| Laptops and Notebooks Reviews |
 | Acer Aspire AS5251-1805 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black)
At $379 this Laptop is perfectly priced for the features it comes with.... -- 2010-09-04
I won't go into the specs of this particular laptop because it is outlined in the product description. I have wanted a full size laptop for awhile. I have two netbooks (1 acer & 1 MSI). I love my netbooks because of the portability. The only downside to netbooks is the lack of an optical drive. I had several programs that I wanted to load onto my netbook but it required a separate optical drive. It wasn't something that I wanted to deal with.
So for the last year, I have been combing the internet and my local stores for a full size laptop. I did see a lot of good buys for laptops but most of the deals were for laptops that had Vista and I wasn't going to go there. I heard too many nightmare stories from professionals and regular people about the totally disappointing Vista experience. I love Windows XP but didn't want to invest in a new laptop using an old operating system. So I decided to wait it out and see what would become of Windows 7. I also wanted to get a reasonably priced laptop for my needs which include email, facebook, netflix and whatever basic stuff I needed to do online. I am not into opening multiple windows and running complex processes. This Acer Aspire 5251-1805 laptop is for someone like me.
It is a stylish looking laptop with a surface that resist fingerprints. It has a numeric key pad on the right side which is great. Three usb ports, HDMI port for my tv, and an SD card reader for me to load my pictures make this more than an adequate computer for my basic needs. Now the best part of everything is the price. At $379, Amazon has outdone itself by offering the consumer a laptop that is meant for everyday use and then some. I checked out a well known big box store that is famous for rolling back their prices. I couldn't find anything with the same features I was looking for. This is a great deal, get it while you can.
So far so good -- 2010-09-03
I bought this laptop because of its value. For $379 with no tax and free shipping...you get
- 2.2Ghz Single core AMD processor (enough processor speed for what I do...pay bills, surf the net, organize my pics)
- 3GB DDR3 RAM (plenty for the programs I run)
- 250GB HD (enough for me, I bought a 320GB portable HD for backup...Not a matter IF hard drive will fail its a matter of WHEN
- 15.6in screen (nice size, not too small or to big, clear and crisp, no complaints)
- HDMI output (I like this, allows you to connect to LCD TV and watch on your videos, audio comes through nicely to TV)
- Wireless 802.11bgn (I think my router is still the G version. Router is on the 2nd floor and I use laptop on 1st floor. Signal strength is about 2-3 bars and I have not lost the connection yet)
- Multi-media card reader (It reads the Memory Stick Duo Pro with an adapter I have. I have not tried an SD card.)
- Webcam (It works, don't use it much)
- 3 USB (I had an issue with my nano reciever from a Microsoft Laptop mouse (3500) getting stuck in the USB. I blame Microsoft since all my other USB devices don't get stuck)
- Ethernet (Nice to have as backup)
- DVD±R/RW drive (Watch your DVD's, burn DVD's)
About the only thing missing is the built-in BlueTooth but you can get an adapter for $20 or less.
Aesthetically, the laptop looks nice. The area where your wrist lay looks like brushed nickel. The plastic that surrounds the screen is shiny black plastic. When you close the laptop, the top of it has this rubbery anti-skid covering that looks like mini diamond plate. This is hard to wipe clean. If you wipe it with something moist, the water seems to stay in ridges.
As someone else mentioned, there are no LED's for the CAPS LOCK and the NUM LOCK. An icon flashs on the screen for about 2 seconds when you toggle the CAPS LOCK and/or NUM LOCK.
Hope this helps.
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 | eMachines eME527-2537 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black)
Amazing Deal! -- 2010-09-03
I got this laptop on the lighting fast deal of $279. I have to say that if I would have paid the full price, I would still be completely satisfied. My daughter just purchased a Tobisha for about $200 more and it more than holds its weight in comparison. Her computer does not even have a sd slot. The only thing I can foresee as a problem to some is the mono speaker. It is like having your phone on speaker. It is not idea if you want to listen to music or watch video with sound. When using the earphones it is the same as any other laptop. I use this computer for convenience. I use my desktop for the major things. It is more than sufficient for my everyday usage. Connection was quick and easy. It loads quickly in numerous windows or tabs. The charger (and a surprisingly lengthy cord) is included, along with having window 7. I am completely satisfied!
A Good Compromise On a Limited Budget -- 2010-09-03
I bought one last week.
It is functional and gets the work done.
The keyboard spacing is "funny", but I'm sure I'll get used to it and stop hitting the wrong keys.
When Amazon has it on sale ($279), buy it.
Otherwise look to local stores. I bought one for my daughter at a local store for $279.95.
