HP Compaq Presario CQ42 — 14" notebook, no OS installed
A clean, tested 14-inch Presario CQ42 with an Intel Celeron T3100, 4GB of memory and a 320GB hard drive, supplied without an operating system. Covered by a 3-month warranty.
Key benefits
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Install what you like — no bundled operating system, so you can put on a lightweight Linux distribution or your own licensed Windows image without paying for one you will overwrite.
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Battery still holds charge — measured at 99% health at the time of testing, which is unusual for a machine of this age.
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Clean cabinet — graded Excellent for condition — minimal cosmetic marks for its years.
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Full-size 14" keyboard — a comfortable layout to type on, in a chassis small enough to carry.
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Dual-core processor — the Celeron T3100 handles browsing, documents and media playback.
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A sensible spare — suited to a second machine, a workshop terminal, or a first laptop for light use.
Performance in use
The Presario CQ42 is a 2010-era consumer notebook, and it is honest to say what that means in practice: it will feel slow next to anything modern. The Celeron T3100 is a dual-core processor from 2009, and the 320GB drive is mechanical rather than solid-state, which is the single biggest difference you will notice when it boots.
What it still does perfectly well is the basics. Web browsing, email, word processing, spreadsheets and video playback all work. With a lightweight Linux distribution installed it feels noticeably quicker than it would under a modern Windows build, which is worth considering given no operating system is included.
Think of it as a low-cost second machine rather than a primary one — something to leave in a workshop, lend out, take travelling without worrying about it, or learn on. If you need a machine for daily work, look at the 8th-generation and newer business laptops instead.
Technical specifications
| Processor |
Intel Celeron Dual-Core T3100 (2 cores, 1.9GHz, 1M cache) |
| Memory |
4GB |
| Storage |
320GB hard drive (mechanical, not SSD) |
| Display |
14" HD 1366x768 |
| Graphics |
Intel integrated |
| Operating system |
None installed |
| Connectivity |
Wi-Fi |
| Form factor |
14" notebook |
| Warranty |
3 months |
Is it right for you?
| Best for |
Not for |
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✓ A lightweight Linux install
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✓ Browsing, email and documents
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✓ A low-cost spare or loan machine
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✓ A workshop or kiosk terminal
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✓ Learning to repair or reinstall
|
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✗ Anyone needing it working out of the box
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✗ Modern Windows or heavy multitasking
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✗ Photo or video editing, or gaming
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✗ Anyone expecting solid-state speed
|
Condition grades
| Grade |
What to expect |
| A – Excellent |
Minimal signs of use. Screen free of scratches. Battery health 70% or better. |
| B – Good |
Light cosmetic wear from normal business use — small marks on the lid or palm rest. Fully functional. Battery health 50–70%. |
Battery health is measured at the time of testing and carries a 30-day battery warranty. Every machine is fully tested regardless of grade.
Frequently asked questions
What warranty comes with it?
A 3-month warranty from Reboot IT, covering hardware faults. The battery carries a separate 30-day warranty, as batteries are consumable.
What does "refurbished" mean here?
Every unit is wiped, tested across all major functions, cleaned and graded by our own technicians in Melbourne. It is not a factory-sealed new machine, and it is not sold as one.
Is the battery new?
No. Battery health is measured at testing: 70% or better for Grade A, 50–70% for Grade B. Replacement batteries can be supplied on request.
What is included in the box?
The laptop and a matching power adapter. No original packaging, manuals or accessories unless stated.
How much is shipping?
Free standard AU shipping is included on this item.
What operating system is installed?
None. This machine is supplied with no operating system installed. You will need your own licence and installation media, or a free Linux distribution.
Why is there no operating system?
This unit was supplied to us without one. Rather than add a licence cost to a machine at this level, we sell it as-is so you can install a free Linux distribution or use your own Windows licence.
Does Grade A mean it is fast?
No. The condition grade describes the cabinet and battery, not performance. This is a 2009-generation Celeron with a mechanical hard drive and it will feel slow next to a modern laptop.
Can I upgrade it?
The hard drive can generally be replaced with an SSD, which makes the largest single difference to how it feels. We do not supply or fit one with this unit.
Warranty and support
Every machine we sell is professionally tested, cleaned and graded in our Melbourne workshop, and comes with a 3-month warranty from Reboot IT. We have been refurbishing business IT since 2001, we are an Australian company with Australian stock, and every order is invoiced with GST. Free standard AU shipping is included.
Questions before you buy? Our team answers technical questions directly — no call centre, no scripts. reboot-it.com.au, Melbourne.