The Compaq Presario series refers to a series of desktop computers and notebooks launched under the brand name 'Presario'. The Presario 2100 series refers to a series of mainstream notebooks designed with basic specifications such as Intel Celeron or AMD Athlon and a 14.1 inch display. A desktop replacement can be obtained for a 15-inch screen and an Intel Pentium 4-M CPU. The Presario 2100 series is designed for the average home user.

The Presario 2100 has extensive configuration options. One has a choice of the AMD Athlon, Athlon XP, Intel Mobile Celeron or the Intel Pentium 4-M processors running from 1.6 GHz to 2.5 GHz as well as hard drives of 20GB, 30GB, 40GB, and 60GB. The memory consists of a 266MHz DDR SDRAM and ranges from 128MB to 1,024MB. The laptop has a built-in floppy drive and options such as CD, DVD, or a CD/DVD/RW drive. Various software that accompany the Compaq Presario 2100 include Microsoft Works 6.0, Money 2003, Quicken Financial Center, InterVideo Win DVD, Encarta Online and Microsoft Office Small Business Edition and Professional Suites. However, the user doesn't have a choice between operating systems, since Windows XP Home is the only operating system that the Presario 2100 comes pre-loaded with.

The Compaq Presario weighs approximately 7.2 lbs and measures 13 inches x 10.7 inches x 1.6 inches. The power button is complemented by a blue light and the touchpad has a button over it to turn it on and off. The keyboard features almost everything a desktop keyboard would. The various external slots include USB 1.1, VGA, Ethernet, S-Video out, 56k modem port, FireWire port, Type II PC Card slot, headphone and microphone ports, and an IrDA port.