Showing posts with label lightest laptop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lightest laptop. Show all posts

Dell Latitude D630 14.1-Inch Notebook PC - Silver

Dell Latitude D630 14.1-Inch Notebook PC - SilverI bought this laptop directly from dell Financial Services auction on ebay. I did not even know that they have it here on Amazon Marketplace too. Even though the description said manufacturer refurbished the laptop I received looked like new. It came with power adapter and a Dell Windows XP Reinstallation CD and built in Intel PROSet Wireless Card. Absolutely no bloatware is included.

Now this may not be a top of the line machine but it is pretty adequate for home and school or even Small Home Office use. The neat part is that once you boot up the machine for the first time it would automatically install Windows XP after going through some preliminary steps. It even gives you option to enter setup and configure things but you are better off leaving the machine alone to do its thing and install windows XP or whichever operating system it is bundled with unless you're techie. Once windows finishes installation you can pretty much install anything you want. I have so far installed Open Office, MS Office 2003, Firefox, Chrome, Avast Anti Virus, Trusteer Rapport security Software and many other productivity softwares and the machine boots up and runs smoothly.

It does not come with webcam so I installed Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000 and Microsoft Lifecam Cinema and either camera runs smoothly even on HD modes. I use Lifecam Cinema more often because it's stand is perfect fit for D630 bezel as opposed to the Quickcam Pro 9000's stand which tend to wobble.

I will advise you buy this laptop directly from Dell either here on Amazon Marketplace or on ebay where it is listed under Dell_Financial_Services. You will likely receive a laptop that will be like new but more importantly you will get 30 days warranty.

This laptop is of right price, size and specs: 14" bright LCD, 2GB Ram, 80GB harddisk space and 2GHZ Intel Dual Core processor that is more than adequate for most home, school and or Small Home Office use. It is sturdy and sleek looking too.

There is one thing that Dell scrimped on here: the tiny single speaker that is barely audible! I use an external Frisby USB laptop Speakers. I also use headphone when I am on the road. It is worthy to note that this tiny speaker belies a powerful sound card that only becomes apparent when you put on a headphone.

NB: Don't forget to switch on the wireless radio or you will not be able to use the wifi connection. The switch is on same side and next to the headphone jack. It is switched off by default. Once you switch it on it will detect a bunch of wifi hot spots including yours, if any. Select your SSID from the displayed options and enter your router's WEP Key and you will be good to go. I have at&t 2WIRE Wireless Gateway and the WEP Key is the ten digit number directly below the serial number located on the side or bottom of the router depending on whether it is standing vertically or lying on it's side. The built in wireless card is powerful. I highly recommend this laptop to anyone who may be on budget but not willing to compromise on quality and performance.

I got this laptop in a timely manner and it appears to be in excellent shape. However, when I had problems and called Dell tech support, they told me that the laptop owner had not transferred the laptop to me. Thus, I am unable to get help! I have contacted the seller requesting assistance with this, but have not heard back. When buying a laptop, be sure you get the ownership transferred to you.

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I bought two of these. The first one was in excellent condition, really impressive for a "refurb". So when hubby murdered his laptop by spilling a drink into it, I thought this D630 would be the perfect replacement for him. When it arrived, we were both a bit disappointed. It functions correctly but has a loose lid/screen that can wobble and some sticking keys and generally looks quite used. He's satisfied enough to keep it, partly because he doesn't want to be without one for any length of time, and partly because we've had positive experiences with off-lease Dells in the past even if they have a wart or two.

My personal disappointment was that after receiving the first one, I expected the same level of quality from the second one because at that time, it was sold by Amazon -not a marketplace refurb seller where you can never be sure of what you'll get until you open the box.

Read Best Reviews of Dell Latitude D630 14.1-Inch Notebook PC - Silver Here

If you buy one of these refurbished computers be sure to buy the warranty. The one I purchased only lasted 46 days which is 16 days past the 30 day return period. It quit working and it needs new screen ($600.00) and new battery. I didn't notice that you could buy a warranty when I bought it so I just wasted $300.00. Be sure you buy the warranty!

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I,ve been a pc tech for 20 years and my dell d630 is awsome the keyboard is a little worn but got one off of amazon for 18 dollars also i added 4gb of ram. Had to get a new harddrive i had the warranty but the sent me a new one quicly with no fuse or trouble my only regret is paying double from tigerdirect instead of buying from amazon i know next time.

Lenovo ThinkPad X230 Laptop Computer Convertible Tablet - Intel Core i5-3320M (3M Cache, up to 3.30

Lenovo ThinkPad X230 Laptop Computer Convertible Tablet - Intel Core i5-3320MI am badly disappointed in my Lenovo X230 Tablet. I received it and set about adding my standard programs with high expectations. At each shut down I had the standard messages from Microsoft updates asking not to shut down until the updates were complete. I had other updates run automatically. The result was the touchpad and fingerprint reader stopped working. After three calls to Lenovo Tech Support, many more updates of drivers, the system was not useable. I wiped the disk twice, reinstalled from the Lenovo resue disk, but again updates were required and I did them and had the same problem. It's not worth the time and trouble! Also, the edges of the touchscreen area are not sensitive and a finger touch will not pull out the menu nor will the pen in done cases.

Buyer beware of buying the new model until all updates are through being made.

HP Promo Compaq 625,ATHLON P340 CPU,15.6 HD Ag Led SVA,UMA,WEBCAM,3GB DDR3 RAM,3

HP Promo Compaq 625,ATHLON P340 CPU,15.6 HD Ag Led SVA,UMA,WEBCAM,3GB DDR3 RAM,3I ordered this laptop few days ago. We were so excited when the laptop arrived at our home, but the excitement did not last too long. It never got started. It took 3 hrs to appear Welcome screen and then half an hour later black screen appeared. Will not suggest anyone to buy this. It did not meet our expectations.

Great computer for a teenager who is starting to use computers. Good quality, runs good, keyboard is good, good audio. He loves it.

Buy HP Promo Compaq 625,ATHLON P340 CPU,15.6 HD Ag Led SVA,UMA,WEBCAM,3GB DDR3 RAM,3 Now

The HP 625 Notebook is a great piece of machine.

Pros

2.20 Dual core processor

320 gb Hdd

built in webcam & microphone

Cons

No status light to indicate CPU usage

PC runs a bit hot

Would have liked a true bright lcd (but thats just me)

Great machine cant complain

Read Best Reviews of HP Promo Compaq 625,ATHLON P340 CPU,15.6 HD Ag Led SVA,UMA,WEBCAM,3GB DDR3 RAM,3 Here

HP Pavilion DV4-1430US 14.1-Inch Entertainment Laptop

HP Pavilion DV4-1430US 14.1-Inch Entertainment LaptopBefore buying this laptop I had bought one from Gateway and it gave me so many problems that I couldn't stand it. I returned it to the store and my only other option for the same price was this laptop. I absolutely love it! Its 100x sturdier than the Gateway and much better looking with its lightup "HP" symbol and cool design. Also, the performance is just as good.

PROS

-durability

-style

-speed

-price

-hardware

-audio quality(high definition)

-ports (HDMI, eSATA, VGA, USB)

-comes with a remote

-battery life (over 2 hours of heavy use)

CONS

-runs hot

-seems to be a little buggy (video card driver crashes every once in a while but recovers itself after a few seconds. Reinstalling driver didn't fix the problem)

-there is no program that comes with the computer or from HP that allows the webcam settings to be changed (resolution, quality, etc)

Overall I LOVE this laptop though and I'm glad that I bought it regardless of its flaws. The value is amazing!

-

It seems like I have get a new laptop every two years, I've gone with Acer, Fujitsu ultraportable (and ultra expensive), Compaq, Toshiba, and now HP. Honestly, the HP wasn't my first choice, I wanted smaller and lighter, namely the dell latitude e4300 which is about 2 pounds lighter, 13" and $900 more. The dv3 wasn't light enough for me to justify the extra hundred and fifty dollars I would have had to spend for a 13" HP. When the dell failed to appear at my price range I knew I needed to make a new choice. Having previously had a nearly indestructible Compaq, I settled for this model when I was able to get it for $50 less than the going rate (about 150 off of the initial manufacturer's recommended price)about 5 months ago; so far I haven't been disappointed. Battery life is about 3:45, about what I expected based on reviews and the always inflated advertised life. There's always a 12 cell battery available if I wanted to upgrade. On the other hand I will use it mostly plugged in since I don't see this as a "light" or "portable" laptop, IMO to qualify for that category you can't top 3.5 lbs.

