After twenty years of using nothing but desktops, I finally decided to get my first laptop. I did a large amount of looking around and finally decided on a laptop in the HP HDX series. I wanted a big screen and since I didn't (and don't) plan on carrying it around a lot, I wasn't too concerned about its size. Portability and weight weren't major considerations. If they are for you, then definitely don't get this. It is something of a monster, quite heavy. Furthermore, as far as I've been able to discover, there is only one case that will accommodate a laptop this side, one by Targus. It is less like a messenger bag or pack back and more like a suitcase on wheels. But except for the size, this is a great laptop and I'm completely delighted with it.
There is really only one advantage to buying a preconfigured laptop. You can get it quickly. But I would recommend people who really know what they want to do their own configuration. I wanted a computer that was really strong on media, so I opted for the 1 GB video card, a Blu-ray burner, and a TV tuner. I also got the bluetooth wife modem so that I wouldn't have to use a transceiver. The computer has been exceptional in this regard. The screen is bright and unbelievably detailed. Blu-ray discs don't look quite as good as they do on my Samsung high def TV using a PS3, but it is close. The built in speakers are amazingly decent for a laptop. Although I prefer using headphones for movies and videos, the speakers are good enough for two people to watch something together. But for music while I type I usually just use the built in speakers.
Just about everything else about the computer is great as well. I find the keyboard comfortable to use and the action on the keys are really nice. I don't like the touchpad, but that would be true for absolutely any laptop.
If you are looking for a laptop that is superb at multimedia but that doesn't have to be especially transportable, you can't do much better than this laptop. My one piece of advice for anyone configuring a laptop is to put your upfront money almost entirely in things that cannot be upgraded easily later. Put off the printer if it means you can get a faster processor. Don't worry about the size of your hard drive, because there great inexpensive external hard drives (you can get a 1 TB today for less than $150). But also plan on doing other things to extend the life of your computer. I got the Blu-ray burner, but I plan on getting an external DVD drive to minimize the wear and tear on the internal drive. I got a single battery now, but plan on getting a second one later. But it is pretty difficult to upgrade your processor speed or video card later. Of course, if money isn't a consideration for you (it was for me), go ahead and get everything right now. But whether you have to economize or not, this is a great multimedia computer.
Showing posts with label laptops deals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label laptops deals. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Discount Sony VAIO Duo SVD13213CXW 13.3-Inch Convertible Touchscreen
List Price: $1,399.99
Sale Price: $1,199.99
Today's Bonus: 14% Off
I have been using this machine for about 2 weeks now, and I can't bear to part with it. Yes, there are a couple of drawbacks:
Screen angle does not tilt I mostly use it in tablet format or docked to an external monitor. It hasn't really been too much of a drawback for me.
Wifi strength. This is well noted. I see some lags when watching Netflix, but otherwise it hasn't been an issue.
Stylus easily slides out of its holder. Very annoying, and I think I'd better stock up on styli.
Screen is unprotected when unit is not is use. A sleeve solves this problem, but I'd rather not have the problem to begin with.
Not as many apps available as the Apple AppStore (I know, I know, Windows 8, not the unit's problem anyone in the mood to create a feet and inches calculator???)
But the pros! Oh, the pros!
Stylus is superb. I mark up a lot of drawings with this using both Note Anytime, OneNote and Word, and it never misses a beat.
Processing power has just as much grunt as my regular office laptop
Weight (or lack thereof!) I travel A LOT! Not having to lug around an iPad and a laptop has saved my back. Plus, I also schlep to and from graduate school, so this is a real boon.
Screen size perfect when more than one person needs to view a document or a drawing.
Battery life I've gone 8 hours on a single charge. That has equated to not having to lug a power adapter to job sites (where there usually isn't anywhere to plug into, anyway!)
the "ooh, ahh!" factor undeniably good looking, and the envy of everyone I work with (evil grin!)
Windows 8 I am/was a die-hard iPad fan. I haven't touched my iPad in over a week this is REALLY saying something.
This unit really makes Windows 8 shine. I never thought I would retire my iPad, but it's starting to look to me that I have no real reason to keep it.
UPDATE
======
I love this unit so much I took it back after 2 weeks. And upgraded to the I7 model. I truly believe this unit can replace my everyday laptop and my iPad. My chiropractor may never see me again! So far, my original review still stands.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
The features in this device are what I was looking for.i5
4GB
x64
WiDi
SD Reader
Full size HDMI
2-USB 3
Touch screen (I really like the Stylus)
Light weight
I would give it a 5 Star, if I could adjust the screen angle. It is a great bother, They offer only 1 position. In my offices, I have to prop it up to get away from the glare from the florescent lighting. I just got a foam calculator wedge to prop it on. The only other issue thus far, I would have preferred the screen is protected when closed.
Best Deals for Sony VAIO Duo SVD13213CXW 13.3-Inch Convertible Touchscreen
cracked my surface pro screen awhile ago, and this is my replacement to the surface pro.this is more of an ultrabook compared to the tablet factor of the Surface pro. the slider design works really well and transforms from tablet to ultrabook very easily. the ergonomics while typing on the lap is great, identical to a regular laptop, as opposed to surface and type cover which you have to balance it meticulously as not to tip over. the screen is beautiful and yields vivid color, almost on par with the retina MacBook pro.
the slider form factor is very practical and easy to use. however there are some issues Sony needs to iron out before slider ultrabook/tablet really takes off. the machine is made in japan, but as oppose to others positive review, the build quality is not quite top notch yet. my unit has one stuck pixel that refuses to go away, and the rear plastic panel where the ports/vent are is loose, and while in tablet mode the lid dose not close flush with the keyboard and yields some creaking noise.
the machine does come with quite a bit of bloatwares and takes a bit to uninstall.
overall, this is nice ultrabook/tablet combo if you are looking for something unconventional but practical.
Honest reviews on Sony VAIO Duo SVD13213CXW 13.3-Inch Convertible Touchscreen
Nice design and lightweight for a laptop. Works great, fast, & responsive touchscreen. The touchpad need improvement or perhaps need some calibration tha I have not had a chance to play with it. Cursor moves unintentionally while typing, maybe too sensitive.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Sony VAIO Duo SVD13213CXW 13.3-Inch Convertible Touchscreen
Bear in mind, I bought mine at my nearest Sony Store in person, but I thought I would never find an ultrabook/tablet convertible combo. This is such a svelte package carbon fiber body, made in Japan, gorgeous 1920x1080 screen, quick boot-up, and Win8 finally gets a worthy vessel. My ideal portable laptop (my other one's a Qosmio 18.4"). I did my research before I bought it (a lot, considering how busy I was a few weeks ago, and how semi-impulsive this was), but it seemed it wasn't enough research to justify my owning it.A day after I purchased it, I had WiFi issues on the same level as the new Haswell Macbook Airs. It took 3-4 hours for the SVD to connect to my home WiFi, which was a shock. I didn't want to deal with constant software updates to fix this. Also, reading more into SVD's pen input option, the choice for an N-Trig was a negative on a couple sites and forums, and the denial of Wacom to support it (or WinTab support denied) was also a key factor in my returning it. I wanted to write notes down as well as have compatibility with Photoshop, Illustrator, and other art software, especially from support from Wacom. You could probably imagine how disappointed I was when I returned it.
I will be eagerly waiting for the ATIV Q with S Pen tech. I hope you all have better luck with the SVD or you take my words seriously and wait as well.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Compaq CQ57-210US 15.6-Inch Notebook PC - Black Reviews
Okay, I cheated and got mine at Wal-Mart on a whim only because they were pushing them out the store at my local store for $290 due to remodeling in process.
Let's be realistic and admit the specs are hardly awe inspiring, but I needed a laptop for school and it was either this or a netbook with less RAM, smaller screen, and shorter battery life.
After all, where else can you get a 15.6 inch laptop with a full keyboard that can manage to squeeze nearly 5 hours off a standard battery even with wireless running.
Now for the good points:
* DDR3 RAM instead of the usual DDR2
* RAM is easily upgraded. Hint, remove the battery and the lone screw holding the RAM plate in place will be staring you in the face. Although I'm not sure, this may be a safety precaution to make sure you do remove the battery first.
