stress test (Prime95 and FurMark run simultaneously for at least one hour). The GPU ran consistently at 1100 MHz in AC mode and 650 MHz on battery power. The temperatures settled to 62 degrees Celsius.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 35.8 °C / 96 F, compared to the average of 34.3 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 44 °C / 111 F, compared to the average of 36.8 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 25.3 °C / 78 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 28.2 °C / 82.8 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.6 °C / 81.7 F (-0.6 °C / -1.1 F).
Speakers
Both stereo speakers are located on the laptop's bottom. They produce a pleasant sound although they lack bass. The speakers are more than sufficient for an office laptop. If the sound does not satisfy you, it is always possible to connect external speakers or headphones.
Battery Life
Power Consumption
The Compaq Presario CQ58-148SG is quite energy-efficient when idling. We measured a consumption of 8.5 to 11.7 Watts in idle mode. Thus, the power consumption is on a par with similar laptops such as Lenovo's B570e-N2F23GE (Intel Pentium B960, Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)). The laptop proved to be a bit too power hungry during full load (Prime95 and FurMark run simultaneously) with a consumption of 48 Watts. Lenovo's B570e-N2F23GE only consumes 41.8 Watts. It looks pretty much the same during medium load (3DMark 06): Lenovo's B5703-N2F23GE only needs 31.9 Watts while the Presario CQ58-148SG consumes 34.1 Watts. HP's Compaq Presario CQ57-303SG (AMD E-450, AMD Radeon HD 6320) power consumption is clearly lower than that of the two named laptops. That is no surprise because the laptop sports a low consumption AMD APU that is designed for netbooks.
Off / Standby | ![]() ![]() |
Idle | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Load |
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Key:
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Battery Runtime
In Battery Eater's Reader's test, HP's Compaq Presario CQ58-148SG managed a runtime of 6:01h when idling (B570e: 6:47h, CQ57-303SG: 7:24h). The screen is set to minimum brightness, the energy-savings profile is enabled and the wireless modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) are disabled. The Presario CQ58-148SG achieved a runtime of 1:26h during load (B570e: 1:16h, CQ57-303SG: 2:05h). Battery Eater's Classic test is used for the load test. For this, we set the screen to maximum brightness and enable the high-performance profile and wireless modules.
The Wi-Fi test ran for 4:18h on a charged battery (B570e: 3:57h, CQ57-303SG: 5:12h). Websites are automatically opened every 40 seconds via a script in this test. Energy-saving mode is enabled and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m2. The CQ58-148SG lasted for 3:51h in the DVD test (B570e 3:29h, CQ57-303SG: 3:54h). That is enough to watch two movies. For the DVD test, the wireless modules are disabled, the screen is set to maximum brightness and the energy-savings mode or a higher profile is used (in case the DVD is not rendered smoothly). The battery life of the three devices can be compared well with each other since they all use a battery with an almost identical capacity (HP's laptops: 47 Wh, Lenovo: 48 Wh).
Verdict
At the time of the review, a few online shops had the laptop on special for approximately 320 Euros (~$411). For this price, you get a laptop that manages all routine applications reliably and always runs quietly while doing so. Even the battery life is acceptable. Moreover, the buyer has the option of upgrading to Windows 8 for free. As in most low-budget laptops, you have to live with an at best average screen in HP's laptop. Furthermore, there is no Gigabit Ethernet or USB 3.0 available. If you are currently looking for a cheap as possible laptop and can live with these restrictions, HP's Compaq Presario CQ58-148SG will not be a mistake.
What's more, if you are willing to spend eighty to ninety Euros (~$103 to $116) more for a warranty upgrade, you will get a laptop including Windows 7 or Windows 8 and a three-year warranty for approximately 400 Euros (~$514). This would be a good deal in view of the value for money aspect.