ViewSonic VA2431WM 24-Inch Widescreen LCD Monitor with Speakers Review & Ratings

ViewSonic VA2431WM 24-Inch Widescreen LCD Monitor with Speakers
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ViewSonic VA2431WM 24-Inch Widescreen LCD Monitor with Speakers Review

Bought this monitor solely because it was a size upgrade from a 19" LCD widescreen, mainly to watch live TV a few feet away from the computer desk on a futon in the back room (read: not for primary DVD or TV viewing). This computer is our main desktop machine, but we don't do any video editing or photo-retouching on it, just general home office work, so as long as it was a bigger screen from a known-name company for cheap, it fit the bill. The fact of it being HD spec was outside the main objective of this purchase. I'm hooked up DVI and have not used the built-in speakers - probably never will, so I can't comment on analog VGA or audio performance.
If you're looking for a monitor to replace what you have, this is a great deal. The only real reservation about it is that there is quite a bit of blue-light bleed all around my monitor, but mainly along the bottom where the blue power LED is. Dunno if the blue halo around the screen is from this LED or not, as there's no way in the screen menus to turn off the LED itself without turning off the screen (which is logicial).
Basically: image is sharp (people who report fuzzy fonts don't understand flatscreen monitors have a native resolution, and running the screen at anything other than it's native resolution will degrade image quality), the screen is full-width (other reviews here of Yahoo and other websites not using the whole width of the screen is down to the people who program that specific webpage - it has nothing to do with the function or resolution of the monitor), and the colors/contrast are pretty good (save the extra blue bleeding). For general purpose use, this is monitor is a bargain. If you want to watch TV or DVDs more primarily on your computer, or if you're going to be doing video or picture editing, spend the extra $40-60 and get the Viewsonic LED (not LCD) 24" version of this monitor, also sold here on Amazon or other online retailers, to avoid the blue halo Viewsonic VX2450WM-LED 24-Inch (23.6-Inch Vis) Widescreen LED Monitor with Full HD 1080p and Speakers - Black.

ViewSonic VA2431WM 24-Inch Widescreen LCD Monitor with Speakers Overview



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Save 14% Off: Toshiba Portege R835-P56x 13.3-Inch LED Laptop (Magnesium Blue) Review & Ratings

Toshiba Portege R835-P56x 13.3-Inch LED Laptop (Magnesium Blue)
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Toshiba Portege R835-P56x 13.3-Inch LED Laptop (Magnesium Blue) Review

I've had this laptop for nearly three weeks, and think it's great!
Summary:
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Clean and understated design
- Sturdy: most surfaces are made of metal (only the bezel, hinges, and a few bottom panels are plastic). You can easily lift it up by the corner with one hand.
- Battery life is good (7.5+ hours with mixed usage). Also, no "battery bulge" in the back!
- Battery is removable
- Trackpad has a nicely configurable driver (Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Mouse > Device Settings > Settings...)
- Value; saves enough money for an SSD compared to a competing system like a Macbook Pro (see below)
Cons:
- Screen isn't great. (It isn't bad, though -- just narrow in vertical viewing angle).
- Black color means you might be tempted to clean the keyboard/trackpad a little obsessively.
- Industrial smell coming from the vent in the first few days of ownership (now gone)
- When closed, the lid depresses a little when you apply pressure to the middle. I suggest keeping the included fabric insert thing to protect the lid from keyboard scratches. (Note that keyboard scratches also occur on other notebooks, including the sturdy Apple Macbooks, so I'm not taking off any points).
Overall:
I'm giving this laptop five stars because it represents a great value. I paid $835 for the system, and replaced the hard drive with an Intel X25-M 120GB SSD ($175). The total cost of my system therefore was $1010, which puts it in entry-level Macbook territory.
(Note that the SSD is very easy to install -- you unscrew two panels in the back, swap the drives, and clean-install your operating system).
Why the SSD? With the SSD plus Sandy Bridge processor, performance is superb -- startup is fast (15 seconds from button to login screen, plus 8 seconds from login to loaded desktop). Programs launch quickly, and shutdown is quick as well. I'd say the stock system with the hard drive is a bit imbalanced (processor is too fast for the 5400 RPM hard drive) but at least it comes with plenty of room and doesn't cost much. With this configuration, program launching and startup are slower, and you are stuck with bloatware, but the computer still operates reasonably fast.
--
Comparisons with other systems:
Compared with the Air, the R835 (with SSD installed) gives you:
- more storage space (120GB SSD on my R835 vs. 64GB for the $999 11" MBA model)
--- with SSD, similar bootup times (23 seconds for R835 vs. 15 seconds *see 6/2/2011 edit* for MBA) and wakeup times (both about 2 seconds)
- a better processor (core i5-2410M vs. a core 2 duo) and more memory
- longer battery life + removable battery
- a DVD drive, USB 3.0 port, eSATA, VGA (no need to carry a dongle around)
- 0.9 or 0.3 pounds more weight (vs. the 11" and 13" MBA models, respectively).
- about 0.25" more thickness
Compared with the Macbook Pro (13" entry-level model), you get:
- $190 in savings (with SSD in the R835) or $365 savings (with stock HDD)
-- With SSD swap, you get performance gains compared to the MB. With the default hard drive, you get twice as much storage (640GB vs. 320GB, both 5400 RPM).
- Removable battery
- Similar metal build quality (Macbook pro feels a little sturdier, but weighs 40% more)
- 1.3 pounds in weight savings (!)
Compared with the plastic Macbook (13" $999 model), you get:
- Metal build quality
- an SSD (for about the same total cost), or $165 in savings + 390GB more hard drive space
- Better processor (two generations ahead) and RAM (4GB vs. 2GB).
- 1.5 pound weight savings (!)
So, I saw no reason to go with the Macbooks when I could get superior performance and save money, weight, and battery flexibility with the R835.
Compared to other PC systems -- It's thinner and slightly less expensive than the Lenovo x220 (but isn't as rugged and has slightly shorter battery life), and is very much cheaper and has a better processor (but has an inferior screen) than the Sony Z series.
In short, the R835 makes its Apple competitors look seriously overpriced (or under-featured, depending on how you look at it) and costs less than its PC competitors.
--
My evaluation of the unit:
I liked the design -- it's quite sturdy (with its metal construction) and light (3.2 pounds). It doesn't feel as "dense" as the Macbook Air, but it's sufficiently sturdy and light enough, such that you can lift it by a corner with one hand. Also, it certainly breaks a threshold in thinness, so it certainly *looks* thin. The CD/DVD drive makes a great "but wait, there's more" parlor trick!
(The design also appeals to me because it's pleasantly different from the Macbooks' design. In my Econ class, it looks stealthy and elegant compared to the sea of glowing Apples. Funny how "Think Different" should now apply to a PC rather than a Mac...)
As noted above, the performance is good, especially with an SSD installed. The weakest point is the integrated graphics, though it's not completely pathetic; I was able to play Portal without too much choppiness.
The battery life is great -- I got 7.5 hours with mixed use (web browsing, spreadsheets, including an hour of Steam running). I estimate you get about 4-5 minutes per percent used (according to the Windows battery icon), or 400-500 minutes total.
There are a few minor drawbacks. For one, the screen is merely average because the vertical viewing angle is not good. Also, a downside to the black body color is that I obsessively clean it with every fleck of dust. The unit had a distinctly industrial smell when it first came, but now it's gone. Also, its lid depresses a little, which I suspect will lead to the keyboard leaving scratches on the screen (this also happens to Macbooks, which are supposed to be the pinnacle of design, so I guess it's acceptable). To counter this, I use the included piece of fabric between the screen and keyboard when I transport the unit around.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the system overall exudes great quality, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a well-built, fast, and highly portable notebook. I would strongly recommend replacing the stock hard drive with an SSD to balance the performance, especially given that the relatively low price (for this weight class) leaves some money to acquire an SSD.
EDIT (5/16/2011): PCMark Vantage scores for my system are here: [ ... ] . You can compare with other Core i5-2410M systems here: [ ... ]
EDIT (6/2/2011): I visited the Apple Store today. The 11-inch MBA started up in about 50 seconds (not sure what took so long), while the Core i7 MacBook Pro ($1500) started up in about 35 seconds (didn't have a chance to try the i5 MBP). If I remember correctly, the default R835 took about 60 seconds to start up. Again, the startup time for my configuration is 23 seconds.
EDIT (7/24/2011): Thanks to several reviewers for bringing this up: apparently, the motherboard does support SATA III speeds, but Toshiba disabled the speed, thus getting you SATA II speeds. This would mean that it wouldn't be too valuable buying a SATAIII SSD for use in this computer. I'll update this after I confirm this limitation.