* 2GB RAM and 250GB HDD standard. Most netbooks cut these specs in close to half
* Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit instead of 32 bit Windows Starter found on most netbooks
* Plays video galore due to upgrade graphics capability over that normally found with the Atom processor
* Crisp, clear screen with no glare
* Speedier than the Atom processor in nearly everything
* No getting confused by buttons on this model. This is as plain Jane as you can get and that's good
* 15.6 inch screen means less page scrolling than with a netbook
* Not as heavy as you might think. Tops, maybe 5 pounds
* Rated at 4.5 hours but I managed to squeak nearly 5 hours
* Slick outside surface doesn't hold fingerprints, an oddity in the low price area
* Keys give decent feedback although it's not in the Lenovo class by any stretch
* Want a surprise? Play a music file and listen to the sound. This sucker comes with Altec Lansing speakers!
* Heat? What heat? This puppy doesn't make much. Even better, I have yet to hear the fan. My last Acer netbook made so much heat I couldn't put it on my lap after a while.
* Cheaper than a tablet and only marginally more expensive than a netbook
Nothing is perfect and this unit is no different:
* It's DDR3 RAM but it's limited to 4GB even though it's a 64 bit OS
* Bloatware galore
* As slab sided and ugly as ugly can get. Black plastic and acres of it without a lick of color anywhere. Guess for $300 you can't get artistic.
* Outside is devoid of fingerprints but interior finish picks them up like a Swiffer picks up dirt
* No dust over or protector for SD card slot. That's odd.
* One USB port is right next to power plug entry meaning no fat dongles allowed in that slot
* BIOS settings, while effective, are straight out of DOS in terms of design. May be a little nit-picky but instead of using the cursor to make choices you have to read a menu and press the appropriate F key to activate menu options
* Trackpad is worthless. No scrolling and since it's the same color as the casing it's impossible to see in the dark
* Like warning lights telling you about HDD activity, blah, blah, blah? Ain't happening here. Just one light to the left telling you the power is on and another to the right advising that wireless is working. No indication when plugged in that it's even charging (blind faith on that one)
Overall, I give this unit high marks because it's so much more than you might expect for the money all while being as plain a package as you can get.
DVD eject button not very easy to reach.
Cheap laptop for school, email, word processing .. etc.
Generally a slow computer at great price.
I would not buy it.
Let's be realistic and admit the specs are hardly awe inspiring, but I needed a laptop for school and it was either this or a netbook with less RAM, smaller screen, and shorter battery life.
After all, where else can you get a 15.6 inch laptop with a full keyboard that can manage to squeeze nearly 5 hours off a standard battery even with wireless running.
Now for the good points:
* DDR3 RAM instead of the usual DDR2
* RAM is easily upgraded. Hint, remove the battery and the lone screw holding the RAM plate in place will be staring you in the face. Although I'm not sure, this may be a safety precaution to make sure you do remove the battery first.
* 2GB RAM and 250GB HDD standard. Most netbooks cut these specs in close to half
* Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit instead of 32 bit Windows Starter found on most netbooks
* Plays video galore due to upgrade graphics capability over that normally found with the Atom processor
* Crisp, clear screen with no glare
* Speedier than the Atom processor in nearly everything
* No getting confused by buttons on this model. This is as plain Jane as you can get and that's good
* 15.6 inch screen means less page scrolling than with a netbook
* Not as heavy as you might think. Tops, maybe 5 pounds
* Rated at 4.5 hours but I managed to squeak nearly 5 hours
* Slick outside surface doesn't hold fingerprints, an oddity in the low price area
* Keys give decent feedback although it's not in the Lenovo class by any stretch
* Want a surprise? Play a music file and listen to the sound. This sucker comes with Altec Lansing speakers!
* Heat? What heat? This puppy doesn't make much. Even better, I have yet to hear the fan. My last Acer netbook made so much heat I couldn't put it on my lap after a while.
* Cheaper than a tablet and only marginally more expensive than a netbook
Nothing is perfect and this unit is no different:
* It's DDR3 RAM but it's limited to 4GB even though it's a 64 bit OS
* Bloatware galore
* As slab sided and ugly as ugly can get. Black plastic and acres of it without a lick of color anywhere. Guess for $300 you can't get artistic.
* Outside is devoid of fingerprints but interior finish picks them up like a Swiffer picks up dirt
* No dust over or protector for SD card slot. That's odd.
* One USB port is right next to power plug entry meaning no fat dongles allowed in that slot
* BIOS settings, while effective, are straight out of DOS in terms of design. May be a little nit-picky but instead of using the cursor to make choices you have to read a menu and press the appropriate F key to activate menu options
* Trackpad is worthless. No scrolling and since it's the same color as the casing it's impossible to see in the dark
* Like warning lights telling you about HDD activity, blah, blah, blah? Ain't happening here. Just one light to the left telling you the power is on and another to the right advising that wireless is working. No indication when plugged in that it's even charging (blind faith on that one)
Overall, I give this unit high marks because it's so much more than you might expect for the money all while being as plain a package as you can get.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
I ordered this notebook for my father. It was delivered very fast. We like the appearance and the keyboard is very comfortable. However, my father found some flashing black lines across the screen at the first use. The lines were not always there, but once they appeared, they stuck around until the window was closed and reopened. Most of the times, even the close-and-reopen strategy didn't work. We let it rest for one night and give it another try the second day, but things didn't get better. I returned it.Best Deals for Compaq CQ57-210US 15.6-Inch Notebook PC - Black
It is a good product. Had to do a factory reset first to remove the previous owners personal effects, but after that all was fine.Honest reviews on Compaq CQ57-210US 15.6-Inch Notebook PC - Black
Touch pad, same color as notebook.DVD eject button not very easy to reach.
Cheap laptop for school, email, word processing .. etc.
Generally a slow computer at great price.
I would not buy it.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Compaq CQ57-210US 15.6-Inch Notebook PC - Black
I have had hardware issues with this laptop since I bought it. I've sent it back to the factory because of the modem, and it still doesn't work correctly. At least once a day the modem decides to stop working. I bumped the unit slightly with my hand when I picked it up and it dumped all my information and did an emergency shut down. This was literally a slight bump! The mousepad is a nightmare. I've had this computer for about 8 months and have had problems with it the whole time. When it is running, it runs slowly. I'm sure that is due to hardware issues as well. I will probably buy myself another computer just to end the aggravation, but it won't be another Compaq!Friday, September 5, 2014
ThinkPad R61 Notebook 2GHz 14.1" Widescreen Review
List Price: $1,434.00
Sale Price: $500.00
Today's Bonus: 65% Off
For some years, LENOVO was making notebook PCs for IBM. All ThinkPads had the IBM logo on them, plus LENOVO in smaller letters elsewhere.
Since 2004, I have purchased nothing but reconditioned IBM/LENOVO machines and have always been most satisfied with them. This R61 is the first ThinkPad I've owned that doesn't include the IBM logo. I can see no difference in it layout or quality-wise from my IBMs of the past.
I prefer this brand because of its DURABILITY. I've heard that ThinkPads are often the choice of on-the-road businessmen. True or not, these are built to last.
The R61 has all the features I want, plus a few that don't interest me. (I never use the DVD burner, mini light, touch pad or fingerprint scanner.) Stereo sound is strong, plus there's an all important miniature headphone jack. Audio adjustments can be seen on-screen. The keyboard's white painted-on characters only wear off if you type with long fingernails, a lesson personally learned with previous notebooks. The processor is an Intel Centrino.
ThinkPads are ideal for heavy daily use. Mine is on at work from midnight to 7 am, and again in the afternoon from 2 to 5 pm or so. That's at least ten hours a day. Every one of my 4,100-plus AMMY reviews was written on a ThinkPad, and I'm a key pounder. The machines really hold up great.
I give this R61, hard tested now for over a year, my highest recommendation!
