Netbook Living

Amazon.com Product Description
A great companion for the road, the ultra-slim MSI X600-021US notebook PC weighs just 4.6 pounds and is only 0.98 inches thick at its thickest point. While its near weightlessness and ultra-thin exterior fuse graceful design with trendsetting style, the X600 does not compromise with powerful technology. In addition to a bright, high-definition 15.6-inch LED-backlit screen (with true 16:9 theatrical aspect ratio for watching widescreen movies), this X600 offers smooth video from the ATI HD 4330 video processor (with 512 MB of dedicated video memory). And it’s powered by the latest Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 processor for advanced energy efficiency.

The innovatively thin MSI X600 laptop.

Less than an inch at its thickest point, it weighs 4.6 pounds for easy travel.

Each key of the newly designed keyboard is molded to ergonomically fit your fingertips (see larger image).

A combo USB/eSATA port (on the left side, above) delivers enhanced scalability and doubles the bus bandwidth.

MSI’s unique ECO Engine power management function helps extend the battery running time while performing different tasks, and you can easily switch between five different modes–Gaming, Movie, Presentation, Office, and Turbo Battery (minimizing battery power consumption).

The X600 supports the next generation eSATA port with a transfer speed of 3GB/s and with it, greater efficiency. The built-in a 1.3-megapixel webcam and an internal mic mean you can share your video experiences without missing a beat. Other features include a 320 GB hard drive, 4 GB of installed RAM (maximum capacity), Draft-N Wi-Fi networking and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and a multi-format memory card reader. Because of its size, it does not include an optical drive, but MSI offers an optional Super-Multi DVD burner that connects via USB.

Key Features

• 15.6-inch glossy LED-backlit, high-definition display (1366 x 768-pixel resolution) with 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio so DVDs can be viewed as they were meant to be seen (Learn more)
• Ergonomic keyboard with 51 percent larger surface area (Learn more)
• Energy efficient 1.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 processor with ultra-low voltage for extended battery life (Learn more)
• 320 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM)
• 4 GB of RAM (DDR2, 667 MHz speed)
• ATI HD 4330 graphics processor with 512 MB of discrete video memory (Learn more)
• Draft-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n) for greater speed and range
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Bluetooth 2.0+EDR connectivity enables you to communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones
• Secure Digital memory card slot
• HDMI (with HDCP) and VGA video output
• 4 built-in stereo speakers for full-bodied, cinema-style sound effects
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium operating system (Learn more)
• 6-cell battery for extended use
• Dimensions: 15.44 x 10.05 x 0.98 inches (WxDxH)
• Weight: 4.6 pounds
• Warranty: 3 years (includes 2-year global warranty)

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
With its integrated Draft-N Wi-Fi networking capabilities, this laptop provides up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range using 802.11n-compatible routers as you would with 802.11g networks. It’s also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found at Wi-Fi hotspots and in older home routers). This notebook also provides ultra-fast Gigabit (10/100/1000) Ethernet networking.

The X600 also supports the next-generation eSATA port (combined with one of the USB ports) with a transfer speed of 3GB/s, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. It allows easy sharing and transfer of entertainment content and digital media on external devices.

• 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals–from digital cameras to MP3 players (with 1 combo USB/eSATA port)
• 1 HDMI output for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable
• Analog video output: 1 VGA
• 2-in-1 memory card reader compatible with Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMedia Card (MMC)
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
• 10/100/1000 Fast/Gigabit Ethernet

What’s in the box
This package contains the MSI X600-021US laptop, rechargeable lithium-ion battery (6-cell), AC adapter, and operating instructions.

Learn More

15.6-Inch High-Definition Display

The 15.6-inch LCD features LED backlighting, which helps to save on battery usage, and the high-definition display (1366 x 768) features a true 16:9 aspect ratio so DVDs can be viewed in all their original glory–no more horizontal black bars. The X600 also includes MSI’s exclusive VIVID technology, which can display signals that allow for richer colors, bringing even the smallest details to life. And the LED power-saving backlight technology provides both better color fullness and brightness and a lower power usage for enhanced battery life.

