Acer Computer AOA110-1722 Aspire One 8.9-Inch Notebook PC Review

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(More customer reviews)UPDATE 08/29/2008: Received my new Acer Aspire One today. Wow, one day shipping from J&R rocks! The blue AAO with Win XP looks just like the Linux version: there is the SD "Storage Expansion" slot on the left side and a multi-format card reader on the right, 3 USB ports, etc. It boots up pretty fast and runs the so familiar WIN XP OS. I liked the Linux graphics, but to be honest, as a Windows user, I felt lost. So far, I haven't had any problems with the wireless (knock on wood) that I have experienced when I used the Linux version. Yes, you can hear the fan, as some of the reviewers have mentioned, BUT, it is not nearly as annoying as they claim. I can live with that. The Hard Drive is listed as 120GB, however, it shows up as 105 GB. The windows XP version comes with a 60-day trial of MS Office 2007 and McAfee Security Suite. Curiously, it also comes with InterVideo WinDVD, although, as you are aware, there is no DVD drive. Other programs included are: MS Works, Adober Reader 8, IE, MSN, Windows Media Player, Windows Messenger, Windows Movie Maker, Acer eRecovery Manager. I installed Firefox without a glitch. So far, I am very pleased with the laptop. It's not a $2,000 Sony or Mac, but it's a great value. It does what it is supposed to do. I am glad I returned the Linux and ordered the Windows. It works better for my needs.
UPDATE 8/28/2008: So, Amazon dropped the price on Acer Aspire One with Linux OS. However, the Win XP version continues to be overpriced compared to other online retailers. I've decided to order the blue Win XP machine directly from J&R for $369.99 and will get an additional 15% off via Live Search Cashback (total price after cashback excluding shipping: $314.41). I decided to go back to the familiar XP configuration simply because I believe that learning Linux will involve too much effort to justify the cost. In addition, the Linux version of Acer Aspire One appears to have more wireless bugs than Windows. We'll see how the Win XP netbook performs.
UPDATE 8/25/2008. So far I haven't seen any price reductions by online retailers. I think they are waiting to purge their inventory. Best Buy, however, does have the blue Acer Aspire One with 1gb Ram, 120 gb HD and Win XP Home for $349.99. So far they are the first ones to jump on the Acer price drop bandwagon.
UPDATE 8/20/08. Acer just (4 hrs ago) made the announcement on Market Watch that it will slash the prices for Acer Aspire One to $349 for Win XP and $329 for Linux. I miss my Acer One and will order one again as soon as retailers update their prices. I thought it was a great deal for $379 but for $50 less it's an absolute bargain. I do hope that I won't have anymore wireless problems with this one.
ORIGINAL REVIEW: I had purchased this laptop from J&R in blue with Linux and it was in my hands the very next day. I really liked Acer Aspire One from the moment I pulled it out of the box. It's very compact, light, elegant, boots in no time (20 sec). I am a first-time Linux user and was actually pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to use. I followed the instructions from one of the Amazon reviews here to unlock the full OS and was able to add Skype (Fedora version) without a problem. OpenOffice is very straightforward and easy to use, email setup was a breeze. I plugged it into my cable modem and loved the very fast web page loading times. All in all, it's a great little laptop alternative, the screen is easy to read, the keyboard size is adequate for error-free typing, the trackpad took some getting used to but it was fine within a couple of hours.
Now to the negatives:
-the surface is very prone to fingerprint smudges
-the screen is very glossy and reflective, but the brightness compensated for the fact that I could always see my reflection on the screen
-the left and right mouse buttons are oddly positioned on either side of the keyboard, so that takes some getting used to
-now last but not least - wireless connectivity problems. I've had the Acer Aspire One for over a week and have tried every single approach out there to get the wireless connection on it. the wireless networks would show up on the connection manager, but when I would attempt to connect to a particular network I would get an error message saying connection was terminated. One of the networks I tried to connect to was my own home wireless network which successfully worked for all of my other laptops. I tried the WEP protocol - no success, I changed the router settings to WPA - tried to connect - no success, I changed it to the open network - no success although I am sure my neighbors appreciated the open net access they could steal from me in the interim. I've searched the web for a solution and found out that this wireless problem seems to be an issue for a number of Acer Aspire One users out there. Some were able to fix it by running Live Update on a wired connection (I did it, but it didn't fix the problem), some played with sleep modes, reboots, etc. None of that worked for me. I tried to look up this issue on the Acer website, but their customer support is not very user friendly. So, I gave up, called customer service for an RMA# and am returning the Acer Aspire One today. I wish it had worked as I liked it so much, but it's no use to me without wireless connections and I believe that if I purchase a brand new item, it has to be fully operational straight out of the box. So, goodbye my dear sapphire blue Acer Aspire One, you will be missed, I hope your maker solves the wireless problem and I will buy you again when that happens. I would recommend this product without reservation if only the wireless problem is resolved.


