5/19/2012

Gateway SX2840-01 Desktop PC (Black) Review

Gateway SX2840-01 Desktop PC (Black)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The Gateway SX2840 is a terrific value, and this cannot be understated. With its i3-530 processor (which is very highly rated and supposedly easy to overclock), 6GB of DDR3 Ram, the H57 mobo, 1TB green HDD and Windows 7 Home Premium, you could expect to pay $700+. An equivalent computer from Dell or HP runs $720+, as does one built yourself through NewEgg. With the addition of an HD4650 or a 9800GT (low profile), this can be a competent gaming rig as well.
The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is purely to do with Gateway. I haven't purchased a pre-made computer in years, and now I remember why. Gateway does not include recovery disks, instead provides software to burn them (3 DVDs of Windows 7 and bloatware). However, you can expect a dozen or so disks to fail the burning process. I called asking how to clean install, and after taking 30 minutes to register me, forwarded me to a "software help line" that wanted to charge me. I called again explaining that I could not burn recovery disks and that this was a common problem according to the internet. The tech agreed, and said they would send out physical copies, but they are not available yet. She requested i call back in a few weeks. I e-mailed Gateway asking how to do a clean install of Windows 7 without bloatware, and they responded with a form letter on how to use the recovery partition (to factory default).
If you're a casual or HTPC user, you cannot beat this value, and you will likely have no problem living with the bloatware that Gateway, or any other manufacturer puts on. If you are more of an advanced user, with ideas of doing a clean install, expect drama. I got a Windows 7 disk from a "friend", and entered my product key, but this required calling Microsoft's help line. If you follow this strategy, remember to enter your product key when it first asks, don't click next and install without.
I purchased this computer for its parts, not the Gateway name, and saved nearly $200.
May 24, 2010: I recently installed an HD5570 video card, and highly recommend it. I now have the following Windows Experience ratings: Processor 6.9, Memory 7.0, Graphics 6.7, Gaming graphics 6.7, Primary hard disk 5.9. For the price, this is still unbeatable.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Gateway SX2840-01 Desktop PC (Black)


Gateway SX2840: Compact Entertainment CenterA third the size of normal desktops yet with full power for entertainment and gaming, the Gateway SX2840-01 desktop fits anywhere. If your available desk space is taken up by a large monitor for your movies and games, you'll appreciate the minimalist design of this compact entertainment center. Burn through the hottest new digital media, content creation and advanced 3D gaming with the breakthrough performance of the Intel Core i3 processor--with 4-way multitasking processor power to work on four tasks simultaneously. And the installed 6 GB of memory delivers ultra-fast system response to effortlessly multitask and run the latest multi-threaded applications.
Use the digital device deck, recessed into the SX's top, to hold your MP3 player, camera or other technology. And a photo frame button lets you quickly go through your digital pictures, and an eject button for the optical disk drive makes quick work of switching movies and games. At the bottom front is a multi-in-one media card reader for transferring files from your digital devices, plus USB and audio ports.
While small in size, the Gateway SX is chock full of external ports, including both FireWire and eSATA connections. Enjoy the next generation of video playback with the HDMI output, which allows a single cable to transmit uncompressed high-definition video and audio to your digital TV or capable external monitor.
Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

Key Features
2.93 GHz Intel Core i3-530 dual-core processor for a fast, responsive PC experience (4 MB L3 cache). It comes equipped with Intel HD Graphics, an advanced video engine that delivers smooth, high-quality HD video playback, and advanced 3D capabilities, providing an ideal graphics solution for everyday computing. Intel's Hyper-Threading Technology enables each core of your processor to work on two tasks at the same time, delivering the performance you need for smart multitasking.
Energy-saving 1 TB SATA hard drive revolves at a variable RPM--meaning full speed when you need it, plus eco-friendly energy conservation. The Gateway SX desktop PC offers a sleek, compact design that takes up very little desk space.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Gateway SX2840-01 Desktop PC (Black)

Read More...