At that price point, I don't think you can go wrong.
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 | Toshiba Satellite L645D-S4036 LED TruBrite 14-Inch Laptop (Black)
Great Computer for the Price. Perfect for students. -- 2010-09-02
Toshiba is by far on of the best companies to buy from. This is my second Toshiba computer and once again, they built a great machine. This laptop is very light/portable and can do anything that a student would want. Don't waste your money on laptops twice the price of this one.
Great value -- 2010-09-01
Great Laptop for the price.
4.3 on Windows Experience index
Pros
Decent Speed
lots of memory
Great 14 in Display
web cam
optical drive
Light for a notebook its size
Cons
No HDMI out
Around 3 hr battery life
Facial Recognition software rarely works
Fingerprint Magnet
Overall
A great laptop for a college student can run some games runs Starcraft II great and can get the job done.
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 | Apple MacBook Pro MC374LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop
Won't ship my computer -- 2010-09-03
My credit card was cleared for payment on August 28th. Today is September 4th, the Friday of the holiday weekend. My computer that I want to purchase from this vendor has not been shipped. I can't cancel it at this time because is is "shipping soon". I wrote Amazon about my frustration with this vendor. They said vendors are required to ship promptly when they receive payment. Here's the rub. This vendor has not bothered to "accept" my payment, so they haven't officially charged me for it yet. Therefore, they don't have to ship is until they accept payment.....who knows when that will be.
I wrote 2 emails asking about the status. On August 31st they said they would ship the computer as soon as my charge card cleared..i.e. ASAP. I was confused because that card has no balance. I called the credit card company, and they assured me the charge had been cleared on August 28th. So they lied to me about my card . Amazon has backed me up....the credit card has been cleared. The vendor just can't seem to get around to customer service.
Today, September 3rd, is the first day of the arrival window. If they don't send the computer, then I have to wait until the 26th to file a claim. If I get it after the 23rd, I will file a claim.
Lesson learned......If you're in a time crunch NEVER BUY FROM THIS VENDOR. I would have rather paid the extra $50 to another vendor for the same product.
I would like to say that I love my computer, but darn it......I don't have it, and it doesn't look like this vendor is in any hurry.
I won't make this mistake again. So very angry.
First Mac -- 2010-08-31
I've had this laptop about a month and I have to say that there is nothing about it that doesn't impress me. As many feel, I basically wonder why I waited so long to make the switch. The learning curve was virtually painless. Couldn't be more pleased with my purchase.
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 | Lenovo Ideapad G550 2958-9PU 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black)
LENOVO IdeaPad G550 Laptop -- 2010-08-30
Purchased this for a college student and set it up and configured this with extra features and applications. The laptop despite previous previews of poor sound quality and people with lazy hands that touched the mouse pad the laptop is great. It is fast and comes with the right amount of memory from the start. Sound quality is good and loud too. I wouldn't hesitate to buy or recommend this to friends, family, and clients as a good buy for the money and quality laptop. I plan to buy a few more of these. Lenovo did a good job on this one. It is made in China but everything is made out of USA anymore thses days.
Quality hardware for a cheap price -- 2010-08-27
I did a lot of research to find the best value at 450-500$ and I've narrowed my search down to this laptop.
quick processor, good amount of ram, good size screen.
We didn't get charged tax on this purchase, which was a pleasant surprise!
I like the design that lenovo used on this laptop, It's feels very strong and looks nice as well.
The performance is great for running everyday applications and multi-tasking but gaming is horrendous on this thing, no big deal though... It's a laptop.
There was lots of boatware to uninstall initially, more than I'm used to seeing.
The face recognition software is useless so don't let that feature bring you closer to this laptop.
The only downside that I've found is that I can't permanently disable the touch pad through the bios or even with the FN keys.
The only reason I gave the product 4/5 stars is because I'm nit picky.
Everything else is great!
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 | ASUS UL30A-X5K Thin and Light 13.3-Inch Laptop with Kindle for PC (Black)
I feel robbed -- 2010-09-01
I bought this laptop because Asus was highly recommended by some of my friends and mainly because they offer and heavily advertise that this computer has a global warranty. This was a present for my younger brother who lives overseas and this was his first experience with a computer. I was very sad to see his disappointment when he tried to connect wifi. He called Asus in that country because the laptop has a global warranty but he was very surprised when an Asus representative told him that the global warranty does not work for Latin America. I guess Asus thinks that Latin America is in another planet. I am very upset because my brother had waited for years to have his first computer and now he cannot use it.
He called Asus in the United States and was told that he could return it to the US for repair. This is a new computer but they said that this has a manufacturing defect. The problem is that this computer only brings 1 wifi antenna "Atheros" and does not work.
