While the market for more powerful mobile computing systems is in full swing, there are users that do not need the ultimate performance on the road, or at home for that matter as all they do with a computer is sit back and email friends, surf the World Wide Web or watch a movie. Especially for those users, Compaq decided to build a "back to basics" laptop, a machine without the million trinkets and gadgets that almost all laptop manufacturers feel compelled to integrate in their systems.

The Compaq Presario v6500z laptop combines a nice if classic design with basic functionality without making a compromise on the computing power department as the machine comes equipped with a default Advanced Micro Devices Sempron 3600+ which runs at 2.0GHz, while a much more powerful AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core processor is also available as an upgrade option which comes with frequencies between 1.8GHz and 2.1GHz. Unlike most budget laptops, the Compaq machine comes with a discrete graphics card, a Nvidia GeForce Go 7150 Mobile, which back up a display of 15.4 inch that supports resolutions up to 1280x800 and comes in a widescreen format. The LCD screen also implements the BrightView technology for crisp and clear images. From the basic 512MB of DDR2 system memory packed in a single DIMM, to the 1GB or 2GB DDR2 of random access memory, the Compaq laptop is upgradeable while maintaining a low entry level profile which is well suited for budget users.

Users desiring to personalize their mobile computing system can do so by choosing the Imprint Finish which offers a smooth, high-gloss coating with a unique, inlaid design which provides greater durability than the traditional paint process. On the networking department, users may choose from several wired and wireless solutions like the 802.11a/b/g/n (draft 802.11n) wireless LAN, Bluetooth, Verizon Wireless V740 ExpressCard. As most users like their laptops to come with plenty of storage space even on entry level solutions, the Compaq 6500z makes no exception as it offers the possibility to choose from 80GB, 120Gb and 160GB 5400rpm hard disk drives, all using the fast Serial ATA interface.

Optical drive department on the Compaq 6500z is well represented thanks to a wide variety of options like the DVD/CD-RW combo drive, the SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer support or the top of the line LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW which too features Double Layer support. Alongside with several software solutions bundled with the laptop, Compaq also offers Microsoft's Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium and Business operating systems.