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Weighing in at just over 2 pounds, the Aspire one mobile Internet device is the ideal traveling companion that lets you take the Internet on the road without the heavy load. Good things come in small packages, just like the Acer Aspire one mobile Internet device providing ultra-portable performance to enjoy full Internet browsing, communicate with friends and family and enjoy a variety of entertainment in a small portable design that keeps you connected on-the-go. The Intel Atom Processor combines performance, power and efficiency to explore the Internet and stay connected while on the go. Enjoy reliable on-line access with 802.11b/g Wireless to explore the Internet and view photos or video clips and listen to music in a comfortable browsing environment on the Acer CrystalBrite display. Linpus Linux Lite lets you surf the Internet, edit documents and photos, read email, and enjoy the webcam to chat online with or take still photos smoothly and reliably right out-of-the-box at a great price. Whether you are a first time user or just want a second computing device to easily check e-mail and surf the Internet, the Aspire one was designed for simplicity with a intuitive desktop design, widescreen display and easy-typing keyboard.8.9diagonal WSVGA (1024 x 600) CrystalBrite TFT LCD DisplayIntegrated 0.3 Crystal Eye Webcam Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Built-in Stereo Speakers Acer InviLink 802.11b/g Wireless 10/100 Ethernet LAN Multi-in-1 Card Reader SD, MMC, RS-MMC, MS, MS Pro, xD 3 x USB 2.0, Headphone/Speaker/Line-Out, Microphone-in, VGA, RJ-45 (LAN) Approximate Unit Dimensions -9.8(W) x 6.7(D) x 1.14(H) Approximate Unit Weight -2.19 Pounds

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Compaq TC1100 Tablet PC (1.0 GHz Pentium M (Centrino), 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been using pen-based input since Windows 3.11 for Pen Computing, mostly to avoid wracking my hands, wrists, and fingers with typing.
I have also used a variety of the latest generation of tablets. All of them have their strong points, but what I like best about the Compaq is that it runs in silence. Except for the fan popping on every once in a while, you don't even know there's a computer behind the screen. Also, the feel of the pen on the glass is very nice; like writing with an expensive ceramic-ball pen.
The image on the screen is crystal clear. Even a bifocalled old geezer like me has no trouble sitting in a chair, tablet in lap, and working the afternoon away. The battery really does last 3 and a half to 4 hours, depending on what you're doing.
The machine is fast and powerful enough for most needs, but it is not a gamer. My advice is to buy as much memory as you can afford. Be aware that punctuation-intensive tasks like huge bibliographies or lengthy coding can get pretty frustrating with a pen. Doing lots of spreadsheet input can be a drag, too.
For you first timers, it'll take a little practice getting used to using the pen to the best advantage, but most folks are smart enough to figure things out on their own. I find the pen relaxing to use.
The 1100 will use a passive (no battery) or active (battery) pen. I find the passive pen less sensitive to my gentle touch, but less likely to glitch out. The active pen gives faster response, but it can go nutsy on me, especially when the hard to find quadruple-A battery starts to die.
I suggest disabling the pen's button.
It is a great machine to haul to the library, or to use in meeting, not only because it's light and easy to carry, but because there is no keyboard clatter. Be warned, it will attract attention.
I have the dock, and use both an external and the attached, small, but adequate keyboard. Really though, the machine only shines when used as it's designed to be used; with a pen, as a tablet. 98% of the time I use it with no keyboard at all.
I've tried a variety of cases and covers, but don't like any of them since they detract from the immediate nature of the pen interface. Plus, the 1100 is so pretty that I hate to cover it up.
It's a blast - like Star Trek.
It is the Etch-a-Sketch I dreamed of when I was 10 years old!