This is well documented in many blogs and forums on the internet. DO NOT BUY this computer as it will not work well in a wifi environment. My brother tried using this laptop with a wifi router only 20 feet away from him and this laptop does not give him a wifi signal. READ REVIEWS all over the internet if you are thinking of buying this laptop because most likely will have this problem.
If my brother has to send this laptop to Asus it will cost more than the laptop itself so I don't know why Asus advertises that they offer a global warranty when in practice it is not true.
It seems that Asus tried to save money by using cheap components, this is really a shame. I will never buy an Asus again!!!
Great for Ubuntu (or Linux) users -- 2010-08-31
I bought this computer from Amazon 2 weeks ago, but as I'm a Linux fan (Ubuntu to be more specific) I was always in doubt of buying or not a computer because of compatibility.
If this is your case, the search is over: Ubuntu 10.04 is 100% compatible. Wonderful, all working "out of the box": Screen, multi-touchpad (impressive), wireless, sound, Fn-shortcuts.
The Intel card is capable also to run de 3d linux compiz desktop effects without a problem, and to run moderate-graphic games.
The battery (at least for me) lasts 6 hours of use on Ubuntu (Windows realistically is about 7 hours) and if you want the battery longer you can install an applet to control the processor speed to save extra time (very similar to the ASUS system that comes pre-installed on windows). To find it just right click on the upper Gnome bar and find on the applets.
I'm not sure about the other distributions, but I guess that Debian based ones will have similar performance.
Hope that this could help.
PS: the dual-graphic "brother" of this computer (ASUS UL30VT-X1K) can work on Linux, but is not yet 100% out-of-the box. You will have to do some research for a solution. But for me as I don't use the Laptop for games, this is 100%.
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| ASUS UL30A-X5 Thin and Light 13.3-Inch Black Laptop (12 Hours of Battery Life)
Worst consumer experience ever -- 2010-09-02
I am 25 years old and this product was the worst consumer decision I have ever made in my life. When I first received it, the laptop would not switch on or it would switch on for a few hours, or it would switch on, work perfectly normally for a few minutes or hours and then randomly shut down again. After looking various forums and failing at attempts of self-repair, I sent it in to Asus, and then after that it could switch on but the wireless was completely disabled.
So I called their service line. Their customer service is ATROCIOUS. You call and they put you on hold (which is fine, I can wait even an hour), but after 15 minutes, they hang up on you and you have to call in again. The line is also very bad (and my connection has worked fine with Skype, etc, so I believe the problem is on their side). I was put on hold for at least an hour today and spoke to 3 different reps, having to explain my problem again each time.
Their representative advised me to reboot windows (removing all my programs installed previously, and also making my version of MS office unable to work) which would be acceptable if the wireless started working, but it still does not. And so I have to send it in to Asus again.
I heard a lot of good things about Asus, but I really, really regret buying this laptop and really wish I could get a refund. It was a complete waste of time, money and effort. I bought it in Februrary this year but because I have been travelling in and out of the US, I still have not been able to use this laptop for even a few days, and had to buy another one to tide me over while I waited for Asus to get their act together (which is taking 7 months and counting). I am completely and utterly disappointed with the company and with my laptop.
Nice machine Asus ul30a -- 2010-09-02
I mostly use it for just basic email and games and facebook. I really like it overall but I have two criticiams. The touchpad is difficult to use and I am very prone to accidental commands while moving around the pad. I may try to get an external mouse, but this is somewhat annoying. Also, the space bar is quite flimsy and is not always responsive when I type, which is also annoying when typing out lengthy emails to friends. I was looking for a replacement machine after my HP unexpectedly died on me (the screen went in about a year). I was initially primarily looking at netbooks, especially next asus up, line but wanted more power, while maintaining the light and small form factor at the same time. I happened to stumble across the machine upon a recommendation from a friend. I have been using it for about a month now and am extremely pleased. Windows 7 runs very smooth, and almost all of my applications run without problems. I am able to play movies without skipping and ouput them to my HDTV via the HDMI output, which was an important feature for me. The screen is very clear as well.
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 | HP Pavilion DV4-2161NR 14.1-Inch Laptop (Digital Plaid)
no mobile remote -- 2010-09-03
I got this laptop today, and there is no mobile remote in the box. WHY???????
Awesome Buy!!! -- 2010-08-30
As says my title, i am overlly satisfied with my purchase. It took me about two weeks of research on laptops to be able to find the best my money can buy and i was down with either this laptop from Amazon or a very similar one from HP. I was very big on the processors, and was looking for an Intel Duo core i3 or i5. i7 was not in my price range. but i have to say now, there was no need for the i7 the i3 i own now work so well that EVERYONE in my house always asks to borrow my computer when they need to do basically everything (although we have two other computers in the house).