Toshiba Portege R835-P56x 13.3-Inch LED Laptop (Magnesium Blue) Overview


Do your best work ever with the Portege R835-P56X, Toshiba's lightest full-performance ultraportable laptop with a weight of just over 3 pounds. The Portege offers a showcase of technological innovations and premium craftsmanship, as well as excellent mobile computing power. It features an impeccably crafted magnesium alloy casing with an ultradurable honeycomb reinforcement, spill-resistant keyboard, and an advanced AirFlow cooling system--enabling the Portege to perform better, longer, and cooler.
The Toshiba Portege R835 weighs just over 3 pounds and features a 13.3-inch LED backlit display (see larger image).

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Samsung Galaxy Tab (10.1-Inch, 32GB, Wi-Fi) Review & Ratings

Samsung Galaxy Tab (10.1-Inch, 32GB, Wi-Fi)
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Samsung Galaxy Tab (10.1-Inch, 32GB, Wi-Fi) Review

Although I bought this for my wife as a birthday present during pre-release sales in NYC, I've since used it far more extensively than her so I've purchased a second Tab 10.1 from Amazon for myself. As a background, I also have a good amount of experience using a Motorola Xoom (none with the other Android tablets though) and an iPad 2. Anyway, here are my thoughts comparing the Tab 10.1 with the iPad 2. I won't do a comparison with the Motorola Xoom (which, as of writing this review, is the Tab 10.1's major Android competitor) as the two products are really similar. I'll leave the Xoom/Tab 10.1 decision to you. Here are my thoughts:
Operating System/Interface/Web Browsing - Slight edge to the Tab 10.1 running Android 3.1 (Honeycomb). This may just be more of a personal preference as I don't like products (like the iPad 2) which are locked down. I feel a company has no right to tell a consumer how he/she is allowed to use a product (as Apple does with theirs). Anyway, Android 3.1 OS is blazing fast and going along with the Android Open Source Project's philosophy, the OS and by rote, the Tab 10.1, is ultimately configurable. Out of the box, you can easily personalize an Android 3.1 tablet any way you want, and if you can't, there is free software out there to let you do it -- there is no hacking/jailbreaking required. The Tab 10.1's interface is also a lot cleaner than the iPad 2's which can get downright cluttered the more apps you have installed. I'll also note that there doesn't seem to be a discernible difference in the actual speed/performance (loading pages, etc) of the two products. So, we're pretty even so far, but Tab 10.1 clearly gets the edge for one thing -- Flash. Enough said.
Battery life - Strong edge to iPad 2. Both the Tab 10.1 and the iPad 2 are rated for 10 hours. Keeping the screen at about 75% max brightness, I seem to get between about 7 to 8 hours on the Tab 10.1 and 9 to 10 hours on an iPad 2. This may be a result of the screen brightness as I've noticed the Tab 10.1 has a slightly brighter screen at 100% than the iPad 2. Regardless, the iPad 2 has better battery life.
Resolution/Screen - Strong edge to the Tab 10.1's 1280×800 screen vs the iPad 2's 1024x768 one. If you think this is negligible, you are very wrong. This means the Galaxy Tab 10.1 screen has a 30% greater resolution than the iPad 2. You'll notice this difference in every thing you do -- not just when watching movies and photos. The increased resolution causes much less eye strain especially when reading webpages. Additionally, the Tab 10.1's widescreen aspect ratio seems to work a lot better for watching anything in HD. It's a shame the iPad 2 uses the dying 4:3 aspect ratio as there is a lot of wasted real estate on the screen in the form of black bars when watching anything in widescreen. With the Tab 10.1, the screen is entirely filled with video.
Cameras - Strong edge to the Tab 10.1. The Tab 10.1 blows the iPad 2 out of the water here and it's not even close. The Tab has a front-facing 2.0 megapixel (vs iPad 2's 0.3 megapixel) camera and rear-facing 3.0 megapixel (vs iPad 2's 0.7 megapixel) camera. Sure, you're never going to replace your P&S/SLR/video camera with a tablet, but it is nice to have a camera on there that can take a decent picture/video when you're in a pinch.
Portability - Even. The Tab 10.1 is a negligible 0.03 lbs lighter and 0.2mm thinner than the iPad 2.
Cachet - Strong edge to the iPad 2. Apple has a monopoly on this, it seems. Apple is just the trendier product. Odds are nobody will look at a Galaxy Tab 10.1 and think "Wow, that looks really nice. I need to get me one of those." I'm not saying the Tab 10.1 is ugly, but the brushed metal finish on the iPad does feel and look a bit nicer.
Price - Even. I'm really surprised Samsung didn't undercut the iPad 2 prices, even by $50.
Is this the iPad 2 killer as has been reported here and there in the media? Honestly, no, but that's more because most Apple consumers purchasing iPad 2s are brand loyal -- not necessarily looking to buy the best product. I really wish I could rate the Tab 10.1 with 4.5 stars. For reference, if I were to write a review of an iPad 2, I would give it a 4 stars. Giving the Tab 10.1 5 stars seems a bit too generous as I feel the lack of an SD slot and slight plasticky feel are noticeable drawbacks, as is the price (which isn't lower than an iPad 2 with the same amount of memory). And giving the Tab 10.1 4 stars seems a disservice as I feel that it is ultimately an outstanding tablet and, in my opinion, definitely has an edge over the iPad 2.

