Best Computer Blog

Product Description

Just when you thought your MacBook Pro was state of the art, Apple introduces the MD313LL/A 13″ MacBook Pro with new advanced processing power and graphics. New connectivity capabilities potentially speed large file transfers beyond any current connection. All MacBook Pro models are state-of-the-art. This new one takes it out to another edge.

New Thunderbolt technology lets you connect high-performance peripherals and high-resolution displays to one port – with data transfer rates up to 10 Gbps. Thunderbolt is based on two fundamental technologies: PCI Express and DisplayPort. And because Thunderbolt is based on DisplayPort technology, the video standard for high-resolution displays, any Mini DisplayPort display plugs right into the Thunderbolt port. To connect a DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI, or VGA display, just use an existing optional adapter. Take everything from games to CAD to HD video projects anywhere. Time makes full-screen HD video calls that are astonishingly crisp. And thanks to the new widescreen format, you can get your friends in the picture, too. And with Mac OS X Lion and iLife ’11, you’re sure to get a great Mac notebook – all in a precision aluminum unibody enclosure that’s less than an inch thin.

Your creative potentials and dreams are realized with each new generation of MacBook Pro. Life, after all, is ever changing and this very affordable MacBook Pro makes impossible opportunities more possible than ever.

13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen display, 1280-by-800 resolution Intel HD Graphics 3000 processor with 384MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory 8x SuperDrive (DVD+-R DL/DVD+-RW/CD-RW) AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi Wireless (based on IEEE 802.11n specification) Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR 10/100/1000 Gigabit BASE-T Ethernet SDXC Card Slot FaceTime HD Camera Audio Stereo speakers with subwoofer, omnidirectional microphone Expansions – 2 x USB 2.0, F

Product Review by DenverDude

I guess I am a Mac after all…,

I recently made the switch from PC to Mac, and I can say that I’m not sure why I waited so long. Considering that I have only had my computer a few weeks I can’t say much about the durability and longevity of the hardware, but I can say that the operating system (mine shipped with Lion) and software is top notch.

I labored for a long time trying to decide whether the 13″ MacBook Pro or MacBook Air was the right choice for me. I liked the form factor, screen resolution and weight of the Air, but couldn’t get comfortable with the comparatively small hard drive and the RAM fixed at 4GB. Considering these factors along with the significant price premium for an Air, I decided that the MBP was right for me.

I also thought long and hard about whether to go with the base model with the 2.4Ghz processor and 500 GB HDD or the 2.8Ghz processor with the 750GB HDD. after looking at reviews and benchmark tests I decided that for my uses, the less expensive model would be perfect and that the incremental added performance of the more expensive model is not worth the price premium. When solid state drives become more affordable and their cost drops I will probably switch my HDD out, but until then 500GB should be plenty of space.

After using this computer for the past few weeks and carrying it on weekly business trips I am very pleased with my choice of computers. It handles the Microsoft office suite flawlessly, and the added ram allows me to open and view very large pdf files without any lag. I have done minor video and photo editing on this computer and it performed very well.
So far I am pleased with this computer and my Mac experience overall. The process of learning a new OS and overall user interface was daunting at first, but Apple has done a great job creating a system that is intuitive and easy to learn.

I would recommend this computer to anyone looking for a new laptop that they expect to have for awhile and would like to be able to customize it to fit their needs.

Product Description

Not Just another Pretty Face
Smart, Reliable & Efficient

Powered by an Intel^® Core^™ i7-2670QM Processor with NVIDIA^® GeForce^® GT 540M with 1GB of DDR3 VRAM Graphics for brilliant and responsive HD entertainment, the ASUS A53SV-EH71 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. Experience faster data transfer with SuperSpeed USB 3.0. ASUS Infusion Technology gives this notebook a scratch-resistant coat with eye-catching style. ASUS IceCool technology with hairline brushed aluminum helps maintain a low temperature on the keyboard and palm rest area for comfortable computing even after the longest sessions.

