BenQ 5000

Advantages: Looks good, Fast, Cheap, Great graphics
Disadvantages: Flimsy feel, not enough RAM

...BenQ? Had you heard of them a few months ago? Well I hadn’t. BenQ are new to Europe although they are well established in the Middle East. If you hadn’t heard of them before Euro 2004 you must do now! When I saw this laptop for an insanely low price a few months ago I was a little skeptical, but after days of research I couldn’t find anything to compete with it, and became more confident about BenQs reputation. So I went ahead and bought it, and I can honestly say this was the best thing I have ever spent £850 on! The laptop comes with the Centrino 1.4Ghz which is approximately equivalent to the P4 2.2Ghz, with the benefits of greatly increased battery life. BenQs quoted life of 6h is not far off from the actual 5 hours that you get from the battery. It also comes with all the standard bits: DVD/CD-RW drive, 256Mb RAM... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Sharp Picture Quality
Disadvantages: Sound not very good

...This BenQ flatscreen monitor is one of the best flatscreen monitors on the market. The picture quality is sharp and the 12ms response time makes it event better. The seveneen inch flatscreen size is massive when compared to a 17 inch CRT monitor. One huge let down and disadvantage of this monitor is the sound output. The sound that the monitor gives out is not very loud. Even on the highest setting the it can be irritating watching DVD's and not being able to hear it very clearly Overall this monitor is of high quality but the built in speakers are not of the highest standard. this means that you will have to go out and buy another pair of speakers.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: This is a very complete package great for both work and study. Its cool color and design make it an attractive purchase, it is also lightweight and so far very durable (Ive had mine for six months) and the screen clarity is great for watching DVDs.
Disadvantages: Sometimes it can be slow, if there are a lot of programs open but this could be because the hard drive comes split in two, if you converted it to one it works much faster. My main problems come with the software, XP.

...Great all round computer, would suit students and young professionals. It is a fantastic computer, it is asthetically pleasing with trendy colors, short cut buttons and accessible USB ports (3), volume at the side for easy sound control, other points are at the back, keyboard is very cofortable to use for hours (as I have just completed my dissertation, I couldn't have done it without this comp.). There is loads of memory, the software it comes with Q music and Q movies are great for exploring editing and movie making, Power DVD is an easy to use package and with the screen clarity DVDs run great, however, some DVDs are noisier than others when they run as you can here the fan running. The main problems I have had have been with XP, programs have more recently been ending unexpectidly and reports have no effect unless you are conected... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average not helpful