Samsung Galaxy Tab (10.1-Inch, 32GB, Wi-Fi) Overview

Discover the next generation of portable entertainment with the thin, light, and powerful Samsung WiFi Galaxy Tab 10.1-Inch. Showcasing a 10.1-inch widescreen HD display and a dual-core processor for stunning detail and speed, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 delivers sharper movies, better game graphics, and crystal-clear video chats. Surf the web in its full glory with Adobe Flash compatibility and WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. The Android 3.1 Honeycomb OS provides open access to over 200,000 Android Market apps, giving you the freedom to customize your Tab however you please. At 1.25 pounds, this sleek, 0.34-inch-thick tablet is designed for premium mobile computing around the house and on the go.
Dual-Core Processor Provides Speed and PowerA dual-core Tegra 2 processor and 1 GB of RAM deliver lightning-fast speed whether you're surfing the web, watching HD video, or playing the latest games. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 also features Adobe Flash compatibility, allowing you to experience unrestricted browsing on millions of web pages. And with up to 10 hours of battery life, the Galaxy offers endurance as well as power.

The Galaxy supports WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth v2.1 connections. A 30-pin IF connector and USB 2.0 compatibility offer easy file transfer and charging.

This version of the Galaxy Tab offers 32 GB of onboard memory. Samsung also offers the 16 GB Galaxy Tab 10.1.

Light, Sleek Body with HD DisplayEnjoy your media in beautiful clarity thanks to the Galaxy's 10.1-inch widescreen display with 1280-by-800-pixel high-definition resolution.

At 1.25 pounds, the Galaxy Tab is remarkably light. Measuring 10.1 by 6.9 by 0.34 inches (H x W x D), this easy-to-grip tablet is designed to fit comfortably in your hand and travel with ease.

Access to Android Market for Full CustomizationThe Galaxy Tab 10.1 features the Android 3.1 Honeycomb operating system, which offers exceptional speed and power for immersive web browsing and multitasking. With open access to Android Market--the fastest growing app market--over 200,000 apps are only a touch away, giving you the freedom to customize your tablet for all of your web and entertainment needs.

Intuitive Android OS Designed for MultitaskingSince Android 3.1 is designed specifically for tablets, computing is visual, fluid, and intuitive, making multitasking a breeze. The Quick App Tray can float above other applications, keeping important tasks at your fingertips, while multiscreen scrolling allows you to view up to five screens at the same time. The system's enhanced browser includes tabbed pages, form auto-fill, bookmark syncing with Google Chrome, and private browsing.

Integrated Google ServicesAndroid 3.1 also features key Google services that you can easily access through convenient apps on your home screen. Use Google Maps with the Galaxy Tab's built-in GPS to point out your current location, search for businesses and addresses, and get directions. View your Gmail inbox and conversations side by side, and drop Gmail widgets on your home screen to stay on top of all your accounts. The mobile YouTube app provides a simple way to search, browse, and watch videos on your mobile device, while Google Talk lets you swap between multiple chats at a time, search your chat history, and see previews of videos and images within conversations or video chat.

Back- and Front-Facing CamerasThe Galaxy Tab 10.1 is equipped with a 3-megapixel camera for snapping crisp pictures and capturing 720p video. It also features a 2-megapixel front-facing camera for Google Talk video chat. You can share Tab content on your HDTV through the Tablet Extender feature, or stream it wirelessly with Allshare.

Compatible with Popular Media FormatsDesigned to handle all of your portable entertainment needs, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is compatible with major audio, video, and image file formats, letting you enjoy all of your media whenever and wherever you please. Stay entertained with Samsung's music and media hubs, where it's easy to purchase a wide range of content, including music, books, and magazines.

Security Suite Ideal for Business UseThe Galaxy Tab 10.1 is compatible with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files, making it ideal for handling your business needs as well as your entertainment. An enterprise-friendly tablet, the Galaxy Tab includes a suite of security solutions. Relationships with SAP, Exchange ActiveSync, Cisco AnyConnect, Sybase, and Cisco WebEx make it possible to operate efficiently, confidently, and securely.

The Samsung WiFi Galaxy Tab 10.1-Inch is backed by a limited one-year warranty.

What's in the BoxWiFi Galaxy Tab 10.1 (32 GB), 30-pin IF connector, USB 2.0 cable, charger and plug, earphones, product registration, and instruction manual.




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Save 33% Off: ASUS Eee PC 1215B-PU17-BK 12.1-Inch Netbook (Black) Review & Ratings

ASUS Eee PC 1215B-PU17-BK 12.1-Inch Netbook (Black)
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ASUS Eee PC 1215B-PU17-BK 12.1-Inch Netbook (Black) Review