Key Features

• Intel^® Core^™i7-2670QM Processor with NVIDIA^® GeForce^® GT 540M with 1GB of DDR3 VRAM Graphics for brilliant and responsive HD entertainment
• ASUS Power4Gear optimizes system performance for increased performance and longer mobility
• IceCool Technology makes use of superior component engineering combined with the aluminum surface to keep the palm rest and typing surfaces cool
• ASUS Palm-Proof Technology prevents accidental input by intelligently distinguishing between palm and finger contact
• SuperSpeed USB 3.0 for quicker device charging and up to 10x faster transfers than USB 2.0¹
• Altec Lansing speakers enhanced with SRS Premium Sound produce crisp, clear audio reproduction

Product Review by Baatar

Great Laptop!

I bought this during black friday week. I opened it up and have loved it from the get go. Everything has worked without any problems. I’m not a programmer but I’m also not computer illiterate. I expect things to work out of the box and this has done so very well.

Multi tasking has been seemless, running Netflix while I back up the system while surfing the internet a little.

The battery has performed as expected. Windows and ASUS have preset performance levels that let you consume the battery in two hours or extend it out to five or six. I used the computer on a higher performance level for about 3 hours and it did great.

I love the touch pad that works great with a myriad of options when it comes to scrolling, zooming in and out, switching between screens and opening my computer.

I will soon be installing games that will require a higher graphics output and I’ll have to update this when I see how it performs. This is my first experience with ASUS and I’ve been pleased with the experience so far.

Product Description

Business Travel just like the Pro’s do! Sleek and sturdy, designed with European-style minimalism, this attaché carries an air of importance. This case is ideal for the traveler on the go with plenty of room for your laptop case or notebook. Organize your business essentials in accordion-style portfolios and multiple compartments, all set within a durable Aluminum exterior with strong frame. Includes bonus Ergonomic shaped removable carrying strap securely attaches to the case !

Technical Details

•    Heat-tempered aluminum shell has the strength of steel at only one quarter the weight with extra strength hinges
•    Adjustable fully padded laptop/notebook compartment to fit most laptops up to 17 inch screen laptops
•    Full size business essential organizer with plenty of room for your iPod, iPhone, USB flash drives, business cards, pens, etc.
•    Sturdy triple-digit combination locks for superior security providing unrivaled protection; Includes lock instructions
•    Approximate Measurements: 18″ L x 13″ H x 4″ W and Computer Pocket: 17″ L x 12″ H x 3″ W
•    With an exceptionally thick, shock-absorbent micro-cell polyurethane foam interior

Product Review by Dr. Geiger

I bought this to replace my current laptop carrying case. I needed something lockable with a synthetic lint-free liner and this was the best option I could find for under $100. My colleagues were impressed and have all started buying new (and often more expensive) cases. There’s just something about the appearance of solid brushed aluminum. It’s no Zero Haliburton, but unless you’re in the market for a $500 case, I’d recommend this modest alternative.

Product Description:

Vaultz offers a wide range of fashionable security storage products that allow you to store, transport and protect the things that are important to you. The Vaultz Locking Laptop Case will help you protect and secure your laptop! This sturdy case features combination locks to provide keyless security, a side grommet which is compatible with any standard laptop security cable (cable not included), sturdy chrome steel corners and aluminum trim, a padded interior with adjustable cushioned walls, and functional internal pockets for files and supplies. The deluxe shoulder strap provides comfortable and convenient portability. Keep your laptop and important files safe from theft and damage with the Vaultz Locking Laptop Case. If it’s important, play it safe and LOCK IT UP! with Vaultz.

Technical Details

•    Combination locks provide security
•    Side grommet is compatible with any standard laptop security cable (cable not included)
•    Sturdy chrome steel corners and aluminum trim
•    Padded interior with adjustable cushioned walls
•    Functional internal pockets for files and supplies

Product Review by Johnny P

Sturdy, Secure, and Heavy Duty

One of the better laptop briefcases that I have ever had. At first when I ordered it, I had my doubts because I didn’t feel I needed such a secure laptop case. Boy, was I in for a surprise. At work, this is the only laptop case we use. Both the lock and the sturdiness of the case have saved me occasion after occasion. To date, I’ve been using it for over 1 year and still no problems. Would definitely recommend to anybody looking for a quality laptop/briefcase.

Product Description
Features: Padded frame laptop compartment with removable padded spacers to hold most 17″ laptops, Dual combination locks, Organizer section, Aluminum shell construction, Removable, adjustable shoulder strap, Accordion fan file, Removable zippered accessory pouch, and Corner guard protection.