First the good stuff:

Mine doesn't run hot at all (apparently it was a problem with some dv4 models then fixed by HP) This is HUGE as I exclusively use my laptop in my lap; my compaq ran hot, the acer was unbearable, the fujitsu was so so.

I have recently taken to using a lap desk with it, and with a hard surface underneath I rarely hear the fan, even after hours of use.

The biggest plus though, it has more than enough power to do anything I want it to (I am currently running 29 tabs in Firefox, something that alone would have killed my last computer, MS Word, a remote desktop connection). The Adobe CS4 tests seemed solid for this class of laptop which went a long way in selling me on this model. In the end I switched from CS4 to Lightroom so I don't need as much processor power, but it is nice to know that it is more than enough machine to handle my hobby usage.

I don't expect instant boot but it is fast enough for me to turn on and pull up a document without becoming a painful wait for my client on the other end of the phone.

I like the fact that the DVD is removable and an insert is provided for travel/etc to get the weight lower. My Fujitsu had this and it made a huge difference when I used the insert (I took that laptop with me everywhere, every day, so it had to be super light) I have yet to use this feature on the HP but I have yet to travel with it either.

I am not a big video on PC person, but the few netflix streamed movies I've watched have been sharp and pretty with decent sound. The screen and keyboard are both comfortably sized without being huge. I love the HDMI option and the fact that the usb ports are on both the left and the right.

Finally the cons:

I seem to have problems with the touchpad when working in remote desktop, if a review of the dv4-1433 is correct, the pad is sensing the heat from my hands and the cursor ends up jumping around. Oddly I don't have this issue as frequently when not working remotely. The ability to turn the touchpad off adequately compensates for and solves this issue when necessary.

The shiny surface of the brown version of this machine (slightly different model number) can be a major fingerprint magnet. I happened to like the white better and luckily it hides fingerprints somewhat (not as much as a matte surface machine, but way better than the brown one)

Buy HP Pavilion DV4-1430US 14.1-Inch Entertainment Laptop Now

I bought this laptop right before my first semester (Fall 2009)of college for school stuff. And eventually I wanted it to replace my main computer (running Linux I was tired of the hassle). Its had its problems: the screen went out within the first year and the charger stopped charging are the big ones I can think of. But HP has a warranty for the 1st year to the screen was fixed quickly and freely! As for the charger, that was my fault this laptop has been dropped sooo many times, and a few on the charging plug while it was charging. But this problem was also fixed quickly and freely due the the extended warranty I bought. So its been almost 3 years, I'm still running vista because I didn't want to upgrade. As far as wear and tear the left/right buttons are starting to lose their metallic finish, but after 3 years of heavy daily use I think that's excusable.

Read Best Reviews of HP Pavilion DV4-1430US 14.1-Inch Entertainment Laptop Here

My sister needed a basic laptop to run Powerpoint and use web based apps like gmail, google docs, etc. And take it on the road while making presentations to customers. A netbook was tempting but she needed the DVD unit so we chose this one instead. It is slow, but that was fixed by turning off many unnecessary Windows Vista services that just consume too much CPU power. After tweaking Vista (it took about 2 hours, you can google the term "Tweak Windows Vista" and get to a great site with the proper info) we manage to run it very fast. We also did a clean install of Windows XP and it works even better. At that point we got what we wanted: a Netbook with god battery life and a DVD unit all for less that $499 after rebates. For $499 a good value. For $700 it is a bit overpriced as at that price point the basic Macbook at $999 is a better option hardware wise.

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I had high hopes for this computer, but it has given me nothing but trouble. I've had it for a year and a half now. During the first year, the computer went through a phase where it would just shut down for no reason. The sound card would also turn off intermittently, as would the sound control. The battery died the day the warranty expired. I'd been having trouble with the CD player for a while, but it would play some CD/DVD if I got lucky. I didn't use it that often. Now the CD drive is not working at all, and none of the fixes suggested in the support pages work.

The cover also gets very easily scratched.

Dell Latitude E5420 14" LED Business Notebook / Intel Core i3-2350M / Genuine Windows 7 Home, 64-bi

Dell Latitude E5420 14' LED Business Notebook / Intel Core i3-2350M / Genuine Windows 7 Home, 64-bit / 2.0GB, DDR3 RAM / 250GB 5400RPM Hard Drive / 8X DVD+/-RW / WebCamI contacted the seller regarding this laptop in advance to make sure it did, in fact, come with a webcam, and when it arrived; everything was as expected. Packaged in OEM Dell boxes I was quite happy.

To greatly improve performance, I'd recommend pulling the 2gb ram out and replacing with 8gb (2x4gb) or 16gb (2x8gb) of ram; it really will make a big difference with the I3 processor...

For the price; can't really beat it for a NEW system.

It's fast but heavy. I did not realize that there was no camera. Screen is fine. But still it is good for the price.

Buy Dell Latitude E5420 14" LED Business Notebook / Intel Core i3-2350M / Genuine Windows 7 Home, 64-bi Now

HP Compaq NC6220 Notebook Computer (Off-Lease)

HP Compaq NC6220 Notebook ComputerI recently received this computer but I ordered one exactly like it a month prior from a different seller. I found that the computer was fine except I didn't receive a backup disk for microsoft like the first one. The battery was great tho but the computer had some softwear that probably shouldn't have had.. ( should have been wiped clean). I wish it did have a registered back up disk. The computer works fine.. just a bit dissapointed.

Lenovo IdeaPad U260 08763CU 12.5-Inch Ultraportable Laptop (Mocha Brown)

Lenovo IdeaPad U260 08763CU 12.5-Inch Ultraportable LaptopI have had the U260 for a few weeks now and have nothing but good things to say about it. The fit and finish is excellent. The keyboard is one of the best notebook keyboards I have ever typed on. I use this notebook for work often and a good keyboard is frankly hard to come by in the notebook world. Also, the low weight is a huge plus for dragging this machine to and from the office. The performance is great for my purposes. I don't game, but I do use Netflix streaming and occasionally run memory intensive programs for work purposes. The U260 handles these tasks with ease. The notebook runs much cooler than previous laptops I have owned with no noticeable fan noise. I had originally purchased an HP dm3 directly from HP. I returned the dm3 as it came brand new out of the box with a screen bezel that had separated from the screen back. Upon return, HP sent a new dm3. The right touch pad button of the replacement ceased to function after only 2 days of use. I ended up getting a refund and upon further searching found the U260. I can't begin to describe how much better the U260 is than the dm3.

Less than 5 months after receiving this computer I had issues with the lcd display. I sent the computer to Lenovo for repair. Everything was covered under the warranty and they guaranteed me a 6 day turn around time after they receved the machine. However, due to a parts shortage the wait was more like 8 weeks. Once it was sent backed to me I immediatly noticed severally flaws on the machine that were not there prior to sending it for repair. There were dead pixels throughout the display. The casing on the side of the screen was loose, and the computer would autimatically restart every time I booted it up. I called Lenovo, and as of now i am waiting for a call from their management for a full refund.

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This review is not so much for the consumer, as I doubt anyone is still looking to purchase this over-rated, over-priced item. I would just like the manufacturer to know how I feel about being stuck with their product and Lenovo's website doesn't offer a persistent review feature.

Yeah, the laptop looks good on the outside. Looks aside, I'm disappointed in it after having it for less than two years.

To beat a dead horse, the battery life is essentially non-existent... maybe enough for you to unplug the laptop and go to the library and locate an open socket.

Also, the keyboard trim--as also previously noted--has started to (and/or possibly has been) warp.

So, yeah, it's great getting compliments for a nice-looking laptop; but it doesn't function up to par and I fear it is starting to materially degrade. Maybe I'll leave it on my desk as an ornament as I complete my work with a more functional laptop.