Monday, August 18, 2014
Acer 15.6" Laptop 6GB 500GB | V5-571-6891 Reviews
So far I enjoy my Acer laptop (I have owned it for about one month). It is lightweight and I like the numbers positioned on the right. I have nothing bad to say about the product. Windows 8 is not my favorite running system, but I understand MS has a download for that soon to correct user complaints. The laptop was loaded with a bunch of junk I had to remove which I expected from reading the review from PC Magazine. I wish it had been loaded with some sort of MS office product. This is my second Acer product. I have owned an 8-inch laptop for at least three years that I use when traveling. I can say nothing bad about that product either.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
As I write this review from the said device, I must admit I continue to feel the glow of guiltless acquisition of a solid purchase. This is still the best hardware-to-cost value I've found on the net, it runs more intensive programs than I initially had hoped it might, and it has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience learning Windows 8 and this machine. Some things to note are the Acer bloatware, which is easily uninstalled to your liking, and the somewhat unrelenting keyboard. You're going to literally have to break it in. The keys are shallow and a bit tight, and at first there is going to be some resistance. These are the furthest thing from a set of Blue Cherry MX you'll find. Inevitably, they will start to ease up and hit a sweet spot and you will be typing like a stenographer again in no time. The screen is beautiful, Windows 8 is far more enjoyable then you might hear from an overwhelmingly critical tech industry, and the machine is a perfect value for people with light tasks in mind. This thing is also slim and light and will transport in anything conforming to it's modest dimensions. I would surely suggest this computer to anyone.Best Deals for Acer 15.6" Laptop 6GB 500GB | V5-571-6891
Worried a little about the "refurbished" aspect of the product, but everything was OK!… I'm waiting for the next deal.Honest reviews on Acer 15.6" Laptop 6GB 500GB | V5-571-6891
So far, I've had to spend a half hour on a call to India to fix one problem, and now I have to spend another afternoon doing the same as it keeps loosing the page I'm on and going to the Bing travel page for some reason! It's less than a month old!Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Cheap MSI A6200-021US Notebook PC - Intel Core i5-430M 2.26 GHz / 15.6"
Would recommend this laptop. However, when I purchased it I did not realize it came with 32bit Home Premium Windows 7 and not 64 bit. So I went and purchased 64 bit and reinstalled the OS. Works even better with 64bit Windows 7 Home Premium. I ran it with 32 bit for a day and for the last few days have had 64 bit windows on it. Screen is great. Can't complain except MSI should clearly state that it comes with 32bit on their packaging. Better yet they should install it with 64bit.
Not an LCD as this ad and the website of national reailers like Office Depot claim, in Fact if you take a brief trip to the website of MSI they too, confirm this and since buying one last night at my local Office Depot I have confirmed that the info on the MSI website is correct this is once more is an LED display !!!
With that said this unit overall is as good as any laptop I have ever owned, or used from my job. This includes 11 different laptops in the last 14 years from NEC, IBM, HP, Toshiba, Acer and Dell.
The only complaint I could find is that it comes with Windows 7 32 bit instead of 64 bit which is not that much of an issue as most applications do not support 64 bit mode at the moment anyway, however I just don't think it makes much sense to have not used 64 bit.
With all that said a quick review and my first impressions...
1. The screen is excellent, large and beautfiul, great contrast and colors
2. The keyboard is excellent, a little different for someone not used to the chicklet style made popular by Apple, but doe not take long to get used to.
3. The processor is an obvious selling point, it runs cool, consumes less power than any previous high end Intel Processor and Graphics combo !
4. Overall build quality is top notch and for the solid feel it is actually quite light !!!
5. The tochpad is TOP NOTCH and I say that as someone who does not use a mouse, tochpad functionallity is something of a pet peeve for me when buying a laptop, so if you too are someone that finds many of the tochpads out there today not worth a penny..
Rest assured this touchpad works and works well !
Windows Experience Index scoring was as follows
Processor 6.4
Memory 7.2
Graphics 4.6
Gaming Graphics 5.1
Hard Drive 5.3
So as you can see for this is a great laptop with plenty of power to spare !
If you are looking for a 15.6 inch unit that is powerful and more than capable of handling Flash media at 1080P look no further, this will make and excellent unit for developers and would serve well as an all around machine for business oriented users too !
One last thing I forgot is the battery and it out of the box after its first charge I got about 2 1/2 hrs or real time use surfing the web and half the time I was watching an episode of Red Eye on Hulu which is very processor intensive...
So when this company claims 2 1/2 hrs they mean it !
Unlike most companies who will site the number windows show right after unplugging it (HP, DELL, Toshiba) Just to name a few !
If you are wondering that number shown when placing the mouse pointer over the batter icon was showing 4 hrs. 15 min on my unit after first charge !
Hope that helps and I will say agian I could not be happier, you will not regret buying this laptop !
1. Lack of bluetooth despite having a bluetooth LED and function key
2. Trackpad has a vertical scroll bar, but it isn't raised or visible so kind of difficult to use at times.
3. USB and power ports are in the back as opposed to the sides of the machine.
4. Power LEDs are very bright blue, almost distracting at night.
This machine has a great keyboard, tons of power, a really great screen, and it isn't too heavy. I love MSI and I'll continue buying from them in the future. I would recommend the A6200 to anyone in the ~$600 price range.
The good:
LED display
Solid build
light weight (5.5 lbs)
full keyboard
HDMI port
bluetooth
EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE
Great price $599
The bad:
not very much information online
weak speaker set
no firewire port
I will be recommending this notebook to my family, so obviously i would recommend it to you.
The problem with the speakers that everyone is complaining about is summed up to the fact that they put them on the front of the computer so when its sitting on your lap it sounds muffled. While its not exceptional, it wouldn't keep me from purchasing this laptop. I'm actually able to play sims 3 on it and even my desktop won't run it well. It plays perfectly! I'm so happy with this!
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
First off this IS IN FACT AN LED SCREEN and...Not an LCD as this ad and the website of national reailers like Office Depot claim, in Fact if you take a brief trip to the website of MSI they too, confirm this and since buying one last night at my local Office Depot I have confirmed that the info on the MSI website is correct this is once more is an LED display !!!
With that said this unit overall is as good as any laptop I have ever owned, or used from my job. This includes 11 different laptops in the last 14 years from NEC, IBM, HP, Toshiba, Acer and Dell.
The only complaint I could find is that it comes with Windows 7 32 bit instead of 64 bit which is not that much of an issue as most applications do not support 64 bit mode at the moment anyway, however I just don't think it makes much sense to have not used 64 bit.
With all that said a quick review and my first impressions...
1. The screen is excellent, large and beautfiul, great contrast and colors
2. The keyboard is excellent, a little different for someone not used to the chicklet style made popular by Apple, but doe not take long to get used to.
3. The processor is an obvious selling point, it runs cool, consumes less power than any previous high end Intel Processor and Graphics combo !
4. Overall build quality is top notch and for the solid feel it is actually quite light !!!
5. The tochpad is TOP NOTCH and I say that as someone who does not use a mouse, tochpad functionallity is something of a pet peeve for me when buying a laptop, so if you too are someone that finds many of the tochpads out there today not worth a penny..
Rest assured this touchpad works and works well !
Windows Experience Index scoring was as follows
Processor 6.4
Memory 7.2
Graphics 4.6
Gaming Graphics 5.1
Hard Drive 5.3
So as you can see for this is a great laptop with plenty of power to spare !
If you are looking for a 15.6 inch unit that is powerful and more than capable of handling Flash media at 1080P look no further, this will make and excellent unit for developers and would serve well as an all around machine for business oriented users too !
One last thing I forgot is the battery and it out of the box after its first charge I got about 2 1/2 hrs or real time use surfing the web and half the time I was watching an episode of Red Eye on Hulu which is very processor intensive...
So when this company claims 2 1/2 hrs they mean it !
Unlike most companies who will site the number windows show right after unplugging it (HP, DELL, Toshiba) Just to name a few !
If you are wondering that number shown when placing the mouse pointer over the batter icon was showing 4 hrs. 15 min on my unit after first charge !
Hope that helps and I will say agian I could not be happier, you will not regret buying this laptop !
Best Deals for MSI A6200-021US Notebook PC - Intel Core i5-430M 2.26 GHz / 15.6"
I purchased this laptop for a mere $525 from Amazon last week. I'm thrilled with the performance of the i5 and DDR3 combined with Windows 7. My only complaints about this machine are:1. Lack of bluetooth despite having a bluetooth LED and function key
2. Trackpad has a vertical scroll bar, but it isn't raised or visible so kind of difficult to use at times.
3. USB and power ports are in the back as opposed to the sides of the machine.
4. Power LEDs are very bright blue, almost distracting at night.
This machine has a great keyboard, tons of power, a really great screen, and it isn't too heavy. I love MSI and I'll continue buying from them in the future. I would recommend the A6200 to anyone in the ~$600 price range.