Video is powered by the ATI Mobility Radeon HD4330 3D graphic card with 512 MB of discrete video memory (VRAM), capable of increasing display effectiveness by 49 percent with rich colors, sharper contrasts and better picture clarity. The HD 4330 also helps keep notebook temperatures at their minimum while delivering the power needed for intense applications while dynamically conserving energy at idle or when demand is low.

Stylish and Ergonomic Keyboard

MSI has designed a new keyboard with this particular laptop in mind, with each key molded to ergonomically fit your fingertips; not only thin, but has been proved to relieve strain on the user. The keyboard has a surface areas that is 51 percent larger, so the face of each individual key wider for your typing convenience; it encourages natural finger and wrist movement to reduce strain and allow you to work for hours without discomfort.

Energy Efficient Intel Core 2 Solo Processor

Offering the latest in ultra-low voltage processing power, the single-core Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 processor has a has a power consumption rating of just 5.5 watts and a 1.4 GHz speed that’s paired with a fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and extra-large 3 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system’s performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.) The Core 2 Solo processor delivers enhanced performance for today’s demanding applications such as CAD tools, 3D and 2D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography and gaming. And Intel’s Smart Cache technology enables smarter, more efficient cache and bus design for enhanced performance, responsiveness and power savings.

Windows Vista Home Premium Operating System

Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit version) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family’s use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Product Description
The unveiling of its line of ultrathin notebooks is a milestone both technologically and aesthetically. This innovatively-thin laptop has completely revolutionized the idea of a portable computer; its sleek yet simplistic lines fit seamlessly into its polished exterior, raising the bar for thin-notebook design a step higher.The design of the X600 strives to be literally, as light as a feather, and, as thin as one too. It’s near weightlessness and ultra thin exterior has fused graceful design and trendsetting style. It is undoubtedly the world’s lightest and thinnest 15.6-inch laptop. The X600, although thin, has not compromised its technology in the slightest; it is precision design, down to the last detail.The 16:9 theater ratio can provide bigger visual area. When watching movies, the black bars on the top and bottom of the 16:10 aspect ratio screen can also be avoided. This is perfect for playing HD videos at any possible angle, absolutely ideal for visual enjoyment.The X600 is embedded with LED power-saving backlight technology to provide better color fullness and brightness, elevating the total quality of imagery. Furthermore, the lower usage of power can offer a longer operating time.MSI exclusive VIVID technology is able to display signals that allow for richer colors, making the X600 has one of the most stunningly dramatic screens on the market, bringing even the smallest details to life. Regardless of whether you’re gaming, editing images, or simply watching movies, your experience will be incredibly realistic.

Product Description
Marketing description is not available.

Amazon.com Product Description
About the size of a business envelope and roughly as thin as a cell phone, the Sony VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC weighs just 1.4 pounds and is small enough to slip into a jacket pocket or handbag. But more than just offering easy mobility, the Lifestyle PC is packed full of advanced computing, communication, and location capabilties. It comes with the Windows Vista Home Premium operating system, supporting office applications and all the software programs routinely found in full-size notebooks. This version of the Lifestyle PC (model P688E/G) comes in emerald green, but it’s also available onyx black, garnet red, crystal white, and gold.

The Sony VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC in emerald green.

A built-in webcam lets you video chat with friends, family and colleagues practically anywhere you go.

The Lifestyle PC’s keyboard is precisely engineered to maximize the typing area with ingeniously-spaced keys for both long fingernails and large hands.

See a larger version of this image.

The Lifestyle PC incorporates built-in wireless WAN 3G Mobile Broadband, 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. You can toggle among various wireless options for the most efficient connection–Wi-Fi for working at a coffee shop; Bluetooth for peripherals; and Mobile Broadband service on the Verizon Wireless nationwide network when traveling outside the reach of hotspots (subscription required). It also incorporates real-time GPS functionality, making it easy to find restaurants, hotels or special sites of interest. Destinations can be found by simply typing in an address or keyword and then following the turn-by-turn directions.