9/7/2011 UPDATE:
Since people seem to still be getting some use from my review, so I have a few updates to add:
64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium?
YES, mine did come with the 64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium version of Windows.
NOTE: If you get a netbook that has Windows 7 Starter on it, you will not have the desktop themes functionality available to you. I learned this the hard way when I got my 1005HA netbook. Not too big of a deal, but I did miss having all those nice themes. ASUS has a make-shift solution for this, but it requires manual intervention. Now that I have Windows 7 Home Premium, I can enjoy desktop themes once again!
USB v3.0?
YES, mine did come with one USB 3.0 port on the right side (the blue colored USB port). There is also another USB 2.0 port on the right, and one on the left (three in all). One of the two USB 2.0 ports allows you to charge a device even when the netbook is powered off and the AC adapter is connected. You can even configure it to charge with just the battery alone and the power turned off on the netbook. A nice feature to have if you travel and find yourself in a bind with a low cell phone battery!
Accepts 8GB of RAM?
YES, mine did accept an 8GB memory upgrade! I installed the Corsair 8 GB DDR3 Laptop Memory Kit CMSO8GX3M2A1333C9, which is about $83. The memory that initially came with the 1215B was: hynix 2GB 1Rx8 PC3 - 10600S - 9 - 10 - B1
Be sure to get PC3-10600 compliant memory, NOT the Crucial CT25664BC1067 2GB 204-PIN PC3-8500 SODIMM DDR3 Memory Module that is SUPPOSEDLY bought together with the 1215B. PC3-10600 memory runs at a faster clock rate than PC3-8500. Do a Wikipedia search for "DDR3" RAM to see a comparison table. Also, according to cpu-world dot com, the E-350 supports memory up to DDR3-1333 and DDR3L-1066. DDR3L is suppose to run at less voltage, thus saves more on battery power. I would like to know if anyone has tested DDR3L memory in their 1215B netbook, and how they do on power savings!
BTW, my 1215B shipped with BIOS version 0306, while the ASUS site shows that there is a 0310 version out. I tried to update my BIOS via the utility found in the CMOS configuration (pressing F2 when booting up), but it said the models don't match. I am running the 8GB with the 0306 BIOS version. I'll have to mess with the BIOS updating a bit more.
[UPDATE: 5/1/2011]
I just updated to BIOS version 0315 and so far everything is still running smoothly. I included how I updated my BIOS in the Comments section below, in case you wondered how to do it.
Touch Pad Issues?
NO, mine DOES NOT have the touch pad issues that others are complaining about. But you can read their review(s) on what the fix is, which seems simple enough.
[UPDATE: 5/3/2011]
It has been two weeks now, and still no touch pad problems (Although I do use my bluetooth mouse mostly).
[UPDATE: 9/7/2011]
A few months ago I was using my 1215B at the couch without the external mouse, and it DID mess up on me as others have indicated. I uninstalled the Synaptics drivers, and when I rebooted the computer, the mouse still worked. As a matter of fact, it seemed to work better than with the Synaptics drivers. The only problem was that while typing, the cursor would jump to a different location and mess me up. I went to the Synaptics web site and downloaded their latest drivers, which they have now have a new feature called Scrybe, which allows you to do certain gestures as shortcuts, such as swiping a 'W' to pull up the web browser for example. BTW, I had to re-install the Synaptics drivers in order to disable the touchpad so that I could type and not have the cursor jump around on me. It does make me upset that I also have problems with the touchpad. Since I don't like touchpads and prefer an external mouse, this makes it OK for me, but if you do rely on touchpads exclusively, then you will likely run into problems.
Keyboard?
As far as the layout is concerned, I do like it better than the 1005HA, since the 1215B has separate keys for Home, End, PgUp, and PgDown. Of course, the 1215B is a little bigger and so it does have more surface area for more full keys. The cursor arrow keys double as Media Player Play/Pause, Stop, Skip Forward and Backward when used with the Fn key, which I thought I would utilize more, but so far I haven't. The Backspace and Enter keys are decent sized and easy to find. Others have mentioned keyboard "flex", which yes, I have noticed that when pressing keys more towards the middle of the keyboard, that the keyboard seems to flex downward, giving those who are real sticklers about such things a reason to complain about it. It hasn't really bothered me that much, but thought I would mention it just to be fair. [Update: 06/13/2011] I opened my 1215B today and noticed that the 'X' key was missing, but managed to find it. What had happened was that the metal piece that holds the key in place became bent. I bent it back so that it would hold the key in place, and all is well again. I was a little annoyed that this had happened, since it has never happened to me before on any keyboard, but so far it is staying in place, so I still give the 1215B a passing score. 9/7/2011 UPDATE: I have not had any more problems with the keys on the keyboard, thank goodness!
12" Screen Size?
I do like the 12" screen size on the 1215B much better than the 10" on the 1005HA. The 10" is really too small when it comes to running VM's, as well as viewing some web sites. Outlook 2010 does seem to make some adjustments (on its own) on hiding some things in order to make viewing much better, which is nice.
Fragil Power Connector Pin?
NO! I've had an ASUS Eee PC 1005HA netbook since January of 2010, which the 1215B uses the same power supply, and I haven't had any problems with the connector pin, or for that matter, it never even crossed my mind that it could potentially be an issue in the first place. I suppose if you have little kids running around and just can't seem to keep nice things, this could be an issue. BTW, both power adapters are rated as follows:
OUTPUT: 19V(DC), 2.1A, female=(-) and male=(+)
I purchased a Westronics NetBook AC Power Adapter for Asus EeePC 1005 1005HA 1005HAB 1101HA 1101HAB 1104HA 1106HA UMPC NoteBook Laptop for my 1005HA as a backup and so I could always keep the other adapter in my laptop bag so I never run off and forget it. I have already used my secondary power adapter that was originally for my 1005HA to recharge the battery on my 1215B, which the connectors are exactly the same and fits perfectly. It looks like this particular AC power adapter that I got has gone down in the ratings since the time that I got mine.
Includes Neoprene Slip Cover?
NO, my 1215B doesn't come with a neoprene protective case like the 1005HA did. I did get the Case Logic LNEO-12 12.1-Inch Neoprene Netbook Sleeve (Black) as an added slip cover for my 1215B, which it fits it nicely. It is also a bit thicker than the neoprene slip cover that came with the 1005HA, has carry handles, plus an extra pocket with a zipper for the power supply and a mouse. I would recommend getting it.
BTW, I'm upgrading from an Asus EEE PC 1005HA, which I have outgrown. I've been waiting for a 64-bit netbook with a slightly bigger screen and that can handle more than 2GB of RAM. The newer 1215B is small and light enough that I can put in my book bag along with my thick school books, and not break my back carrying it to school, but still just a bit bigger and with more power than the 1005HA!OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST:
There is a button to toggle the wireless/bluetooth ON or OFF, in order to save power. This can also be done with the Fn+F2 keys.
SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO GET FOR YOUR EEE PC 1215B:
* Definitely get more RAM if you can. I admit, 8GB might be a bit much if you just surf the internet and read emails, but I plan on running virtual machines on mine, which each VM can eat up a lot of RAM.
9/7/2011 UPDATE:
BTW, the AMD processor does have support for virtualization, which helps in running virtual machines. I have found that in order to get the best performance from VM's, you should keep your HD as defragmented as possible. I run Norton Utilities 15 and run Speed Disk on every bootup. I was surprised at how fragmented my HD was, and how long it takes to defragment it each time. It is taking less time every day, but it has taken a few months of daily defragments to bring down the length of defrags.
* Get an ASUS USB 2.0 8x DVD Writer External Optical Drive SDRW-08D1S-U (Black). You will need it to install software or RIP your CD's to MP3's to your netbook, but you can always leave it at home when you're done with those tasks. Mine cost about $40 when I got it.
* I recommend a Bluetooth wireless mouse, just so it doesn't eat up one of your USB ports (either with a cord or a wireless dongle). I got the Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 Mac/Windows, and I'm very happy with it. I got mine from an amazon vendor for about $20 new.
9/7/2011 UPDATE:
I have had problems with syncing this mouse, but mostly when the battery gets low. If you run into problems, it is likely that the battery is low. Even sometimes after putting in new batteries, it takes some trial and error to get it synced up again, but once it is synced, it works every time until...Read more›