Read Best Reviews of Lenovo IdeaPad U260 08763CU 12.5-Inch Ultraportable Laptop (Mocha Brown) Here

I first saw this laptop at Fry's and couldn't believe that something like this could be made by lenovo. It's kind of soft to the touch but at the same time surface doesn't get dirty. Exterior design of this thing is amazing, no apple or any other laptop I've seen are even close. I bought this for my wife and it's worked just fine for her for a year now. Battery life is too short for an ultra-portable, if you keep the screen at full brightness you will get around 2 hours of continuous use. It gets very hot at times which doesn't affect the performance much but can be uncomfortable. It looks like trim around the keyboard is starting to peel a little bit.

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Toshiba Computer Systems - Satellite 15.6" Laptop - 4gb Memory - 640gb Hard Drive AMD A8-series Pro

Toshiba Computer Systems - Satellite 15.6' Laptop - 4gb Memory - 640gb Hard Drive AMD A8-series ProcessorThis budget laptop has some nice features for the money. It's got a good size hard drive (640GB) and 4GB of RAM, and it's reasonably fast. It also has a nice bright 15" screen. But I just can't get past the horrible sounding speakers. Now I know the speakers on most laptops are terrible. But these are by far the worst I've ever heard. The SRS Premium Sound HD option that comes with this laptop improves the sound SLIGHTLY. But even when using that option, the speakers still sound very tinny and trebly...to the point where I can't even listen to them anymore. Because they actually grate on and cause a very unpleasant sensation in my ears. After just a few days, I had to buy some Logitech multimedia speakers to use as a replacement speaker system for this laptop. Also, after just a few days, I've noticed that the mouse freezes up sometimes. I guess it's like anything else...you get what you pay for. But despite its positive attributes, I can't recommend this product.

Apple MacBook MB881LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop (OLD VERSION)

Apple MacBook MB881LL/A 13.3-Inch LaptopMy review... take it for what it is... mine. (I provide my story so that you can see why I purchased this computer. If you don't care, don't read the review).

To me, Mac always seemed like it would take a leap of faith. Having had very little interaction with Macs and even less knowledge about them, I was set to be a Windows boy for life. However, recently I found out that I will be going on a ship that is gone all of the time (I'm in the Navy). Needing to have my kids see me reading books to them and me needing to see my kids, I planned on leaving my current laptop with my wife and getting a new one for me (she doesn't care about electronics). This way we could create DVDs and send them to each other for our kids and myself. I went into a store looking to spend not too much and was attracted by the HP entertainment laptops. However... when looking at a $ laptop I knew I would have to add an anti-virus ($-$) and a movie making program ($-$). The guy at the store told me that for what I was looking at in price I should check out the Macs.

Low and behold... there were the Macs. Each sitting there, looking different, and pricey. I was then told about iLife and how I would be able to use iMovie to make my movies, iChat to chat with my family on webcam, iPhoto to import and fix up pictures, and other stuff. WoW! My previous experience with the Windows based programs of this nature was that you'd be better off buying these types of software than using what was included by the computer. However, the sales guy, who was not on commission, swore by them. Also, Macs don't need anti-virus software to boot! I was sold when he told me the difference in the customer satisfaction index when comparing Macs and all of the other computer makers.

I took the plunge.

As you can see from my stars... I'm glad I did. I will NEVER go back to a windows based PC. EVER. While this computer has a few cons, which I will list later, it is much better than what you can get for the same price as far as a PC. Here is what I liked:

The Exterior:

This computer is small. Its compact, it feels really sturdy, and its stylish. There is an apple on the back that lights up from the light of the LCD screen, pretty neat. Also, the keys have just the right punch for those of us that know how to type. The F keys also double for the bright level of the screen, the feature expose (which is outstanding!), and movie stop, go, vol, etc. There is an eject button next to the F12, which works well with this type of drive.

The Interior: iLife is a great program. All of the stuff that comes with it will ensure that unless you need something very very professional you won't have to buy any software. Home videos are awesome with this thing. I can't really compare Leopard to the previous operating systems... since this is my first mac... but I can tell you that it kicks vista's butt. An example; I wanted to hook up my printer, which has only been used on Windows PCs before, and I plugged it in. That's it. I plugged it in and it worked. No drivers, no software, nothing. As soon as I plugged it in and click to make it my default printer it was printing. HOLY COW! THIS IS WHAT I'VE BEEN MISSING! Since I've started using my Mac I have had ZERO "trying to find a solution to the problem" pop ups, ZERO "this program has stopped working", ZERO freezes, ZERO compatibility issues with current hardware (external drive of music and wireless network), and ZERO defects found.

Now the cons:

1) 120 GB hard drive... Yes its easy to hook up the "time machine" or to keep all of your photos or movies on an external hard drive, but for a company that has a 120 GB MP3 player that's just over $... come on!

2) The mouse pad doesn't let you double click for actions to occur. You have to push the button. As a lifetime Windows user this took some getting used to. However... you can scroll up and down easily by using two fingers. I've enjoyed this so much that I'm going to call it a draw :)

3) No multimedia slot for media card, etc. Apple! What are you doing?!?! Its a simple thing to install and it make it much easier for me so that I don't have to always remember where that stupid USB cord that hooks my camera to my computer is. I'd much rather take the card out and insert it.

That's all of my cons.

Once again... I LOVE THIS MAC. On the 2 GB of RAM that it has it works just as well as a windows PC with 4 or more GB. That's because the OS is designed better and the processes don't bog it down. The processor is fast enough to where this seems faster than my wifes 2.4 gHZ laptop (of course that is in conjunction with other aspects of the computer). The colors are great, and the system is great. You WILL have the "Mac Learning Curve" as I was told... it takes about 4-5 hours to get used to and 10-15 to really get to know, but its worth it. Plus, Apple puts videos on each function so that when you open it, it explains how to use it.

I took the leap of faith, and now I'm a believer. So long windows!!! Never again! Spend the extra - bucks... you'll save it anyway by not having to get the anti-virus and having all the stuff you need on it. Oh, and go to after you get your Mac. Its a non-profit site that I've started using to help me learn the system and it's great.

FIVE STARS!

***UPDATE***

Still using this MacBook and still loving it. I've gotten really good with what it has to offer and am still amazed at how easy it is to use compared to Windows based PCs. The iLife 09 software (incl) has proven itself very useful and works well with other software. An example, Photoshop works well with iPhoto. I haven't run into any wall and still recommend it with 5 stars.

This is my first mobile Mac and I like it. I had spent more than a few hours pondering the decision of which MacBook to get and I feel that I picked the right one for my needs.

This White 2.0 MacBook is a terrific combination of price and features: you can expect similar performance to the uni-body Aluminum 2.0 MacBooks, but $100s cheaper. Plus, this MacBook comes with FireWire and uses cheaper DDR2 ram. Only significant trade off that I can see is losing the uber-cool uni-body design. Less significant is not getting the uni-Body's LED backlight, multi-touch, and some monitor support.

Comparing this MacBook to previous generation MacBooks (non-unibody); the change to the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M will provide a large boost in graphics performance over the Intel units. Supposedly, this is new hardware that OS X 10.6 will be able to take further advantage of.

Overall performance has surprised me. I had planned to drop in 4GB of ram and a 7200 rpm hard drive, but I am so pleased with the operation that I just don't see the need. I use it for web browsing, iPhoto, Mail, Word, Excel, etc. So far I have not experienced any stutters or pauses. If I were to run Vista apps or edit HD video, I am sure that this might change the need for more ram.

Regarding comfort, I have not noted any heat build-up, nor is there excessive fan noise. Keep in mind that I haven't taxed it much. The overall build quality seems fine.

Through the years I usually bought from Apple's refurb store, but I am am very pleased with this purchase and feel that I received an excellent value.

Follow-up Feb 26, 2009: "Still 5 Stars"

After several weeks of use on a daily basis, I continue to be impressed by this product and just how much OS X has advanced (and I am also a very heavy XP/Vista laptop user in my professional life). Everything just comes together so well and this MacBook's performance continues to surprise me. I just slammed it pretty hard by applying facial recognition to our 12,000+ piece iPhoto library and it just works great. Apple sure made up some ground in the last couple years.