The high-resolution, backlit 8-inch ultra-wide XBRITE-ECO display provides razor-sharp viewing on the go. It’s powered by a 1.33 GHz Intel processor and includes a 64 GB solid state drive for faster read/write times and greater durability, memory expansion via Memory Stick media and Secure Digital (SD) memory cards, and 2 GB of RAM (maximum capacity), and Windows Vista Home Basic operating system (32-bit). Other features include a Motion Eye webcam (with omnidirectional microphone) integrated into the to right corner of the display bezel for easy video chats, two USB ports, and a VGA port for connecting to an external monitor. The unit features up to four hours of battery life with the included standard capacity battery and eight hours with the large capacity battery (sold separately).

This Sony notebook is Energy Star 4.0 certified, and has received a Silver EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, it is RoHS-compliant, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances.

Key Features

• 8-inch XBRITE-ECO LED-backlit screen with 1600 x 768-pixel high-def resolution (Learn more)
• 1.33 GHz Intel processor with 512 KB L2 cache and 533 MHz front-side bus (FSB)
• 64 GB solid state drive is free of moving parts and designed to last longer than a conventional spinning hard drive. Plus, solid state drives are almost two times faster than conventional drives.
• 2 GB of RAM (533 MHz) maximizes capacity
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500 with up to 760 MB of shared video memory
• Built-in real-time GPS lets you navigate even the most unfamiliar places with ease–no internet connection required. (Learn more)
• MOTION EYE webcam and microphone lets you quickly snap photos and video chat with friends and family.
• Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Built-In for constant connection on the go and no additional wireless card needed (broadband internet service required).
• Draft-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n) for greater speed and range
• Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity enables you to communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones as well as enjoy wireless stereo music streaming (thanks to its embedded A2DP profile).
• Intel High Definition Audio with headphone output
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit) operating system (Learn more)
• Up to 4 hours of battery life
• Dimensions: 9.7 x 4.8 x 0.8 inches (WxDxH)
• Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Warranty: 1-year limited hardware warranty, and 1-year of toll-free telephone technical assistance (a 1-year international service plan is also available).

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Enjoy easy wireless networking with the integrated tri-mode Atheros Draft-N wireless LAN (compatible with 802.11b/g/n wireless networks). Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It’s also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots). It comes with the following external connectors:

• 2 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals–from digital cameras to MP3 players
• Analog video output: 1 VGA
• 1 I/O port
• 1 headphone jack
• Memory Stick Duo media slot with MagicGate functionality
• Secure Digital card slot (compatible with MMC media)

What’s in the box
This package contains the Sony VAIO Lifestyle VGN-P688E/G laptop, standard capacity rechargeable battery (VGPBPS15/B), AC adapter, power cord, 2 spare pointing stick caps, printed user manual.

It also comes with the following software: Norton Internet Security 2009 (30-day trial), Microsoft Works SE 9.0, VAIO Media plus multimedia streaming software

Learn More

8-Inch High-Definition XBRITE-ECO Display

You’ll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 8-inch display, which offers a 1600 x 768 widescreen resolution. The XBRITE-ECO technology (with LED backlighting) delivers brilliant colors and stunning clarity with efficient power usage, and it features an anti-reflective coating to minimize reflection and ensure a beautifully clear image from any viewing angle. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500 integrated graphics chip, which uses shared video memory (up to 760 MB allocated from the system memory). It’s compatible with external monitor resolutions up to 1600 x 1200. The Lifestyle PC also sports an integrated audio card with Intel High Definition Audio and a headphone jack.

VAIO Lifestyle PC Innovations

A complete GPS solution.

You don’t need an Internet connection (in the U.S. or Canada) with the real-time GPS functionality. Just step outside and type in where you want to go. You’ll get turn-by-turn directions displayed right on the map–it’s that simple. Other navigation features include real-time tracking of your current location, the ability to search by address, keyword or points of interest, estimated drive times to your desired location and points of interest, such as restaurants and hotels within 50 miles of your location.

Engineered to provide the feel of a larger notebook, the VAIO Lifestyle PC provides a convenient typing experience by extending the keyboard to the perimeters of the chassis maximizing the typing area. The spacing between keys has also been engineered to help reduce typing mistakes making it perfect for long fingernails.