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No matter how you prefer to input your data, the Compaq TC1100 Tablet PC has you covered. If you favor traditional computer methods, you can use the unit's flip-open keyboard. If you prefer working with a stylus, you can write and store information and sketch pictures in much the same way you would with a notepad and pen. Exceedingly versatile, incredibly compact and noticeably more capable than its less expensive sibling, the TC1000T, the TC1100 Tablet PC is an excellent choice for those who prioritize portability and ease of use.
Tipping the scales at a mere 3.1 pounds (without removable keyboard) or 4 pounds (with keyboard attached) and sporting a miniscule .8-inch diameter (with keyboard detached), the TC1000T is one of the lightest and slimmest computers currently on the market. The system is equipped with an Intel 1.0 GHz Pentium M processor, 512 MB main memory, and an nVidia GeForce Go 420 graphics controller with 32 MB video memory. As such, it certainly isn't as powerful as most of today's larger, non-tablet notebooks, although its impressive 1 MB of Level 2 cache and generous alloent of RAM do help offset the relatively mediocre processor clock speed. Gamers, 3-D graphic designers and serious power users will definitely want to look elsewhere, though all others should find the unit packs substantial punch considering its compact size and versatility.
If you need to handle especially large amounts of data, the TC1100 may not be for you. The system's 40 GB hard drive, though surprisingly large for a tiny tablet, is only average when compared to that of today's full-scale notebooks. Furthermore, the TC1100 has no optical drive. If you want to burn a CD or DVD or watch a DVD movie, you'll need to purchase a separate drive and connect it via the unit's convenient digital slot.
Other amenities include a bright 10.4-inch XGA TFT display, a 56K dial-up modem, a 10/100 NIC for high-speed wired network access, integrated wireless LAN for cord-free networking and Internet communications, and an array of Command Control Buttons for one-touch access to important applications and utilities. Multimedia features include an integrated 16-bit Sound Blaster Pro-compatible stereo audio processor, two integrated speakers and microphone, external volume controls and a stereo headphone-out. The system's 6-cell Lithium-Ion battery delivers long life between charges.

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HTC Shift X9500 UMPC - 800MHz, 1GB, 40GB, 7" LCD, QuadBand GSM, 3G UMTS/HSDPA EDGE, Bluetooth, Camera, WiFi, Windows Vista Business, Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)This is one of the best purchases I have ever made. This is the perfect laptop if you like to have top of the line electronics. It has been two years since my purchase and I have had no problems.

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Experience a new era in mobile computing with the HTC Shift. Powerful enough to run Windows Vista® Business, the HTC Shift has the optimal blend of portability and functionality, giving you uncompromised performance while on the move.HTC Shift features SnapVUETM, an always-on mode that provides you instant access to critical information -- including e-mail previews, local weather, calendar, and SMS -- even if the device is not switched on. Push e-mail gives you instant alerts whenever you have new Outlook® e-mails. Through Wi-Fi or 3.5G high-speed connectivity, you enjoy the ultimate productivity and highest fidelity Internet experience around.HTC Shift also features a 7-inch touch sensitive screen that slides out and tilts to a comfortable angle. It has a full QWERTY keyboard for convenient messaging and text input. A built-in fingerprint sensor is provided for increased security.

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Hewlett Packard Jornada 720 Handheld PC Review

