Tailor Made Spec, Robust Quality build . Nice looking, Good Value, Easy to upgrade
Disadvantages:
Needs a high level of technical competance . One or two parts can be difficult to obtain .
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
I purchased this notebook because, as a die-hard MAC user, I was getting slightly frustrated constantly having to battle with windows software at work which runs very badly on my windows emulator.
So I wanted something which would cost next to nothing but that was still going to be capable of running some demanding business applications
In this machine I found all this... and then some!
Actually it is a very well constructed piece of equipment, and, as someone who hates windoze! I have been pleasantly suprised at how well it works.
What you get is a motherboard, heatsink, a case and screen.
What you have to add is a Hard disk, a keyboard kit for your country, a CD or DVD drive a CPU and some memory.
Mine is 1.4Ghz Centrino / 256mb RAM / 40GB HDD / Panasonic UJ815 DVD writer. To which add Windows 2000 Pro.
The main problem you will find is that the centrino CPU can be a bit tricky to find. The other problem is that, if like me, you choose a non-standard DVD-writer in place of the AOPEN reccomended model, then you will have to make up a small retaining bracket which isn't supplied with the case. Reasonably easy to do... but you do need some technical skills.
Assembly took about 2 hours once I had realised the need to make a retaining clip for the DVD drive. There are no instructions supplied. But if you use common sense it is pretty obvious how it all comes apart and goes back. Just DONT force anything. If you have to strain it then you are trying the wrong way... ! You can also find hints on the web by via a google search (sorry but I cant recall the URLS)
As far as performance and quality in use is concerned, the end result is excellent and I am well pleased. Battery life is over and hour and a half. Weight is higher than my mac, but by no means shoulder breaking. I am running SAGE - some photo editing software, a web design package, a basic video and audio editing programme and it all works pretty well
Final cost was just a shade over £500 - a real bargain!
More details
Memory / capacity
Good
Ease of use
Very easy
Range of Extra Features
Excellent
Instruction manual
Needs improvement
Manufacturer Support
Good
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