When you have more than a few documents or web pages open at once, your screen can get a little chaotic. But thanks to a special window arrangement utility, you can organize them all with one simple touch. Press a button and watch as all your open windows are presented side-by-side on a single screen, cutting clutter and giving you a fresh perspective on your workspace.

The unit also has an instant-mode option that launches directly into Sony’s Xross Media Bar interface–the same intuitive system found on the PLAYSTATION 3 and select BRAVIA HDTVs–so you can rapidly boot up and access music, video, photos and the Web. A built-in webcam lets you video chat with family, friends and colleagues.

Windows Vista Home Premium Operating System

Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit version) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family’s use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Love it for the size not for the perfomance   January 11, 2010
Jacques Gaudreault (Montreal, Canada)
This is a fine product, in winodws 7 it perform ok, you have to keep in mind is a very small net book made for email et photo storage in a vacation , it like it do the job, do not replace your home computer whit this…but think if it like a speare tire,

rated 4-5

Great little laptop for travel; bit pricy and perhaps discontinued?   January 11, 2010
Geoana (Anaheim, CA USA)
Item as advertised and no problems with purchase/delivery issues. Best price I could find for this item.

HELP! Some techie should put LINUX on this   December 16, 2009
Thomas C. Flood (Hope, CA)
3 out of 5 found this review helpful

This disaster would be a great opportunity for some LINUX techie–

buy up all the castoff units at 10% of retail; convert to a decent fullfeature LINUX OS;

sell for 50% of retail !!!

Anyone listening? Sony?

You’ll buy it for looks; definitely not worth the tag.   November 4, 2009
George L (Mpls, MN USA)
12 out of 15 found this review helpful

Maybe I got a fluke, but Sony’s so-called “full laptop” computer in an 8″ form factor is like trying to run Vista on your mom’s old P3. Seriously, this thing absolutely crawls. All this would be acceptable were it not for the very mediocre battery life (forget 4 hours, I couldn’t even manage 2 with moderately heavy use), when any other netbook (that’s right, netbook) for well under half the price outperforms it in battery life AND performance. Ironic; the 1.33Ghz processor really is a step down from the 1.66Ghz Atoms in netbooks, despite what I’ve been told to the contrary about the different “architecture.”

But that’s just on the hardware front. It powers on fast enough, but right from the get-go you’re slammed with loads of bloatware and tons of programs that are slow to load into memory, one after the other (that’s right, it’s not even a dual core). These can be uninstalled–though not cleanly, as they leave some registry junk data behind. But there’s little that can be done about yet another software-related problem: drivers. The video driver on here is one of the worst experiences I’ve had to date with video displays. HD video was an absolute disaster, even though the chipset (google “Poulsbo” or GMA500) claims it to be able to decode 720p HD video. So when I tried to play a simple HQ youtube vid (not even HD) and met with stuttering far worse than my friend’s Asus Eee PC, which cost about 350, I was understandably upset. As for the faster disk drive with the SSD, this may be true. But when you can’t run even basic productivity apps at full speed, any HD speed increase was unnoticeable. My Eee for instance has a conventional “slow” HD but gets the job done (except for copying files) much more quickly.

A lot of this might be Vista’s fault. But before you think of downgrading to the faster, lighter XP, let me warn you–you’ll have even more issues with Sony’s drivers. Linux? Forget about it; Intel’s Poulsbo drivers are in a pitiful state there too. When the most appealing attribute of the system–the hi-res screen, mind you–is nearly unusable with any other options, one can’t help but feel a bit ripped off. The webcam’s quality isn’t very good (the Eee wins again), and the WWan (mobile broadband) is locked to Verizon, so don’t think about other companies unless you “unlock” the chip: more time and trouble. The wireless-N support is supposed to be great, but it was dodgy on my home network (maybe it was just my unit or config…or vista, but again, my other devices worked fine). They keyboard and ergonomics are fine, but again, the only good words for this unit, for this price, are surface-deep.

Parting advice: the reviews on this “Lifestyle PC” are low for good reason. I really wish I’d seen Amazon’s reviews earlier. (This unit wasn’t from Amazon but from Sony themselves).

