Acer AS8943G-9429 18.4-Inch Laptop (Aluminum) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a nice machine. But if you need the 2nd hard drive that they claim to support you are out of luck. It does not ship with the kit to install the 2nd drive, and three calls to acer tech support, two calls to their recommended 'parts vendors' and a call to amazon.com have all been fruitless: The bracket and cover needed are not available. Maybe you can buy it preconfigured with two drives. But, you won't be adding one later without doing some metal work and cutting off some bits of plastic. Which probably voids your warranty.
As to why: It looks like there is not much airflow in that spot. Maybe they had heat and reliability problems with regular drives, so they decided to pretend they can't cough up a mounting kit. I want to put a solid-state drive there, so there should be no problem.
I'm still debating whether to hack a solution, or send it back. Three stars 'cause they lied to me about the 2nd drive. Would be 4.5 stars except for that (minus 0.5 stars for the weird keyboard). Caveat emptor.
UPDATE: In the end I sent it back and got a full refund.

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Acer Aspire AS8943G: Ultimate Multimedia Center
Whether are used for creating multimedia content, watching movies or dominating the latest PC games, the Acer Aspire 8943G notebook PC (model AS8943G-9429) delivers high-end styling and world-class performance. It features a brilliant 18.4-inch CineCrystal edge-to-edge glass LED back-lit display with full high-definition (1080p) resolution. And it combines best-in-class Intel Core i7 processing power and stunning ATI Radeon HD graphics with a Blu-ray Disc drive for viewing movies in crystal-clear HD resolution and a Dolby-optimized surround-sound system for an immersive on-the-go cinema experience. And the Blu-ray Disc drive includes an integrated SuperMulti drive for creating your own DVDs and CDs. You'll also enjoy the multitasking freedom from the maximized 8 GB of installed RAM.

The AS8943G's exterior sports an aluminum cover that not only looks sharp, but also protects the seamless, frameless display. Upon opening the lid, you'll be wowed by sharp design lines as well as a host of balanced contrasts, including glossy and matte finishes and silver and black accents. The new dual-mode touchpad combines Acer's multi-gesture actions with a touch-sensitive media console. And the new chiclet style keyboard (keys with straight edges vs. slanted sides) extends to a dedicated numeric keypad.

You'll be able to burn through the hottest new digital media, content creation and advanced 3D gaming with the breakthrough performance of the Intel Core i7 processor thanks to the combination of Intel Turbo Boost technology and Intel Hyper-Threading technology, which maximizes performance to match your workload.

Quickly retrieve and store all your media files on the large 500 GB hard drive, and with dual hard drive support you can add another drive for backups or up to 1.2 TB of extra storage.

Enjoy the next generation of video playback with the HDMI output, which allows a single cable to transmit uncompressed high-definition video and audio to your digital TV or capable external monitor. The 1.3-megapixel HD webcam presents vivid images even in low-light situations so you can go face-to-face in online chats and easily take still pictures and videos to share. And to make data transfer painless, it includes an eSATA port to speed up large file transfers while a FireWire port moves videos quickly from your digital camcorder.

Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

You'll also experience new ways to deliver your best work with Office Starter 2010.

Key Features
18.4-inch CineCrystal LED-backlit widescreen display with 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution (native 1080p for Full HD viewing). Its widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio is designed to present websites without lots of left-right scrolling, as well as with a smoother line of sight. Specs include a 220-nit high brightness rating, 8ms response time, and 60 percent color gamut.
1.73 GHz Intel Core i7-740QM processor (with Turbo Boost Technology up to 2.93 GHz) delivers maximum processing power in response to peak demands. Intel's Turbo Boost technology maximizes speed for demanding applications, dynamically accelerating performance to match your workload--providing more performance when you need it the most. It also comes equipped with ATI Radeon HD 5850 Graphics--an advanced video engine that delivers smooth, high-quality HD video playback, and advanced 3D capabilities, providing an ideal graphics solution for everyday computing.
500 GB SATA hard drive (5400 RPM) with support for a second hard drive
8 GB of installed DDR3 RAM (1066 MHz; expandable to 16 GB)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 graphics deliver advanced technology to deliver cinema-quality audio and video with 2 GB of DDR3 discrete graphics memory. Using ATI Stream technology, it helps accelerate even the most demanding applications, enabling you to do more than ever with your notebook. It's compatible with the latest DirectX 11 games.
Watch Blu-ray Disc movies in crystal clear resolution with the read-only Blu-ray drive; this notebook also includes an integrated 4x DVD±R/RW SuperMulti drive capable of reading/writing of CD-R/RW, DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD±R DL, and DVD-RAM.
Dual-Mode Touchpad lets you switch functions between a Multi-Gesture Touchpad and a Media Console. Control the show with touch-sensitive buttons that take you straight to your favorite movies or music. In addition, the scrolling volume wheel puts sound management at your fingertips. (Learn more)
Bio-Protection Fingerprint Reader provides an extra level of laptop security safeguarding unauthorized users from accessing your PC at the touch of your fingerprint.
Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking capability provides up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range using 802.11n-compatible routers as you would with 802.11g networks. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found at Wi-Fi hotspots and in older home routers). This laptop uses Acer InviLink Nplify technology that enables multi-stream input or output for faster and more reliable bandwidth, and it also offers Acer SignalUp technology for enhanced antenna efficiency.
Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000)
5 built-in speakers and dedicated subwoofer simulate surround sound with trumpeting clear tones and deep bass beats while Dolby Home Theater Audio delivers riveting sound from any pair of PC speakers or headphones.
Headphones/speaker/line-out with SPDIF support for true 5.1-channel surround-sound output
Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader compatible with Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card (xD)
Four USB 2.0 ports
Next-generation eSATA port offers a transfer speed of 3GB/s, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. It allows easy sharing and transfer of entertainment content and digital media on external devices.
FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals.
HDMI high-definition audio/video output allows a single cable to transmit uncompressed high-definition video to your digital TV or LCD. It also includes a standard VGA video output.
Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. And you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV on Windows Media Center. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.
Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. It's the best way to add features to Windows 7, takes as few as ten minutes, requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process. (Learn more)
Up to 3 hours of battery life (8-cell battery)
Dimensions: 17.3 x 11.6 x 1.7 inches (WxDxH)
Weight: 10.1 pounds
Warranty: One-year parts and labor limited warranty with concurrent International Traveler's Warranty

What's in the Box
This package contains the Acer Aspire AS8943G-9429 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions

It also comes with the following software:
McAfee Internet Security Suite (trial version); Norton Online Backup; NTI Media Maker; Windows Live Essentials; Microsoft Office Starter 2010 (reduced-functionality and advertising; Office 2010 product key can be purchased to activate preloaded suite)
Learn More
The Acer Dual-Mode Touchpad
The dual-mode touchpad offers integrated, capacitive touch media controller icons that allows you to switch between multi-gesture mode to media console mode. At the flick of a finger, you can go straight to your favorite movies or music. Integrated into the touchpad, the backlit media console icons glow underneath the pad, providing a clean simplistic design. In addition, a convenient scrolling volume wheel directly under the touchpad makes it easy to control volume levels.

