Averatec AV3250H1-01 12.1" Laptop (AMD Athlon XP-M 2200+, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive)

by Averatec

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 8 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00065IH0O
• Item model number: AV3250H1-01
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 29, 2004

Product Description

Amazon Product Description

The Basics
If portability is paramount but you need enough power for the majority of typical mobile computing tasks, the Averatec AV3250H1-01 12.1" Notebook PC represents a sensible solution. As the most affordable member of Averatec’s 3200 Series lineup, the unit certainly isn’t built to be the fastest notebook in town or a high-end gaming rig, and its smallish 12.1-inch viewing screen and lack of DVD burning may be a detraction to some. Nonetheless, the extremely compact and definitely cost-effective Averatec AV3250H1-01 features several impressive and forward-looking amenities and capabilities such as CD burning, wireless connectivity and a large hard drive, and is thusly a great match for frequent travelers on a budget.

Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPUs on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. The Averatec AV3250H1-01 features a Mobile AMD Athlon XP-M 2200+ processor running at 1.66 GHz. Sporting AMD’s latest PowerNow and 3Dnow Professional technologies, this notebook-specific CPU conserves power and maximizes battery longevity while offering enough raw power for standard mobile situations.

Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The Averatec AV3250H1-01 incorporates 512 megabytes of RAM, a solid allotment for an ultra-compact notebook and certainly enough to permit satisfactory multitasking.

Video
CPUs are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output, particularly 3D graphics, to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). A graphics controller with "dedicated" built-in video memory is preferable to one with "shared" video memory wherein the graphics controller borrows a portion of the all-important main system memory. The Averatec AV3250H1-01 utilizes an S3 Unichrome graphics controller with up to 32 MB of shared video memory. Though satisfactory for 2D applications such as word processing and Internet surfing and some 3D apps, this graphics controller is definitely not ideal for anyone who deals with visually taxing applications such as the latest 3D games or 3D graphics design.

Display
At 12.1 inches, the system’s XGA TFT display is smaller than that of a standard-size notebook but equal to that of other ultra-compacts. The maximum resolution of 1024 by 768 is average for notebooks in this price range.

Hard Disk
Considering the system’s compact size and comparatively low price point, its 60 GB hard drive is surprisingly generous. You’ll have more than enough room for a broad range of applications and also a small library of space-gobbling music and/or multimedia files.

Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD burning, so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can record home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Most drives support several of these functions. This system boasts a DVD/CD-RW drive through which you can do all of the above but burn DVDs.

Audio
The Averatec AV3250H1-01 offers adequate mobile sound via a standard AC ’97 sound card and built-in stereo speakers.

Keyboard and Controls
You'll control your notebook via a standard size keyboard and a large touch pad.

Connectivity and Expansion
The Averatec AV3250H1-01 doesn’t brandish ultra-upscale technologies such as Bluetooth or Infrared, both of which provide wireless interaction with other high-tech devices and peripherals. Nor is it equipped with a FireWire port (typically used for data uploads from digital camcorders) or a memory card reader. However, the unit does feature a 56K data/fax modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access, a 10/100 Mbit LAN for high-speed wired network and Internet communication, and 802.11g wireless technology for super-fast cord-free communication in public hot spots or other wireless networked locations. Other key amenities include three high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, an audio-out and microphone-in port, and one Type II PC Card slot.

Operating System and Software
Averatec will pre-install a copy of Microsoft's Windows Home Edition operating system and a small assortment of useful applications including Microsoft's Works productivity package and CyberLink’s PowerDVD XP 5.0 DVD software player.

Dimensions and Weight
Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and too cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two or three lbs. and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The Averatec AV3250H1-01 is very small and exceedingly portable at a mere 4.5 lbs (with standard battery) and just 10.9 by 9.6 by 1 inches.

Power
The system sports a smart Lithium-Ion battery capable of three-plus hours between charges.

Product Description

Mobile AMD Athlon XP-M 2200+ w/ PowerNow! Technology Microsoft Windows XP Operating System 1 inch thin and 4.5 lbs. Built-in Dual DVD Burner* 12.1 XGA TFT Up to 512MB DDR Up to 60 GB HDD Built-in Wireless 802.11g FREE 24/7 customer support

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great budget notebook, January 21, 2005

By 

Paul (Athens, Ga USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Averatec AV3250H1-01 12.1" Laptop (AMD Athlon XP-M 2200+, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

I just recently purchased this notebook and am very pleased with it thus far. First thing I did was remove Microsoft Works and installed Office 2003, along with removing Norton anti-virus and installing McAfee in its place. The computer handled the removal and installs very well. At home I use a wireless router to connect to the internet. The built-in wireless works well, but the connection quality was weaker than both my PDA (Ipaq) and my roommate's Compaq Presario from the same distance from the router. The battery life was about 2.5 hours with the wireless internet connected while ripping a few CDs. For $829.00 I find this to be an exceptional value compared to other laptops this size and weight and would recommend it to anyone looking for a budget laptop with nice features.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent laptop, December 4, 2004

By 

D. C. Yu "SF Entrepreneur" (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Averatec AV3250H1-01 12.1" Laptop (AMD Athlon XP-M 2200+, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

I have a very similar version of this laptop with less RAM. I love it!! You absolutely can't beat this laptop even with the ones that cost more than $1000. The build quality is better than Dell's. It's light and thin, and the power adaptor is tiny compared to other laptops. Remember that some other similar laptops might have heavier adaptors. The cord is also long enough. My friends with Sony's always have to sit close to the outlets because the adaptors have short cords.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars get the centrino, June 10, 2005

By 

billy (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Averatec AV3250H1-01 12.1" Laptop (AMD Athlon XP-M 2200+, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

I've had this computer for 3 months now, and while the size is perfect for bringing everywhere, it's bad when you want to go wireless. I've been in many places with free wifi and my connection signals have always been poor. I've sat besides other people with their Centrino powered computers, and their signals were so much stronger. In some places, I could not even get a decent signal while others were surfing comfortably. The batteries are clearly inferior, so if I were you get a different brand. If not, go for the Centrino powered. Believe me you'll be grateful you did.