Toshiba Satellite L505-S5993 TruBrite 15.6-Inch Grey/Black Laptop - 2 Hours 25 Minutes of Battery Life (Windows 7 Home Premium) Review

Toshiba Satellite L505-S5993 TruBrite 15.6-Inch Grey/Black Laptop - 2 Hours 25 Minutes of Battery Life (Windows 7 Home Premium)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is my first laptop. I was shopping on black Friday, have heard great things about Toshiba laptops, and they had this one for 499.00 so I said what the heck and got it! I also ordered a wireless router. A few days later the box came and I could not be happier. The best thing about is the the display. It is very sharp, bright, and clear. The keyboard is nice as well. I can't stand the touchpad, but I think that's a common problem with all laptops. I immediately went out and bought a wireless mouse to use with it. The sound is not great either, but again, I think that's common with laptops. It seems pretty sturdy, and runs cool. It does not get hot, and the fan doesn't even run when the ambient temp is around 65 degrees. Setting up the wireless network was a breeze, and when I started up the laptop, it found the signal immediately, and never loses it. The computer is very fast and I have not had one problem. Very satisfied..and wow what a great price I got--this is a well equipped laptop.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba Satellite L505-S5993 TruBrite 15.6-Inch Grey/Black Laptop - 2 Hours 25 Minutes of Battery Life (Windows 7 Home Premium)

Offering solid performance and impressive affordability, the Toshiba Satellite L505-S5993 laptop is a great choice for handling computing essentials at home, school or work--from surfing the web and downloading video to managing household finances or studying for finals. This all-purpose, eco-smart machine features a stunning 15.6-inch display with 720p native high-definition resolution. And thanks to the built-in webcam and Toshiba Face Recognition software on this machine, you'll enjoy a more convenient way to communicate, log on or share your laptop among the family. To top it off, the L505 features a brilliant high-gloss Fusion Finish design with a Breeze pattern in Graphite Gray that's sure to turn heads.
It comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), supporting office applications and all the software programs routinely found in full-size notebooks. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to. (Learn more about Windows 7 Home Premium below.)

You'll enjoy dual-core productivity from its 2.1 GHz Intel Pentium T4300 processor for excellent multitasking. Other features include a 500 GB hard drive, 4 GB of installed RAM (upgradeable to 8 GB), 5-in-1 memory card reader, Draft-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n), full-size keyboard and 10-key pad, and dual-layer DVD±RW drive that burns CDs.

This Toshiba notebook is Energy Star 5.0 certified, and has received a Gold EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, it is RoHS-compliant, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances.



Key Features
15.6-inch high-definition TruBrite display for amazing color depth and clarity (Learn more)
Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. And you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV on Windows Media Center. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium. (Learn more)
Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. It's the best way to add features to Windows 7, takes as few as ten minutes, requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process.
2.1 GHz Intel Pentium T4300 dual-core processor with 1 MB L2 cache and 800 MHz front side bus (FSB) (Learn more)
500 GB Serial ATA hard drive
4 GB of RAM (800 MHz; upgradeable to 8 GB)
Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with up to 1750 MB of dynamically shared memory allocated by the system (Learn more)
8x SuperMulti DVD drive with double layer support (See speeds)
1.3 megapixel with Face Recognition capabilities for added security (Learn more)
104-key keyboard with 10-key pad
Enjoy proactive PC health--without the worry. For your peace mind, this laptop comes with an innovative PC Health Monitor that constantly keeps tabs on things like your machine's power usage, temperature and hard drive--so you won't have to.
Draft-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n) for greater speed and range
Fast Ethernet (10/100)
Built-in stereo speakers
Pre-loaded software includes Microsoft Works SE 9.0 for word processing and spreadsheet work. Enjoy a 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007.
6-cell (4000 mAh) battery for up to 2 hours, 45 minutes of continuous use
Dimensions: 15.1 x 10.2 x 1.55 inches (WxDxH)
Weight: 6 pounds
Warranty: One-year limited hardware warranty

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion With its integrated Draft-N Wi-Fi networking capabilities, this laptop provides up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range using 802.11n-compatible routers as you would with 802.11g networks. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found at Wi-Fi hotspots and in older home routers). This notebook also provides Fast (10/100) Ethernet networking.