With built-in multi-gesture capabilities, you can pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites. It also enables you to scroll, zoom in and out and flip through Web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more.

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium

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HP Pavilion DV7-3060US 17.3-Inch Espresso Laptop - Up to 4.5 Hours of Battery Life (Windows 7 Home Premium) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Wow what can I say about this laptop? I placed my order on 11/7, product was shipped 11/9 and delivered 11/11! The shipping was listed as free super saver shipping but since Amazon had a free 2-day shipping promotion going on shortly after I bought it, I think they may have automatically upgraded it to that.
Anyways back to my review. Since I've only had this computer less than a week, I cannot be too critical or list every single pro/con. However I will attempt to list that which I have experienced (Typing the review on the laptop now!)
1) Computer came securely packaged and arrived on time, much earlier than expected. Package had the computer, battery, user manual, quick-start guide, power adapter + cord, and an HP remote (made for use with HP MediaSmart technology)
2) Initial set up is a breeze for a novice user. I'm not a novice by any means, so it really was a snap to get this computer up and running. Just make sure to plug it in and then let the computer run all the necessary updates and whatnot. Expect to set aside a minimum of 2 hours to get all this done.
3) I have been using Windows XP since...about my 7th or 8th grade year (2nd year sophomore in college, currently), so suffice it to say I didn't want to use Windows 7. Because this is a 64bit computer, and it has 4gigs of RAM and a 2.4GHz processor, I must say that Windows 7 is surprisingly fast and a very refreshing change after the last disaster of Windows Vista. The transparency effects arent too flashy like in Vista, and everything runs very clean, fast, and efficient. It does take a bit of time to get used to all the new options, but that might only be me since I did NOT upgrade to Vista, so I'm really learning for the first time the new layout of Windows.
4) As far as performance and graphics, I have not done any task which is terribly processor or graphics card intensive for me to have any opinion on that. I have installed Unreal Tournament 2004 and Rome: Total War. Both games are pretty graphics heavy and have run very very smooth so far. The settings are automatically calibrated in the game and it is nice to see the game set everything to HIGH quality. Proves this computer really has the punch to deal with games, even in a laptop form. The 17.3" screen is very vivid and bright while gaming, allowing the user to experience the best high-quality and high-def computing experience available.
5) A MAJOR point I want to make is the size of the computer and the search for a laptop case. I read alot about this computer before I bought it, and I did my best to try and shop online for a case to fit a screen this big. Unfortunately, not many case manufacturers have items made for a 17.3" screen, so my advice is to NOT shop online and have it be a hit-and-miss for finding the right size. I initially bought an (overpriced) backpack from Best Buy for damn near $80, and very quickly realized the incredible markup and bloated price they charge. Very soon after I returned it since both Staples and a local computer specialty store (GT Computers) had much cheaper and better quality items. I do want to make a note that some cases say 16", but they CAN fit this computer if they are spacious enough. My personal decision was to buy a laptop backpack rather than a case since this computer weighs in at a hefty 8lbs and is not the easiest thing in the world to carry around. Long story short is the advice to go to a store, rather than rely on a website, when it comes to buying a laptop case that actually fits.
6) Accessories + junk: The computer comes with an Altec Lansing Premium Sound System with Built-in Subwoofer. While this sounds good on paper, its not the best sound in the world in actuality. Perhaps I'm a bit biased since I have a 2.1 system with 40W subwoofer at my desktop, but for a pair of laptop speakers for the average user, they are really good. I was in a loud cafeteria setting, and my friend pulled out his USB powered speakers to hear a video he was playing...just for comparison purposes I turned my speakers up maxed and they not only drowned out HIS speakers (these were seperate, dedicated, USB powered speakers) but they also drowned out some of the cafeteria noise. An audiophile or someone who is really tech-savy will be able to tell the difference between low quality and high quality, but any other user or someone just looking for a casual computing experience will appreciate this laptop. Another fun accessory is the built-in HP MediaSmart remote control. It is slim, stylish, fits easily into the computer, and its alot of fun to show off to friends by turning my music on/off or skipping tracks and changing the volume from across the room. This computer really is aimed to be an entertainment PC, and hooked up correctly with an HDMI cable and a decent sound system, one could stream movies or videos from the internet, watch them on the tv, and control it all from the comfort of your couch! Very nice touch, and very fun to have.
7) Battery life: The product name boasts an "Up to 4.5 hour battery life" and I'm not sure how true this claim is, since I don't get anywhere NEAR 4 hours, but more on the low end of 3. All my settings are set to low, including screen brightness...everything is designed to save power. Don't get me wrong though: for a laptop with a screen this big, and with the processing power it packs, the battery has stunning performance. However, don't expect to get more than 3 hours, maybe 3.5 hours if you do -nothing- but word process and web surf. Windows 7 doesn't show the battery time remaining when you hover over the system tray icon like Windows Vista and XP do, but to circumvent that I downloaded a free program called BatteryBar, and it gives detailed statistics on the battery's time left to charge, full charge capacity (measured in megawatt-hours, or mWh), as well as the charge/discharge rate, full lifetime, and battery wear (Mine is at 3.4% of 73,440 mWh, meaning I can use about 97% of the battery's full capacity. Its current capacity is 70,963 mWh, and this is just due to normal degredation that happens as soon as the battery if manufactured.) On that note, it is really best to USE the battery rather than not to, since either way it is going to degrade. You cannot stop the natrual degredation process, so its better to just use it up. The HP user guides recommend discharging the battery down to 5% before fully recharging, to help the battery retain its charge/discharge cycles.
Anyhow, I think that is more than enough information from someone who has only had this computer 5 days. I'm sure I will write a revision to this review in the future, if I notice any major changes, or decide to upgrade the information for more potential buyers. Thanks for reading, and I hope it helps in your decision! My verdict? Get this computer if your are someone looking to watch lots of movies, view pictures or slideshows, and do alot of music/video based stuff (watching Youtube, movies, etc). I'm not a gamer but in looking for a laptop I wanted something that HAS the performance, if I need it, whether I decide to use it or not. If you are a college student (like I am), its a great laptop with great battery life, but be prepared to carry around a bit of added weight, just due to the sheer size of this thing.
Overall great laptop and I wouldn't change it for the world. Thanks for reading!

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For those who want an all-in-one performance notebook with rich multimedia features, the HP Pavilion dv7 Entertainment series delivers desktop-replacement performance that looks as great as it runs. Powered by the latest processor and graphics technologies, it delivers optimal mobile performance to support your lifestyle.Enjoy full-screen viewing of HD TV and movies with the large 16:9 17.3-Inch diagonal display.HP Triple Bass Reflex Subwoofer amplifiers put out 12W total while supporting a full range of treble and bass frequencies.Chat face to face with the HP Webcam and add fun special effects.Enter data quickly with the separate numeric keypad.Create personalized, silkscreen-quality DVD and CD labels with LightScribe.

