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

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.