3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
Includes 1 eSATA/USB combo port

Analog video output: 1 VGA
5-in-1 memory card reader compatible with Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Multi Media Card, xD Picture Card
1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
RJ-45 port for 10/100 Fast Ethernet

What's in the box This package contains the Toshiba Satellite L505-S5993 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions.

It also comes with the following software: Norton Internet Security 2009 (30-day trial), Toshiba PC Health Monitor, Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 Edition (60-day trial), Windows Media Player, Ulead Label@Once, Google Toolbar, WildTangent Orb Game Console

Learn More
15.6-Inch High-Definition Display This notebook has a 15.6-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels (native 720p for high-definition viewing). It also provides TruBrite technology, which makes images brighter and more vivid thanks to its anti-glare feature. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD, which uses shared video memory (up to 1759 MB allocated from the system memory). This graphics card is built with Intel Clear Video technology, which delivers clearer, more detailed images by eliminating many of the jagged edges and video artifacts seen when viewing interlaced content and features powerful color control to ensure videos are not too dark, overly bright, or washed out. It's compatible with external monitor resolutions up to 1920 x 1200.


Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. You can even watch, pause, rewind, and record TV. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.



Jump Lists New in Windows 7, Jump Lists take you right to the documents, pictures, songs, or websites you turn to each day. To open a Jump List, just right-click a program icon on the Windows 7 taskbar. (You'll also find them on the Start menu.) What you see in a Jump List depends entirely on the program. The Jump List for Internet Explorer 8 shows frequently-viewed websites. Windows Media Player 12 lists commonly-played tunes. Your Jump List missing a favorite? You can "pin" whatever files you like there. Jump Lists don't just show shortcuts to files. Sometimes they also provide quick access to commands for things like composing new e‑mail messages or playing music.

Improved Windows Taskbar In Windows 7 you can "pin" favorite programs anywhere on the taskbar for easy access. Not crazy about the icon lineup? Now you can rearrange them any way you like by clicking and dragging. Finally, there are new ways to preview windows. Point to a taskbar icon to see a thumbnail preview of open files or programs. Then, move your mouse over a thumbnail to preview the window full-screen. You can even close windows from the thumbnail previews--a big time saver.

Snap Ever need to cut through a cluttered desktop and quickly focus on a single window? Just click a pane and give your mouse a shake. Every open window except that one instantly disappears. Jiggle again--and your windows are back.



Dual-Core Pentium PowerReady to move up to a dual-core? This Intel Pentium processor-based PC is a good place to start. The Intel Pentium processor is the fast dual-core that lets you surf the web and run multiple applications simultaneously. So you can browse, IM, download music or transfer photos all at once. And use office applications, too.
With the 2.1 GHz Intel Pentium T4300 dual-core processor, you'll be able to perform multiple tasks such as digital rendering and gaming all while running virus scan or other background tasks seamlessly. And its Intel 64 architecture is also ready for tomorrow's 64-bit applications, and offers enhanced performance through improved virtual memory. It has a 1 MB L2 cache and an 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB). (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)



8x DVD-SuperMulti Drive This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD±R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It offers the following read/write speeds:
Write: 24x CD-R, 24x CD-RW, 8x DVD-R, 8x DVD+R, 6x DVD-R DL (double-layer), 6x DVD+R DL (double-layer), 6x DVD-RW, 8x DVD+RW, 5x DVD-RAM



Integrated Webcam with Face Recognition Capabilities A 1.3 megapixel digital web camera built into the LCD's bezel lets you quickly snap photos and participate in live video chats. The integrated webcam does more than just video chats. It includes Toshiba Face Recognition capabilities--the ultimate hands-free, hassle-free way to log onto your laptop. Just show your face to the webcam--no keeping track of hard-to-remember passwords and no unnecessary typing. And if you're using one laptop for several users--say for the whole family or for a small business--Toshiba Face Recognition lets you switch profiles with one simple look.



