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Compaq Armada

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Compaq Armada
Company typeProduct line
IndustryComputer hardware
PredecessorCompaq Contura
Founded1996
DefunctEarly 2000s
FateDiscontinued; replaced by Compaq Evo series
OwnerCompaq (now part of HP)

Armada was a business laptop series produced by Compaq, now discontinued. It began as a budget-friendly option compared to the Contura range, but eventually became Compaq's primary laptop lineup, taking over from Contura. The premium Compaq LTE models were incorporated into Armada as the upscale 7300 and 7700 variants.

History

The Armada series developed across three distinct generations:

  • The first generation included the gray-colored 1100 entry-level, gray 4100/4200 mid-tier, and white 7300/7700 high-end models, all equipped with either original Pentium I or Pentium MMX processors.
  • The second generation introduced a cohesive design featuring new 1500/1700 and 3500 models alongside revamped high-end 7400 and 7800 lines, all presented in gray with a distinctive palmrest wave motif. Apart from early 1500 units, these laptops were powered by Pentium II processors. The mid-cycle release of the 6500 model marked the first premium laptop without a PointStick, influenced by DEC designs following Compaq’s acquisition of Digital Equipment Corporation in June 1998.
  • The third generation brought forward the E, M, and V series characterized by sleek flat profiles similar to the 6500, housed in dark gray casings with blue touchpad or PointStick buttons. The concluding models (100s/110) served as a transition between the Armada line and the Evo series.

Design

Armada laptops are recognized for their classic business-oriented design, incorporating hot-swappable bays such as easily detachable MultiBay CD/DVD drives, magnesium alloy frames (with some exceptions), dual battery support, and optional docking solutions. Certain models feature small elevating feet or built-in power supplies. Screen latches are standard on most Armada units, excluding the 1100 series.

Armada 1100, 4100, and 4200 Series

Manufactured during 1996 and 1997, these laptops utilize a trackball as their primary pointing device, with touchpad options available on the 4100 and 4200 models, differing from the pointing stick featured in the premium LTE 500 lineup. Consistent with other Pentium I notebooks, the RAM is soldered onto the same removable board as the CPU, facilitating straightforward upgrades.

Initial entry-level variants released in mid-1996 included the 1110, 1120, and 4110.

The Armada 1100 series was designed for general business users, providing fundamental capabilities suitable for common office tasks such as word processing and spreadsheet management at an economical price point. For users requiring multimedia functionality, Compaq offered the LTE 5000 and Armada 4100 series. Additionally, external CD-ROM drives from third-party manufacturers were compatible.

Armada 1100 Series

Positioned as a cost-effective substitute for the Contura 420 and 430C(X), this series shares chassis and base specifications but is priced below $2,000. Compared to its Contura counterparts, the Armada models feature larger HDD sizes and enhanced CPUs but come with a shorter warranty period and lack a docking port. Standard equipment includes a FDD, either 8 or 16 MB of base RAM with one EDO SODIMM slot (expandable up to 24 or 32 MB), and a NiMH battery that delivers approximately two to three hours of usage. Notably, this was Compaq’s final notebook series without integrated sound hardware. The T variants are equipped with a TFT display similar to that found in the Contura CX.

Dimensions measure 290 x 260 x 38 mm with a weight around 2.3 kg. Display options include a 10.4" passive matrix (standard) or active matrix (T models).

Armada 1110 − Pentium processor running at 75 MHz; CSTN screen with a resolution of 640x480.
Armada 1120(T) − Pentium processor at 100 MHz; available with CSTN or TN display at 640x480 resolution.
Armada 1130(T) − Pentium CPU clocked at either 120 or 133 MHz; CSTN or TN display offering 800x600 pixels; equipped with 16 MB soldered RAM; graphics handled by Cirrus Logic GD7548.

Armada 4100 and 4200 Series

These mainstream laptops feature two RAM slots, optional CD-ROM drives, gray plastic exteriors reinforced internally with magnesium alloy, and built-in speakers located in the palm rest area. They utilize Cirrus Logic graphics controllers and can accommodate up to three batteries—including Li-ion types—allowing for extended operation times up to approximately twelve hours. A carrying handle that incorporates an internal battery is also offered.

Both series support full-sized docking stations (Convenience Base) as well as a smaller docking solution specific to the 4100 line.

Physical dimensions are approximately 302 x 226 x 57 mm (with a slimline thickness of about 38 mm), and weights range near 2.8 kg without dock, increasing to roughly 4.13 kg when docked. Screen sizes reach up to 12.1 inches.