ASUS Eee PC 1215B-PU17-BK 12.1-Inch Netbook (Black) Overview

Superior multimedia performance with AMD Dual-core Processor The Eee PC 1215B-P provides users the best portable multimedia enjoyment for its size. With the latest AMD Brazos E350 dual core processor - a high performance CPU and discrete GPU; expect the best in multimedia enjoyment. With the super low power consumption that the Eee PC 1215B-P draws, enjoy up to 8 hours of battery life.1 Along with long-lasting mobility, it has a compact, scratch-resistant design that fits nicely in carrying cases and backpacks – ideal for both long trips and day-to-day errands. The Eee PC 1215B-P is also one of the select few with HDMI connectivity. So when you feel like super-sizing your HD movies, simply connect to an HDTV and enjoy Full 1080p HD visuals and up to 8 channel sound. What's more, you get a spacious 320GB hard drive – to store, share, and back up your music, videos, and other valuable data. With built in 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0, staying online while on the go has never been easier. Transfer your photos and more 10 times faster than USB 2.0 with the latest USB 3.0 ports built-in to the Eee PC 1215B-P.2 The Eee PC 1215B-P also comes with full-size chiclet keyboard, stereo speakers, 2GB of DDR2 memory, and Windows 7 Home Premium.

Key Features
12.1-inch LED WXGA display for HD-quality visuals wherever, whenever(Learn more)
AMD Dual-Core Processor E350 with AMD Mobility Radeon™ HD 6310 Graphics for improved battery life and more responsive HD capabilities. (Learn more)
ASUS Super Hybrid Engine maximizes battery life up to 8 hours between charges1
HDMI connectivity for streaming Full HD video and digital sound to HDTVs and compatible external displays (Learn more)
SuperSpeed USB 3.0 for quicker device charging and up to 10x faster transfers than USB 2.02

Learn More
Relax, ASUS Has You Covered Ranked as the #1 most reliable PC brand by 3 independent sources4, readers and editors alike choose ASUS as their trusted notebook and netbook. ASUS relentlessly strives to exceed expectations of quality to ensure you an unmatched peace of mind every time you start your PC. This notebook also comes with the industry's most comprehensive warranty.
1 Year ASUSGlobal Warranty4
Offers a level of coverage that would add hundreds of dollars to the price of competing netbooks:

1year global warranty
6month battery warranty
24/7tech support
1-way free standard shipping

What's in the Box
Eee PC 1215B-P
AC Adapter
User Manual
Warranty Information Card

Specifications
OperatingSystem: Windows 7 Home Premium (32-bit)
Display: 12.1-inch LED WXGA display (1366 x 768)
Processor: AMD Dual-Core Processor E350
Graphics: AMD Mobility Radeon™ HD6310 Graphics
Memory: 2GB DDR3, 1 x SODIMM (expandable to 4GB)
LAN: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
WLAN: 802.11 b/g/n (@ 2.4GHz), Bluetooth v3.0
Storage: 320G 5400RPM hard drive
Camera: 0.3 megapixel
Speaker: Built-in Stereo speakers
Microphone: Digital Array Microphones
CardReader: 2-in-1 card reader; MMC/SD (SDHC/SDXC)
Input/ Output: 1 x Audio jack-out, 1 x Audio jack-in,2 x USB 2.0 ports, 2 x USB 3.0 port, 1 x HDMI; 1 (D-sub 15 pin)
Battery: 6 cell
Dimensions: 11.54 x 7.99 x 91 ~ 1.46 –inches
Weight: 5.62 lbs (with 8 cell battery)
Color: Black, Silver & Red

© 2011 ASUS Computer International. All Rights Reserved. ASUS is a registered trademark of ASUSTeK Computer. All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not be available in all markets. Product may not be exactly as shown in photos. 1 Performance may vary depending on user's hardware configuration and operating system.Test results based on comparison with standard 5400 RPM HDD using Windows 7 OS and PCMark Vantage benchmark analysis.. 2 All figures theoretical values compared to USB 2.0 benchmarks for reference purposes. Actual speed depends on device and system status. 3 Complimentary 60 days unlimited ASUS WebStorage trial. Please visit www.asuswebstorage.com for more details 4 Rated number 1 Windows-based PC maker in PCMag.com's Service & Reliability Report 2009. Rated number 1 PC brand according to SquareTrade, the leading direct-to-consumer warranty company (for more information visit http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/laptop-reliability-1109/ ). Rated number 1 reliable PC maker in Spring 2009's RESCUECOM report http://www.rescuecom.com/RESCUECOM269.html. Rated number 1 Windows-based PC brand in PCWorld.com survey http://www.pcworld.com/article/211074/the_tech_brands_you_can_trust.html.