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Toshiba Satellite L505-S5993 TruBrite 15.6-Inch Grey/Black Laptop - 2 Hours 25 Minutes of Battery Life (Windows 7 Home Premium)

Read More...

5/18/2012

Sony VAIO PCG-FRV37 Laptop (2.80-GHz Pentium 4, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD-RW/CD-RW Drive) Review

Sony VAIO PCG-FRV37 Laptop (2.80-GHz Pentium 4, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD-RW/CD-RW Drive)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
If you are looking for a portable computer this SONY is simply awesome. A notebook or laptop it is not; its big and heavy by todays standards but the performance is fantastic!
The Gateway desktop died (will never buy from them again) and couldn't be brought back to life so I decided to pick up a "notebook". The FRV37 is blazing fast, the screen is large, bright and clear & its got plenty of HD space (if you need more consider getting an external USB hard drive). With a CD and a DVD burner you really don't need a desktop machine anymore. It comes with a nice software bundle. Its got firewire built in and is great for capturing video from digital video cameras. If you go on vacation, take this computer, a Sony or Canon Digitial video cam and an Olympus digital camera and everyone on the trip can go home with CDs or DVDs of the trip.
Buy this machine if you want to replace your desktop, you don't need long bettery life (it gets about 2 hours max), and you want something portable but not light weight. The only thing missing is built in wireless but for about $50.00 you can get a wireless card that will do the trick. This computer has NEVER crashed unlike all previous computers (desktops from Gateway) that crashed frequently.
Only 4 stars because its heavy, has short battery life and missing built in wireless.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony VAIO PCG-FRV37 Laptop (2.80-GHz Pentium 4, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD-RW/CD-RW Drive)

Delivering all the power and most of the capabilities of a bulky desktop replacement notebook but in a less cumbersome package, Sony's freshly unveiled VAIO PCG-FRV37 Notebook is a smart choice for those who need a fast, cost-effective mobile computer.
By today's ever-decreasing standards, the VAIO PCG-FRV37 Notebook is slightly larger than average at 13 by 10.8 by 2.26 inches and 7.7 pounds It is, however, more powerful than many fixed PCs. Featuring a brawny 2.8 GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor with 512 KB Level 2 cache, a 533 MHz system bus, 512 MB DDR SDRAM memory (upgradeable to 1024 MB) and a 64 MB ATI Radeon IGP 345M graphics chipset (with 64 MB shared video memory), the unit will quickly carve through most any task it is given, including many 3-D games and applications.
The new VAIO PCG-FRV37 Notebook sports several advantages over older models in Sony's FRV series, including a larger 60 GB hard disk and both CD and DVD recording. You'll monitor your activities on a large 15-inch XGA TFT display capable of 1024x768 resolution.
Other amenities include an internal V.90 modem for low-speed e-communications, an Ethernet interface for high-speed connectivity, headphone and microphone ports, an 86-key QWERTY keyboard with electro-static touchpad, and a pair of stereo speakers with surround-sound imaging. Wireless connectivity is supported with an add-on wireless card. Home movie and digital picture buffs will appreciate the unit's trio of high-speed USB 2.0 ports and single IEEE 1394 interface, through which they can quickly transfer large amounts of data from external devices such as camcorders, digital cameras, scanners and external drives.
Sony has pre-installed an impressive variety of software, including Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Money 2004, Microsoft Works 7.0, and a broad array of audio, video and photo utilities. Potential users should note that the system is not particularly battery efficient -- maximum battery life expectancy is estimated at just 1.5 -- 2.0 hours.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Sony VAIO PCG-FRV37 Laptop (2.80-GHz Pentium 4, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD-RW/CD-RW Drive)

Read More...