Technical Details:
•    Aluminum
•    Dimensions: 18″ x 13″ x 4.5″
•    Dual combination locks
•    Organizer section
•    Aluminum shell construction
•    Removable, adjustable shoulder strap

Product Review by C. Stafford

Awesome

Its very sturdy and solid. The locks arent as well made as I would like, but I have high standards for things like that. I had to send the first one back because one lock would no latch at all. Manufacturer random error, it happens. Replacement was perfect.

Remember that this is more about protecting the laptop, not security, the locks wont stop anyone with a large blunt object.

Will fit a 15″ notebook if you use the included velcro padded bar. Without the bar, my Dell Studio 17 fits, but *exactly* fits. There is enough room on top of laptop for power brick (and cords) and maybe a few small items (my non-travel size mouse fits in the height no problem) but not a whole lot of space.

Would recommend for good travel protection, but would pack bulk of accessories in 2nd case/bag. Would take on plane, but not to office every day. You get some awesome looks from people when you carry it (Walk with the right air about you, and people will thing you are super important)

Like some reviews say, and also the spec, its heavy when empty, nearly 8 pounds. Combined with laptop, its got quite a mass to it. Shoulder strap takes care of that. Its awesome if you are not carrying it.

Product Description
This notebook briefcase features a durable aluminum exterior with a combination lock for convenience and security. Its padded foam interior with restraint strap is designed to protect and secure your notebook computer while on the go. It features inside pockets that hold business cards, pen, pencil, and more.

Technical Details
•    Heavy duty aluminum case with organizer section & inside pockets
•    Padded-frame computer compartment with removable padded foam spacers
•    Velcro restraint strap to secure notebook; Combination lock for convenience and security
•    Suitable for 15-inch notebooks or smaller; Durable aluminum-shell construction
•    Sturdy and strong carrying handle; Metal corner guard protection

Product Review by Ray

Good for my 14″ Asus Laptop

This briefcase fits my 14″ Asus Laptop with just enough space on the sides to keep my mouse, power cord, and power adapter but it is very slim so you cant fit books that are too big or much else inside of it. The durability seems pretty good, its made out of aluminum and plastic (mostly aluminum) but it tends to be a little bit on the heavy side. The combination on the lock can be reset to anything you like, as many times as you like just remember the instructions or keep them in a safe place in case you forget them.

Overall I am satisfied with my purchase, this aluminum case protects my laptop alot better then the fabric case that came with my laptop, I just wish I could carry a little more more stuff inside of this case and that it was a little bit lighter while still maintaining its durability.

Pros
————–
- Combination lock combination can be reset as many times as you like
- Durable
- Slim/Sleek design
- Fair Price

Cons
————–
- A little bit heavy
- Cant carry too much inside due to the slim design
- Might have trouble fitting in your mouse, power cord, and power adapter with 15″ or bigger laptops

Product Description

beyond the basics.
Get more features for less with the new wide-screen 17.3” Lenovo G770 notebook.
Synchronize your files with other notebooks using DirectShare, without connecting to the internet. Benefit from a longer lasting battery thanks to inventive Lenovo Energy Management. Remain worry-free with OneKey^® Rescue System that makes data backup and recovery simpler. Plus, VeriFace^® facial recognition technology makes login fun and easy. Enjoy the smart performance of an Intel^® Core™ i5 processor with Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0. With Lenovo Enhanced Experience 2.0 for Windows^® 7 with RapidBoot technology, you can start your PC on an average 20 seconds faster than a standard Windows^® 7 computer. So whatever your idea of fun, the Lenovo G770 notebook will bring it to life.

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

• 2nd Generation Intel^® Core™ i5 processor with Intel^® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
• Genuine Windows^® 7 Home Premium
• Lenovo Enhanced Experience 2.0 for Windows^® 7 with RapidBoot technology – delivers faster startup & shutdown and optimized multimedia
• 17.3” HD+ screen (1600×900), 16:9 widescreen
• ATI Radeon™ HD 6650M 1GB graphics
• 6GB DDR3 memory, 750GB HDD storage
• Integrated Bluetooth^® & 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi
• Blu-ray Disc™ drive
• USB 2.0 connectors & 5-in-1 card reader
• Integrated 2.0MP webcam

GET ENTERTAINED

• Stereo speakers
• HD graphics support and HDMI output
• Lenovo^® DirectShare – easily synchronize your files with another notebook without connecting to the internet
• VeriFace^® face recognition – a fun way to log into your PC