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Save 13% Off: ASUS A53U-XE1 15.6-Inch Versatile Entertainment Laptop (Mocha) Review & Ratings

ASUS A53U-XE1 15.6-Inch Versatile Entertainment Laptop (Mocha)
Average Reviews:

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ASUS A53U-XE1 15.6-Inch Versatile Entertainment Laptop (Mocha) Review

Ok, lets get down to it for this unit. First of all make no mistake, this is not, and I repeat not a full blooded notebook or laptop. This is the next evolution in netbook. The description that Amazon has is a bit flawed and misleading in many ways which I have emailed them about. The "CPU" in this unit is actually AMD's new APU series of chipset that combine the graphics card with the CPU creating the APU (Accelerated Processing Unit). While it is listed as a dual core, just remember that this is a dual core 1GHZ processor along the same lines as Intel's Atom CPU. With that said I will get down to the pro's and cons of this unit.
PROS:
Graphics: - Video Playback. This unit has remarkable graphics performance. The chipset in this unit produces amazing clarity and smoothness when streaming from Netflix, HULU or from a DVD. I have experienced no issues with the video quality of the unit.
Monitor: - The 1080i Screen this unit comes with further enhances the viewing pleasure with amazingly sharp crisp color and clarity. I've yet to see any other netbook or laptop with a screen this nice.
Audio: - You have to hear these speakers to believe it. I was floored at their ability to reproduce clear crisp sound and bass with no distortion even at louder volumes. Not a room filling experience, but you wont need headphones to listen to your music or watch a movie with this unit.
RAM: - 3GB of RAM that this comes with is more than suffice to power it on the vast majority of productivity applications and multimedia. I however opted to upgrade it to the max of 8GB to further help the sometimes anemic APU get through tasks. It was worth the extra $45 for two 4GB sticks of Kingston RAM.
Gaming: - The all important question for a lot of you out there. This will play back basic disc based games and the basic online games. Steam works well on it, games like TF2 had no issues with it, but you are not going to be zooming through games such as WoW or SL as the APU just does not have the power to handle that demand.
Appearance: - Don't let the word (Mocha) fool you into thinking the entire device is coffee colored. This unit's visual design is a winner all around. The screen, keyboard and bottom of the unit are black like most laptops, the area surrounding the keyboard, the touch pad and speaker area are what is "mocha" colored, which is more of a deep and dark bronze color that is both subtle and visually appealing. It gives the unit a real look of class and that it's a lot higher priced than it is.
Keyboard & Touchpad: - Win! The chicklet style of keys make typing a breeze on this laptop if you have small hands like me or huge hands like the rest of my family. The full keyboard along with the full number pad on the right side make it very nice to use. You wont have to get used to the layout of a cramped laptop keyboard and go hunting for keys on this unit. The touchpad is awesome, smooth to the touch, very responsive, supports multiple gestures and it's "palm proof" technology really works. Drag your hands across the pad and it will not register that as input, preventing you from making accidental input.
Case: The Ice cool technology really works, even after working this unit out hard core to see how far I could push it, the bottom of the case never got warm, the hand rest and keyboard area also never got warm, even in a room with a 82F temp. The fan is super quiet. it's lightweight and sturdy so you don't feel like you are going to break it by moving it around.
Battery: 8 hours easily. This was obtained from streaming a Netflix movie for 2 hours, playing around on Facebook games, video chat, google+ activity and then into web surfing for the remainder of the time. The battery also charged back up to 100% after just under two hours.
CONS:
Multitasking: - Out of the box the unit is a bit anemic when it comes to multitasking. Adding more RAM does help this as do some of the suggestions at the end of this review. Once you iron it out, it tends to be acceptable, but if you are coming from a powerhouse computer, this one will drive you batty for awhile at it's response times.
Preinstalled ASUS Software - I really don't know what they were thinking when they put on their own software. I know all manufacturers do this, but these programs were the entire reason the laptop out of the box was so sluggish. Some of them even when not running were hoarding 500MB worth of RAM, others had multiple instances of themselves running. The ASUS updater program that's supposed to update all your drivers should be removed immediately before it screws up your system totally. Mine decided to download drivers for the wrong unit and install them, which forced me to have to do a full recovery in order to get the unit working again. There is plenty of griping on ASUS's forums about the program and the suggestion there is to remove it.
Processor: - While it is suffice for daily use, web surfing, emails, chats, streaming and the basics, it is not a power house nor a multi-tasker beyond a few low key programs at the same time. Otherwise it will start bogging down on you.
Overall, this is a nice unit with a lot of nice well thought out design features and quality construction. It is a good unit for a college student, high school student, casual web surfer, someone who just wants a laptop or for those who don't need massive computing power. Just do your research on the APU before you buy to see if this will handle what you want to do that I didn't cover in the review.
Suggestions: - Remove the preinstalled ASUS software. None of it is mission critical, if you are worried that it may be, just look it up online or in ASUS's forums. Also when you get yours, check the hard drive partitions. Mine was....oh...screwed up at the factory for whatever reason and was partitioned into four partitions plus the recovery partition. I had to merge (easily done with Windows 7) all the partitions so I had only one partition on my drive (plus the recovery drive). Also since there is no physical media to recover this unit with. I strongly suggest making a recovery DVD after you get it all set up the way you want. That way if it dumps on you, you can use the iso to restore it without having to go through all the set up again, nor the over 600MB of Windows updates (yeah...that took awhile).

ASUS A53U-XE1 15.6-Inch Versatile Entertainment Laptop (Mocha) Overview

Not Just another Pretty Face Smart, Reliable & Efficient Featuring the latest AMD Dual-Core C-50 Accelerated Processor with AMD Radeon™ HD 4250 graphics, the A53U-XE1 easily handles multitasking and entertainment on its brilliant 15.6" LED-backlit HD+ display. HDMI ready, supersize your high-definition media to an HDTV for up to 1080p visuals and 8 channel surround sound support. The A53U-XE1 is also engineered with ASUS IceCool technology with hairline brushed aluminum to maintain a low temperature on the keyboard and palm rest area for comfortable computing even after the longest sessions. Encased with an aluminum chassis, travel free with scratch-resistant, and smudge-resistant protection for robust durability day-in and day-out.