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HP Pavilion DV4-1227US 14.1-Inch Laptop - Espresso Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I ordered this laptop on the HP website, even though the model number is not the same (mines is DV4-1300), it has all the same exact features as this model, and looks physically the same. So far so good I haven't had any problems. It's packed with features, and the best part is, that it's affordable. I got my laptop for $701.00, of course this was with the use of a coupon, and a student discount, plus the shipping was free, not only that, but I got free upgrades on the memory and hard drive. I think this is the perfect laptop for a student, because it's not that heavy and you can easily take it with you where ever you want. I also love the 14" screen it's not too big, but it's not too small, to me it's the perfect screen size on a laptop. The fan is a little noisy at times, but it's not a major concern. It also gets quite hot on the bottom, but I think most laptops do. The battery life I found to be so-so, not the best, but not bad either.
My computer specs:
-Espresso Black
-Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit) (free upgrade)
-Intel Core Duo 2 Duo Processor T6400 (2.0Ghz)
-3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) (free upgrade)
-320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection (free upgrade)
-Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
-14.1" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
-LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
-Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
-Wireless-G Card with Bluetooth
-HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
-HP Color Matching Keyboard
-6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
-No Modem Overall, I do recommend this computer, especially for students like myself who are on a tight budget, you'll get a lot of bang for your buck!

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Offering an eye-catching modern look, the entertainment-focused HP Pavilion DV4-1227US notebook PC makes it easy to enjoy your favorite music and videos while on the go, as well as keep you productive with a speedy dual-core processor and 64-bit Windows Home Vista Premium operating system. The 14.1-inch high-definition BrightView display looks good even in direct sunlight, and you'll enjoy movies or music in seconds with the external DVD or music buttons to launch HP QuickPlay (which bypasses the boot process). Control playback settings from up to 10 feet away with the included HP remote, then store it conveniently in the Express card slot. Turn your next instant message into a live video chat with the integrated webcam and omni-directional microphone. Optimized for low-light environments, it's great for capturing short videos to share on your favorite social networking site.
It's powered by the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor, which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. It also offers a fast 800 MHz front-side bus speed and 2 MB L2 cache. HP's ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection locks your 250 GB hard drive into place when it senses abrupt motion to help prevent data loss. The built-in eSATA/USB combo port enables fast backup to an external hard drive. Other features include 4 GB of installed RAM (8 GB maximum), Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics (up to 1759 MB total), dual-layer Lightscribe DVD±RW drive (which also burns CDs), ExpressCard 54 slot, quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g), and 5-in-1 memory card reader.

High Style Expanding on the sophisticated elegance of HP's notebook design from the past few years, the new DV series is defined by fluid, modern lines and metalized finishes. Bursts of energy and excitement are brought to life with the HP Expresso Black Imprint, using bright flickering balls that erupt outwared against a sleek black backdrop. The streamlined look is enhanced with a color-matched keyboard and touchpad. And touch media controls light up and become visible only when the system is powered on further enhancing the clean appearance.

The Basics

Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
With two computational execution cores in a single processor, it provides greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:

Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.



Hard Drive: The large 320 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.
You'll enjoy enhanced hard drive protection with HP's Protectsmart, which includes a 3D accelerometer that safeguards your data by parking your hard drive if your notebook detects any range of motion, such as being knocked off your desk, falling or taking abuse.



Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. This notebook has an amazing 8 GB maximum RAM capacity (4 x 2 GB). To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.


DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 4x DVD-R DL Write Once, 2.4x DVD+R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R, 4x DVD+RW, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD-RW, 16x DVD-ROM, 40x CD-R, 24x CD-RW, and 40x CD-ROM speeds.
This LightScribe DVD±RW drive lets you laser-etch silkscreen quality text and images on to CDs and DVDs . Your software, PC and discs work together for a no-hassle way to burn just the labels you want. After you burn content, just flip the disc over, reinsert and burn your label--anything from a simple title to a full-disc work of art.



Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a 101-key keyboard and a touchpad with on/off button and dedicated vertical/horizontal Scroll Up/Down pad. It also includes two quick-launch buttons (HP QuickPlay Music and DVD).
Screen, Video & Audio You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 14.1-inch WXGA high-definition screen, which has a widescreen resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels--perfect for watching DVD movies the way they were meant to be seen. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD, which uses shared video memory (up to 1759 MB allocated from the system memory). This graphics card is built with Intel Clear Video technology, which delivers clearer, more detailed images by eliminating many of the jagged edges and video artifacts seen when viewing interlaced content and features powerful color control to ensure videos are not too dark, overly bright, or washed out.
The Altec Lansing speakers provide exceptional sound, and it also includes SRS Premium Sound. You'll be able to privately share enjoyment of multimedia with a friend via the dual headphone jacks.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion This notebook has an integrated 54g wireless LAN that's fully compatible with 802.11b/g wireless networks. It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (replacing the PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. It comes with the following external connectors:

3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (with 1 eSATA + USB 2.0 combo port)
1 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
Analog video output: 1 VGA
1 ExpressCard/54 slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)
2 headphone jacks
1 microphone jack
1 Expansion Port 3 connector (for use with the HP xb3000 Expansion Base or the HP Notebook QuickDock)
1 IR receiver
5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)
10/100 Fast Ethernet networking
56K modem (V.90)



Operating System The 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium (with SP1) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software

HP MediaSmart Software Suite: Your one-stop multimedia and entertainment center to create photo slideshows, share personal videos, listen to your favorite music playlists and watch DVD movies.
muvee autoProducer Basic: Automatically create professional looking home videos and burn to DVD.
Cyberlink DVD Suite Deluxe: Automatically fix and edit videos and create CDs and DVDs. Edit, burn and archive data to discs.
Microsoft Works 9: Includes a word processor, spreadsheet, database and calendar.
Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition 2007 (60-day trial version).
Adobe Reader 8: Read and print PDF files.
Norton Internet Security 2009 protects your PC and your identity when you email, bank and shop online; 60 days of protection updates included.

Dimensions & Weight This notebook measures 13.15 x 9.45 x 1.57 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 5.1 pounds.

Power It's powered by a 6-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of up to 2 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box This package contains the HP Pavilion DV4-1227US notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, IR remote control, and operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance for one year. Software is also covered for 30 days from date of purchase.

Reduce your impact on the environment with this Energy Star-certified system and HP's innovative take-back options, including trade-in, recycling and donation.