Honest reviews on MSI A6200-021US Notebook PC - Intel Core i5-430M 2.26 GHz / 15.6"
I am so glad my fiancee convinced me to spend the extra $100 dollars on this laptop (the one I wanted) over a similar Acer with a Core i3 processor. This is hands down the best laptop I have ever owned.The good:
LED display
Solid build
light weight (5.5 lbs)
full keyboard
HDMI port
bluetooth
EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE
Great price $599
The bad:
not very much information online
weak speaker set
no firewire port
I will be recommending this notebook to my family, so obviously i would recommend it to you.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for MSI A6200-021US Notebook PC - Intel Core i5-430M 2.26 GHz / 15.6"
I am so happy with this laptop! It is by far better than the $900 Dell I bought 2 years ago. And I only paid $600. This computer really handles what you throw at it. I would definitely recommend this laptop to anyone.The problem with the speakers that everyone is complaining about is summed up to the fact that they put them on the front of the computer so when its sitting on your lap it sounds muffled. While its not exceptional, it wouldn't keep me from purchasing this laptop. I'm actually able to play sims 3 on it and even my desktop won't run it well. It plays perfectly! I'm so happy with this!
Friday, July 25, 2014
Review of Lenovo IdeaPad Y510p 15.6-Inch Laptop (Metal - Dusk Black)
I believe the other reviews have already described how fast and sleek this machine is and the value that you're getting in a laptop that can actually run modern games and do video editing at this price point. I agree with those sentiments. However, I felt compelled to give potential buyers some more information regarding the product description.
I bought the IdeaPad Y510P Model Name: 20217.
1. This model does come with two NVIDIA 750M video cards in SLI configuration.
2. The 1 TB 5400 RPM hard drive is partitioned into 2 drives. One primary one and a smaller 24gb partition for Lenovo's system backup.
3. This model does NOT come with an on board SSD hard drive to cache windows. I was curious if I could simply buy a small mSata hard drive and install it myself to speed up windows a bit. Upon opening the case, the area where the mSata SSD is supposed to go does NOT contain a connector to plug in an aftermarket mSata drive. The mSata connector/adapter is not soldered onto the board for this model. I'm assuming this is to cut costs. I don't know anything about soldering components to a motherboard so I will eventually replace the 1 TB mechanical hard drive with either the next generation hybrid drive or a SSD for a smoother and faster computing experience.
No regrets on buying this machine. I am happy with the purchase. I just wanted to let potential buyers know what they're getting since the various reviews and product descriptions were a bit unclear if this notebook had a SSD and/or a 2nd video card in SLI or not.
I hope you find this helpful in your laptop buying experience.
Also, The SLI was included making this laptop an extremely good deal at this price. (I was worried at first, the wording is vague)
1x8gb of ram DDR3 were included as stated
Update:
This thing is blazing fast. At first I was slightly dissapointed with the SLI performance. But after i updated the video drivers through the NVIDIA website, I was getting 30-40% better fps
Skyrim with 22 graphic enhancing mods and ultra video settings -> 60fps
Rift Ultra settings -> 60fps
Bioshock infinite ultra settings with a few high tweaks due to some broken features -> 55fps
2.The info on the web of this model is wrong,i ask the custom service of amazon,they told me the same info with the web,and they said the info of the this model on the web never changed（at last they told me "to be honest ,we don`t know wether the info has been changed"）
3.The one i reveived,model number is 59375625, the screen is 15.6 FHD(1920×1080),Dual GPU,2x4G RAM,1T HDD,NO SSD.
And the only trouble is i can only install a NGFF SSD(MAX 32G)
4.Another model of y510p,the $1179 one also very good, the difference between the $1179 one and the $999 one is RAM(2x4G 2x8G)、Blu ray drive，24G NGFF SSD ,i think 2x4G RAM is enough for me,and the blu ray is not use often.so i choose this model
Pros:
*The 1080p anti-glare screen actually does its job. Could not ask more from a laptop screen. Bright and vivid.
*The keyboard is of a very nice quality, and the backlighting is a neat feature.
*The sound is the best I've heard from a laptop.
*The SLI 750m configuration will blow past most modern games at 1080p and at high/ultra settings. (BF3 runs at a solid 45fps if you turn shadows down to high and MSAA down a notch)
*Speedy and responsive setup, Windows 8 is great if you take the time to get used to it. Boots in under 25 seconds (and this is without the SSD cache available in higher end models).
Neutral/Things to Consider:
*The edges are sharp; this could be a problem for prolonged periods if you type with your hands at a certain angle.
*WiFI is spotty, but updating the drivers from Lenovo's website fixes the issue. Also, make sure to update the NVIDIA drivers and download the GeForce Experience program to maximize performance from games.
Cons:
*The trackpad isn't all that great. Useable, but not upto the standard of the rest of the build.
If you're looking at a multimedia/gaming laptop under $1300, this is your machine. Feel free to post any questions in the comments.
There is apparently an issue with this laptops WiFi card according to others who have had similar problems on the Lenovo forums. Their remedy is basically to make sure the drivers are up to date, which I did. It is also apparently impossible or very hard to install another wireless card because of the way the laptop is set up.
I really wanted to keep this laptop but because part of the main reason I bought it was to use for an upcoming deployment, I can't take the chance that the wireless issues will work themselves out with a future fix and risk losing communication with my family for an extended period of time.
Overall, this would have been an excellent laptop for the price if not for the issues that I came across with the WiFi card.
I bought the IdeaPad Y510P Model Name: 20217.
1. This model does come with two NVIDIA 750M video cards in SLI configuration.
2. The 1 TB 5400 RPM hard drive is partitioned into 2 drives. One primary one and a smaller 24gb partition for Lenovo's system backup.
3. This model does NOT come with an on board SSD hard drive to cache windows. I was curious if I could simply buy a small mSata hard drive and install it myself to speed up windows a bit. Upon opening the case, the area where the mSata SSD is supposed to go does NOT contain a connector to plug in an aftermarket mSata drive. The mSata connector/adapter is not soldered onto the board for this model. I'm assuming this is to cut costs. I don't know anything about soldering components to a motherboard so I will eventually replace the 1 TB mechanical hard drive with either the next generation hybrid drive or a SSD for a smoother and faster computing experience.
No regrets on buying this machine. I am happy with the purchase. I just wanted to let potential buyers know what they're getting since the various reviews and product descriptions were a bit unclear if this notebook had a SSD and/or a 2nd video card in SLI or not.
I hope you find this helpful in your laptop buying experience.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
This laptop is labeled without an SSD however, the one I ordered came with a 24gb SSD loaded with the laptop drivers. along with 1TB HDD 5400RPMAlso, The SLI was included making this laptop an extremely good deal at this price. (I was worried at first, the wording is vague)
1x8gb of ram DDR3 were included as stated
Update:
This thing is blazing fast. At first I was slightly dissapointed with the SLI performance. But after i updated the video drivers through the NVIDIA website, I was getting 30-40% better fps
Skyrim with 22 graphic enhancing mods and ultra video settings -> 60fps
Rift Ultra settings -> 60fps
Bioshock infinite ultra settings with a few high tweaks due to some broken features -> 55fps
Best Deals for Lenovo IdeaPad Y510p 15.6-Inch Laptop (Metal - Dusk Black)
1.On Aug 2,the model number on the web changed to 59369999 from 59375625，Aug 7，the Max Screen Resolution changed to 1366x768 from 1920×10802.The info on the web of this model is wrong,i ask the custom service of amazon,they told me the same info with the web,and they said the info of the this model on the web never changed（at last they told me "to be honest ,we don`t know wether the info has been changed"）
3.The one i reveived,model number is 59375625, the screen is 15.6 FHD(1920×1080),Dual GPU,2x4G RAM,1T HDD,NO SSD.
And the only trouble is i can only install a NGFF SSD(MAX 32G)
4.Another model of y510p,the $1179 one also very good, the difference between the $1179 one and the $999 one is RAM(2x4G 2x8G)、Blu ray drive，24G NGFF SSD ,i think 2x4G RAM is enough for me,and the blu ray is not use often.so i choose this model
Honest reviews on Lenovo IdeaPad Y510p 15.6-Inch Laptop (Metal - Dusk Black)
So I've used the model sold by Amazon for a few days and have had a great experience with it. The description of the product is confusing; this is a model with a 1080p screen, dual SLI 750m configuration, 1TB hard drive (a little under 900gb useable), 8gb RAM, and no SSD cache.Pros:
*The 1080p anti-glare screen actually does its job. Could not ask more from a laptop screen. Bright and vivid.