HP Pavilion DM3-1030US 13.3-Inch Silver Laptop - Up to 6 Hours of Battery Life (Windows 7 Home Premium) Review

HP Pavilion DM3-1030US 13.3-Inch Silver Laptop - Up to 6 Hours of Battery Life (Windows 7 Home Premium)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is a beautiful machine. Check it out -- 4.2 lbs, 1" thick, Magnesium case, 7200 rpm HDD, spectacular HD display, 4 GB memory, 320 GB Hard Drive, Iconic keyboard Windows 7, 4 USB ports, HDMI port, great WiFi,etc. etc. All for under $600! It's astonishing. One begins to wonder what truck they steal these off of. Yes, my title is correct, "Macbook Killer." Look at the two machines side by side -- they are pretty much the same thing. Yes, the Macbook Pro has a backlit keyboard, ok. But the DM3 has an HDMI port, which means I can attach it to my HDTV and play Neflix or Itunes movies, or youtube, etc. in High Definition. Sure, it has no optical drive, but folks, cd's and dvd's are becoming old technology, and being replaced by thumb/jump drives. Even software will be coming on these. Actually, the DM3 weighs almsot a pound less than a Macbook by eliminating the optical drive, and the advantages of using an external drive are many. Keyboards are almost identical, case is a toss up, display's are similar, windows 7 vs. Snow Leopard has its plusses and minuses going both ways. Yes, the Macbook is more powerful for high intensity graphics, but if you are using your computer as most people do, you will not notice the difference. But the knockout comes at checkout: It is less than 1/2 the price of a similarly configured 13" Macbook Pro!
It is so far superior to any netbook that there is no comparison there. Yes, it's not perfect. It does re-charge slowly, and the trackpad takes some getting used to. But it has so many fantastic features, when you factor in the price, it is the best value out there in ultraportable computing.
I have been using portable computers since the mid-eighties when they were 25 pounds with tiny monochrome screens floppy drives and cost $3000. Now for under $600, they are 1/6th the weight, yet 100 times as fast with 3000 times the storage and much more functionality. Think about how amazing this is! You will love this little machine.

Click Here to see more reviews about: HP Pavilion DM3-1030US 13.3-Inch Silver Laptop - Up to 6 Hours of Battery Life (Windows 7 Home Premium)

For those who want full PC performance optimized for mobility, the HP Pavilion dm3 Entertainment series delivers in a surprisingly affordable, minimalist design. Its top and palm rest covers are made of brushed aluminum in Modern Argento gray, while its bottom casing is a magnesium alloy. The metal casing helps ensure maximum durability at minimal weight. The clean design is accentuated by an iconic keyboard. Powered by the latest ultra-low-voltage processor and mobile graphics technologies, it delivers optimal mobile performance to support your on-the-go lifestyle.Get up to 6 hours of life for extended use with the standard battery.Break free with the performance you need in a design you\'ll love (without the designer price tag).Set yourself apart with an ultra-thin design in colorized brushed aluminum.Get greater durability with lightweight aluminum-magnesium casing. Experience full-screen views of HD TV and movies with the 16:9 13.3-Inch diagonal display.Enjoy your photos and videos on HD TVs with the HDMI port (cable sold separately). Chat face to face with the HP Webcam and add fun special effects. Relax with extra protection from file loss due to drops with HP ProtectSmart. Enjoy easy access to your favorite entertainment with HP MediaSmart.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about HP Pavilion DM3-1030US 13.3-Inch Silver Laptop - Up to 6 Hours of Battery Life (Windows 7 Home Premium)

Read More...

MSI A6000-029US Laptop Notebook - 16" widescreen / Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 / 4GB Memory / 320GB HD / DVD±RW Drive / 802.11b/g/Draft-N / Built-in webcam / Windows 7 Home Premium Review