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Apple MacBook Air MC234LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I don't think I'll go back to regular "full-size" laptops again. I didn't think that the weight difference between my 15.4" 2008 MacBook-Pro and the "AIR" would be so substantial, but it is. My back is thanking me. Even with the power supply and my average bring-to-work payload, I often forget that I'm wearing a bag.
As far as general computing goes, it has been -- by far -- the most pleasing computing experience I've had in over 17yrs working with computers... no doubt because of the SSD.
--Average applications load in one or two "bounces", tops.
--Web pages load faster
--No stuttering when displaying the contents of a a folder, scrolling through image galleries, etc.
--Startup/Shutdown times.
Other PROS:
--Screen is perfect. I was worried that the glossy screen may be a little bothersome, though I've yet to come across a situation where it was a problem and I've taken it everywhere with me.
--Its build seems "solid". Maybe it's a trait of the new unibodies, but, when the lid is closed; it feels like a solid piece of metal that would be very difficult to damage. Maybe im naive, but I no longer feel the need to wrap my laptop in 4 layers of protection to keep it from damage in my bag.
CONS:
--Today's laptops support up to 8GB, typically in 2x 4GB configurations. It would be nice to see support for a 4GB module in the future.
--Typical complaints: no firewire or eSATA, only 1x USB.
--Runs a little hot, and I'm not fond of the location of the exhaust vents.OTHER:
Don't call it a netbook or a laptop. It's the best of both worlds. It deserves its own category.

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HP ENVY 14-1210NR 14.5-Inch Notebook PC (Silver) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)You might be wondering what the difference between this and the HP Envy 14-1110nr 14.5-Inch Relic Laptop PC - Up to 3.45 Hours of Battery Life (Carbon) While this HP Envy 14 has a larger HDD and a slightly faster processor, the HDD is a lot slower (at 5400rpm instead of 7200rpm). This difference in HDD speed is worth going with the other laptop with a slightly smaller (640GB) but faster HDD and slightly slower processor. Plus Amazon has it on sale for $924.99 right now. However if that 110GB of HDD space is really that important to you, you could go with this laptop; just trying to inform people!

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Get the perfect balance of performance and mobility. Play music the way it's meant to be heard using the slim, lightweight HP ENVY 14-1210NR notebook with Beats Audio. Enjoy crystal-clear, studio-quality sound and rock out with a pair of Beats headphones (sold separately). This stylish HP laptop has a laser-etched aluminum finish in carbon relic and a full-size backlit keyboard that's easy to use in the dark. Watch music videos and DVDs, plus view slideshows effortlessly on the 14.5-inch diagonal High-Definition HP BrightView Infinity LED Display The HP ENVY 14-1210NR seamlessly fuses design and technology. It has a fast Intel processor and a large hard drive for your music library, videos and more. The lithium-ion battery lets you work and play for up to 6.5 hours without plugging in your notebook. Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth help you connect and sync your HP laptop to a printer, MP3 player or smartphone without using cables. This notebook also has an integrated webcam, so you can video chat in low-light environments. Plus, transfer photos directly from a memory card to your PC.

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HP Pavilion dv7-4280us 17.3-Inch Entertainment Notebook PC (Silver) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been using this computer for about 3 weeks now, and am quite happy with its performance and battery life. It has switchable graphics and automatically (unless disabled) switches between built-in graphics when battery powered and dedicated graphics (ATI HD6550) when wall cube powered. I don't use this computer for gaming, but the HD6550 is a fairly respectable card. Battery life is listed at 7.75 hours. I was originally seeing around 6 hours in my typical usage scenario (see note re change below). I am also pleased with its thermal management. When working hard it gets warm - but not hot. Air exhaust is on the left, toward the back of the case, which is an acceptable location. Since it is billed as an "entertainment" laptop, there is a goodly amount of HP software installed for managing audio, video, photos, etc. I thought I would remove most of this, but found it to be relatively inoffensive and even useful at times. The hard drive is a generous 750 GB, so I wasn't too concerned about needing to free up space. I did disable the built-in backup management software in favor of adding a second 750 GB hard drive (this required purchasing an HP4000 series drive caddy and cable). I made the new drive (7200 RPM) the primary drive and relegated the slower 5400 RPM drive that came with the 4280 to backup. Having two hard drives did, of course, reduce battery life somewhat, but I still get around 5.5 hours - not bad at all. I can now do backups in-situ via partition imaging, plus daily backups to an external USB drive. Regarding that - the HP4280 has a powered eSATA port (combo USB and eSATA), which I use with a Seagate GoFlex Pro 750 GB drive with eSATA interface - and it is fast (GoFlex pro uses 7200 RPM drive which matches the one I swapped in and made my boot drive).
There is also a fingerprint scanner which can be used to log in (password entry is still available as alternative). You have to spend a few minutes registering your fingerprint (plus one alternative print) - but after that, you can log in by just swiping your finger over the scanner. It took some getting used to, but I now log in this way almost exclusively. One little trick I found - place your finger over the scanner, then hesitate for just a bit (about 1/4 to 1/2 second) before swiping and it will read much more reliably. At least that's the case for me - maybe I "trained" it that way. ;-)
My only real complaint is that the touch pad implementation is - well, just awful. As has been noted by others, it's almost impossible to position the cursor and click to select without moving the cursor off target, and if you touch the case near the touch pad - that moves the cursor. Really annoying. I added a Logitech M705 mouse which uses their tiny unifying receiver (I leave it plugged in all the time), and it works quite well, even with the receiver on the opposite side of the computer (that location works best for my carry case).
One last note - this beasty has a blue ray player and Beats audio - very nice combo for watching HD movies.
Overall, I am very happy with this computer. It lost one star for the schizoid touch pad and the slow hard drive.
Update 2011-05-10. Recently updated Synaptic Pointing Device drivers, and there were definite improvements in touch pad operation.

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Watch Blu-ray DVDs at home and on the go. It's simple with the Blu-ray player and large 17.3-inch diagonal High-Definition LED display on the HP Pavilion dv7-4280us Entertainment Notebook PC. Plus, play music the way it's meant to be heard with integrated Beats Audio and count on fast data entry using the numeric keypad. You can also manage your passwords effortlessly on this HP laptop using the integrated fingerprint reader. Keep your digital library on the large hard drive and help prevent data loss with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection. With ATI Mobility Radeon HD video graphics and lots of memory, image-intensive programs and games run smoothly. The HP Pavilion dv7-4280us Entertainment Notebook PC has everything you want, including style and substance. It looks great thanks to a brushed aluminum finish with the stream design in argento. Video chat in low-light environments using the integrated HP webcam, burn custom labels onto CDs and DVDs using LightScribe Technology and transfer photos from a digital camera to your HP laptop using the digital media reader. Browse the Web from any room using built-in Wi-Fi, plus wirelessly sync your HP laptop to a printer or smartphone using integrated Bluetooth.