*The keyboard is of a very nice quality, and the backlighting is a neat feature.
*The sound is the best I've heard from a laptop.
*The SLI 750m configuration will blow past most modern games at 1080p and at high/ultra settings. (BF3 runs at a solid 45fps if you turn shadows down to high and MSAA down a notch)
*Speedy and responsive setup, Windows 8 is great if you take the time to get used to it. Boots in under 25 seconds (and this is without the SSD cache available in higher end models).
Neutral/Things to Consider:
*The edges are sharp; this could be a problem for prolonged periods if you type with your hands at a certain angle.
*WiFI is spotty, but updating the drivers from Lenovo's website fixes the issue. Also, make sure to update the NVIDIA drivers and download the GeForce Experience program to maximize performance from games.
Cons:
*The trackpad isn't all that great. Useable, but not upto the standard of the rest of the build.
If you're looking at a multimedia/gaming laptop under $1300, this is your machine. Feel free to post any questions in the comments.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Lenovo IdeaPad Y510p 15.6-Inch Laptop (Metal - Dusk Black)
I had this laptop for about a week before I was forced to return it. This thing is a beast for a great price and I was so excited to use it but after a few days the internet started to randomly drop and I had to keep reconnecting. I tried everything imaginable to fix it, from making sure the drivers were up to date to reformatting the hard drive and everything in between.There is apparently an issue with this laptops WiFi card according to others who have had similar problems on the Lenovo forums. Their remedy is basically to make sure the drivers are up to date, which I did. It is also apparently impossible or very hard to install another wireless card because of the way the laptop is set up.
I really wanted to keep this laptop but because part of the main reason I bought it was to use for an upcoming deployment, I can't take the chance that the wireless issues will work themselves out with a future fix and risk losing communication with my family for an extended period of time.
Overall, this would have been an excellent laptop for the price if not for the issues that I came across with the WiFi card.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Discount Lenovo G500s 15.6-Inch Touchscreen Laptop (Black)
List Price: $699.99
Sale Price: $617.90
Today's Bonus: 12% Off
I have always been a BIG HP fan. I would have never guessed in a thousand years that I would buy a Lenovo. what won me over is that they give these to my kids to use in high school. they keep them the whole term and then turn them in at the end of the year. Since I didn't buy them for them (well, I did thru my tax dollars), I just set back and observed how they treated them. they weren't too hard on them, but rough enough to impress me with how much a Lenovo can take.
my son likes online games, which can heat up a computer in a heart-beat, especially if it has intense graphics. i would just take quick notice every once in a while where they put their Lenovo thinkpads. i have found them under blankets (still on), or on top of pillows where absolutely no air could circulate to the processor, and, though they were as hot as fire, the little boxes just kept humming along with no problems. they were also dropped, bumped, and sit on, with still no problems.
So, when i decided to get a new lappy, i decided to try a Lenovo. besides, with amazon's return policy, if i didn't like it, i could just send it back. so with windows 8 on it and a touch-screen, i made the jump. i received the lappy about a week after i ordered it. like a kid on Christmas morn, i immediately tore open the box and went at it. the battery was charged right out of the box. this, of course, made me very happy. i fired her up, did all the registration crap and was met by the start screen on reboot. i was not familiar with windows 8 at all, but i didn't find it to be too bad. it still isn't bad. once u learn all the screen swipes and how to pull down the menus and such, you'll look like tom cruise in minority report when he's slinging this pic over here or that video over there. it just takes some getting used to. btw, u don't have to touch the screen all the time. the mouse pad, which is over-sized, works the same way as the screen.
i have always been an amd guy, so the intel i5 was a change up as well. it's not bad at all. i do A LOT with video editing and this little guy hangs right in there. it is very fast at rendering a vid and the processor doesn't get nearly as hot as my old HP dv7 amd.
i did up the ram in it. it can hold 16 gig. it was a big improvement over the 6 it came with. the bottom access panel wasn't hard to remove at all and all the components are right there. i really liked the fact that the system fan is accessible thru this panel, so cleaning it will be a breeze.
my only problem with this lappy is the battery. a mere 4 cell. it holds up pretty well just piddling around the net and such, but when i fire up the Sony Vegas program to work on and render some vids, it doesn't take long for it to deplete fairly quickly.
other than the battery (for the most part) i am happy, with this lappy!
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
I purchased this laptop to replace an aging 5 year old Compaq laptop which I had updated to Windows 8 32 bit (which I like very much and I am always amazed at all the clucks who dis it before they give themselves a chance to learn it, which takes no time at all, and I love all the APPs and how fast they load/install from the Windows Store). So I am familiar with the operating system, but only have used a laptop for less than six months. Windows 8.1 is coming soon, too. I purchased this G500S Win 8 64 bit for more power, primarily, and to have some of the conveniences not available on the old Compaq. More battery life, blue tooth, touch screen, number pad on the right of the keyboard, USB3 ports, HDMI port, battery life, better sound, and it doesn't burn your legs. It runs quieter and cooler. All were features I wanted. I don't like a mouse pad, using a USB wireless mouse and the touch screen, and I keep my 2500 song music library on a USB 3 external 1TB drive so when I back up I don't eat up a lot of time and back up drive space. I do like the Lenovo one touch back up and recovery feature. I disable the mouse pad, since it has that option and a check box (disable when USB mouse is used) that should keep it from returning like it did with every reboot on the Compaq. My hands were always moving the mouse as I typed, even erasing paragraphs and entering text where I did not wish it. With a touch screen it is just not practical anymore.The biggest CON is that my external blue ray drive can not work because of the graphics card. After installing the Blue Ray PowerDVD program package which allows the external drive to function, I got the error message that indicated the graphics card deficiency, a big surprise! Maybe it has something to do with the touch screen, but it was very surprising. Fortunately I can create my blue ray disks, I just can't play them. The computer has power to speed up the creation process, however. The second CON is that the keyboard is not back lighted. I was sure it was and it means I have turned on and off my light many times to find the keys. I guess I could use the virtual keyboard, but then you have to reach across the keyboard with your arms elevated after enabling the feature. Which brings me to the fact that a touch screen on a laptop is not the easiest to use except for short duration because your arms will get tired. But I knew that and I am still experimenting with a comfortable way to go about using it. Lastly, there is no external audio input for recording, or a MIC input either. Just an earphone jack.
I must admit to waiting before making this purchase because of the obvious deficiencies I knew about, and everyone sold out. Amazon got them back again in their own stock in very limited supply for $599 again with the I5 Processor, which I prefer over the AMD Quad Core. I jumped on the purchase, knowing if I was dissatisfied I could return it. But I probably won't. To get the Blue Ray functionality would cost much more, and for what I really need it will do just fine.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHT ABOUT PARTS SUPPORT: Parts for the G500s are scarce at this time as I have recently researched. First let me say that the power supply is rather unique with a plug that I have never encountered before. It has a rectangle shape with a small center male pin in the charger plug that mates with the computer receptacle. You don't see this type plug on chargers anywhere. Amazon lists no replacement charger or battery. The Lenovo website has the charger (vaguely listed with no description as item #36200249, ADP 65W 3P SLIM PLUG ADP-65FD BB DELTA, for $35.94 plus $7 shipping), but no battery is listed, or I could not find it, and this is somewhat bothersome since both these computer items often are needed in the future. I don't know why they felt it necessary to change the plug/receptacle, but the very small pin is worrisome since it may be prone to break with the constant use a laptop demands for charging. We will see. I saw no listing for memory or any other replacement parts.
UPDATE: It appears that the Thinkpad battery charger sold by Lenovo, and the Prontocharger.com store sells one that appears to be correct for the Lenovo/IBM G505s for $28.95 plus $7, and I have ordered one to be sure. Lenovo does sell the battery for $59.95 on their website (http://laptoprescue.com/lenovo-laptop-battery-model-specific/?gclid=CNzIlY-53rkCFUVp7AodQRkACA).