The 4200 series brought enhancements such as inclusion of a Cardbus slot, fixed CPU configuration without upgrade options, adoption of the Intel 430TX chipset, and integration of the C&T 65555 video controller. These units weigh more than approximately 2.4 kg and do not support the larger four-gigabyte HDD found in some earlier models from the 4100 line. They come standard with thirty-two megabytes of soldered RAM expandable up to ninety-six megabytes.

  • Armada 4200T − Equipped with a Pentium MMX processor running at 233 MHz; features a twelve-point-one-inch display at an 800x600 resolution.
  • Armada 4210T − Similar specifications to the Armada 4200T but fitted with an alternate hard drive configuration.
  • Armada 4220T − Powered by a Pentium MMX CPU clocked at 266 MHz.

Armada 7300 and 7700 Series

These premium laptops are characterized by their understated white chassis, reminiscent of earlier Compaq LTE models. Input is provided exclusively through a Pointstick, and the designs incorporate lifting feet along with various bay configurations, including MultiBay options. Both series utilize identical docking solutions: the ArmadaStation and Armada MiniStation (E and EX). The following Armada 7400 and 7800 models preserve much of the original aesthetic while introducing refreshed color schemes and redesigned palmrests.

Armada 7300 Series

Positioned as a cost-effective, compact counterpart to the 7700 series, the 7300 line showcases a new white casing with a retractable keyboard, MultiBay capability, and speaker-equipped palmrests.

These units come with 12.1-inch displays driven by S3 Aurora64V+ graphics (2 MB VRAM), measure 305 × 235 × 39 mm, and weigh approximately 2.7 kg or up to 3.2 kg when fitted with a CD-ROM drive. Memory support extends to a maximum of 128 MB across two slots, with no onboard soldered RAM.

Armada 7700 Series

Introduced in late 1997 as the LTE 5000 series' successor, beginning with the 7750MT model, this lineup features a white exterior without a palmrest, while speakers are situated on either side of the display.

The units weigh between roughly 3.3 and 3.5 kg and measure 320 × 242 × 51 mm. They include two EDO RAM slots supplemented by onboard soldered memory and utilize S3 Aurora graphics with a dedicated 2 MB video buffer.

Armada Series:1500/1700,3500,7400 and7800

Produced from late-1997 through1999,this collection introduced a redesigned chassis highlighted by a sculpted palmrest.

The budget-friendly1500and1700models incorporated touchpad input;the slim-profile3500series targeted portability;whilethe premium7400and7800lines retained pointing sticks exclusively.The1500and1700serieswere the only ones broadly distributed through consumer electronics retailers.Additionally,the1700offered Windows98 as an option alongside Windows95,and later Windows2000,XP,andME.

The high-end7400and7800models represented updated versions of the earlier7300and7700machines,maintaining compatibility with existing docking stations.In contrast,the slimmer3500introduced a personal docking accessory aimed at enhancing versatility for business professionals.

Armada 1500 and 1700 series

These two series shared a robust dark-gray casing with integrated touchpads but varied in dimensions and supported platforms: the 1500 lineup incorporated Pentium I or II CPUs, whereas the 1700 series was exclusively powered by Pentium II processors. The 1500 models positioned their CD/DVD drive bay on the right side, contrasting with the front placement on the 1700 units. Both series were compatible with the Convenience Base II docking station.

1500 series — Measuring 310 x 244 x 53 mm and weighing approximately 3.3 kg, these models came with either 16 or 32 MB of onboard RAM plus an additional expansion slot. They employed a C&T 68554 graphics chipset with 2 MB video memory. Connectivity included one USB port, an infrared port, and dual PCMCIA slots. A side bay allowed users to interchange between an extra battery or a floppy disk drive. Earlier models from 1510 to 1598 supported only EDO RAM, while later Pentium II variants introduced SDRAM compatibility.
1560DM 1571DM 1573DM 1580DT 1580DMT 1997/07 Pentium MMX (150 MHz) Up to 80 MB (16 MB onboard) 12.1", TN panel 1590DT 1998/04 Pentium MMX (166 MHz) Up to 80 MB (16 MB onboard) 12.1", TN, 800x600 resolution No modem included 1590DMT 1997/09 Pentium MMX (166 MHz) Up to 80 MB (16 MB onboard) 12.1", TN, 800x600 resolution 1592DT 1998/06 Pentium MMX (233 MHz) Up to 96 MB (32 MB onboard) 12.1", TN, 800x600 resolution No modem installed 1592DMT 1998/01 Pentium MMX (233 MHz) Up to 96 MB (32 MB onboard) 12.1", CTFT, 800x600 resolution 1598 Pentium MMX (266 MHz) ? ? 1598DMT 1998/03 Pentium MMX (266 MHz) Up to 96 MB (32 MB onboard) 13.3", CTFT, 1024×768 resolution HDD capacity of 4.0 GB compared with standard model's 3.2 GB
1700 series — These units are larger, measuring approximately 318 x 245 x 58 mm and weighing more than 3.6 kg, featuring displays up to14.1 inches with a maximum resolution of1024x768 pixels; RAM consisted of a combination of soldered memory plus one expansion slot; both CD/DVD and floppy drives were housed in a MultiBay system.
  • 1700 — Powered by Pentium II processors ranging from233 to300 MHz; came standard with32 MB soldered RAM expandable up to160 MB; screen options included12.1",13.3", or14.1" sizes.
  • 1750 — Positioned as higher-tier models featuring Pentium II CPUs from333 up to400 MHz; equipped with64 MB soldered RAM expandable as high as192 MB.[1]