MSI A6000-029US Laptop Notebook - 16 widescreen / Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 / 4GB Memory / 320GB HD / DVD±RW Drive / 802.11b/g/Draft-N / Built-in webcam / Windows 7 Home Premium
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I purchased this laptop shortly after Windows 7 came out. I found a deal on it for $450 or so at Office Depot. I am not an avid Office Depot shopper (and actually used to work there), but I decided to check this out. I got the laptop, had everything setup relatively quickly, and realized that it came with Windows 7 32-bit installed (my lack of homework, but didn't turn out to be a problem). This is the one of only reasons (see next paragraph for other) I give this laptop a 4 star rating. Someone who is even moderately tech savvy can install Windows 7 64-bit with the exact same key, which is on the bottom of the laptop completely free and 100 percent Legal (Windows 7 keys allow for EITHER 32-bit or 64-bit installation). Some of the software for the computer that is on the disc is a bit more challenging to find the 64-bit drivers for, you will have to look for the 64-bit folder. This is worth the extra effort in my opinion. Google it and you will find plenty of forums if you need any help (especially on [...]).
Pros: This laptop for [...] bucks with 4GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, 16 inch wide screen, HDMI output, and 64-bit Processor and 64-bit Windows 7 (with a bit of work as said above), is clearly a steal! A brand that is lesser known in the mainstream market, because of less advertising, means you don't pay for the Dell, Apple, or Sony advertising. This is a well known brand in the motherboard industry.
Cons: The one problem I have noticed is that occasionally when it tries to hibernate it will not be able to come out of it. I just restart and everything is fine. I have avoided most of this problem by forcing my hard drive to stay on in the power settings. I know it has crashed when the power button LED does not flash anymore (which it normally does when its sleeping). This may be a Windows 7 thing, might be specific to Windows 7 64-bit, or may be the laptop. I am not 100 percent sure where this problem is coming from.
In repsonse to the reviewer talking about tech support and such. Obviously MSI support can only do so much when you haven't done all your research. In your review it even sounded like they answered all your questions and waived some of the cost for you. There were things you did not understand from the get go that you should have. This is not a case of poor MSI support, rather lack of customer due diligence. I am tired of customers rating the product poorly because they haven't done their homework. It sounded like this reviewer looked at a few laptops, chatted with a sales person at Office Depot for an hour, and thought he knew everything he needed to purchase a laptop. The Office Depot guy's job is to sell you a freaking laptop, NOT to do all your homework and make the best decision for you. He is going to have basic knowledge of the products for sale, not enough for you to make a great decision.

Click Here to see more reviews about: MSI A6000-029US Laptop Notebook - 16" widescreen / Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 / 4GB Memory / 320GB HD / DVD±RW Drive / 802.11b/g/Draft-N / Built-in webcam / Windows 7 Home Premium

This value-priced MSI A6000-029US notebook is ideal for everyday computing!With an Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 2.2 GHz processor and 4 GB DDR2 memory, the A6000-029US can handle your work and play-related commands with ease! Store your music, games, videos, and other critical data on the roomy 320 GB hard drive. Also, the easy-to-use Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system comes pre-installed!Upload, edit, transfer and store your digital files with ease using the built-in 4-in-1 card reader. Access CD and DVD media, backup data, and burn CDs and DVDs using the DVD RW DL drive. Whether you need the Internet for work or play, this MSI A6000-029US has you covered with NVIDIA nForce 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet LAN and 802.11b/g wireless LAN.Stay in touch with family and friends no matter where you are! Chat face-to-face over the Internet via the built-in 1.3 MP webcam! Connect this A6000-029US notebook to a big screen HDTV using the HDMI port! The generous 16-inch widescreen HD TFT display is great for movie watching, playing games, or working on spreadsheets! Order today! By law, California shipments of this product are subject to an $16.00 Electronic Waste Recycling Fee

Buy Now

Click here for more information about MSI A6000-029US Laptop Notebook - 16" widescreen / Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 / 4GB Memory / 320GB HD / DVD±RW Drive / 802.11b/g/Draft-N / Built-in webcam / Windows 7 Home Premium

Read More...