Best Deals for Lenovo G500s 15.6-Inch Touchscreen Laptop (Black)
Having used this laptop for the past 1 month, I must say I am glad I got it. It has the whoa factor and its also does all i need quickly and efficiently. The only problem though is it has been unable to update the windows 8 operating system since I got it. It always stops at 15%. Don't know if this is a microsoft issue or Lenovo. Otherwise, its well put together.Honest reviews on Lenovo G500s 15.6-Inch Touchscreen Laptop (Black)
Need I say more? It's a Lenovo!! Excellent performance, Touchscreen is great, 6GB, design is sleek and price was a steal. Definitely recommend it to anyone who wants style and performance .Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Lenovo G500s 15.6-Inch Touchscreen Laptop (Black)
Adding personal programs and setting up personal parameters took a significant time. Still must make additional time to complete in put.Thursday, June 19, 2014
Discount Lenovo - Ideapad 15.6" Laptop - 6gb Memory - 750gb Hard Drive
The vendor described this product as "like new" and that's exactly how I received it. The machine has performed flawlessly so far although I really haven't tested full battery life. Touchpad is a little sensitive but my fat fingers find that most pads are. Great screen and keyboard layout. Machine feels sturdy. Received well packed and very quickly from vendor.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Cheap Apple 11.6" MacBook Air 1.4GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB Flash Storage, NVIDIA
This is the base 11.6 late-2010 MacBook Air, with 4GB of RAM rather than 2GB of RAM. There are a lot of reviews on the MacBook Air and 11.6 in general, and you either like this form factors with the lower powered processor or you don't. I personally do, and find it quick enough for the tasks I care about and the SSD makes things load quickly.
The question many people have is whether 2GB of RAM is enough. Because it is a one-time choice. There is no way to add more RAM after you buy it, because it is soldered onto the motherboard. Personally, I think the extra hundred bucks is worth it, so this is a good compromise, the base model with the extra RAM. That said, I've barely seen a need for it based on my usage. With Safari open, Citrix running, Word going, and iTunes, I usually still have 2GB free. But there are some times when I'm doing light photo editing that I'm glad I have the extra RAM, and there always is the speculation that more RAM will be needed in the future.
So, my view is: Great machine -worth it to get the 4GB version if you've got the cash. But if you don't and it's document editing, surfing, and other light tasks, 2GB is more than enough.
The one single thing that irks me about a Mac is that it is slippery! It is slipping around in my lap right now.
I tried to ignore the "slickness" of the aluminum casing..........largely because I believe that Mac's aluminum casing has superior strength and durability to whatever else is out there. But even if I dismiss the "slipperyness" of the aluminum casing I find that I still am perplexed by Apple's choice of the rubber feet.
Why are these slick too? Is it an environmental reason? There are much more rubbery, sticky or grabbing synthetic materials that Apple could have used for the four feet or pads under the chassis. Even after I discovered how difficult it is to stop one of these Mac portables from slipping from my grip I surely thought that it would stick to my countertop.......not really.
I am new to Apple these last three weeks. I bought the MacBook Pro 13" three weeks ago and turned it in because it was a little too big. This Air may be just the size that I want. But regardless of which model I get I am forced to work hard to keep it in my grasp or on my lap. Hey Mac engineers!......as smart as all of us know you are......why have you overlooked this? What's up Apple?
p.s......psssst: other than the above, I really enjoy the facts that this machine is light in weight and is so compact.......good job Mac! The quality is there....outstanding! I think I am likely to keep this Air....if I can just hang on to it!
As for the 2 USB ports, one should (because of power demand) be used to run an external drive like a Targus DVD player, which obviate purchase of a Superdrive; i.e. a aftermarket multiport USB hub (e.g. by Targus) won't have juice to play a ext. DVD drive
the keyboard in my opinion is not exactly suited for my liking; the spacing of the keys somehow is awkward and the keys do not give a good feel to one's touch. The big disappointment however is the display; one LCD by a Sony (e.g VGN TZ series) laptop would beat this display hands down. As for the performance, the Mac 1.4G 4gRam is stellar for boot up speed, although overall performance is not stronger than a good Netbook like a TimelineX or Aspire 1810T
there are no SD card slot, no Internet Jack or any other jacks. Accessories include only the power adapter which is very pleasing to the eyes.
I still recommend this 11.6" Air to all users that have no problem with using Apple operating systems, and suggest that they go by the option that comes w/ 4GB Ram.
I take one star away bc of the average display but cannot deny the fact that Apple has made a very good product of commendable portabililty and simplistic operation. Other competitive netbooks are not inferior but most of them will come loaded w/ bloatwares while the Mac does not. This unit is still highly recommended to many, but for me for the price paid does not amount to a full satisfaction because outside looks, good performance should be packaged and come with a gorgeous LCD, good KB and more ports, especially when this slim design is past its being a first generation
The question many people have is whether 2GB of RAM is enough. Because it is a one-time choice. There is no way to add more RAM after you buy it, because it is soldered onto the motherboard. Personally, I think the extra hundred bucks is worth it, so this is a good compromise, the base model with the extra RAM. That said, I've barely seen a need for it based on my usage. With Safari open, Citrix running, Word going, and iTunes, I usually still have 2GB free. But there are some times when I'm doing light photo editing that I'm glad I have the extra RAM, and there always is the speculation that more RAM will be needed in the future.
So, my view is: Great machine -worth it to get the 4GB version if you've got the cash. But if you don't and it's document editing, surfing, and other light tasks, 2GB is more than enough.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
Great computer! Very clean and I like how it works. Looks brand news! I would buy another product from the seller again.Best Deals for Apple 11.6" MacBook Air 1.4GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB Flash Storage, NVIDIA
As good as it can be. Only things I miss is an backlit keyboard and ethernet port. The rest is just perfect!Honest reviews on Apple 11.6" MacBook Air 1.4GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB Flash Storage, NVIDIA
"You know the nearer your destination the more you're slip sliding away."The one single thing that irks me about a Mac is that it is slippery! It is slipping around in my lap right now.
I tried to ignore the "slickness" of the aluminum casing..........largely because I believe that Mac's aluminum casing has superior strength and durability to whatever else is out there. But even if I dismiss the "slipperyness" of the aluminum casing I find that I still am perplexed by Apple's choice of the rubber feet.
Why are these slick too? Is it an environmental reason? There are much more rubbery, sticky or grabbing synthetic materials that Apple could have used for the four feet or pads under the chassis. Even after I discovered how difficult it is to stop one of these Mac portables from slipping from my grip I surely thought that it would stick to my countertop.......not really.
I am new to Apple these last three weeks. I bought the MacBook Pro 13" three weeks ago and turned it in because it was a little too big. This Air may be just the size that I want. But regardless of which model I get I am forced to work hard to keep it in my grasp or on my lap. Hey Mac engineers!......as smart as all of us know you are......why have you overlooked this? What's up Apple?
p.s......psssst: other than the above, I really enjoy the facts that this machine is light in weight and is so compact.......good job Mac! The quality is there....outstanding! I think I am likely to keep this Air....if I can just hang on to it!
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Apple 11.6" MacBook Air 1.4GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB Flash Storage, NVIDIA
As for the hype in looks, outside the thin body, this silver color makes the mac very dull and not classyAs for the 2 USB ports, one should (because of power demand) be used to run an external drive like a Targus DVD player, which obviate purchase of a Superdrive; i.e. a aftermarket multiport USB hub (e.g. by Targus) won't have juice to play a ext. DVD drive
the keyboard in my opinion is not exactly suited for my liking; the spacing of the keys somehow is awkward and the keys do not give a good feel to one's touch. The big disappointment however is the display; one LCD by a Sony (e.g VGN TZ series) laptop would beat this display hands down. As for the performance, the Mac 1.4G 4gRam is stellar for boot up speed, although overall performance is not stronger than a good Netbook like a TimelineX or Aspire 1810T
there are no SD card slot, no Internet Jack or any other jacks. Accessories include only the power adapter which is very pleasing to the eyes.
I still recommend this 11.6" Air to all users that have no problem with using Apple operating systems, and suggest that they go by the option that comes w/ 4GB Ram.
I take one star away bc of the average display but cannot deny the fact that Apple has made a very good product of commendable portabililty and simplistic operation. Other competitive netbooks are not inferior but most of them will come loaded w/ bloatwares while the Mac does not. This unit is still highly recommended to many, but for me for the price paid does not amount to a full satisfaction because outside looks, good performance should be packaged and come with a gorgeous LCD, good KB and more ports, especially when this slim design is past its being a first generation
Thursday, February 6, 2014
lenovo G555 087325U NoteBook AMD Athlon II Dual-Core M320(2.1GHz) Reviews
I was in the market for a 12.6 netbook and started looking at what else was out there for small laptops... then I came across this. I have a custom built 3.7 ghz (oc'ed) pc that I could not bring with me and this more than satisfies my needs. This is the perfect laptop for anyone that wants a powerful computer without spending outrageous amounts of money. I've owned if for only one day and I'm very impressed so far.