Key Features
AMD Dual-Core C-50 Accelerated Processor with AMD Radeon™ HD 4250 graphics ensures responsive and energy-efficient performance (Learn more)
ASUS Power4Gear optimizes system performance for increased performance and longer mobility (Learn more)
IceCool Technology makes use of superior component engineering combined with the aluminum surface, keeps palm rest and typing surfaces cool
ASUS Palm-Proof Technology prevents accidental input by intelligently distinguishing between palm and finger contact (Learn more)
Altec Lansing speakers enhanced with SRS Premium Sound produce crisp, clear audio reproduction

Learn More
Relax, ASUS Has You Covered Ranked as the #1 most reliable PC brand by 3 independent sources1, readers and editors alike choose ASUS as their trusted notebook and netbook. ASUS tirelessly strives to exceed expectations of quality to ensure you an unmatched peace of mind every time you start your PC. This notebook is also backed by the industry's most comprehensive warranty.
1 Year ASUSGlobal Warranty2 Offers a level of coverage that would add hundreds of dollars to the price of competing laptops:
1year global warranty
30 day Flawless Display Guarantee
2-way free standard shipping
24/7 tech support

1 Year Accidental Damage Warranty (ADW)2 Whether your notebook is damaged by accidental spills, drops, electrical surges, or fire, ASUS will fix it or replace it for you during the first year after purchase.
Covers accidental drops, spills, power surges, and fire damage
Target 3 business day turnaround time for repair / replacement; not including receiving and shipping time
1-way shipping (from ASUS to the user) at no additional cost
24/7 toll-free phone support

What's in the Box
A53U-XE1
AC Adapter
6 cell Battery Pack
Warranty Information Card

Specifications
OperatingSystem: Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Display: 15.6-inch HD display (1366 x 768)
Processor: AMD Dual-Core C-50 Accelerated Processor
Graphics: AMD Radeon™ HD 4250 graphics
WLAN: 802.11 b/g/n (@ 2.4GHz)
LAN: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
Memory: 3GB DDR3 SDRAM, 1 x SODIMM Sockets (up to 4GB)
Storage: 320GB 5400RPM hard drive
Optical Drive: Super Multi DVD drive
Camera: 0.3megapixel
Speakers: Altec Lansing speakers
Microphone: Microphone
Card Reader: 5-in-1 card reader (SD, MMC, MS, MS PRO SDHC (SD2.0)
Input/ Output: 1 x Mic-in, 1 x Headphone-out, 1 x VGA port/Mini D-Sub 15-pin for external monitor, 1 x RJ-45 LAN, 3 x USB 2.0 ports
Battery: 6 cell
Dimensions: 15.2 x 10.2 x 1.4 –inches (W x D x H)
Weight: 5.72lbs (with 6 cell battery)
Color: Mocha

© 2011 ASUS Computer International. All Rights Reserved. ASUS is a registered trademark of ASUSTeK Computer. Allspecifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please checkwith your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not beavailable in all markets. Product may not be exactly as shown in photos.

1Rated number 1 Windows-based PC maker in PCMag.com's Service & Reliability Report 2010. Rated number 1 PC brand according to SquareTrade, the leading direct-to-consumer warranty company (for more information visit http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/laptop-reliability-1109/ ). Rated number 1 reliable PC maker in Q2 2010's RESCUECOM report http://www.rescuecom.com/2010-2nd-Quarter-Computer-Reliability-Report.html 2ASUS reserves the right to exclude certain SKUs; check with your retailer to confirm coverage of specific models. Valid for notebooks purchased in the US and Canada only. Certain retailers do not participate in ADW coverage. For complete details, please visit: usa.asus.com/event/ASUS360 and adw.asus.com/.


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HP TouchPad Wi-Fi 16 GB 9.7-Inch Tablet Computer Review & Ratings

HP TouchPad Wi-Fi 16 GB 9.7-Inch Tablet Computer
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HP TouchPad Wi-Fi 16 GB 9.7-Inch Tablet Computer Review

Bought this from Amazon, as always got it quick. My back ground is I've owned an IPAD and asus windows tablet. After trying them out I was still unsatisfied with the products. It wasn't providing me what I was looking for. I wanted a tablet with good battery life, good aps, experience the 'real' web, do some entertainment (videos, games, music), keep myself connected with social media, and finally do some note taking for work/ everyday things. Looking at the reviews and the advertisements I gave the HP Touchpad a go.
The Breakdown based on a few days exp:
OS: A +
HP OS is probably the highest point in this tablet.
Synergy makes the whole multitasking a breezy and keeps everything in synch. The whole process to get connected with your email, facebook, and calendar is simple.
You can just do lots of things out of the box, no need to go hunting for apps.
No Icons Everywhere in the home screen.
You can browse the WHOLE internet without having black screens because of "missing a plugin".
APPs: B-
HP App market is lacking. You could take in to account that it just launched and will have more coming. If you patient you'll start seeing new ones every week. From whats available NOW you can manage. There are games and several productivity apps worth checking out.
Hardware: B-
This is the weakest thing for me for the Hp Touchpad. Every Tablet in the market right now has : front /back camera, expandable memory slot, hdmi output, and Real USB connections.
HP TP has front camera, max 32 gb memory, and one micro usb connection. WTF... Lacking big time.
If your like me that likes options for inputs/outputs this is a low blow.
Screen for HP TP is great, all the pictures and videos look nice and I think the resolution is fine. The touch response is good too.
Battery is good too. 5-6 hours . If you leave it on all night it will get low on battery. Not much standby power.
Price: B-
The majority of tablets are 300-499 range. The 32 gb TP is ~560 bucks in amazon. Hardware wise its not worth that. A little too steep for the competition.
Conclusion: HP Touch's operating system could just be the seller here for people that are in search for something friendly and do real multitasking. Or people that didn't like android or iOS.
Price and Hardware are big negatives. Probably the best thing is get this when the price drops under 450 or wait for second Generation.
You just got to see what is important to you and what specifically you "need" in a your tablet.
For me I might keep this :)
update 9-9-11
after the prices tanked cause of the announcement of HP not supporting it anymore. I returned mine (full refund from amazon) and actually bought another for 135 from hp.com :-)
why did I buy another ?
Because it is just a easy and brilliant product.
HP did announce continued support for the apps and updates .
which is true they have done a recent update and just came out with a new edition of the HP magazine for the touchpad which is a neat ideA to discover new apps.
here are some positives:
+HP gave a 50 buck credit for apps
+free box.net 50 gb of space online
+ found preware homebrew community that releases apps and anything you can think of to add a whole different experience . They have a app to overclock the CPU :-)
+new apps added weekly
+noticed faster internet and processing with updates
with the touchpad being cheaper. Give this a try. Support will be there for a while because over 250k of units are out there and HP is making more. Developers love the touchpad.