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Apple MacBook MC516LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The white Macbook was updated on May 18 2010. There are minor differences between the 2010 Macbook and 2009's model, detailed below.
The UPGRADES are
1) Geforce Nvidia 320M integrated graphics processor with 48 processing cores. This is better than the Geforce 9400M in last years model. Useful for content creation.
2)Mini display port now supports video AND audio with a compatible Mini-DP to HDMI adapter. (Last years model only supported video)
Thats it.
STANDARD FEATURES - from last years model (minor changes noted in brackets)
Polycarbonate unibody
Core 2 Duo processor (2.4ghz - up from 2.26 ghz)
1280 x 800 resolution Glossy LED backlit screen,
iSight camera,
2 GB Ram - 1gb ram sticks x 2
250gb hard drive
8x slot-loading SuperDrive dvd burner
Large multi-touch trackpad ( Intertial scrolling is now enabled ),
2 USB 2.0 ports ,
Wi-Fi - 802.11n specification; 802.11a/b/g compatible, Bluetooth 2.1 and Gigabit Ethernet -10/100/1000.
Inbuilt battery - (which Apple advertises as capable of lasting between 9 to 10 hours.) Not true. Real world battery life is between 3 to 6 hours depending on what tasks you use your computer for.
Software included is OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard and the iLife 09 suite of content creation tools. A 1 year warranty on parts and 90 day telephone technical support is standard.
The Macbook as it is - is good for basic computing activities - such as browsing the web, typing articles or watching movies. However, if you're planning to buy a Macbook for multimedia work, such as editing high resolution photos or HD videos and plan to use multiple applications at the same time, please ensure that you upgrade the ram from 2gb to 4gb.
Why?
Because using a macbook with 2 gb of ram (such as this one) to multitask is a GREAT way to drive yourself crazy as the computer struggles to keep up. Try editing 10 megapixel RAW images while playing music in iTunes with Safari open. 2gb of ram is not at all adequate for multitasking / using processor intensive applications on a Macbook. I understand that Apple has to differentiate between the Macbook and MBPro to justify the price differences but skimping on the ram and putting 2gb inside a $999 product and thus, affecting the user experience is not the way to do it.
Upgrading the ram yourself from 2gb to 4gb is a great idea. Currently, Crucial CT2KIT25664BC1067 4GB 204-PIN PC3-8500 SODIMM DDR3 Memory KIT (2GBx2) costs $39.99. So that brings your total to $1010 ($969 MB + $39.99 Ram) if you upgrade your Macbook's ram
So for only $160 more than your Macbook, (if you take into account the cost of the ram upgrade) a viable alternative is the standard Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop which costs approximately $1160 on Amazon. The MBP 13 comes with the added benefits of a more durable aluminum unibody, a backlit keyboard, an SDXC card slot, a firewire 800 port, a thunderbolt port and most importantly, 4gb of ram. Which allows you to multitask effortlessly.
If you're going to use the Macbook for any computationally demanding activities such as content creation, editing large RAW images or HD videos you should upgrade the ram to 4gb or just buy the standard MBPro 13 inch. The significantly faster i5 processor and 4gb ram in the MBPro 13 make a big difference in the daily usage experience.
However, if you only want to use the Macbook for general tasks like writing articles, browsing websites or watching movies, it will handle those duties adequately. At the same time, also keep in mind that if you only need a laptop for basic duties, many other manufacturers offer less expensive laptops which are just as (if not more) capable.
Hope this helps!
P.S. Update - Feb 15 2011 - At present, the Macbook is extremely out of date compared to other computer makers current products. C2D processor, 250 GB 5400 rpm hard drive, 2 gb ram, 2 USB ports. In 2011, these are totally unlike a $999 notebook's specs and more like a netbook's specs (excluding the C2D processor)
I'd recommend waiting for a Macbook update by Apple. Another good option would be to buy a notebook by HP,Sony or Toshiba (for $999 you'll get a much more powerful machine with regards to hardware) or buy the updated 2011 Macbook Pro 13 base model.

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Meet the fastest, most powerful MacBook yet. It now features next-generation NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics, a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and 2 GB of memory. That means MacBook can handle everything from surfing the web to the most graphically intense 3D games with ease. It also features up to 10 hours of battery life and a glass Multi-Touch trackpad that supports inertial scrolling, right-clicking, and Multi-Touch gestures. All in a streamlined, durable unibody enclosure.
The 13-inch MacBook with LED-backlit screen, durable unibody enclosure, and built-in 10-hour battery.

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ASUS N53SV-A2 15.6-Inch Versatile Entertainment Laptop (Silver Aluminum) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am a independent repair tech and was looking for a replacement for my Dell 3 year old xps1530.
Was looking for something with all the new tech and power I could get for about $1k. The i7 powered n53sv-A2 fits the bill. Silver Aluminum looks great and the unit worked perfectly out of the box. Had to do usual removal of software that was not useful but not a big problem. Put it through 3 solid days of software loading and testing and the unit did very well. No problems noted. Everything just worked.. Unit runs very very cool. The A2 model has Blue ray,a top notch screen,usb3 and great speaker system that are all pluses. The face recognition logon software is also nice not to mention the I7 cpu gives it speed when there is a need.
Warranty info
You get 2 years warranty included in the purchase price( most are 1 year) also 1 year of no fault damage ( normally something you pay extra for). I do suggest the purchase of an additional "ASUS Offered" 1 year warranty extension($90.00) just round out the protection to a 3 year package. Lojack theft software and Norton 360 would also be nice additions .

I would have no trouble suggesting this to a student, office or a home business user.
JP

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Hear the Power. Feel the Power Turn up the volume on the 15.6-inch N53Sv-A2 notebook and prepare to be impressed. Featuring ASUS SonicMaster Technology—co-developed by the audio experts at Bang and Olufsen ICEpower—and a unique top-mounted speaker design, this multimedia powerhouse combines top of the line hardware and software for an unsurpassed, ear-pleasing experience. Powered by the 2nd generation Intel Core i7-2630QM processor with Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology, the N53Sv-A2 delivers the multitasking muscle and smart performance that senses the tasks at hand and dynamically boosts the processor for a stutter-free experience. Boasting powerful NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M graphics with NVIDIA Optimus Technology, the N53Sv-A2 excels in video editing, DirectX 11-enabled gaming, and graphic rendering while conserving battery for less-intensive tasks. Bundled with ASUS VideoMagic 3-in-1 software package, you get image-enhancing programs like PowerDVD 9 with True Theatre that instantly scales DVD-quality to Full 1080p HD with smoother frame rates so you can enjoy videos and movies in the quality they deserve. Specially built into the N53Sv-A2, the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine extends battery life via the ASUS Power4Gear Hybrid utility. The N53Sv-A2 also comes with SuperSpeed USB 3.0 that charges USB 3.0-enabled devices quickly and transfers files from USB storage devices to your notebook up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0.1 The N53Sv-A2 features a 2.0 megapixel webcam with security lens cover, 750GB 7200RPM hard drive, ASUS Splendid Technology, multi-touch trackpad, Express Gate, and a brushed aluminum design.