Armada 3500

Compact profile measuring 300 mm × 236 mm × 33 mm, weighing approximately 2 kg; powered by Pentium II processors ranging from 266 to 366 MHz. Display options include a 12.1" or 13.3" LCD panel with resolutions of 800x600 or 1024x768, utilizing the Chips and Technologies 69000 graphics chipset with 2 MB memory. Features USB connectivity and a docking port.

Armada 7400

Premium model introduced in 1999, dimensions are 318 mm × 244 mm × 41 mm. Equipped with a choice of 13.3" or 14" LCD screens at 1024x768 resolution, and Pentium II CPUs between 266 and 366 MHz. Includes CD/DVD-ROM drive and S3 Virge/MX graphics with 4 MB VRAM. Supports two RAM modules, allowing expansion up to 256 MB. The magnesium alloy top cover and integrated speakers are housed within a uniquely contoured palmrest.

Armada 7800

Flagship offering serving as an updated iteration of the 7700 series, featuring a refreshed display assembly and a dark gray top lid. Powered by Pentium II processors from 266 to 400 MHz and equipped with S3 Virge graphics (4 MB). Screen sizes available are either 13.3" or 14", supporting up to two RAM slots for a maximum of 256 MB memory.

Armada 6500

High-performance lineup boasting a redesigned chassis that incorporates a touchpad and an expansive flat palmrest; dimensions stand at 305 mm × 247 mm × 35 mm, with weight exceeding 2.7 kg. This model succeeds DEC’s Digital HiNote Ultra 2000 and is compatible with the Compaq Mobile6500 Expansion Unit as well as the Armada6500 Convenience Base.

Released in 1998, it features Pentium II processors running between 300 and 400 MHz, paired with a 14.1" display. Memory includes 64 MB soldered onboard RAM, expandable up to a total of 320 MB through one additional slot. Offers USB support and utilizes an AGP-based ATI 3D RAGE LT Pro graphics card with 4 MB video memory.

Armada E, M and V series

Debuted in the year 2000, this generation introduced a new chassis design characterized by light blue buttons on the touchpad.

The E series is aimed at mainstream users; M series targets ultra-portable computing; while the V series delivers versatile functionality.

Armada V300 and E500

Both models share a chassis based on a larger frame measuring approximately 14.7", offering screen options of 14.1", 13.3", or 12.1". Overall size is about 316 mm × 254 mm × 42 mm.

These laptops provide modular configurations featuring Intel Pentium II/III or Celeron processors, AGP port compatibility, and multimedia enhancements. Desktop-like usability can be extended using optional expansion bases, convenience bases, or port replicators. The casing is gray with a flat profile and includes lifting feet; graphics are powered by ATI Rage Mobility-P with 4 MB VRAM, supporting up to half a gigabyte of RAM.

Armada V300 — Positioned as an entry-level option equipped solely with a touchpad; Intel Celeron CPUs ranging from 400 to 500 MHz; base RAM options of either 32 or 64 MB upgradeable to as much as 512 MB.
Armada E500 — Offers either a pointstick or touchpad input; powered by Intel Pentium II/III processors between 366 MHz and up to 1 GHz; certain models include soldered RAM at 64 MB. Features support for an additional battery that replaces the floppy drive bay and provides two PC Card slots rather than one as found on the V300. Optionally available with a larger thin-bezel display measuring up to 15 inches.
Armada E500s — A variant equipped with Intel Pentium III or Celeron processors clocked up to 800 MHz.

