Averatec AV3250HX-01 12.1" Laptop (AMD Athlon XP-M 2200+, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW/CD-RW Drive)

by Averatec

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 8 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000658NMG
• Item model number: AV3250HX-01
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 28, 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 AV3250HX-01 12.1-inch Notebook PC represents a sensible and affordable solution. It certainly isn’t built to be the fastest notebook in town or a high-end gaming rig, and its 12.1-inch viewing screen may be too small for those who prefer desktop-size displays. Nonetheless, the surprisingly competent, extremely compact and definitely cost-effective Averatec AV3250HX-01 features several impressive and forward-looking amenities and capabilities such as CD and DVD burning, wireless connectivity and a large hard drive, and is thusly a great match for demanding 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 CPU's 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 AV3250HX-01 features a Mobile AMD Athlon XP-M 2200+ processor running at 1.66 GHz. Featuring 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 AV3250HX-01 incorporates 512 megabytes of RAM, a generous 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 AV3250HX-01 utilizes an S3 Unichrome graphics controller with up to 32 MB of shared video memory. Though low-cost and certainly 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 system’s maximum resolution of 1024 by 768 is average for notebooks in this price range.

Hard Disk
If storage space is a priority, the system’s 80 GB hard drive will come as a pleasant surprise. You’ll have more than enough room for a broad range of applications and also a 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 versatile Dual DVD +/- burner through which you can do all of the above. Moreover, the "Dual" designation refers to the unit's ability to handle double layer DVDs, each of which offers nearly twice the capacity of traditional DVDs (8.5 GB vs. 4.4 GB).

Audio
The Averatec AV3250HX-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 AV3250HX-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. 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 AV3250HX-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 Averatec AV3250HX-01 sports a smart Lithium-Ion battery capable of three-plus hours between charges.

Product Description

Mobile AMD Athlon XP-M 2200+ Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition 12.1 XGA Dual DVD +/- Burner Hard Drive 80 Memory 512MB DDR Wireless LAN 802.11g Wired LAN 10/100 Modem 56k USB (3x) 2.0 DimensionsWxDxH) 10.9 x 9.6 x 1 Weight (lbs.) 4.5 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AMD processors: fast but hot, April 18, 2005

By 

Amy "downloadjunkie" (Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Averatec AV3250HX-01 12.1" Laptop (AMD Athlon XP-M 2200+, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW/CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

I purchased this notebook due to four main features:
AMD processor
Weight/size
Cost
Comes with a CD backup of Windows XP (Compaq & HP systems often don't)

I had been shopping for a notebook for some time, but to purchase one with the features I wanted ( 80G hard drive, DVD/CD burner, wireless card, 512MB RAM) the cost was going to be double this price. At first I thought the 12" screen would be too small, but it is fine. I now prefer it to the 15.4" lcds.
Yes, the system runs a bit hot, but that is an inherent trait of AMD processors. It also is very fast... just a side effect of the warmth...
The best part is that the hard drive is not loaded to bloating with useless software. This system basically comes with Windows XP SP2, MS Works, Norton Antivirus (which I removed for Panda AV)
and Power DVD. I had at first considered removing Power DVD and adding Nero but Power DVD is very easy to use and basic.
I'm glad I purchased this system.
UPDATE: I somehow managed to lose one of the little rubber feet on the bottom in my lightweight portable travels. One quick call to Averatec and an explanation, and a new set was mailed out promptly to my home! I'm still extremely glad I purchased this laptop. As with **any** computer, it takes the knowledge to d'load drivers, tweak the bios, and maintenance one to keep it running properly!

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great & Lightweight Notebook, February 5, 2005

By 

Jameson Williams (MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Averatec AV3250HX-01 12.1" Laptop (AMD Athlon XP-M 2200+, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW/CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

I bought this notebook a little over 2 weeks ago and has been great. The DVD +/- burner comes in handy quite a bit, something I haven't seen in lower priced notebooks. The screen is small but very very crisp and its far from bothersome. It could do with some legacy support (No Serial or Parallel) but more then makes up for it with the 3 USB 2.0 ports. It's very fast for such a small notebook and so far I have not had heat problems as other people have said, though it does get a bit warm when playing games. Overall this is a great notebook especially for traveling, the built-in 801.11g comes in handy. Averatec says it gets upwards of three hours, the most I've gotten is about 2.5 doing things such as browsing the net via Wi-Fi, word processing, chatting etc. I'd expect a little under 2 hours watching a DVD. The very large 80GB drive is also a plus. Its also very compatible various Linux distro's for any users out their. Tested on Knoppix, Debian, Fedora Core 2, and of course Windows XP Pro.

-Jameson

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Small and lightweight - quick, December 24, 2004

By 

Action Lover "AG" (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Averatec AV3250HX-01 12.1" Laptop (AMD Athlon XP-M 2200+, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW/CD-RW Drive) (Personal Computers)

I bought this notebook a month ago. It's tiny and lightweight, which is great when traveling. When I am not traveling, which is most of the time, it's a little too small. The monitor is 12.1", but with LCD prices dropping, I guess I'll buy one soon. The keyboard is too small for comfort, but I bought the Logitech Wireless Desktop from Amazon for 29.99. The USB ports and all other ports are one the side, which is a little messier than having them all in the back. The fan was a little noisy, but I calibrated it, and now it's fine. It runs extremely well, and I guess all in all, I am very happpy with my purchase. The price is great with this much memory, HD space, and a DVD-RW. I give it 4 stars.