Buy Apple MacBook MB881LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop (OLD VERSION) Now

My first Apple was an Apple II Plus way back in 1980. Those five hundred dollar each 5.25 drives still haunt me. Then came 1985 and I switched to Microsoft and sold my box of Apple stuff. Since then I have been a Windows user both personally and professionally, finishing up a third career as a systems person managing hundreds of installations, servers etc etc. Upon retirement (who else has three laptops and five desktops running Linux, XP, Vista, and now OS X) I began to dabble once again in the Apple world. I think it was Vista that pushed me over the edge; Vista and all the evildoers who try to infect our PC machines with viruses and malware. Dante should have a new circle of Hell for them.

First I tried a MacMini to try out the operating system. It wasn't easy to upgrade but I did it--bigger HD and more memory. I love that little machine and it was cheap.

Then my old Toshiba laptop began to exhibit signs of death. Time for a decision. I could continue to use my test box Dell laptop D600 (solid machine) with three swapping HD's--Linux, XP, and FreeBSD (yeah, I know), or make the switch to Apple for good.

Being retired and semi-poor, I researched and went with this new MacBook White 2.0. First you just have to upgrade the HD and memory, but that is easy and cheap. The Momentus 320/7200 and some Crucial memory are the way to go, and your total cost is only about 130 bucks. Using SuperDuper to clone the drive is dead easy.

The MacWhite is kinda ugly, no doubt about it. Even my wife who is a very practical, no nonsense computer user and never cares what a computer looks like as long as it works, said it was an ugly little thing, yes? And yes, for the same bucks you can get a seemingly faster PC laptop with bigger screen. But hey, for a bigger screen, I use my MacMini on a nice old 19inch LCD. Laptops are for laps, for traveling, for packing around, and for daily use. If you can only afford one and want both, then by all means spend a couple of grand and get the big one with 17inch screen.

Overall I like the following: OS is a dream to use; ergonomics the best, software better than most and no time wasted on all that junk that you have to do to keep XP/Vista safe and running smoothly. Could that be the Unix ancestry? I think so. Weight and size are just fine for my needs. It is portable and connects quickly to foreign and domestic networks. I like the firewire that they kept, and the superdrive they added. I like the keyboard and ease of cleaning the case.

Things I would change if Apple hired old computer guys from the trenches: keypad on this model probably not as cool as that on the more expensive model; a black model would cost so much to offer for the same price; the display okay but again probably not as cool as the 1250 dollar model of the same machine with the aluminum case and backlit screen. Which has a smaller carbon footprint--polycarbonate or aluminum? Who knows. It seems tough and probably won't dent.

If you want good guts, though, and aren't a fashion conscious poser, then this is the box for you. Take the 3 or 4 hundred dollar savings and buy some extra goodies--bluetooth mouse, case, and some software plus upgrades and you will be much happier.

If you want a gamer, go upscale or get a high-end PC. I have Fusion on my MacMini and the Vista package only gets used about once a month. I may try the boot camp routine on this laptop if Windows 7 is worth anything, then again, by then I may be totally brainwashed and have only Linux and OS X.? Ubuntu sure has come a long way.

The price schedule could be improved for Apple products but then again, sometimes even a used Lexus is a better deal than a new Chevy.

I give it 4.5 stars. Good luck and enjoy your Macbook.

P.S. Oh yes, there are lots of good videos, training materials etc to get you from PC to Mac. And one last thing: their delete key is too bizarre: it is really a backspace key, but you can fool it into becoming a PC delete key by holding down the fn key while you use it, then it goes forward like we old PC geeks are used to seeing.

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I have been a long time Windows user and have switched to Apple Leopard. I finally got so fed up with the Vista operating system that I ordered a Mac Book from Amazon. I received the package on time, the ordering process was painless just a few clicks. I got a newest version of this laptop. Not really knowing what to expect from this little laptop, I was pleasantly surprised that the learning curve is a lot easier than I thought it would be. I am very impressed with the way this laptop works, it is fast, it looks fantastics, and oh, my God, it turns on quicker. I have had Vista for a long time and sometimes I had to sit and wait for the operating system to start up (as long as 12 minutes timed). This one is ready to go in about 30 seconds, got to love it.

I am very impressed with the service I got from Amazon I'll be a long time customer!!

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It hardly needs to be said that Apple computers are superior and, consequently, one expects a great deal from them. The MacBook is certainly a significant upgrade from its predecessors. As compared to the iBook, it is physically a great improvement, thinner, lighter even, despite the wide screen, nifty magnetic power attachment, better catch, more solid keyboard, and there are numerous software features itemized in the product description and other reviews. However, I should like to point out several flaws in the MacBook, which, though not serious, are important enough for me to rate the product with only four stars, even though I love it and think it's great. These are:

1. The bottom edge of the MacBook is quite sharp unlike that of the iBook, which was smoothly rounded. When you rest your palms on it it to use the trackpad, it is not at all comfortable.

2. The high gloss screen may be nice, but if you are using the computer seated in a chair with a reading light behind you, there is an annoying glare.

3. I have had trouble with uncontrolled scrolling, the thing fairly frequently takes off wildly on its own. I never had this problem with the iBook; perhaps it's only a flaw in my particular MacBook.

4. I have a problem with AppleWorks freezing frequently, although it unfreezes if you press "save". Nevertheless, I never had this occur with the iBook.

5. Lastly, one might expect the MacBook to load faster than the iBook. Sorry, it just doesn't; if anything it loads a trifle slower. This is perhaps a reason for buying the more expensive model.

These complaints are not major and there are so many advantageous features to the MacBook, including price, that I nevertheless strongly recommend it. --By the way I encourage the user to try the really great speech feature; let your Mac read a book to you from Text Edit or from the Adobe Acrobat Reader. (You can download free practically every classic you can think of from ) I am totally in love with the Vicki MacInTalk synthetic voice!

Dell D620 Laptop Duo Core with Windows XP

Dell D620 Laptop Duo Core with Windows XPThe Dell Latitude line of notebooks are well built business machines. The Latitudes and XPS lines are a tier higher than the entry-level Inspiron Series.

The case is constructed of metal with plastic trim along the LCD monitor. There are 4 USB ports which allow for a variety of peripherals to be attached such as portable hard drives. There is a headphone and microphone jack and an outlet for a monitor. The keyboard is comfortable to the touch. In addition to the mousepad, there is a pointing stick with 2 buttons below the space key, allowing for either to control the cursor. The 'spill proof' keyboard is one of the biggest assets (I have only spilled a drink on it once, where I just wiped off the keyboard without a problem in function).

The WIFI capabilities is reliable and easy to set up. The hard drive is quiet, as is the optical drive. The strike zone hard drive is resistant to light drops.

Performance of the notebook is excellent with the Dual Core processors. This notebook easily handles virus scanning, working on a MS Office document, internet browser and listening to music without any problem. The integrated graphics allows for basic games like Tiger Woods Golf, Mafia, NHL Hockey, the Godfather, for example.

Battery life is very good for the 6 cell (about 4 hours).

One of the greatest attractions that I have for this line of notebooks is the lack of 'bloatware' unnecessary programs that are installed into your computer (trial programs, multiple internet service providers, advertisements, etc).

Overall, with a spill resistant keyboard and drop zone hard drive, this notebook will take the daily knocks of the regular commuter. This is no Panasonic Toughbook but it will survive your daily use.

VERDICT

Highly recommend this notebook.

I purchased the D620 for my daughter in college when her 2 yr old HP notebook died due to an overheating problem (long story). After verifying that the D620 worked properly by connecting to the internet and installing XP SP 3, I moved over one of the RAM chips (for a total of 1.5 GB) and the harddrive from the HP. I then installed Windows 7 and recovered her data files (I didn't really expect a college student to use the flash drives that I gave her for backups). Finally, I installed software including Office 7. Throughout the process the D620 performed flawlessly. I tested it by running DVDs, Office apps and videos over the internet (after I set up a wireless connection). This is one fine notebook, very fast and with a good display. Its only "short comings" are obvious from the specs, i.e., no web cam, no media slots and no DVD burner. But these are clearly minor issues given the price.