Great travel size But can’t watch a movie. There is no DVD Player!   October 28, 2009
Breaking Sunrise (Sedona AZ)
4 out of 11 found this review helpful

I like size but would rather buy a small weight Vaio with a Blu Ray Disk player for my use so I could use DVD’s in the newest format and that would be worth the extra money. So until they can add that kind of entertainment it seems no better than having a I Touch actually better to have something like that than just a very small computer you can’t use for many things yet.

No Thanks I would stick with Sony Vaio computers with lowest weight and be entertained and have it all!! OH Yeah! BS

Product Description
With inviting textures and calming colors, the NW truly appeals to the senses. Its fabric-like exterior beckons your touch while the interior’s natural wave design is easy on the eyes. And when it’s time to hit the road, the slim profile and travel-ready 15.5″ screen size is easy to handle. Even the keyboard aims to please with isolated keys that promote maximum comfort and minimal errors.Equipped to deliver the performance you need, the NW’s beauty is more than skin deep. A powerful Intel Core 2 Duo processor, RAM and a roomy hard drive mean it’s locked and loaded for the rigors of day-to-day computing. So surf the web, prepare documents and enjoy your favorite movies and music without missing a beat – the NW handles it all.

Product Description
Dell Latitude c640 Pentium 4 1.8 Ghz 512 MB 20GB CD-RW 14.1″ Integrated 10/100 56K Windows XP Pro (No COA, No Restore CD) AC Adapter Battery (not tested). With options like the Intel Pentium 4M Processor, the Dell Latitude c640 doesn’t just perform, it out-performs. Whatever the need, whatever the speed, the Dell Latitude c640 is your solution. RELIABILITY: Straight out of Dell Leasing, you will surely be pleased with the quality and functionality of this laptop. This Laptop has been used in a corporate environment and is in great condition. This item is professionally refurbished, but might show some signs of NORMAL use and wear (MINOR cosmetics).

i have hade it and it stopped woking after 3 years it brakes an gets vireses all the time

Laptop   September 14, 2008
Andrew (Caribbean Sea)
29 out of 33 found this review helpful

A reasonable compact laptop, with a limited memory and storage, just right for a schoolkid like my nephew to take his work to and from school. nice and light weight.It does the job efficienly, no frills.

Product Description
The ASUS UL50Vt features the ground-breaking ASUS Turbo33 technology, which integrates both hardware and software to enhance system performance by up to 33%.ur way through the day. It fits effortlessly into your day bag, haversack or briefcase, and with the brushed aluminum design, it shrugs off scratches and abrasions, protecting its gorgeous exterior.

battery is half of what was advertised!   January 11, 2010
A. Curtis (Panama City, Panama)
I just received this computer last week. The ul80vt model was sold out, so I opted for the larger ul50 vt. Th touchpad takes some getting used to and is certainly an annoyance sometimes, but as a student the draw for me was the long battery life.

EVEN ON THE MOST POWER SAVING SETTINGS THIS BATTERY ONLY GETS 6 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE. For this, I could have spent 60% of the money and purchased an acer. Asus has not been responsive about this problem and I am thinking of taking the 15% hit and returning the computer to Amazon. If this is indicative of their customer service I do not want 2 years of this.

The power saving settings make the colors look very washed out and ugly.

it’s a pretty machine if you get all that Asus says you should. If not, there are less expensive options with better quality cameras and touchpads.

Great overall laptop   January 8, 2010
Michael (United States)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

After doing a good amount of research, I found this laptop to be a good overall product for a reasonable price.

The processor speed, memory capacity and functionality makes it great for students and those who are fairly mobile. The hardware is of good quality and I have recently noticed ASUS has been rated at the top of the market for their PCs/laptops.

Though I hate to spend money, I also like to have tools that to the job without hassles. So, I usually bet on getting a new laptop every 3-4 years due to changes in technology and software and I think this model will be more than sufficient.

Don’t just trust me, do your own research, compare, talk to people who know computers well, consider what you are looking for and give this laptop a chance. I think you will find it to be hard to beat if you want a good laptop for a reasonable price.