Key Features
15.6-inch LED-backlit HD display with ASUS Splendid Technology for crisp HD visual quality (Learn more)
ASUS SonicMaster Technology co-developed by world-renowned audio experts at Bang & Olufsen ICEpower delivers improved clarity, volume, and resonance, and detailed sound. (Learn more)
2nd generation Intel Core i7-2630QM processor with Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology for smart multitasking that automatically senses what you're doing and boosts performance (Learn more)
NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M graphics with 1GB DDR3 VRAM and NVIDIA Optimus Technology delivers fast performance for Full HD playback and gaming and switches to IntelHD graphics to save battery for less intensive tasks (Learn more)
ASUS Super Hybrid Engine and ASUS Power4Gear Hybrid optimizes the system to extend battery life for the task at hand (Learn more)
SuperSpeed USB 3.0 for quicker device charging and up to 10x faster transfers than USB 2.01 (Learn more)
ASUS VideoMagic Software for clearer images and smoother visuals (Learn more)
Express Gate mini-operating system grants instant access to internet, music, Skype, and more in seconds




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Relax, ASUS Has You Covered Ranked as the #1 most reliable PC brand by 3 independent sources,2 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.
2 Year ASUS Global Warranty2 Offers a level of coverage that would add hundreds of dollars to the price of competing laptops:
2 year global warranty
30 day Flawless Display Guarantee
2-way free standard shipping
24/7 tech support
1 Year Accidental Damage Warranty (ADW)3 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-hour toll-free phone support

What's in the Box
N53Sv-A2
AC Adapter
6 cell Battery Pack
Warranty Information Card
Specifications
OperatingSystem: Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Display: 15.6-inch HD display (1920 x 1080)
Processor: 2nd generation Intel Core i7-2630QM processor (2.0 GHz)
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M graphics with 1GB DDR3 VRAM and NVIDIA Optimus Technology
WLAN: 802.11 b/g/n (@ 2.4GHz), Bluetooth 2.0
LAN: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
Memory: 6GB DDR3, 2 x SODIMM Sockets (up to 8GB)
Storage: 750GB 7200RPM hard drive
Optical Drive: Blu-Ray Combo Drive
Camera: 2.0 megapixel
Speakers: Built-in speakers with SonicMaster Technology
Microphone: Digital Array Microphone
Card Reader: 5-in-1 card reader (SD, MMC, MS, MS-Pro, MS-Duo)
Input/ Output:1 x Mic-in, 1 x Headphone-out, 1 x VGAport/Mini D-Sub 15-pin for external monitor, 1 x RJ-45 LAN, 2 x USB 2.0ports, 1 x USB 3.0 ports
Battery: 6 cell
Dimensions: 15.6 x 10.6 x 1.2 ~ 1.6 (W x D x H)
Weight: 6.4 lbs (with 6 cell battery)
Color: Silver
© 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. 1All figures theoretical values compared to USB 2.0 benchmarks for reference purposes. Actual speed depends on device and system status. 2Rated 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 3 ASUS 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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Apple MC372LL/A MacBook Pro 15-inch 2.53GHz Laptop Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Hopefully this video will help communicate how great this machine is.
It isn't without it's issues, but great no less.

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The new MacBook Pro sets all-new benchmarks for Mac notebooks. This 15-inch MacBook Pro features an Intel Core i5 processor and next-generation NVIDIA graphics that bring high performance to everything from 3D games to photos and videos. Additionally, the MacBook Pro comes standard with automatic graphics switching that provides performance when you need it and energy efficiency when you don't--helping the built-in battery last up to 8-9 hours.
The 15-inch unibody MacBook Pro (see larger image).

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ASUS U36SD-A1 13.3-Inch Thin and Light Laptop (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this laptop from a local Microsoft Store yesterday after stumbling upon an external link Amazon gave on this page. THIS was the laptop I had been waiting 9 months for since the U36JC debut. Felt like I just had a baby.. so joyous!
Anyway, as I unveiled it, I was impressed on how THIN the body was while having an AMAZINGLY solid frame. The laptop base does not bend if you hold it at any of the corners! It definitely does not feel like cheap plastic (probably because it really IS made of lightweight metal) & has a classy satin feel to it. It has a fingerprint-repelling nano-coating seemingly all over the body too. It is also so light for having such a powerful processor + graphics card. My computer friend was right to have me wait/hold out until this came out. I was tempted with HPs, Sonys, Acers but from his repair experience on so many laptops, those were all junk! (HPs were decent in the middle but still the construction felt cheap/plastic).
Such a powerful [Sandy Bridge] processor in such a solid body with such a thin profile has finally become a dream come true. Portability without the sacrifice of quality & power.. such is the legendary motherboard manufacturer ASUS!
GREAT JOB ASUS!!!
Kai