Armada M300

A premium ultraportable laptop designed as the successor to the DEC HiNote Ultra series; initial pricing started near $1,999. Comes with Intel Pentium II or III processors ranging from 333 to 600 MHz, incorporates a touchpad, and features ATI Rage LT Pro graphics with dedicated video memory of 4 MB VRAM. The chassis is constructed from magnesium alloy, houses one RAM slot along with an additional soldered memory of 64 MB for expansion up to a total of approximately 320 MB; weighs around 1.6 kg. Display choices include an eleven-point-three-inch LCD available in either standard (800x600) or higher (1024x768) resolution formats. Physical dimensions measure roughly at 264 × 229 × 23 mm.

Armada M700

A slim and lightweight alternative within the E700 family featuring either pointstick or touchpad navigation; equipped with Pentium II processors starting at around 366 MHz or Pentium III CPUs ranging from roughly 650 to one thousand MHz. Sports a large fourteen-point-one-inch display supporting resolutions up to WXGA (1024x768). Memory configuration includes two slots plus soldered RAM totaling an expandable capacity of up to approximately 576 MB. Incorporates CD/DVD optical drives alongside ATI Mobility PRO graphics with an enhanced video memory size of eight megabytes VRAM. The magnesium alloy top cover complements its sleek design; dimensions are approximately measured at 315 ×250 ×28 mm while weight is near two-point-two kilograms. This model received favorable evaluations from PC Magazine reviewers.

Armada E700

This model is larger than the E500 and features two MultiBay slots that accommodate either optical drives or additional batteries, along with an integrated power supply. It is equipped with Pentium II or III processors running between 400 and 500 MHz, and offers display options of 14" or 15" screens with a resolution of 1024×768. Memory capacity reaches up to 640 MB, including 128 MB soldered onboard. Its physical dimensions are 320 × 260 × 51 mm, and it weighs approximately 4.0 kg.

Armada 100s and 110

The last iteration of this series consisted solely of entry-level models, as higher-tier variants were rebranded under the Compaq Evo name. Both models feature dark-gray chassis and optional touchpads; however, blue-colored buttons are exclusive to the 110 and 110s variants. These units come equipped with one CD/DVD drive and one floppy disk drive but lack docking port compatibility.

Armada 100s

Launched in 2000 alongside its budget counterpart, the Notebook 100, this model was aimed at small to medium enterprises. It runs on an AMD K6-2+ processor clocked at 533 MHz and includes a single RAM slot paired with either 32 or 64 MB soldered memory, expandable up to 160 or 192 MB depending on configuration. Graphics are handled by the Trident CyberBlade i7 with 8 MB VRAM. Display options include a 12.1" panel at 800×600 resolution or a larger 13.3" screen at 1024×768. The device measures 297 × 239 × 44 mm and weighs around 3.1 kg.

Armada 110

Introduced in 2001 as a cost-effective alternative to the Evo N110, the Armada 110 was powered by Pentium III processors running from 800 to 850 MHz and supported up to 320 MB of RAM, including a base of 64 MB soldered memory. Screen choices were either a 14.1" display at 1024×768 or a smaller 12.1" panel at 800×600 resolution. Its dimensions are 318 × 248 × 42 mm, with a weight ranging between approximately 3.2 and 3.4 kg. The graphics subsystem utilized an ATI RAGE LT Pro with dedicated 4 MB memory.

The Armada 110s variant mainly differed by incorporating Celeron CPUs operating between 700 and 850 MHz, sometimes featuring an increased soldered RAM of 128 MB.

Docks

Neither the Armada 1100 nor the Armada 100/110 series supported docking stations.

Notable docking accessories included:

  • Convenience Base designed for the Armada 4100 series
  • Convenience Base II compatible with Armada models from the 1500, 1700, and 3500 lines
  • Convenience Base EM tailored for the E500 series
  • Port Replicator EM, likely intended for use with E500 units
  • Mobile 3500 Expansion Unit for Armada 3500 laptops
  • Expansion Base Mobile Unit, compatible with both Armada M300 and Evo N200, also usable with Convenience Base EM
  • ArmadaStation, Armada MiniStation E, and MiniStation EX designed for the Armada 7000 series including models such as the 7300/7400 and the higher-end 7700/7800
  • Mobile6500 Expansion Unit and Armada6500 Convenience Base exclusively available for the Armada 6500 model
  1. ↑ Compaq Armada1750 Quickspecs
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