Very good laptop   January 7, 2010
Juan M. Diaz Gomez (Salta (Capital), Salta Argentina)
I had to change my laptop, because my old one died (HP-manufacturing defect on the systemboard, it broke just one month after the warranty expired).

I was looking for a lighter laptop, with more battery life (more than 2.5 hours). I found the UL series, and finally decided for the UL50VT-A1, mainly because of the large hard disk, the incredible battery life, and the switchable graphics. The optical drive was an extra, I usually don’t use it, but just in case…

I was using the laptop for a few days, and these are my impressions:

Good:

1. Really light and thin. I didn’t want a netbook, and compared to my old HP this laptop is almost a feather.

2. Very good battery life. I have been unable, however, to reach 11.5 hours. In battery saving mode, without wireless, and turbo mode (overclocking) not running, the battery meter showed 10.00 hours left. With wireless and turbo on, I get almost 7 hours. Impressive.

3. Very good discrete graphics card. I don’t intend to run crysis on it, but it run Need For Speed Shift at native resolution extremely well. Older games run perfectly.

4. Very cool. Doesn’t get hot even after hours and heavy activity.

5. Doesn’t came loaded with lots of unnecessary software.

6. Not ASUS merit, but Windows 7 is very good, unobtrusive, quick.

7. 2 Year Global warranty. This was really one of the reasons after my decision.

8. Lots of small things: Smart Logon (face recognition) is cool, Touchpad is useful. I don’t have trouble with the button as others reported. Screen is good for me also.

So so:

1. The keyboard flexes a little, specially the superior rows (numbers, QWERTY…). Is not really unconfortable, but I wonder why nobody at ASUS noticed, or if they did, why didn’t fix it.

2. Fingerprint magnet. Everywhere. It does look cool, however.

3. Lack of dedicated sound keys….at least an extra FN key at the right side would have been useful.

4. Changing the Video card causes the screen to go black a second, and in battery saving mode the desktop doesn’t remember my wallpaper. Also, it seems that there is no way to hide the icons from the desktop, everytime I change graphics, they appear again. I had to download Stardock fences, and problem solved. Annoying, anyway.

So far I’m very happy with the choice. I will try to install Ubuntu next week. I hope everyting will go smooth.

WOW, this is a great laptop   December 26, 2009
J. Smith (Utah)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I should give this computer a 5 star rating, but since 5 stars should be “Perfect” I have to give it 4. In order to to be “Perfect” This computer would need to have blue-tooth, bluray, fix the flex in the keyboard, and add 2 mouse buttons. THAT’S IT. Now that being said this computer is as close to perfect as I have seen yet. The screen is great, it doesn’t get hot, killer battery life (8 hours without taking drastic steps). The keyboard flexes a bit, but it doesn’t affect typing and the mouse button is a single bar and that means you have to hit it on the outer edges to make it work great. This keyboard doesn’t have the asus lag that most their computers suffer from. Windows 7 is great, the quick boot is great for checking email (8 seconds to online). The graphics card allows me to play Batman AA on native rez with no lag. The overclock mode gets the pc performance on par with what this system should be all the time, but the 1.3 mode helps the battery life by about 30-50 minutes and is more than fine for everything but gaming.

I have had this computer for about a week now and it hasn’t crashed once, the dell system I got my wife has the EXACT same programs on it and it has crashed almost daily. Asus has been well known in the computer parts world, and I have to say their computers are living up to the high standards they set with their parts.

I will keep this up to date if anything changes. For the $800 this system cost you get a portable full sized laptop with the performance to match, but the battery life of a compact portable with no computing power.

oh, one more down side is it is hard to find a case since most fit a 15.4″ laptop, and this is 15.6.

new computer   December 19, 2009
Karin M. Himmelmayer (Orange, VA United States)
2 out of 4 found this review helpful

I am kind of disappointed. I had to send the computer after not even a month to ASUS because it was freezing up several times during a days work. It has been completely cleaned out by ASUS and I had to start all over and put all my files in again.

I got it back Monday and I had problems again (freezing up) and I have to shut it down manually, I will try for another few days and see.