Get it all. The latest Intel Centrino mobile computing technology for wireless networking when and where you want. See it all. A 6-hours battery life means the pleasure lasts... more
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A review by chappy81 on BenQ Joybook 5000U December 21st, 2006
Author's product rating:
Speed
Fast
Look & Feel
Excellent
Comfort & Portability
Excellent
Robustness & Durability
Excellent
Value For Money
Excellent
Advantages:
Battery Life, Portability, Performance
Disadvantages:
Could be zippier
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
This laptop is a great compromise of performance, battery life, features and size.
Firstly, being a 14.1" Model, it is noticeably more compact than comparable 15" and 15.4" widescreen models. The TFT Screen is clear and sharp, and perfectly suitable for all windows applications.
The standard out-of-the box specs of this machine are quite reasonable, with 256Mb DDR Ram, 30GB Hard Disk Drive, CD-RW/DVD-ROM Drive and wireless connectivity as well as traditional networking features. The Processor is a Centrino class Pentium M (Mobile) 1.4Ghz. The real benefit of such a chip is the power saving features. Most wireless notebooks utilising other processors will chew through the batteries in a matter of a couple of hours, but this little beauty will hold charge even with wireless switched on for up to 6, yes that's right six hours! this thing is a must if you are looking for a truly portable office solution.
Talking about the initial specs, the only thing I would encourage you to upgrade is the RAM, another 256 will be plenty for windows XP Pro(included in the package) and is easily self installed with the removal of just one screw. If you wanted to upgrade further, the laptop can handle up to 1Gb (2x512).
The inbuilt Wireless controller is an Intel 802.11b Module, allowing for wireless speeds up to 11Mbps. If you prefer you can use the inbult Wired Ethernet port offering 10/100Mbps, or if you do not have a network available the Laptop comes with a built in 56K Modem (Fax).
Portability is a huge strong point with this laptop, further enhanced by its expansion ports, these include 2xPCMCIA Ports, a Memory Card/SD Card Reader and of course several USB Ports. Also included are a VGA out, and S-video out to connect to your TV.
As this PC is aimed towards office/student use, the inbuilt video card is an onboard Intel Variety, offering substantial performance in windows. It utilises shared memory so gaming is a little out of the question. The sound card is quite reasonable, offering neat stereo sound via front mounted speakers, as well as mic/headphone ports.
The general look and feel of this Laptop is excellent, with stylish silver plastic, and chromed buttons. Blue LED's for status lights certainly add to the effect, and at 2.4Kg it is quite a light PC to carry around. Benq is even kind enough to include a simple Polypropene (Think Wetsuit material) Slim Case for a little extra protection on the road.
The included software is excellent, Windows XP Professional, NTI-CD Maker, Cyberlink DVD Viewer and maker, and Ulead Photo software. There is also some proprietary Q-music, and Q-Media software which help utilise hot keys and provide a worthy alternative to the windows media suite.
A truly complete package, well assembled by Benq, great portability, lightweight, stylish and great software selection truly make this an ideal choice. One of my favourite laptops thus far.
Advantages: Looks good, Fast, Cheap, Great graphics Disadvantages: Flimsy feel, not enough RAM
...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 ... ...at, most people say it looks more like a mac than a PC which is a good thing! Since using Centrino I will never ever again buy a P4 laptop, and since using BenQ laptops I will never switch to another manufacturer except for Sony and Apple of course :-) ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: This is the 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 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 and keyboard is very comfortable (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 ... ...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 to the net at the time, which is not always possible. There is easiy access for headphones and microphone ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: This is the 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 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 ... ...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 to the net at the time, which is not always possible. There is easiy access for headphones and microphone at ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Speed
Look & Feel
Comfort & Portability
Robustness & Durability
Value For Money
somewhat helpful
01.05.2004
BENQ 5000 U Review ofBenQ Joybook 5000Uby
lcwalker98
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 ... ...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 to the net at the time, which is not always possible. There is easiy access for headphones and microphone at ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
OS Provided: Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Software: Trend Micro PC Cillin, CyberLink PowerDirector, Ulead Photo Explorer, NTI CD-Maker, QMusic, Q-Media
Cache memory
Type: L2 Cache
Installed Size: 1 MB
Manufacturer's product description
Get it all. The latest Intel Centrino mobile computing technology for wireless networking when and where you want. See it all. A 6-hours battery life means the pleasure lasts longer. Do it all. A slimmer and lighter design matches your on-the-go, never slow lifestyle. With the Joybook 5000U, you can easily integrate data from your digital camera, PDA, mobile phone, and other devices into your digital lifestyle without worrying about compatibility problems. A superior industrial design. A contoured organic shape. A striking silver-and-aqua color scheme. The Joybook 5000U's customized design makes it great to use, great to look at.
Manufacturer warranty
Service & Support Details: Limited warranty - 1 year
This product has not yet been reviewed. 