REST EASY

• Energy Management – protects the long-term durability of the battery and uses advanced energy-saving technology to increase time spent between charges
• OneKey^® Rescue System makes data backup and recovery simple so you can spend time more enjoyable tasks
• Lenovo^® ReadyComm – advanced networking and internet connection management

BE STYLISH

• AccuType keyboard with individual rounded keys for comfortable and accurate typing
• Sleek exterior design with smooth top cover and single-piece brush-metal interior paneling around the keyboard provides a cool-to-touch surface

AFFORDABLE PRODUCT, HIGH-PRICE PERFORMANCE

The G770 is an affordable way to tackle your everyday computing tasks. It has all the essentials, whether you’re trying to do homework, complete the family budget, surf the Web, send email or just play a little. But we throw in a few extra touches to make it more than simply “functional.” The latest Intel processor, high-capacity storage, plenty of memory and Lenovo Enhanced Experience 2.0 for Windows^® 7, with RapidBoot technology, make the G770 fast and efficient. Cool design features, brilliant 17.3” HD widescreen and powerful discrete graphics make it fun to look at; and additional Lenovo apps and systems make the G770 easy to connect, use and keep secure.

STRESS-FREE USE

Versatile and durable, the G770 laptop includes plenty of features to facilitate a regular, stress-free computing experience. High-speed 802.11n Wi-Fi, with integrated Bluetooth^®, provides fast connectivity; Lenovo ReadyComm helps you easily manage your networking and internet connection; and Lenovo DirectShare allows you to synchronize your files with another notebook without having to connect to the internet. VeriFace^® face recognition is a fun and secure way to login to your PC. Lenovo Energy Management uses advanced energy-saving technology to stretch your battery life, protecting your battery’s long-term durability and increasing the amount of time you can go unplugged. And you can rest at ease knowing OneKey^® Rescue System is there to simplify data backup and recovery, allowing you to focus on using your computer instead of worrying about its maintenance.

ATTRACTIVE DESIGN

Enjoy the look of the curvaceous cover with its cool “spoiler” element and the gorgeous, brushed-metal appearance of the G770, then open the one-hand hinge with ease and take a gander inside. The brushed-metal palmrest cover is stunning to behold and cool to the touch, while the popular AccuType keyboard is a thing of beauty. It features island-style, easy-to-press keys with finger-friendly design and an ergonomic spacebar for safe, comfortable use — which is good, considering how much time you’re going to want to spend using your new laptop.

VERIFACE™ FACE RECOGNITION

Your face is your password

• Supports multiple users
• Login log review – check who has tried to log into your computer
• File encryption/decryption – encrypt and decrypt sensitive files, using your face as your password!
• Live detection – stops unauthorized users from using a photo of the owner to log in
• Leave a video message – unauthorized users can leave a video message for the computer owner to view when they return

Product Review by David Gonzalez

Excellent perfomance!!! and exceptional feeling in your hands,

I am CS grad, so I am quite demanding. Well, let’s be fast and this is the pros/cons after a month, Bought FOR $699:
PROs
-Beautiful presentation and pretty darn good materials. It really looks and feels fancy!
-USB 3.0, after read previous reviews highlighting this feature, IT IS TRUE and it works sweet.
-Awesome Keyboard and Touchpad: they work perfect, soft and responsive keys, really sensitive touchpad that have nice texture and your finger do not stick to it( like HP ones).
- Really silent performance and cool in normal conditions, I used all the time in my legs and no issues. the heat is in the center, so normally you don’t have contact with that part.
- System is on and working in less than 60 seconds.
- REALLY SMALL AND LIGHTWEIGHT FOR 17 inches, compared with Dell Vostro, Toshiba P series. BTW, my friends confused it with a 15.6″ laptop, cause their are huge and heavy.
- Bluray reader, Bluetooth( no nasty dongles) and HD graphics card, no match on Amazon, believe I searched for two weeks before buying it, even with the student Xbox gift promotion.
- Lenovo software is really good, I crashed it doing some Hard coding stuff, but with One Key Restore, it was piece of Cake(really, just press the rescue button when the pc is off and do next, next …. and done).