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I didn't have a lot of money to spend on a computer and all of the chain stores that I had gone into to buy a computer did not have the service or the selection that I wanted. I was hesitant to purchase a computer "on-line" but now I am glad that I did. The computer was exactly what I wanted (Amazon gives you more information up front on what you are purchasing than any other place that I had tried), and I received it within two days. I have not had one problem or complaint. Well done.

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I used the same laptop at work for the about the last 3 years, and it is a work horse. I can buy a brand new commercial laptop for couple hundred bucks more, but I wanted the reliability of the professional business laptop. I have to say this used business machine Laptop works well except for 3 problems: First, the battery only lasts 5 minutes, second, the DVD burner drive work sporadically (DVD door doesn't eject consistently, and it doesn't always detect the DVD or CD in it). Handed the laptop to my 11 year old daughter few weeks after purchase (Christmas gift), so I did not find out about these problems until 2 month after purchase. Contacted the seller, but the warrantee had expired after 30 days of purchase, so I have to buy a battery and drive on my own. Third thing, the XP pro operating system was loaded on the computer, but the recovery disks were not included; I hope the hard the hard drive doesn't crash sometime soon.

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To read one of the other reviews one would think the reviewer is talking about a completely different machine. My family has two of these and we have experienced none of the problems that the other reviewer has mentioned. XP is a very stable platform and we'll see if Windows Seven will live up to the hype. As far as poor sound I wonder compared to what? I've had several different laptops and netbooks and they sound tinny compared to the D620. Besides, I hook the machine up to external powered speakers to listen to my music library.

Let's face it. If Dell built poor quality equipment they wouldn't be in business as long as they have been.

This is one great piece of equipment.DELL LATITUDE D620 14.1" WXGA

Apple MacBook MC240LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop

Apple MacBook MC240LL/A 13.3-Inch LaptopA few months ago I purchased an iMac from Amazon, my first Mac by the way. I could have not been more pleased. I am a student learning computational science and I wanted to become familiar with all the major systems: windows, Mac and Linux. I have been a frustrated Windows user for many years and was pleased with the Mac. Recently I just purchased this Macbook for mobile computing. I spend most my time away from my apartment and wanted a Mac to work on when I am on the go. This computer is perfect, the size and weight is just right for carrying around everywhere. Compared to my Windows based laptops I get over three hours of battery life, which is perfect for me.

The power of the Macbook is perfect for daily computing and basic development. The addition of the Nividia graphics cards adds a lot to photo, video and light gaming. I am also very pleased that Apple did not increase the price when they added the faster 2.13GHz chip and expanded the hard drive space. Originally I was going to purchase one of the new aluminum Macbooks just for the better performance but the recent addition of this computer changed all that. I am going to keep this review short because I wrote a longer one for the iMac I purchased. If you need a mobile computer that is not being used for extreme gaming and extensive video editing then this computer would be perfect for you. As I mentioned it compliments my studies in programming and also allows me to work with the Adobe Web Premium bundle without a problem. Furthermore you can increase the RAM to 4 GB for about $60 from Crucial.com; they have videos to show you how, and it is not that difficult. Even though I love Amazon and usually make all my major purchases through them I will say that if you are a student you can buy this Macbook for less through Apple and receive a free ipod Touch until September, just something to keep in mind. However, if you do not need an iPod avoid paying tax and purchase through Amazon.

This is an update to my earlier review of this Macbook. I was unaware at the time I purchased this that a new less expensive Macbook Pro 13" was being released. I really wanted one of the unibody Macbooks but because of the cost I went with this computer. However, with the release of the new Macbook Pro 13" I was able to return this computer and upgrade to the unibody. My review of this Macbook still stands and I was very happy with it but with the lower price on the new Macbook Pro coupled with the student discount that deal could not be beat! If you can afford the additional cost roughly $100 for student and $200 for non-student, I would recommend the Macbook Pro 13", you will get more bang for your buck. The white Macbook is still a good investment if you need to keep your cost below $1000.

As a 2nd time owner of a MacBook (my previous MacBook Pro purchased last September) I am amazed at the huge package you get for such a little price. At the Apple Store, I was able to purchase a newly released product (3 days old) for less than Amazon (949.00 with the student or teacher discount, and they didn't even ask for proof) charges and until September 2009 it includes a free iPod Touch. (Or any iPod valued up to 229.00). I compared the specs side by side to my Pro and found it to be almost completely caught up, except for the video card and display screen size. Even the memory had a faster bus! My Pro is still working great, but my husband needed something mostly for school. The glossy display is gorgeous and the slightly smaller resolution than the Pro goes unnoticed. I have the Pro for photography and graphic design but this little MacBook can handle those as well if it really needed to, what with all the extra processing speed. (2.4 vs 2.13).

Overall a tremendous value and a power packed little computer. For an entry level, I think it is loaded with a ton of power to stay ahead for the next few years. Even the Mac "pro" at the store recommended it over some of the more expensive ones due to my husband primarily using it for Office programs and internet based with some photos and music on the side. I'm confident there isn't anything this little Macbook white couldn't do that my Pro could.

P.S. Play with all the menus in the apple icon on the LH top for the most personalized experience. This includes touch pad "gestures" letting you use finger combinations to scroll, right click, turn pages, etc; hotspots that let you make a program or app come up just by going to a deep corner of the screen; Spaces, which lets you have multiple applications running on several screens that you can hop between so your windows are more organized; and many more options. Don't be afraid to try stuff with menu options, you won't break it!

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Had I written this review, say a half-year ago, I would have undoubtedly given the Macbook 5 stars. I took it with me to college after my previous laptop an Acer Aspire failed me horribly. My Aspire had an issue with overheating, which only presented itself after my warranty expired. The cost of repairing it was not worth it when compared to getting a new laptop that was smaller, lighter, more powerful, and more capable of multi-tasking (more RAM).

I come from a family that has been using Macs for over a decade, although I myself preferred Windows computers...up until Windows Vista came out. We had many Macs around the house growing up since my parents use Macs in their office, and I was never really impressed with the Apple Operating System, so I had doubts about the Macbook. But since the Macbook is loaded with 2GB RAM and an Intel processor, you can run BOTH Mac AND Windows operating systems with ease. I therefore figured worse comes to worst, I'll use my Macbook as a laptop to run Windows XP with. I used it very heavily in college and it served me very well. It's light weight allowed me to easily carry it from class to class, its included photo and video editing software gave me hours of productivity, and perhaps best of all, it was reliable! I really loved my Macbook and would like to give it 5 stars...but...

My sister, who was in graduate school, also got a Macbook at the same time I got mine. Her laptop fared well, up until the end of last year. For some reason, the laptop started getting buggy...it'd freeze, it would overheat, it became a major nuisance. We've reformatted several times, hoping that would solve the problems, but to no avail. I HIGHLY recommend getting the AppleCare protection plan. We regrettably didn't, and really don't feel like forking over the money to repair the Macbook since she doesn't use it much anymore anyway. But our attempt to save money by not getting the protection plan will end up costing us more money now, should we choose to repair the laptop! The experience with our second, identical Macbook, is why I have to give 3 stars instead of 5 for an otherwise strong performance product, that can run both Windows and Mac, that comes bundled with a lot of great software, and that looks really cool (especially on a college campus where almost everyone has Macs!)

A last note...I have more recently purchased the sleeker Macbook, and would like to emphasize that while its construction is nicer, and it doesn't look as cheap as this plastic one, I still think this is a good deal. If you're looking to "wow" people and can splurge, get the newer model, but if you are looking for a powerful laptop and don't care too much about having the latest build, this one is just fine. I still use my plastic one even though I have the newer (cooler-looking!) one.

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My wife purchased this great machine for me and I'm a happy camper. It is as fast wireless as hard wired and small enough to carry anywhere but big enough to still be used in comfort. Good-bye PC machines.