5/17/2012

Sony VAIO VGC-JS450F/S 20.1-Inch Silver All-in-One Desktop PC (Windows 7 Home Premium) Review

Sony VAIO VGC-JS450F/S 20.1-Inch Silver All-in-One Desktop PC (Windows 7 Home Premium)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
We just bought this computer at a Sony Lifestyle store in the Burlington, MA mall and we are very happy with it.
First, I did not experience any excessive fan noise mentioned from the other reviewer. It is so quiet, we have to strain to hear it. My guess is that he has a defective computer.
The other reviewer also said the mouse was small and cheap. Yes its on the smaller side, but while thats perfect for my 4 and 11 yr old, its not so small that it bothers my wife or I. And what he interpreted as 'cheap' feels great to us as it's light and easy to move around.
Other things we love
- The monitor is as bright and sharp as my 18 month old 19" Mac Desktop, which to me is quit an achievement. The graphics are absolutely gorgeous.
- With Windows 7, 500gig hard drive and 4 megs of ram, this computer is lightening fast.
- Blue ray player is a nice touch
- Windows 7 gives me great control over my kids usage which my wife and I love. There is a learning curve from XP but the experience has been enjoyable and positive so far.
- Its sleek design was a great replacement for our 5 yr old desktop running XP. Takes up very little space
We love it and would buy it again in a flash.
------------------------------------------------------
Jan 1 update
1) Regarding another reviewer's complaint that it doesnt come with a Windows 7 disc to use in case of virus problems, etc, when I called the Sony store I bought this computer from, they were very helpful and explained that if you click on the "VAIO Care" icon on your task bar, among other useful options you will see a choice for "creating backup disc". It will burn the entire Windows 7 Operating system as well as all the programs the computer originally came with onto DVD. This is the disk you use if you ever need to reinstall Windows or any of the programs the computer came with.
2) This computer came with a 64 bit version of Windows 7 which while faster than a 32 bit operating system, does not work with many of my older programs that worked well on XP (which is 32 bit). Also does not work with my $600 Canon laser printer forcing me to go buy a new printer. Many software and hardware manufacturers have not yet, and may never, create drivers or updates to accomodate this new 64 bit operating system. You may want to make sure that your critical software and peripherals will work with this new version of Windows.
3) Another reviewer complained that he cant get high def graphics. He must not have his monitor set to the highest resolution as mine is set to 1680 x 1050 which exceeds 1080 high def resolution. Also, judging small monitors by TV standards is irrelevant because you dont need 1080 to get a high def picture on a monitor this small. 1080 is only needed for high def on screens 32" and larger

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony VAIO VGC-JS450F/S 20.1-Inch Silver All-in-One Desktop PC (Windows 7 Home Premium)

Vaio js450f/s aio e5400 2.7g syst4gb 500gb bdrom 20.1in w7hp slvr

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Sony VAIO VGC-JS450F/S 20.1-Inch Silver All-in-One Desktop PC (Windows 7 Home Premium)

Read More...

Dell Inspiron 15 I15-156B 15.6-Inch Notebook PC - Pacific Blue Review

Dell Inspiron 15 I15-156B 15.6-Inch Notebook PC - Pacific Blue
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I wish I would have done a more comprehensive search of user feedback on the web rather than the professional reviews of this computer. Sure it's a good bargain, it seems fast and works ok but the piece that I missed was the overwhelming number of users who reported sticking keys. Guess what 18 days of using my computer keys began to not work. I was so upset, called Dell and they wanted me to replace the parts. They were happy to "walk me through" the process.....WHAT?! I have an 18 day old non working computer and Dell wants me to do the repairs??? I balked and then they agreed that since it was within 30 days they would send a tech out. Oh, the techs don't work evenings or weekends, and I don't have a flexible schedule.....so we set up an appointment at lunch, and the tech doesn't show, only to call me to tell me he is on his way at the point I have to be back at work.
It gets better. I am livid at this point, what a waste of money. I froze the charge since it was all so new. I call back Dell again and tell them that I froze the charge and want to send the computer back. Turns out I only had 21 days from PURCHACE to send it back. Doesn't matter I've only had the computer in my possession for 18 days; it was too late since I was over the 21 days. I could cry. On a limited budget I get a computer with keys that don't work and service techs that don't show up. By the way, the last Dell rep threatened to screw my credit up if I didn't pay.....got to love that....
Buyers beware. It's all so wrong on a number of levels.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Dell Inspiron 15 I15-156B 15.6-Inch Notebook PC - Pacific Blue



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Dell Inspiron 15 I15-156B 15.6-Inch Notebook PC - Pacific Blue

Read More...