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(More customer reviews)I read the customer comments here before I bought my Jornada 720 and found them useful. So I'll return the favor by writing my own feedback for those still shopping around.
Some of you are probably asking the same questions...Palm or Windows? Keyboard or handwriting recognition? Built-in keyboard or stowaway? E-mail or no e-mail? Compaq Ipaq or HP Jornada 720?
I cannot answer all the questions for you, but as a non-techie person, here's how I made my decision. Let's start with the easiest question: Keyboard or handwriting?
I think most people are faster typists than they are writing long hand. This is why we went from drawing on cave walls, to writing on paper, to typing with a manual typewriter, to typing with computers, and to voice recognition. Do you see a pattern here? It's called evolution. I see handwriting recognition as going backwards. People assume that handwriting recognition works as smoothly as touted. It doesn't and it is terribly frustrating. Sooner or later, you'll need a keyboard, which is why most people with palm or pocket PCs still buy keyboards. Think about it. If you need to write more than one paragraph, say a 3-page article, letter, or report, would you rather handwrite or type? Ask the many writers who use the J720 if they'd rather handwrite their stories and they'll think you've gone nuts.
Okay, so you're one of those people who like handwriting too much to give up on it. Enter the J720's Inkwriter. It's like a pad of paper that you can scribble anything on and then save it. Even longhand. Draw things on it (your house plan?), or play tic-tac-toe on it, or scribble the hastily dictated phone number of the cute guy you just met. Or pretend to make handwritten notes to keep awake during boring office meetings.
Next question. Built-in or stowaway keyboard? If you follow the reasoning for wanting keyboard over handwriting, you'll realize the only way to avoid the frustration of handwriting is to have a keyboard 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. And if you need it that much, then it makes sense for it to be built-in. Of course, you could buy a Compaq Ipaq and carry the keyboard separately. But why punish yourself?
Palm or Windows? Personally, I hate learning new ways of doing things unless they improve on how I already do it. I'm familiar with the Windows platform. I use it in the office, I use it at home, and I use it on my PDA. I'm going for consistency. This OS rivalry reminds me of the Mac vs. PC and the Betamax vs.VCR (I'm dating myself). If you travel abroad frequently, you will soon discover that the rest of the world has learned to go with a safe bet. They will not waste limited dollars on something that might be obsolete in a matter of years. You can call it cattle mentality, but they see it as safety in numbers (i.e., the millions of Windows users worldwide).
Why not a laptop? Well, I already have a lightweight laptop at home which I plan to keep. But there is no laptop in the market today that is lighter than a PDA. I can go anywhere with my J720 and do practically everything that I need my laptop for. The J720's instant on/off feature alone is enough to convince me to leave the laptop at home. Cheaper than a laptop, better battery life, no need to boot up, blazingly fast, extremely lightweight and portable, and easy to pack (not a space hog). I've had the J720 for almost two months and has brought it on trips already (bravely left the laptop at home). The only thing I missed was the backache I would have gotten from lugging the laptop. Actually, make that two. I missed the paranoid feeling that someone might steal my laptop when it's out of my sight because I can't stash it in a pocket, purse, or hotel safe. In sum, I don't need a second laptop and the one I have will stay home from now on.
Pricewise, there's not much difference between a Compaq Ipaq and J720 after you factor in the added costs (for Ipaq) of a separate keyboard and something else (modem?) that the guy in the store told me but which I forgot. He said the J720 is about $100 more expensive than the Ipaq. And there are discounts if you want to spend the time finding them. However, the J720 is not for you if all you need is a gadget to store addresses and phone numbers. It'd be the equivalent of buying an expensive sportscar only to drive it at a top speed of 35 mph for a daily 5-mile commute. What a waste. Get those cheap and common calculator-like gadgets for $150. But if you want a PDA/organizer that can be a mini-laptop, this is it.
Sizewise, the J720 is slightly bigger than the Ipaq but still small enough to fit into a small purse. In fact, I was surprised at how small it was when I finally got it. I eyeballed the size based on the specifications given. It turned out to be smaller, which was what I wanted. If you buy a pocket PC or palm organizer and then carry the separate keyboard, the whole package will be bigger and bulkier than the J720.
The J720's screen is almost twice wider than the Ipaq's or other pocketpcs. This eliminates the annoyance of having to scroll left-right-top-bottom when looking at documents. Not a noticeable difference if all you do is look up addresses or phone numbers. But when you're working on a Word or Excel document (PocketWord/Pocket Excel), reading e-mail, or browsing the web, you will be glad your J720 has a wider screen. And because the J720 has a clamshell design (the screen closes/folds over the keyboard), you don't have to spend the extra $$ for a leather case to protect the screen.
By now - if you're still reading - you're probably wondering if there's anything I dislike at all about this gadget. Yes. It bugs me that the J720 doesn't have a latch to snap it close. Don't get me wrong... it does close, but I miss the comforting "click" sound of a latch. I almost returned the darn thing. But I was assured that the hinge has a wheel mechanism designed to withstand repeated opening and closing of the lid.
Also, the keyboard seemed tiny at first, but after a week of typing on it, it felt very comfortable for touch-typing documents, spreadsheets, etc. But if you're planning to write your first great American novel, you'll be pushing the limits of the keyboard (and your fingers). Do yourself a favor and write your magnum opus on a desktop or full-size laptop. If you want to work just a chapter at a time, the J720 will do. Still leaps and bounds over handwriting.
Lastly, it bugs me that the J720 comes only in one boring, unimaginative, dark blue grayish corporate color. I would have gladly chosen a more pretty-looking gadget (there's plenty out there), but the J720 beats them where it matters the most to me -- substance. The J720 is still a bargain for what it delivers. But would it be asking too much to want it in red?
There's my 2 cents' worth. By the way, I'm typing this on my J720's built-in keyboard. Would I handwrite this? No way! Would you?

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The HP Jornada 720 Handheld PC package includes the following items:HP Jornada 720 (HP F1816A)Docking cradle, ac adapter and serial sync cableLithium ion rechargeable batteryGuides:HP Jornada handheld PC user's guideHP Jornada accessories guideSoftware:One Microsoft (R) compact disc containing Microsoft ActiveSync and Microsoft Outlook 2000

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Samsung Q1/Q1 Ultra External USB Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)First of all; ignore the complaints about the price, and how you can get a similar keyboard for $20. You can't.
This keyboard is a "normal" keyboard AND trackpoint mouse in one. It's the perfect size for the Q1, it's nice and thin and the keys are the right size for a decent amount of typing.
In addition to the normal keyboard layout, you also get shortcuts to some of the features of the Q1 and Q1 ultra like brightness and volume.
The trackpoint mouse is great and you have 2 mouse buttons under the spacebar.
It's almost a "must have" if you have a Q1 (ultra). It would have been perfect (5 stars) if it were wireless, it's just another way Samsung made their line of UMPC's more affordable.

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UPS Keyboard for Q1 and Q1 Ultra Mobile PC

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