HP TouchPad Wi-Fi 16 GB 9.7-Inch Tablet Computer Overview

Get more done with the HP TouchPad Wi-Fi 16GB, a tablet designed to work like you do. Connect, play, surf and share more easily. Stay organized by grouping your related activities into card stacks on the brilliant 9.7-inch diagonal LED backlit multitouch display. You can also enjoy more of the web, including sites with Adobe Flash content. Hear music the way the artists intended it to be heard with Beats Audio, plus use the front-facing camera and microphone for live video calling. HP webOS helps you multitask seamlessly. Sign in to your online accounts and this HP tablet pulls information together automatically. See your Face book friends' birthdays in your contacts, compare work and personal calendars side by side, and view your work and personal e-mails together or separately. Just Type lets you create messages, search the web and more without launching an app first. Receive notifications of new messages, e-mails and events without interrupting what's on your screen. Plus, charge this HP tablet wirelessly using the optional HP Touchstone Charging Dock. The HP TouchPad Wi-Fi 16GB also works better together with other HP webOS devices: Touch to share websites with your HP Pre3 or Veer Smartphone.

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Save 4% Off: Acer Aspire One AO722-BZ454 11.6-Inch HD Netbook (Espresso Black) Review & Ratings

Acer Aspire One AO722-BZ454 11.6-Inch HD Netbook (Espresso Black)
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Acer Aspire One AO722-BZ454 11.6-Inch HD Netbook (Espresso Black) Review

UPDATE 8/23/11: For details on how to upgrade this netbook, check out the comments posted below. Just click 'Comments (#)' at the bottom of this review. The further you read into the comments thread the more in depth the questions get. Feel free to read through and post any questions that have not already been answered. If you have any new tips or tricks others might benefit from, please contribute. Thanks so much!
REVIEW: I was looking for an 11"-13" small laptop or netbook that could web surf, blog, and run MS Office. I also wanted to be able to handle basic, on-the-fly photo editing & design using Adobe CS5. Lastly, I needed something that could run for at least 6 hours on battery and had a full-size keyboard. Going with the Acer Aspire One 722 was a good choice price wise and provided a power efficient option that met my needs while on the road. Hopefully, you find this review helpful.
After testing it without any upgrades for a week, it was way faster than the Atom netbooks I've used in the past and faster than my old 11.6" Acer AS1410 Core2 Solo from last year. However, I wanted a bit more grunt power and speed. Upgrading the hard drive and memory seemed like a good decision, and it has turned this entry level PC into something on par with most mid-range desktops. Here are the upgrades I made:
* Crucial C300 2.5" 128GB SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
* G.SKILL 4GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3-1333 PC3-10600 Unbuffered Non-ECC
Being that this is a review for the Acer Aspire One 722, it's only fair to give you the PROS and CONS without factoring in the upgrades.
PROS:
* Amazing keyboard - Huge buttons, nice click and very little flex. Buttons are where they should be.
* Dedicated graphics - Video streams via YouTube and Hulu in HD without stuttering. 1366x768 resolution means I can run Photoshop natively. 256MB of dedicated graphics memory, means I can flip through web pages without waiting for it to catch up.
* Battery life - With the original hard drive, I was getting 4.5-5 hours on the "balanced" power setting. 7 hours on "power saver"
* Windows 7 64bit with an AMD C-50 processor
* Brand name - This is my 4th Acer PC. There are a lot of great options out there, but IMHO Acer is the best bang for the buck.
* Charger cord - Something I've grown to appreciate is how compact the charger cord is. It is only one cord, as opposed to the usual two part cord included with most laptops. It's a whopping 8 feet long and comes with a Velcro strip pre-attached to neatly store the coiled cord. The charging block is at the plug-in end. Also, the prongs can be rotated 90 degrees so it doesn't block any more of a powerstrip or outlet than it has too. Nice job!
* Webcam - Very clear webcam. It's only a 0.3 MegaPixel, but when I'm traveling my misses says it's crystal clear on Skype.
CONS:
* Glossy black lid - Not a deal breaker, just a matter of preference. Wish it was matte. I do like the embedded ripple. Kind of groovy.
* BEEP - If you plug-in or unplug the power cord while the netbook is ON, the computer lets out a loud beep - just loud enough to make you flinch. It reminds me of my very first PC from 20 years ago. This can be disabled in Control Panel > Sound > Playback Tab > Speakers > Properties > Levels Tab > Mute PC Speaker.
* No Bluetooth - Using a mini USB Bluetooth adapter to resolve that.
* Trackpad size - You can kind of expect this on a laptop this small. I prefer a wireless mouse anyways. Other than size, the pad feels perfect and is very responsive. The trackpad buttons are the best I've ever used.
* Linux users - As of 6/14/11, the graphics card, web cam, and wifi drivers are buggy on Linux. I tested Ubuntu 10.04, 11.04, Mint 11 and Joli 1.2 and was experiencing system freezes and resolution issues.
AFTER UPGRADING THE MEMORY AND HARD DRIVE:
* Boot time - Before the upgrade: 1 minute 35 seconds. After the upgrade: 32 seconds.
* Battery life - I get about 5.5-6 hours with the power management setting on "balanced". 8+ hours on "power saver".
* Photoshop CS5 64bit - Opens in 7 seconds now as opposed to 16 seconds previously.
* Multitasking - I'm able to multitask a couple web pages, streaming music, Outlook, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Bridge and Camera Raw simultaneously without a prolonged hourglass. That's good enough for me.

Acer Aspire One AO722-BZ454 11.6-Inch HD Netbook (Espresso Black) Overview

The Aspire One AO722, 11.6" Netbook, is the perfect combination of usability and portability in a thin and light design, while boasting a full-size keyboard and excellent connectivity for the best of both worlds. Throw in one-of-a-kind style, and we've got you covered! Get more done while mobile with AMD C-Series processing performance, ATI Radeon™ HD Graphics, up to 7 hours of battery life and fun media features. You'll have everything you need in a travel light design to stay connected on the go, enjoy more of your media and tackle your everyday demands with ease.

Key Features
AMD C-Series Processor C-50(1.0GHz, 1MB L2 cache)
11.6" HD Widescreen CineCrystal™ LED-backlit Display
Windows® 7 Home Premium
2GB DDR3 Single-Channel Memory
250GB SATA Hard Drive
ATI Radeon™ HD 6250 Graphicswith 256MB of dedicated system memory
802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™
Multi-in-One Digital Media Card Reader
Built-in 0.3 Megapixel Webcam
Two Built-in Stereo Speakers
Full-Size Acer FineTip Keyboard
Multi-Gesture Touchpadsupporting circular-motion scrolling, pinch-action zoom and page flip
3- USB 2.0 Ports
1- HDMI™ Port with HDCP Support
6-cell Li-ion Batteryup to 7-hours battery life
3.21 lbs. | 1.46kg (system unit only)
Color: Espresso Black Comes with Black Cover and Espresso Palmrest

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