CONs
- Opaque web-camera, damn weird, but it works in normal light conditions
- Partitions in the Hard Disk are all used already, there are four: one button rescue software, OEM system image, OS and Back-up. So you have to do some magic to install Linux on it without delete some of those partitions.
-Sometimes the sound get interfered with turbo boost, caused maybe by drivers or custom sound manager app.

Buy with confidence!!! LOL, I highly recommend this product. The cons are really nothing comparing with this solid piece of work.

Product Description

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
• ASUS Power4Gear optimizes system performance for increased performance and longer mobility
• 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
• Altec Lansing speakers enhanced with SRS Premium Sound produce crisp, clear audio reproduction

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 ASUS Global Warranty

Offers a level of coverage that would add hundreds of dollars to the price of competing laptops:

• 1 year global warranty
• 30 day Flawless Display Guarantee
• 2-way free standard shipping
• 24/7 tech support

1 Year Accidental Damage Warranty

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

• Operating System: 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: 0.3 megapixel
• 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

Product Review by Multifox

You do get more than you pay for here

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).

Product Description

Get more done with the ultra-compact HP Pavilion dm4-2070us Notebook PC. Count on the 2nd generation Intel Core i5 processor and 6GB of memory to help you work in multiple applications at once. Wirelessly stream photos, videos and other content to an HD TV using Intel Wireless Display; all you need is an adapter (sold separately) and a TV that has an HDMI or composite A/V input. You’ll also stay more comfortable with HP Cool Sense technology, which allows you to control the cooling so heat is directed away from your lap. This HP laptop also has an integrated DVD burner and a webcam that lets you video chat in low-light environments. Plus, access your online accounts securely using the integrated fingerprint reader. Print, e-mail and browse the web wirelessly using built-in Wi-Fi. Edit documents and watch videos on the 14.0-inch diagonal high-definition LED display. The HP Pavilion dm4-2070us Notebook PC has a battery life of up to 6.75 hours, so you can work and play longer without plugging in your notebook. And at 4.41 lbs and as slim as 1 inch, the dm4 is easy to carry. The brushed aluminum finish in steel gray gives this HP laptop plenty of style, too. Transfer photos from a memory card to your PC using the digital media reader and store thousands of files on the large 640GB hard drive.

IDEAL FOR

Ultra portability and comfort. Count on the slim HP Pavilion dm4-2070us Notebook PC for high performance without the heavy weight. Access your online accounts securely with the swipe of a finger using the integrated fingerprint reader; with one-time password, logging in is safe and fast. With a spacious hard drive, built-in DVD burner, Wi-Fi connectivity and exclusive HP software, this stylish laptop PC helps you boost productivity and have fun at the same time.

Product Features

• Brushed aluminum in steel gray
• HP CoolSense technology automatically adjusts thermal settings
• Wirelessly stream photos, videos and other content to an HD TV
• View clearly on the 14″ diagonal high-definition BrightView LED display with    Intel HD 3000 graphics
• Get solid performance with the 2.3GHz Intel Core i5-2410M processor, with 6GB DDR3 memory; Store lots of data on the 640GB (5400 rpm) hard drive

Processor, Memory, and Motherboard

• Processor: Intel Core i5
• RAM: 6 GB
• Memory Slots: 2

Hard Drive

• Size: 640 GB
• Manufacturer: 640GB (5400RPM) Hard Drive (SATA) with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection

Ports and Connectivity

• USB Ports: 3

Cases and Expandability

• Size (LWH): 13.42 inches, 8.98 inches, 1.27 inches
• Weight: 4.41 pounds

Product Review by Dino

Great Affordable MacBook Alternative

My goal was to find a PC that is equivalent or better compared to the internal parts of a MacBook Pro i5 2nd Gen, and this was the only computer I was able to snatch up during sale for $499 with such components, and in many cases better components. I wasn’t expecting to be blown away, but I have been pleasantly surprised with this laptop.

First of all, it looks great. The glowing HP logo is reminiscent of the glowing Apple logo, and the brushed metal-type backing just makes it look that much better. The keyboard and the surroundings are very clean, no additional unnecessary buttons and the keyboard is solid and easy to type on. The trackpad has multifinger functionality for scrolling, pinching and rotating. At first, the trackpad was hard to scroll on as my fingers did not glide, but eventually it broke in and it was easier.

