I'm not sure I can call this a "notebook" so my title says "Portable Computer" instead. I have built and configured computers & laptops/notebooks for many family members of the years as well as my own. I have quite a bit of experience and knowledge when it comes to parts:performance and price:value.
This computer is SMALL. So amazingly small that my mother in law (who I bought and configured it for) can EASILY slip it into her purse and take it with her anywhere she goes. She's never without her laptop or internet now. This may sound a bit "addict-like" but it's really not. You see she uses this computer now to make Skype video calls to her new grand daughter (our child) on a whims notice. It's so cool when grandma video calls in and has a conversation/session with us while she's out and about.
The performance of the computer is not that great once you start updating windows with all the crap & security patches they push. My recommendation is to get ONLY the security patches, skip the "malicious software removal tool" (because it really is worthless for what it does considering the performance hit you take having it installed), and DON'T get any non-priority updates (I think they call these "optional" updates). You won't get ANY of these options if you don't select the "CUSTOM" update. If you choose "EXPRESS" you will get EVERYTHING.
This computer has very limited C:\ space when it arrives. The first thing I did was change the default installation directory to a new 16GB SD card I bought and put in the computer. You have to make this change in the registry but it's rather easy to do. The reason you do this is because not ALL programs allow you to select the destination installation folder when you install them. Changing this in the registry defaults them to the installation place of your choice even if they don't give you the option. Go here on how to do that: [...]
This will allow you to keep what little precious C:\ space you have. Don't even bother changing it to D:\ though, as you'll quickly out grow the 5GB that is left on that as well.
I'm a little annoyed by the "Auto-Performance Engine" that always self-selects what mode to run the processor in, but if this is how they're achieving the incredible battery life I can live with it I guess - after all my mother in law is using the computer and has far more patience than I do since she doesn't know any better. If my normal desktop performed like this I would literally smash it with a mallet and toss it out the window into our pool. It can be frustrating at times.
Overall I personally would own and use this computer. When I was configuring it for my mother in law I carried it with me for about 7 days and used it every where I went (I have the computer tethered to my bluetooth Sprint phone by Bluetooth so it can use my EVDO from my phone for the internet capability - it's essentially using my phone as a modem). This works out great when I'm somewhere that doesn't have WiFi - I even made a Skype video call over my cell phone with this computer and it was pretty darn impressive considering I didn't think it would even work!
The computer is extremely portable and great for someone who needs access to web, email, Skype, office documents, etc. My mother in law also uses it to watch my Tivo I have here at my house via a Slingbox I have. I installed the Slingplayer application (it's free) on the computer before I sent it to her. She loves this. TV anywhere she goes in case she needs some entertainment - but not just any TV - Tivo like she was here at my house watching & controlling it.
The computer is NOT good for someone who wants to do hardcore graphics gaming, video or audio editing, etc.
***UPDATE*** Price dropped from $574 to $483 and Amazon customer support gave me a $90 price adjustment!!!! (I just bought the computer a few days ago). I am so happy with them right now, I just purchased another $300 worth of merchandise I've been needing (well, sort of needing! :o) )
| Standing screen display size | 8.9 Inches |
|---|---|
| Screen Resolution | 1024 x 600 |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1024 x 600 Pixels |
| Processor | 1.6 GHz intel_atom |
| RAM | 1 GB DDR2 |
| Hard Drive | 12 GB flash_memory_solid_state |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel GMA 950 |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Wireless Type | 802.11n |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 3 |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 7.8 Hours |