I can and will recommend an Apple MacBook for all the reasons all Apple users state. Be a friend to the environment and buy an Apple

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I am in love with my laptop. I love the highly intuitive nature of a mac. I never have to troubleshoot with a mac, the way i had to on a daily basis with a pc laptop. Each new laptop that comes out is faster and more fully loaded than the last. Each new laptop the comes out also seeks to correct some issues that the previous model had.

This particular model has an issue with heat. The computer gets so hot it will burn your legs if you actually use it on your lap. The excessive heat also causes hairline fractures in the encasement around the fan in the back. After the fractures have shown up, dirt is attracted, and then you have dirty looking cracks all over the back of your computer. The most annoying problem with this model is the encasement cracking and breaking off from the wrist resting area, leaving an exposed rough and sharp edge. It is difficult to get apple to replace this, as it is not a default, but wear and tear according to them. Its been a major issue among users of this model. I suggest getting a skin to protect the area, I use Moshi PalmGuard Macbook 13-inch Unibody and 13-inch Pro Palmrest Protector Silver and it has prevented my palm area from cracking this time around for over a year now.

Overall this machine is an excellent product. Once you go Mac, you wont go back.

Compaq Presario CQ61-410US 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black)

Compaq Presario CQ61-410US 15.6-Inch LaptopI just received this nice 15.6" notebook and I admit that I like it! The sound is great. The keypad is really handy when you need it. And the reponse of this computer is satisfying with windows 7 loaded.

However, pictures in its product page might be a deceiving. Although they are shown in the pics, this model does NOT come with a webcam and HDMI. I was surprised when I opened the box and found this truth. Hence, I further digged into the specification sheet and found that I was wrong. Beware, if you think this is really a steal with a webcam and HDMI for this low price, you may just make a mistake like what I did.

In all, I do not regret my decision of buying it at all. You can buy a netbook for $299.99. But I will pay a little bit more to go with this notebook ($379.99) with full capability, faster processing speed and a DVD burner in trade of the mobility. Now, I am going return my cute but slow netbook...

I am not a computer geek so will skip the technical mumbo-jumbo and give the laymans review... It works good. Ive had it for a couple weeks now and I have no complaints. Everything runs fast and smooth. The moniter is big and bright and clear. For what I do (web surfing, photo editing, media streaming) it works great. Also, I gotta say that I love Windows 7. To me it is a big leap forward from my previous operating system Windows XP.

*** UPDATE*** (4/6/11)I've had this laptop for over a year now and still works as good as the day I bought it. I love it.

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Great computer with HD Screen, the new Windows 7 so user friendly, and I love the expanded keyboard with numbers set off to the side. I was looking at laptops twice the price ($600-$700) when I saw this one pop up on the best sellers list for Amazon. The only difference between the higher price notebooks and this Compaq is that it does not have a webcam or 4 GB of memory it only has 2 but is expandable to 4. You can't get a better laptop for the price $379. Very happy with my purchase!

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Compaq Presario CQ 61420US

I received my Compaq on April 1, after ordering it on March 28. Excellent shipping from Amazon.

This model is mid range when it comes to main stream Computing, and the Price at Amazon is a super deal. You wont find it cheaper anywhere else.

This computer has met and exceed all of my expectations, I have found no problems with its hardware or the software that comes with it.

Windows 7, will take some time getting use to, I dont know how much better it is compared to XP or Vista as yet.

To every one who read reviews before purchasing, I recommend this Computer. Its above average and the price is a bargain.

This computer trulely deserves a Five Star Rating.

Follow up April 22: Received this Laptop on April 1st. its been up and running at least 18 hrs a day without any problems.

I can now say Windows 7 is a great improvement over XP and Vista in respect to ease of use, Safety and Security and my favourite of all is the new improved Desktop and Display features.

Most of the XP and Vista Hardware Drivers wont work with Windows 7! You will have to update them.

Had to update Printer, Webcam, Gamepad and Digital Camera.(All works fine now)

The ATI MR\HD 4200 Graphics Video capabilities is exceptional, I Watched a Movie useing the DVD\RW Drive and the High Definition datail was unbelievable.

I also Burned some HD MP3 at 24x, I now have High Definition Audio in my Car.

The Computer Best Features revolves around Security and Safety and HP has taken this to the next level. The Computer actually Police's itself.

Compaq Presario CQ 61420US is one of the Best Midrange Computers on the Market. You will not

regret owning one.

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If you're looking for a nice laptop that can perform beyond the average expectation of a low budget laptop then this is the computer for you. Of course there are numerous other high end models to be had if the funds are readily available, but this one works well on a number of levels for, budget reasons, personal home use, as well as on a professional level. If pushed it will accommodate!

I've read a number of reviews that stated it comes with only 2 megs of ram but the unit I purchased from "Office Depot" actually came with 3 megs of ram installed with the ability to upgrade to 4 megs. As a side note: installed were one 2meg ram chip and another 1meg chip in the only two slots available, so of course the single meg ram chip was a waste once I upgraded it's slot with a new 2 meg ram chip to have a total of 4megs. But no worries though as it was well worth it for the increased application speed and was easy to do.

As a bonus this laptop also comes with an additional 128MB (Megs)or cache memory for smooth video streaming and high definition playback whereas others at this level do not offer the same.

Since the original purchase I have also upgraded to "Windows 7 Professional" from the original home version initially installed as an "OEM" (Original Equipment Manufacture). The professional version allows much more application versatility and unlocks more of the operating systems existing (and hidden power). The battery life is average but good while the display screen is brighter and crisper then most.

It can and does run many high powered memory hungry software applications very well and simultaneously if you choose. Just to name a few, Adobe Photoshop CS, AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point, Roxio video/music/photo production and editing software and MORE! (All of which are not necessarily included except for a trial version of Microsoft Office and Norton Anti-Virus application suite). It also comes with a very nice DVD/CD light-scribe drive, and easy internet access with the built in Wi-Fi for quick mobile internet surfing on the go anywhere there is wireless internet access.

And NO! It does not have a video camera but for the power you get at such a low price it is easily added for a nominal cost if you shop around. This unit runs circles around my older Dell workstation originally built for the same or similar task! I've owned it now for several months with no problems while having purchased an extended 4 year warranty that allows me to upgrade to the latest unit in the event of the systems possible failure, even if that's four years from now! (This may be an "Office Depot" deal and no I do not work for Office Depot. I just shop there a lot).

All in all it's an excellent laptop for the price though once funds are available I'm sure to upgrade to an even more extreme power house from the likes of "HP" to suite my growing digital needs/speed and desires. You can't go wrong here especially if you purchase the extended warranty where offered. By the way HP and Compaq are one in the same in case you didn't know. The HP models just offer the higher end hardware for increased power and performance just not for those of us on a "Shoe String Budget"!

Toshiba Qosmio X875-Q7390 17.3-Inch 3D Laptop (Black Widow Styling in Diamond-Textured Aluminum)

Toshiba Qosmio X875-Q7390 17.3-Inch 3D LaptopI just have to briefly review this laptop to put some of the bad reviews at bay. I just got this baby yesterday and it has blown me away. The screen is brilliant, the speed is unreal, and the 3D is awesome. Even the speakers are top notch. I'll gush more about it later, first I want to let future buyers know the few minor quirks:

Yes, the secondary hard drive makes a small clicking noise. However, what you will want to do ANYWAY when buying such a rig, is replace the PRIMARY hard drive slot with a solid state drive (I used a 240GB Intel 520). THEN, put the original primary drive (the hybrid one) in the secondary slot. Now, enjoy face-melting mind-bending speeds without any clicking noise. Now your boot time is maybe 10 seconds with a fresh windows 8 install.

Yes, battery life is very short. It is not unexpected with such a powerhouse of a computer. If you need to go more than probably 2 hours without an outlet, this beast is not for you. This is not an ultra-portable machine. It falls more in the desktop-replacement category.

Yes, you can watch your 3D movies (even MKVs) with this laptop. You will probably want to follow a brief tutorial (google iradar mkv 3d nvidia) on using an application called Stereoscopic Player. Choose "Sensio" in Layout settings and "NVIDIA 3d Vision" in playback methods. Make the video full screen with your glasses on and enjoy. Nvidia also offers an application to play 3d video.