Positives:
Dual core processor.
HD Video Card (handled a 1080p file I have with no issues or lag!)
Beautiful screen
3gb of memory
Spacious keyboard, with number pad
Non-glossy cover so no fingerprint or smearing.
Camera is sharp for only .3 MP
Free 60 day trial of MS Office 2007
Face recognition feature for sign in
DirectX 10
16:9 Display
Windows 7 premium bundled
Wireless network works perfectly
USB ports on both sides laptop
Quick and easy setup
Negatives:
As expected bloatware and bundled programs
No gloss or shine cosmetically. A little gloss would have been nice somewhere.
Screen does not lock when closed
Battery charge icon does not change when charged
No HDMI out
After looking around for about a week, this was easily the best deal for a laptop under $500. The only thing I wish it had was an HDMI output. The negatives do not take away from the laptop as I was able to remove all the unnecessary programs in under and hour. The hinge for the screen has the perfect amount of resistance that it wont go flying open on you when it is closed, so the lack of a lock is nothing to worry about it. I am very satisfied with my purchase and no complaints thus far.
1) Lower quality WiFi transceiver it seems
2) Impossible to type with jumping cursor until I disabled the touchpad
3) I could shave in the shiny reflective screen
4) The battery drains faster than the advertising
5) I'll add the bloatware myself thanks if I think I need it
1) I experienced some dropped connections that now apppear to be isolated to the extranet WiFi at work though both my Lenovo T60 and an Asus eeePC 901 I keep at work have never dropped a WiFi connection. The G555 did so repeatedly not keeping the connection for more than a few mins at times. I would have to disconnect and connect to regain my connection. At home the WiFi did not get dropped across the house but the performance was half to my Asus eeePC 1000H that I keep at home. So sitting next to the router the G555 could achieve only a 75Mb/s connection compared to 150Mb/s for my 1000H. Across the house the G555 drops down to 32Mb/s less than half again of the 1000H. I attribute this to seeing for the first time a Broadcom transceiver vs Atheros or Ralink. I noticed on the Lenovo support website for the G555 that the lastest drivers are from Atheros. Does this mean that Lenovo has done a WiFi switcheroo in production and I'm just one of the unfortunates not to receive version 2 of the G555. Why are the latest two drivers from Atheros?
I fixed 2) by buying a mouse and disabling the touchpad, I've never had to disable a touchpad on many a laptop before. There is no sensitivity setting for the touchpad available.
3) The screen is very reflective making it harder to see in a bright room or with a window behind me. I thought reflective screens like this disappeared a decade ago, how much could it possibly cost today to add a non-reflective screen.
4) The battery is advertised as 4 hours but I got low power warnings after 2.5hrs on Windows 7 Power Balanced setting. This of course was a little expected due to higher performance CPU and GPU than my ASUS machines.
5) Finally as mentioned in many reviews there is a silly amount of bloatware installed, I removed 90% of it. The software installs are located on the D: drive.
Other than the above the rest is pretty good for the price. It feels pretty solid, its fast. The screen is nice and bright (if only they had made it non-reflective). The camera seems to work fine, all the basic features are there that I enjoy on my ASUS eeePC machines. My mum will be happy (she did not know a mouse could be used with a laptop). Hopefully Lenovo can fix a few of those issues I mention for future owners.
Things that I like:
1)The screen is big and bright, which is a positive if you use it as a PC replacement.
2)It has a dual core CPU good enough for web browsing and video watching.
3)Battery lasts 3 to 4 hours.
4)Integrated SD card reader.
Things that I don't like:
1)No bluetooth. Not really a problem. You can get a USB bluetooth "plug" in less than $5 on ebay.
2)It uses the old DDR2 memory. If you plan to upgrade its memory you better do it now; DDR2 is being replaced by DDR3.
3)All external connectors, such as USB port, are either on the left, right or front of the laptop which occupy more real estate on my breakfast table. I prefer them on the rear.
4)The normal placement of the Ctrl button on the keypad is now occupied by a Fn button. This screw my copy-paste operation a lot.
5)The Home and End keys, which I use a lot during typing, require "Fn" key being pressed down.
6)This is no easy way to automatically disable touch pad when a USB mouse is used.
Update 02/22/2012
After one year of usage, the laptop develop a weird problem that it won't boot if the laptop is warm. This means if I want to reboot my laptop, I need to shut it down, wait for 30 minutes before it will boot up again. Too bad that my warranty is past when this starting to happen.
Like everyone else I had issues with the touch pad being in the way so I just bought a wireless mouse and use that instead and disables the touch pad.
Pros:
Nice big and beautiful screen
Good Processing Power
Nice keypad and number pad placement
Light weight
Portable
Durable
Cons
Battery life could be better
Speakers could be better!!
HDD space is a little low
Touch pad Placement
I would recommend this laptop to anyone looking for a nice affordable, durable, portable and user friendly laptop!!
Positives:
Dual core processor.
HD Video Card (handled a 1080p file I have with no issues or lag!)
Beautiful screen
3gb of memory
Spacious keyboard, with number pad
Non-glossy cover so no fingerprint or smearing.
Camera is sharp for only .3 MP
Free 60 day trial of MS Office 2007
Face recognition feature for sign in
DirectX 10
16:9 Display
Windows 7 premium bundled
Wireless network works perfectly
USB ports on both sides laptop
Quick and easy setup
Negatives:
As expected bloatware and bundled programs
No gloss or shine cosmetically. A little gloss would have been nice somewhere.
Screen does not lock when closed
Battery charge icon does not change when charged
No HDMI out
After looking around for about a week, this was easily the best deal for a laptop under $500. The only thing I wish it had was an HDMI output. The negatives do not take away from the laptop as I was able to remove all the unnecessary programs in under and hour. The hinge for the screen has the perfect amount of resistance that it wont go flying open on you when it is closed, so the lack of a lock is nothing to worry about it. I am very satisfied with my purchase and no complaints thus far.
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First my cons:1) Lower quality WiFi transceiver it seems
2) Impossible to type with jumping cursor until I disabled the touchpad
3) I could shave in the shiny reflective screen
4) The battery drains faster than the advertising
5) I'll add the bloatware myself thanks if I think I need it
1) I experienced some dropped connections that now apppear to be isolated to the extranet WiFi at work though both my Lenovo T60 and an Asus eeePC 901 I keep at work have never dropped a WiFi connection. The G555 did so repeatedly not keeping the connection for more than a few mins at times. I would have to disconnect and connect to regain my connection. At home the WiFi did not get dropped across the house but the performance was half to my Asus eeePC 1000H that I keep at home. So sitting next to the router the G555 could achieve only a 75Mb/s connection compared to 150Mb/s for my 1000H. Across the house the G555 drops down to 32Mb/s less than half again of the 1000H. I attribute this to seeing for the first time a Broadcom transceiver vs Atheros or Ralink. I noticed on the Lenovo support website for the G555 that the lastest drivers are from Atheros. Does this mean that Lenovo has done a WiFi switcheroo in production and I'm just one of the unfortunates not to receive version 2 of the G555. Why are the latest two drivers from Atheros?
I fixed 2) by buying a mouse and disabling the touchpad, I've never had to disable a touchpad on many a laptop before. There is no sensitivity setting for the touchpad available.
3) The screen is very reflective making it harder to see in a bright room or with a window behind me. I thought reflective screens like this disappeared a decade ago, how much could it possibly cost today to add a non-reflective screen.
4) The battery is advertised as 4 hours but I got low power warnings after 2.5hrs on Windows 7 Power Balanced setting. This of course was a little expected due to higher performance CPU and GPU than my ASUS machines.
5) Finally as mentioned in many reviews there is a silly amount of bloatware installed, I removed 90% of it. The software installs are located on the D: drive.
Other than the above the rest is pretty good for the price. It feels pretty solid, its fast. The screen is nice and bright (if only they had made it non-reflective). The camera seems to work fine, all the basic features are there that I enjoy on my ASUS eeePC machines. My mum will be happy (she did not know a mouse could be used with a laptop). Hopefully Lenovo can fix a few of those issues I mention for future owners.