I have to say though like every one said the screen reeeally attracts fingerprints, but to tell you the truth, i always walk around with my little wipe and in a sec can make my laptop look brand new again. So that was a very minor problem i barely notice it now. My real issue is inside. The keyboard area attracts dust like you would not believe and its a bit enoying wiping it since you have both the keys and and the touch screen options on top.
But enough with that, Media Smart is the bomb. It lets you go online use camera web cam, watch tv all without even turning on your computer! Oh and windows 7 is amaizing. doesnt automatically comes with the icons on the right that Windows came up with not long ago, but you can actually put and arrange those as you please.
Overall i loove this product and everything in it. I could sit here and write for hours about the little features that make it so wonderful but that would bore you to death. So i will end with this note, for anyone looking for a good product at a lower price, this is a Definite Must!!
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 | Apple MacBook MC516LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop
Well worth the money. -- 2010-09-01
In short, I LOVE this computer! When I bought it around 6 months ago, I was debating whether buying this Mac was worth the extra $500+ over other laptops. Without a doubt after having this one for around a half a year and using my friends new PCs I am so glad I didn't go the cheap route. I will never buy another PC again. If you are worried about switching to a Mac go to the apple website and watch around ten two minute tutorials and you have just learned the basics of a Mac. The following are my pros and cons:
Pros:
Amazingly fast internet browsing - Twice as fast as the fastest PC I have ever used NO JOKE
Excellent battery life - Depending on the luck of the draw your battery will last you 5-7 hrs.
Multi touch trackpad - Switch screens, applications or go to your desktop with the swipe of a few fingers. The whole trackpad is one large button.
Pre installed programs - iMovie, GarageBand, and iWeb are just the beginning of an amazing lineup of programs that come with this Mac
Ease of use - If you never used a Mac you are 20 minutes away from being an expert
Doesn't get viruses (no security software needed) - Since less than 5% of all computers sold are Macs, nobody makes viruses for them
Cons:
There are a few online downloads that are PC only and won't work on your Mac - Most new applications being made are all Mac friendly though
Price - Yes it is expensive...but well worth every penny.
If you can afford this computer, you should definitely buy it. I rarely give any product 5 stars, but the Macbook 13" definitely deserves them all.
UnBeatable -- 2010-08-27
I have a late 2007 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 1gb of RAM. I switched to the MacBook from a Toshiba Satellite. The Toshiba had many problems and was always riddled with viruses and malware. The MacBook has none of those problems, it worked straight out of the box. I know I paid more for it than a PC laptop but it was well worth it. Three years later my Macbook works just as well as it did when it was new. Its fast and easy to use. The battery life has dropped considerably, but thats to be expected. I can buy a new one on eBay for 40 dollars.
Pros: runs well, fast, Leopard is easy to use, Time Machine is much better than Windows BackUp, solid, iLife is awesome and has many features
Cons: laptop gets hot, battery life drops a lot, but this is normal
Overall, this was a great purchase and well worth the money. I am now looking to upgrade to a Macbook Pro, but will use this Macbook for years to come. Buy the Apple Extended Warranty, its worth the money. My Hard drive crashed and the DC Input Board had to be replaced and the charging cord stopped working. All repairs were free under the warranty. I would definitely recommend this computer to anyone searching for a cheap fast computer. I will never go back to another Windows PC again.
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 | Apple MacBook Pro MC371LL/A 15.4-Inch Laptop
Perfect -- 2010-09-01
This mac is just what I need for going into my Graphic Design program. It is absolutely gorgeous and works like magic. It is a pristine piece of equipment that seems solid enough to last me through the rest of my college career. If you are wondering if it is worth it for the price all I can say is just get it. It is priceless for this generation. You will love it.
Awesome -- 2010-08-31
Purchased the 15" macbook pro to replace an iMac that severla years old (still runs awesome, but I wanted a new toy). The Mac's are pricey which would be the only complaint. I purchased it on a 12 month financing deal so that helped ease that pain.
The machine itself is awesome. I used migration assistant to migrate my files and settings and it worked flawlessly, painlessly and easily. The 15" version is the perfect size for me. I tried a 13" last year and it was too tiny; the 17" too big. The performance for the week or so I have had it is wonderful. It shuts down so quickly - no waiting. So efficient.
I was amazed at how light the machine is. My husband has a 15" windows based laptop and I expected it to be the same weight, but the macbook weighs about half his laptop.
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