I will update this review with any other notable findings that have not been mentioned by other reviewers.

UPDATE 1: I have been casually using the laptop for a couple weeks now. I want to note a couple cool things. The "Qosmio" on the back of the screen glows red in the dark which I JUST noticed. The screen is REALLY bright. On maximum brightness, it is brighter than my 58" plasma TV which is on vivid setting. The laptop has not gotten hot like I thought it might, even after hours of watching 3D video. However, I have not tested the temperature with intensive gaming which could produce different results.

I think it is important for future buyers to really consider the size of the laptop, as well as the massive charger when considering this machine. It is considerably heavier than the average laptop, weighing in at 7.5 lbs. You will almost certainly need to carry the charger as well, so add another 2 lbs. More to come later.

I got the Qosmio laptop. Few weeks back, and I'm quite impressed with it. Its pretty damn fast when its starts up and takes you straight into the main menu where you can select what you an to do. I always been a fan of Nvidia graphics, and playing the high-end games like Crisis 3 on it doesn't pose any issue on the unit. It'll get hot while running games like that mainly because of all four processors are running. But if you want to keep it cool, I suggest buying a cool in pad designed for gaming laptops. These things deffinately do a god job sucking that hot air out from beneath it. I would choose this gamin g platform over Alienwhare anytime.

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I bought this computer because I wanted a 17" with 3D capability and blu-ray viewing. To me it seemed like Toshiba has some of the strongest processor specs for a good price. I like to keep a laptop for 4 5 years so I did not want some underpowered processor which becomes obselete quickly. I looked at Dell and HP and settled on this unit.

The first unit I bought directly from Toshiba. This one was defective because the 3D did not function properly. Toshiba online direct support diagnosed a defective graphics card so I returned the unit. Now I am leery of Toshiba quality because I had bought the predecessor of this computer in 8/12 (the q7290), and this also was completely defective. Despite 2 duds I wanted to buy a Toshiba for the processor (i7 3630, price, blu-ray, and 3D. I could not find another major manufacturer offering all of this. I also liked the Toshiba website because to me it seems much clearer in terms of the specs of the computer and other details.

From my standpoint I am happy with this computer. It starts very quickly from the sleep mode (

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Apple Macbook Pro quad-core Intel Core i7 2.3GHz 4GB 750GB DVDRW BT Radeon HD 6750M 17" WebCam MAC

Apple Macbook Pro quad-core Intel Core i7 2.3GHz 4GB 750GB DVDRW BT Radeon HD 6750M 17' WebCam MAC OS X v10.7 Li-Ion MD036LL/AThis is the first review that I'm writing and, I feel this machine deserves every word.

Recently had a Mac Book Pro which had a history of several hardware issues, and, ended up replacing the unit through Apple Care with a Mac Book Pro 17" Quad Core i7 with 8GB of RAM.

The unbelievable power of this machine had made my Power Mac G5 Quad 4 officially obsolete. This system is best describe as a portable desktop. As a commercial photographer I am pretty demanding when it comes to graphics and graphic software, and this machine certainly keeps up with anything and everything that throw at it and, more. It's also hooked up to Cinema Display and, the footprint compared to a desktop is minimal. Power wise, I use to have to wait for CS5 to open, now its almost instantaneous. Processing 40mb images are a breeze, in addition to being so quiet it's hard to tell whether it's on. I will say through I ordered a shell cover for it, seems that the case is much more prone to scratches and dents due to what seems like a thinner skin.

Again if your looking for something that has the power of a desktop but, need portability, then I would go with this latest in Mac Book Pros.

This machine is great. I love everything about it, including the 750GB hard drive. At first, I was skeptical that the specs weren't the specs listed on Amazon, but it is! It is the full matte-finish (anti-glare) 17" screen and 2.3GHz i7 processor. The shipping was expedient, and I couldn't be happier with it.

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I have the 2.2 Ghz Processor +8gb of RAM model and could not be happier. As far as games, everything I have thrown at is runs fantastic (It kills games like SC2 and Portal 2). I have also been able to do complex phonemic analysis on this computer, which my 2008 macbook pro struggled with.

If you have the cash, I would suggest spending a bit extra to get this fantastic machine.

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We recieved a out of warrenty 2011 mac with severe screen artifacts. Returned it and have yet to get any feedback.

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This is as much computer as anyone is ever going to need. I worked in graphic design for 4 years, and I upgraded to this laptop last year. Huge improvements, works like a charm since I've gotten it. And since the announcement of the Retina Macbook Pros, this is one of the last and most updated 17" Macbook Pro's that anyone will be able to get!

HP G72-b60us 17.3-Inch Laptop PC - Up to 5 Hours of Battery Life (Biscotti)

HP G72-b60us 17.3-Inch Laptop PC - Up to 5 Hours of Battery LifeMy desktop fried after 4 years, and decided to look into this 17" HP laptop.It's been 2 months since purchase and each time I log in, I pat myself on the back for making such a good choice.Great screen size,not too heavy,and powerful enough unless your head over heels into gaming. The case is classy,the screen is clear & sharp,and the Intel I-series processor is fast,really fast. If you are thinking about a laptop,do not overlook this one.

I purchased this product at Staples after doing a little research on it and finding out that it had all that I need, 1. a large hard dive (500 gb is plenty for me), 2. 17.3" screen, 3. Windows 7, and the price wasn't bad either. I've been using mine for about 4 days now and I really do love it. It easily connects to wifi without problems, and for the most part once I insert a device into the usb port it automatically downloads the software, so I don't have to go onto various websites looking for downloads. I also like the fingerprint resistant surface, and the quick tab keys located at the top of the keyboard, which allow me to change the volume, or the brightness level of the screen. The numeric keyboard to the right, and the full sized keyboard is a plus as well.

Cons:

The touchpad. I don't really care for it. It's design is flawed in my opinion, so I am using an external one.

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Saw a good deal at Stapples last week and decided to purchase this laptop. Not really computer savy but tend to purchase lots of technology and have owned several pcs for work projects including Apple products. As a basic user who tends to search for jobs, read the news online, load pictures, and occassionally download music, this pc has been effective so far. The only annoyance is the mouse pad area which requires a bit of pressure to left/right click things. This laptop seems to be a test run for style because I don't think that mouse pad is effective even though it looks simple. A minor issue in my opinion so just take it as a finger work out. It's also very quiet and the music sounds ok once tweeked a bit. If I could rate it 4 1/2 stars (decent price with the discount at purchase plus the mail in rebate, screen size, memory, but the mouse pad and the starter programs could be better) I would but 5 for the basic user, college student, or the older adult I think you will be pleased.

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Unfortunately, all of the wonderful aspects of the laptop do not make up for the problems. The screen is gorgeous, the colors are lovely, the price is right for an array of excellent features. I dearly love my little guy, but he is no longer reliable (this matters to me because I use it for work and running statistical models). There is an electrical problem which forces the computer to randomly shut down (other customers have been told it is related to over heating). After looking up multiple potential ways to fix, I became aware the there are a LOT of people with HP laptops (a multitude of different HP laptops) that all have the same set of problems, including faulty/easy to break powercords. That is all well and good, expected as no computer is perfect. I also have a macbook and have had problems with it over the years, but Apple has had, by and large, amazing customer support. HP on the other hand is the most awful, deviant company I have ever spoken to. After your 1 year warranty is up, they refuse to even talk to you. Unless you pay them an inordinate sum of money. Companies that do not stand by their products and repeatedly issue products with similar problems are dishonest and I will no longer be an HP customer after this. HP, you have let us down.