Best Deals for lenovo G555 087325U NoteBook AMD Athlon II Dual-Core M320(2.1GHz)
I bought this Lenovo laptop to replace a Toshiba that I gave away. It sits on my breakfast table and is used like a desktop PC for reading news, trading stock, watching video...etc. I have owned it for about 8 months and I like it a lot.Things that I like:
1)The screen is big and bright, which is a positive if you use it as a PC replacement.
2)It has a dual core CPU good enough for web browsing and video watching.
3)Battery lasts 3 to 4 hours.
4)Integrated SD card reader.
Things that I don't like:
1)No bluetooth. Not really a problem. You can get a USB bluetooth "plug" in less than $5 on ebay.
2)It uses the old DDR2 memory. If you plan to upgrade its memory you better do it now; DDR2 is being replaced by DDR3.
3)All external connectors, such as USB port, are either on the left, right or front of the laptop which occupy more real estate on my breakfast table. I prefer them on the rear.
4)The normal placement of the Ctrl button on the keypad is now occupied by a Fn button. This screw my copy-paste operation a lot.
5)The Home and End keys, which I use a lot during typing, require "Fn" key being pressed down.
6)This is no easy way to automatically disable touch pad when a USB mouse is used.
Update 02/22/2012
After one year of usage, the laptop develop a weird problem that it won't boot if the laptop is warm. This means if I want to reboot my laptop, I need to shut it down, wait for 30 minutes before it will boot up again. Too bad that my warranty is past when this starting to happen.
Honest reviews on lenovo G555 087325U NoteBook AMD Athlon II Dual-Core M320(2.1GHz)
Well I would first like to say I've had this laptop for about a month and its been a perfect Gem handles 1080P MKV Media files better than expected.Like everyone else I had issues with the touch pad being in the way so I just bought a wireless mouse and use that instead and disables the touch pad.
Pros:
Nice big and beautiful screen
Good Processing Power
Nice keypad and number pad placement
Light weight
Portable
Durable
Cons
Battery life could be better
Speakers could be better!!
HDD space is a little low
Touch pad Placement
I would recommend this laptop to anyone looking for a nice affordable, durable, portable and user friendly laptop!!
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for lenovo G555 087325U NoteBook AMD Athlon II Dual-Core M320(2.1GHz)
Excellent product! Good value for the money! I've had mine for 4 months and couldn't be happier. It's lightweight and the screen has much less glare than my Sony Vaio (and weighs a lot less too!).Monday, February 3, 2014
Toshiba Satellite L645-S4104 14.0-Inch Laptop - Grey Review
Still learning to use it but seems to be a robust and quite fast laptop. I have purchased now my third Toshiba and will remain with the brand for total satisfaction with all products so far.
Im only missing the firewire port, never would guess that it did not have the 4 pin al least!
Only downside could by that finger prints are very noticeable on the keyboard!
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This is my second Toshiba, and I've been very happy with both so far.
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Im very happy with the stylish look, very fast and robust.Im only missing the firewire port, never would guess that it did not have the 4 pin al least!
Only downside could by that finger prints are very noticeable on the keyboard!
EXCELENT PRIME ONE DAY SHIPPING
Best Deals for Toshiba Satellite L645-S4104 14.0-Inch Laptop - Grey
Haven't had the computer that long, but so far, no issues. I can't comment on the software factory installed, as I reformatted the computer as soon as I got it (just don't like factory installed computers). It runs pretty quickly, and has plenty of HD space. Any other computer with the specifications of this one would have been 200 dollars more.This is my second Toshiba, and I've been very happy with both so far.
Honest reviews on Toshiba Satellite L645-S4104 14.0-Inch Laptop - Grey
This laptop pretty much covered my basic laptop needs. I don't do much on the computer besides check email and type a couple of documents, but so far I have not had any problems. The only minor negative i have found is that the keypad retains fingerprints. I read this on a review prior to my purchase so it was expected.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Toshiba Satellite L645-S4104 14.0-Inch Laptop - Grey
I purchased my Satellite 15 months ago and have loved it until two weeks ago when the 2 USB ports on the right-hand side came loose and fell inside. I took the computer to a repair shop and was told this is a common issue with Toshiba laptops due to the weld Toshiba uses for the ports; they couldn't repair it but could send it in to Toshiba for repair -at a cost of $400! I contacted Toshiba and was told that since I was 5 months out of warranty, they could repair it, but it would cost me ... $400! If you go online and search for "Toshiba USB Port Loose", you will find a slew of people that have experienced the same issue with their Toshiba laptops, even current year models. Save your money and purchase a different brand of laptop.Sunday, December 22, 2013
Hp Compaq 6910p Business Notebook 14.1" Intel Centrino Vpro T8300 Review
I received this laptop for work use. At first I was happy with the performance. As time went on, I became very frustrated with it.
The first problem is the fact that the power cord fails. I have had to trade my power cord in 4 times in the last year because it has failed. My colleagues have had to do the same. If I had to pay for the power cord myself, I would have spent a lot of money. This is very frustrating.
The other flaw is the video. I am not sure if this is the driver or the hardware, but I find myself constantly moving the screen back and forth (open to close) in order to see the screen. What happens is that the screen will occasionally have lines through it that impedes the view. I can't see anything. Sometimes it comes back, but on other occasions, I have to reboot.
On a positive note, I like the feel of the keyboard. It feels very sturdy.
I hope this helps.
The first problem is the fact that the power cord fails. I have had to trade my power cord in 4 times in the last year because it has failed. My colleagues have had to do the same. If I had to pay for the power cord myself, I would have spent a lot of money. This is very frustrating.
The other flaw is the video. I am not sure if this is the driver or the hardware, but I find myself constantly moving the screen back and forth (open to close) in order to see the screen. What happens is that the screen will occasionally have lines through it that impedes the view. I can't see anything. Sometimes it comes back, but on other occasions, I have to reboot.
On a positive note, I like the feel of the keyboard. It feels very sturdy.
I hope this helps.
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works well, no damage, shipped on time, all was good! it was as described and what i expected it should beBest Deals for Hp Compaq 6910p Business Notebook 14.1" Intel Centrino Vpro T8300
It works great and with this price and quality you can not find any thing similar .Saturday, December 14, 2013
Discount Lenovo 11.6" Celeron 320GB HDD 4GB RAM Notebook PC
I am a long time fan of IBM/Lenovo computer products have owned them since 1982. This was the first to be received in non-working order. Upon initial receipt,, the machine started up properly. I began loading programs on it so far, so good! Then, on it's own (as it should) it tried to download and install Window's updates. A disaster!!! Since I had already loaded the machine with a significant number of programs and needed to use it very soon, I really did not want to return it so I decided to take it to a local (reliable) shop. Bottom line: the Windows 7 Professional program that had been installed before receipt was so defective that it had to be completely wiped off and replaced with a reliable copy. Cost: $90. Programs had been reloaded and machine works fine now. I am happy to have a working computer, but am not happy that it was shipped in a defective condition.
I was a solid Thinkpad fanboy. Never again. No more Lenovo, no more Junkpad. Run from this POS or don't come back here crying about getting screwed with this POS, and losing your $500+
Fair warning is given!!
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This lasted 2.5 months. Finally just junked it out since I was in Israel traveling and wasn't about to ship it back and wait to get it repaired here. But this is a cheap, plasticky, flimsy China-made laptop with a "Thinkpad" sticker on it. I used TP's from a T-23 to T-30, T-42, T60, T61p, then a T400. Since they were too heavy and I needed to keep everything light, I bought this, foolishly thinking that Lenovo might have kept some of the ruggedness of Thinkpad in the design. Stupid me. What a POS this was. The touchpad is worthless, sometimes too sensitive, you can adjust it, sort of, but even just typing and with a piece of paperboard covering the touchpad area, it would just jump the text and start writing somewhere else in a document. No way that I could have touched the covered touchpad, so it's just something buggy with the connectors or keyboard/palmrest. Whatever the case, it was a hunk of crap that I ditched. The cheapo netbooks at less than half the cost are more reliable and less buggy/less cheap feeling than this POS.I was a solid Thinkpad fanboy. Never again. No more Lenovo, no more Junkpad. Run from this POS or don't come back here crying about getting screwed with this POS, and losing your $500+
Fair warning is given!!
Best Deals for Lenovo 11.6" Celeron 320GB HDD 4GB RAM Notebook PC
I didn't think the cool factor would matter to me, but it does. This may be a quality computer but it is so heavy and clunky, I don't like to use it.
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