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Apple MacBook Air MC503LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have owned many Apple laptops and computers over the years, and without a doubt think that the 2010 13" Macbook Air is one of the strongest offerings the company has ever had. I am a 'power user' and use my laptop for heavy photo and video editing. I frequently have Photoshop running simultaneously with many other memory-intensive programs, including Windows 7 (through Parallels), and use my laptop for hours every day.
I purchased the 13" Macbook Air (which I'll refer to as 'MBA' for simplicity) directly from Apple, and added 2GB of RAM to make the set-up 4GB total. I do not know if Amazon allows you to customize it this way, so if it doesn't consider buying it directly from Apple or another store which does allow this upgrade. From what I understood, due to the MBA's construction - the RAM is soldered onto the motherboard - you won't be able to add RAM yourself later. If you're a light user, you should probably be fine with just 2 GB of RAM, but if you plan to intensively multi-task, consider upgrading the RAM.
This laptop is expensive, but is worth every penny if you can afford it. While it lacks an optical drive and certain ports - which can at times be inconvenient - it makes up for that by offering great performance and a stunning design.
DESIGN
I thought my 2010 13" Macbook Pro (which I'll refer to as 'MBP') was sleek and stylish, but this is just amazing. The MBP looks sleeker in some ways since its keyboard is backlit and its display has a nicer black trim to it, but in overall design, the MBA just can't be beat. You won't truly appreciate the Macbook Air's portability and stylish design until you physically play with it in person. The Macbook Air is very thin, but because it employs a tapered unique design it's not uniformly thin throughout the device.
The 13" model features 2 USB ports and an SD card reader (the 11" model doesn't have the SD card reader). The USB ports are cleverly located on opposite sides of the laptop so that you can have even bulky peripherals plugged in simultaneously. The built-in SD card reader is incredibly convenient (more on that below). What's more important to read here is not what connections it does have, but what it doesn't. The most important things missing on the Macbook Airs, in my opinion, are the optical disc drive and an Ethernet port. While I don't necessarily use - and therefore, miss - either of those too much, there are times when Wi-Fi is problematic or when you need to use a disc for something. Still, the Macbook Air has a great portable design that should offer more than enough for most people's daily use.
PERFORMANCE
Even with my heavy use, this has been very reliable for my daily multitasking. While some of that speed might result from my expanded RAM (mentioned above), the bulk of it comes from the Air's use of a Solid State Drive (SSD). While SSD technology is relatively expensivewhen compared to traditional hard drives on a per-Gigabyte basis, it is worth the money! You can find many comparison videos on YouTube showing how much faster Solid State Drives are when compared to traditional hard drives. The SSD really shines when cutting down the time when launching a program, or when turning the system on or off.
DISPLAY
The high-resolution display of the Macbook Air is great. The 13" Air features a 1440x900 resolution (like that of the 15" Macbook Pro), which is better than the 1,280x800 resolution of my 13" 2010 Macbook Pro. It is very sharp and crisp!
LIFE WITHOUT AN OPTICAL DRIVE
Some people have argued that the lack of an optical drive makes the Macbook Air impractical for daily use. Honestly, I have for the past several years used my optical drive very rarely, and knew I wouldn't miss it too much on the Air. That being said, you usually don't appreciate something until you no longer have it, and I have since noticed that there are times when having a built-in optical drive is convenient.
Since thumb drives and external hard drives are becoming very affordable, digital distribution of software and games is rapidly growing, and many videos are now available through streaming services as opposed to hard copy DVD forms, a lot of the inconveniences associated with lacking an optical drive can be worked around. That being said, there are times when an optical drive is necessary, especially when it comes to installing software (i.e. Windows).
While the MBA doesn't have one built in, you can 'Share' the optical drive of another computer wirelessly. That is understandably less convenient than having an optical drive physically connected to the same computer, so you can instead plug in an external CD/DVD drive through the USB port. The major inconvenience of doing this is that you have to buy an external drive. That being said, you do not need the Apple brand 'Superdrive', and can instead get a 3rd party external optical drive for a considerably cheaper price.
HAVING A BUILT-IN SD CARD READER IS VERY CONVENIENT
The SD card reader is very convenient, and helps compensate for the relatively small hard drive found on the Macbook Air. While my largest SD card is only 16GB, I find SD cards to be even more convenient than using a thumb drive. Without the built-in SD card reader you could always plug in an external SD card reader, but having it built into the system frees up a USB port.
BATTERY LIFE
If you've ever felt that your cell phone, laptop, or other battery-based device doesn't hold nearly as long a charge as it should, it's not just you. Battery life is something that a lot of electronics manufacturers frequently distort the truth about. Amazon often omits external links from reviews and replace it with a [...] so I can't paste the link, but on the Apple website's section on Macbook Pros, for example, they state in the fine text: 'The wireless productivity test measures battery life by wirelessly browsing various websites and editing text in a word processing document with display brightness set to 50%.' In other words, their battery life claims are based on situations many more intensive users don't find themselves in...
For the 2010 Macbook Air, Apple has supposedly changed their battery testing method from the aforementioned Pro testing, and used improved technology to prolong the battery life. The Macbook Air's battery is rated to last for around 7 hours, but you might get less than that with heavy use. I have been pleased with the battery life so far, but I have had less than 7 hours of battery life when I was using the computer intensively. While the battery life isn't the strongest of all of Apple's offerings, the 30-day standby time is very impressive. I believe that the impressive standby time is a result of the SSD drawing less power in sleep mode than a traditional hard drive.
COMPARED TO PREVIOUS AIRS
I was really intrigued by the Macbook Air when it was first announced in 2008, but couldn't justify the high price tag. Since with this generation prices have gone down considerably, all models employ Solid State Drives, and there are 2 USB connections (instead of just one), now is a much better time to buy a Macbook Air than ever before. The only thing changed for the worse is that this model does not have backlit keys - not such a big deal for fast typers, but probably inconvenient for people who 'hunt and peck'.
COMPARED TO THE 2010 11-INCH MACBOOK AIR
Prior to deciding on the 13" Macbook Air I considered the 11-inch model. While the 11-incher is lighter and smaller than the 13-inch model, I decided against it because I felt that the screen was too small to be reasonably effective for my intended use. Additionally, the 11-inch model lacks a built-in SD card reader - not a huge deal since external USB-based SD card readers are cheap - and also employs a weaker 1.4 GHz processor (as opposed to the 13-inch model's 1.86 GHz processor). You lose half a pound in weight going from the 13" and 11" models, but I decided a slightly heavier laptop was more worth it for the screen real estate. You will have to play with the models in store to see what works best for you, but if you like opening multiple windows side-by-side, you will more likely than not also prefer the 13" model.
COMPARED TO THE 13-INCH MACBOOK PRO
Due to the similar price points between this and the 13" Macbook Pro, the two computers naturally lend themselves to head-to-head comparison, which I'll focus the rest of the review on.
Comparing a 2010 13" 128GB 1.86 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Macbook Air with 4 GB of RAM (again, upgraded, the default configuration is 2 GB) with my 2010 13" 250 GB 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Macbook Pro with 4 GB of RAM, I definitely felt the Macbook Air was faster. This is not an official comparison with benchmark tests - official benchmarks actually rated the Pro to be a faster machine - but for my use I felt things were noticeably faster with the Air's SSD in spite of its weaker processor.
Advantages Compared to Base Configuration 2010 13" Macbook Pro
Lighter (2.9 pounds vs 4.5 pounds)
Thinner (0.11 inches at its thinnest point and 0.68 inches at its thickest vs 0.95 inches)
Considerably faster in spite of a weaker processor (see below) due to its use of a Solid State Drive (SSD)
Higher resolution display (1440x900 vs 1280x800)
Disadvantages Compared to Base Configuration 2010 13" MacBook Pro
Slower Processor (1.86 GHz vs 2.4 GHz)
Smaller Hard Drive (128 GB vs 250 GB)
No backlit keys (Not a big deal for most, but some might find this inconvenient)
Fewer ports (the lack of an Ethernet jack can be a big inconvenience if you don't have secure Wi-Fi available)
No optical...Read more›

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Introducing the new MacBook Air, the most mobile Mac in every way, shape, and form. It features all-flash storage, a Multi-Touch trackpad, a long-lasting battery, a high-resolution display, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and NVIDIA graphics. All inside a unibody enclosure that's light, thin, and strong enough to handle all your everyday tasks and then some, whether you're on the couch, in a lecture hall, or at a conference. It's mobility mastered.
The Apple MacBook Air--light, thin, and strong enough to take with you wherever you go.

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MSI FX420-001US 14-Inch Laptop - Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've had this laptop for a week now and its nothing short of what is advertised. The Sandy Bridge i5 processor really takes the highlight for this laptop. When I first got it, it felt light. Like REAL Unbelievably Light for all these specs. I was looking for a sandy bridge i5 laptop with USB 3.0 and this just fits right in the budget.
What I did not expect was the screen size. I've owned three 14 inchers before this and the screen size on those was a lot larger if i recall correctly. Because it has a 1366x728 display, the screen is now wide instead of square, hence the screen is wide like a 15 inch , but has the height of a 13 inch laptop.
Apart from the LED screen there was one other let down. The 500GB hard drive was just 5400rpm and hence makes the whole system operate like a snail. i5 or i7, the hard drive speed kills the whole purpose of sandy bridge and 6GB Ram.
I immediately ordered a 128GB Steady State Drive Kingston SSDNow V Series 128 GB SATA 3 GB/s 2.5- Inch Solid State Drive with Desktop Upgrade Kit Bundle SNV425-S2BD/128GB and installed it. Now nothing can slow this baby down. If you are considering going for this laptop, get a Steady State Drive to maximize performance, unless you don't really care about performance.
The Keyboard is quite a treat.
Finally, the 1GB Radeon graphics Card runs side by side with the Intel internal graphics. The Intel default upon startup but as applications need the graphics power, the 1GB takes over. I have never seed this actually happen though. I ran NFS Shift 2 after i set up the graphics options in the Catalyst Control Center but I saw no difference. Maybe I still have to tinker with the settings a bit more to get the card to work.
To Sum it up
Pros:
i5 Processor
6GB Ram
Chicklet Keyboard
Lightweight as nothing else
Great THX sound (surround)
HDMI out
USB 3.0
Multitouch Trackpad ( although the beaded feeling "boils my blood" sometimes )
Cons:
Slow Hard Drive
Smaller LED Screen than expected
Laptop gets hot under heavy load (playing 1080p movies over HDMI & Video Conversion. etc..)
They say it is an anti finger print design but its not anti grease ( oil and grease is easily transferred to the lid )
Loads of Bloatware Applications ( I uninstalled most of them as soon as i got it )
Hope this helps
Yudhistre