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To begin, I have owned this laptop for two months. I needed a replacement laptop for a Dell Inspiron 1721 (AMD Dual Core 1.9ghz), which stopped working and wouldn't boot up. I needed a 17" because it is my "desktop" and my eyesight is not that good. To say I got a great laptop is not doing this PC justice. My Dell literally used to take 10 minutes to boot up. This takes 15 seconds to get to the login page and 50 seconds to boot up completely. I loaded the exact same software I had on my Dell. This is very fast. Another problem I had with my Dell was overheating. When I took the Dell apart, there was dust accumulation so thick that there was 70% occlusion. This HP has been running 27 degrees Celsius on standard apps/web-surfing and about 35 degrees Celsius on movies and game-play(using speed fan temperature monitor). The fan rarely comes on and runs cool to touch. It is incredibly light in comparison and the best feature is the HDMI (the Dell was missing HDMI). I hook up the HDMI to my 32" Toshiba Regza constantly to watch HD content and the transition is smooth and flawless. Color comparisons are superb with no clarity loss. The smudge-proof surface is nicely textured and--once you get used to it--the scroll features (vertical and horizontal) are not an issue. One cool feature is the Synaptics Pointing Device. With this enabled, I can use my mouse pad in fast-scroll and pinch/expand mode...big plus. The one problem (small) is that the space bar--when tapped a bit to the right of center--does not always work. I sometimes have to go back and place spaces between words (thank goodness for spell check!). Overall, my happiness level is high with this laptop. Several reviewers spoke of poor customer service. I can't speak to this, but the new norm is "poor" unless you're dealing with Apple. In my humble 30+ years of technology experience, companies come and go, customer service comes and goes. You take the good with the bad and learn from mistakes. That's why I DIDN'T choose a Dell (this time).

HP Pavilion dv6t Quad Edition (dv6tqe) Laptop -2nd generation Intel Quad Core i7-2670QM (2.2 GHz) /

HP Pavilion dv6t Quad Edition Laptop -2nd generation Intel Quad Core i7-2670QM / 8GB DDR3 System Memory / 750GB 5400RPM Hard Drive / 15.6' diagonal High Definition HP BrightView LED Display / Blu-ray player & SuperMulti DVD burner / HP TrueVision HD Webcam with Integrated Digital Microphone and HP SimplePass Fingerprint Reader / 2 USB 3.0 / Beats Audio / dark umberHP Pavillion dv6t Quad Edition. After abortive attempt by HP to divest its PC business, and some past negative dealings with HP rebates, I decided to update my Toshiba i7-740QM to this HP i7-2760QM. So after research, I bought one of these to see if the 2nd Gen Intel i-series CPUs really were "better". Bought through HP for quite a bit more money in Nov. 2011. Specs were very good, but I upgraded (part of the reason it was more expensive) the 5400 rpm hard drive to a 7200 rpm. Though there was a delay at Customs in Singapore (didn't know they were made in China), and a 6-day delay at Customs in Memphis, I finally got this supposedly improved laptop. Strike "supposedly". It ran much cooler than the very good Toshi Satellite 665. Toshi has 8 Gb 1066 RAM, the HP has 8 Gb DDR3 1333 RAM. Same MS Ultimate OS. Same Office Home & Business 2010. Norton 360 v.5.0. Toshi has a good 500 Mb DDR3 nVidia 330, the HP has a (much) better 2 Gb ATI DDR5. Beats Audio is much better than the Toshi's "good" Harmon-Kardons, though I have yet to hear any laptop speakers get even close to external add-ons. Both have a 720p HD, which is quite adequate for non-gamer/non-tech graphics (HP with the good, additional Intel 3000 for routine graphics on the CPU). The Toshi has a multi-DVD, the HP a Blu-Ray ROM/multi-DVD. The Toshi has 3 USB 2.0 ports, the HP two 3.0 (with charging capability, and on my desktop, an added "card" 3.0 runs 3-1/2 to 4 times faster backups and file transfers to 3.0 external drives than the prior 2.0) and 2x2.0 (one 2.0/eSATA). The Toshi booted in (minutes:seconds) about 1:30, the HP in :45 with Norton 360, Adobe, Office, etc. Office, Adobe Photoshop Elements 10, and several other programs on the HP came up in just over 1/2 the time as in the Toshi. The Toshi's 12-cell battery would last about 2 to 2-1/2 hours. The HP's 9-cell ran for a bit over 4 hours. The Toshi's black textured plastic barely shows a fingerprint, the HP's dark umber shows them readily. Both keyboards are similar. I've worked with computers since 1983, though not a tech person, and have lots of experience as an "advanced" novice-level user. The decision to purchase this model HP has so far (2 months) been a very good one, and I was so pleased at the improvements, I'm ordering a new one, for less cost, through Amazon (even though the new models will be out in a couple of months with the new "third generation" i-series CPUs). I gave this (reviewed) one to my son (an IT professional), who likes it also, replacing a very nice Dell Studio XPS (i5 CPU). This Amazon-ordered one has only a 5400 rpm hard drive, but I don't need (in my home and travel) the faster one. Remember, your MS Performance score is determined by the least fast component, which currently (assuming you don't go to an SSD hard drive) is about 5.9 on the 7.6 scale. The 5400 will score slightly lower than the 7200, but everything else critical to use (CPU, RAM, optical drive, etc.) runs significantly faster, often making up for the slower hard drive. And where the Toshi ran hot (not burning, but definitely uncomfortable after a short while of use), the HP gets warm, but not hot. Despite the fingerprints on the dark umber showing (not a performance issue), I found the fingerprint reader to be accurate and helpful (chuckle). So no miracle here, but a definitely worthwhile upgrade for me, and I saved nearly $400 from HP's website. The Toshi was very good 2 years ago, this HP is enough better to justify this under-$1,000 purchase.

Great price for a loaded i7 laptop, and the HP dv6t has overall very good reviews from multiple sites. The 8GB of RAM allows for fast Windows loading and a lot of multitasking, as well as the ability for future expansion. Can't believe this also includes a Blu-ray drive for the price, so I can take my BR movies on the go with me and watch them while traveling. I also like that this has the upgraded USB 3.0 ports, and the sound from the Beats audio is really great. I always thought a fingerprint reader was a novelty, but it really is nice and quick to sign on versus having to type a password each time.

Overall very pleased with this laptop and it's price. I couldn't find any other similar laptop for under 1k!

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I purchased this laptop for my sister for school. She is an architecture student and we couldn't afford a mac.

I must say I am very pleased with the service. I was a bit worried though, because the estimated delivery was about 2 weeks and she was leaving the country for school but it came way before time and was shipped the day after I made the order.

The laptop itself ran smoothly and fast but it is heavy! and the charger is huge! Overall, it's not the best for my sister's field but it works well enough. I would definitely recommend this laptop for personal use or students.

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I buyed it on april 2012, it was one of the best laptop on the market on that time. It works very fast, all my work is done with a bunch of speed. I'm an IT Engineer and I use it for my work. I run different virtual machines, Visual Studio 2012 and others memory and processor consuming task. I also a photographer, so, sometimes I use photoshot, adobe lightroom at the same time. I recomment it for any one buying a laptop.

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I did a lot of research before I bought my new computer because the last one I had was horrible. I had an older Toshiba Satellite, which never worked quickly from the get-go. I was used to frequent internet shutdowns and major freezing issues in all programs. This is a major upgrade. It only slows when I'm running complex algorithms on large datasets, although even when aligning three whole bacterial genomes, I could still run others applications fine. I ran a program to annotate genomes which I was warned would take hours, but it took about 10 minutes. It stays pretty cool and quiet. Its a very attractive computer, especially with the bluish backlighting and the black aluminum case (the dark umber). The Norton security was a bit of an irritant, as I had to open Windows in safemode to enable its uninstallment. I do like typing on the keyboard for some reason, although it took some getting used to as the keys are spaced differently than on other machines. The speakers sound great! Definitely doesn't sound like a laptop; they also get very loud. I like the fingerprint pass a lot, but it can't be used outside of unlocking your computer and internet explorer, so its functionality is limited if you use a different web browser.

It is heavier than some of my friends' Macs or smaller computers, but this is because everyone else is buying 13" screens or less. I wanted a larger screen some things just can't be visualized in 13". The power cord adaptor is large, but you might not even need to carry it with you, as the battery lasts about 4 hours. The computer is thin and easy to carry. It feels like your holding a textbook. I can't think of any problems that I have had with this computer. Everything works as it is supposed to, and it was a great price for the functionality!

I bought mine directly from HP and it said it would take 2 weeks to arrive. But it actually came in about 5 days, I think.