In terms of previous reviews saying that the software is terrible, that must be an exception. This was a rare time for me to find a laptop with such little bloatware — just Office and some HP games at most. Usually I do a clean install of Windows when I buy a new computer, but with this one, it was unnecessary. The i5 processor is very speedy, does not heat up a lot, and the fan is relatively quiet. The battery is also decent, going around 5-6 hours on regular use.

Overall, I think this is a great purchase for someone who would like a decent sturdy laptop for an affordable price and would enjoy telling their MacBook Pro friends how they paid $1000 less for a PC with better components

Product Description

Get more out of your computing experience with the Acer Aspire AS5552 Notebook delivering outstanding performance, great communication features and rich multimedia. Just open the lid to reveal the stunning 15.6″ HD widescreen LCD display that brings the Internet, movies and video games to life. Powerful Quad-Core processing, amazing connectivity, ATI Radeon™ HD Graphics and cool features makes this the perfect PC for multimedia enthusiasts and mobile multitaskers.

Key Features

• AMD Phenom™ II X4 Quad-Core Processor N970 (2.2GHz, 2MB L2 Cache)
• 15.6” HD Widescreen CineCrystal™ LCD Display
• Windows® 7 Home Premium
• Microsoft® Office Starter 2010
• 4GB DDR3 Dual-Channel Memory
• 320GB SATA Hard Drive
• ATI Radeon™ HD 4250 Graphics
• 8X DVD-SuperMulti Double-Layer Drive
• 2-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
• 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™
• 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN
• Dolby® Advanced Audio® v2 Audio Enhancement
• High-Definition Audio Support
• 3- USB 2.0 Ports
• 1- HDMI™ Port
• Built-in 1.3 Megapixel HD Webcam
• Multi-Gesture Touchpad
• Dedicated Numeric Keypad
• 6-cell Li-ion Battery
• 5.74 lbs. | 2.6 kg (system unit only)

Mobile Multitasking Performance

Get out of this world performance with an AMD Phenom™ II X4 quad-core processor and 4GB DDR3 Memory, accelerating daily needs with performance and responsiveness needed to download music, launch movies, chat and complete demanding tasks.

802.11b/g/n Wireless and Gigabit Ethernet LAN ensure you can connect quickly and stay online wherever you go.

Windows® 7 Home Premium makes the things you do every day easier and with Office Starter 2010, experience new ways to deliver your best work! Buy Microsoft® Office 2010 to activate a full-featured Office suite preloaded on this PC.

High-Definition Widescreen Experience

Enjoy cinematic brilliance on the 15.6″ HD CineCrystal™ widescreen LED-backlit Display with a true 16:9 aspect ratio and ATI Radeon™ HD 4250 graphics delivering crystal-clear images and brilliant color for today’s best entertainment.

Liberate the senses with vibrant audio that brings movies and music to life via built-in speaker and high-def audio support.

Go even bigger by easily connecting to your HDTV via the HDMI port, delivering crisp high-quality visuals and high-fidelity audio through a single cable.

Cool Features to Make Your Life Easier

The comfortable keyboard extends to a Dedicated Numeric Keypad making number key-in’s quick and streamlining productivity.

Pinch, flick and swirl your fingers on the Multi-Gesture Touchpad for an intuitive navigation of web pages, photos and more.

2-in-1 Card Reader supports Secure Digital™ (SD) Card & MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory cards for convenient, cable-less, tangle-free file transfer of your digital media.

Massive 320GB Hard Drive has plenty of space to store your digital albums, music library and rich media files so you can have everything at your fingertips wherever you go.

Product Review by Magilla

Best value anywhere!

I was shopping for a quality laptop for audio production in the $400 range for about a month, and everything I found had a dual core processor, 3 or less GB of RAM, and was mostly out-of-date. Then I discovered this on pre-order, and was VERY impressed by the specs. Once I gathered the money to buy my new computer, this notebook was finally available, so I jumped on it with a quickness. Once I started getting everything setup, and installed my audio production applications, I was amazed by how smoothly it performed… I still haven’t managed to make it bog down in the least! This system is a beast, and by far the best deal around at this point. Anything close is $100 or more expensive, and usually lacks the features this system boasts. I am more than pleased with my purchase, and would recommend this laptop to anyone looking for a high quality system at a low price. I give it a 100 out of 10! Thanks for providing such an awesome deal, you have scored a customer for life!