Click Here to see more reviews about: MSI FX420-001US 14-Inch Laptop - Black

Product Description Amazon.com Product Description MSI FX420-001US, Smart Mobility Packed full of features, the 14" MSI FX420-001US has the power to keep up with any on-the-go lifestyle. The 14" high-definition 16:9 aspect ratio display is small enough to take anywhere but large enough to keep you entertained. Equipped with Intel's latest 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i5-2410M processor is the AMD Radeon™ HD6470 graphic card that delivers revolutionary power and insane graphics for high-definition entertainment. Take pleasure in watching hours of your favorite HD movies in surreal detail and color. With the AMD Radeon™ HD6470 graphics card, get great battery life and performance whether you're watching a video, surfing the web or playing games. Beyond the ordinary, separate yourself from the crowd with raised checkered flag patterns and advanced anti-fingerprint coating both standard! Enjoy rich virtual surround sound with the THX TruStudio Pro. Truly revolutionize music, movies and gaming with realistic dialogue and explosions. Want added size? Go even larger by easily connecting to your HDTV via the HDMI port (High-Definition Multimedia Interface). The MSI FX420-001US, Smart Mobility.
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True-to-life multimedia enjoyment with HDMI, USB 3.0
Authentic Sound: THX Tru Studio Pro Surround Sound Effect
Beyond the ordinary, stunning beauty design: Checkered flag patterns with Anti-fingerprint Coating
Power-saving technology for extended battery life:ECO Engine power saving technology

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Apple MacBook Pro MC724LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Let's assume you're confused between buying the "standard" $1199 Macbook Pro 13 and this "high end" $1499 Macbook Pro 13.
I'd like to help in simplifying the decision making process.
This "High end" model is still not a good purchase (with regards to value) when compared to the "standard" Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop
The ONLY differences between the two 2011 MBP 13's are minor and consist of a super small processor speed difference and hard drive space. The standard MBP 13 has a 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor + a 320 gb 5400 rpm hard drive while the high end MBP 13 has a 2.7GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor + a 500 gb hard drive.
For value conscious consumers, I've pasted Speedmark 6.5 and Geekbench results below. Speedmark is Macworld Lab's standard test tool for benchmarking Macs. It's used to test overall speed and efficiency of macs. Geekbench is the most recognized benchmarking software for Mac.
Speedmark 6.5 results:
2011 Macbook Pro 13
13" MacBook Pro 2.3GHz Core i5 dual-core - Score = 140
13" MacBook Pro 2.7GHz Core i7 dual-core - Score = 155
Only 15 points more. Not even a 15% difference.
Geekbench Benchmark results
13" MBP 2.3 GHz dual i5 2011: 5948
13" MBP 2.7 GHz dual i7 2011, 6796
A difference of 848 points - which equals up to a 12% difference.
So you're paying $300 more (20% of the cost of the $1499 MBP 13 or 25% of the cost of the standard $1199 MBP 13) for a 12% difference, a 400 mhz processor speed difference (not at all major in any way as seen in the benchmarks) and a 180 gb hard drive space increase.
EVERYTHING else is is the same in both models, from the 1280 x 800 resolution 13 inch LED screen to the Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics to the Superdrive DVD burner to the Thunderbolt Port,FaceTime HD Camera, backlit keyboard, 4gb ram, two USB 2.0 ports, Wi-fi B/G/N, bluetooth 2.1 and Gigabit ethernet
The software included in both models is the same too, Mac OSX 10.7 "Lion" and the iLife suite of content creation tools. A 1 year warranty on parts and 90 day telephone technical support is also standard on both models
What if you chose to buy the standard MBP 13?
If you did that, you could then buy a 500 gb hard drive Western Digital Scorpio Blue 500 GB Bulk/OEM Hard Drive 2.5 Inch, 8 MB Cache, 5400 RPM SATA II WD5000BEVT for $ 55 and install it yourself in your standard MBP 13 which would then have a hard drive just as large as the higher end MBP 13.The installation instructions are included in the MBP 13 manual and it doesn't void the warranty. Installation videos are also available online.
And you'd still have $245 left to buy an AppleCare Protection Plan for Mac Laptops 13 Inches and Below (NEWEST VERSION) or a SquareTrade 3-Year Laptop/Tablet Warranty Plus Accident Protection (Laptop/Tablet $1000-1250) to protect your shiny new MBP 13 for 2 more years after the standard one year warranty is up.
Until Apple actually puts in a major differentiation feature or upgrade in the higher end MBP 13, I'd recommend you shop smart, save your money and opt for the standard Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop. It's 99% identical to the more expensive MBP 13 and a much stronger product when it comes to the value for money factor. And use the rest of the money to buy a warranty and a hard drive upgrade if you feel like.
Hope this helps!
NOTE - Fellow Amazon customer Diane (Her comment can be seen in the comments section of this review) has spoken to an Apple rep and she had this to say "Even the Apple Rep that I spoke with at the Apple store recommended the MBP 13 as is and said the differences were not worth the extra money. Said the average user would not notice any differences in the 2 units - just cost." Another Amazon customer, Marcin (His comment can be seen in the comments section of this review) said an apple salesperson told him ""We have both on the shelf. But there is no reason to buy i7, you will not see the difference".
Something to think about. Thank you.UPDATE - Professional review site Notebookcheck.net did a review of both Machines. I've posted the links to the full reviews below as well as summary quotes.
Quote # 1 - referring to the performance difference between the standard and high end MBP 13 - ( link - [...]
"It's also interesting to take a look at how the model at hand measures up to the weaker MacBook Pro 13 version with a Core i5 processor. The less powerful model performs 91% as quickly as the Core i7 model, that is, only slightly slower."
Quote # 2 - Referring to the battery life of the standard MBP 13 ( link - [...]
"The model we're reviewing here trumps the more powerful version of the MBP13 with an 11-16% longer battery life in all test scenarios (note: wifi test results not comparable)"
So the standard Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop has better battery life by 11 to 16%, has 91% of this "higher end" MBP 13's performance ability AND costs 25% less.
Hope this helps!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Apple MacBook Pro MC724LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop


Introducing the new 13-inch MacBook Pro. The state-of-the-art dual-core Intel i7 processor delivers up to 2x faster performance (over the previous generation of MacBook Pro). New Thunderbolt technology lets you connect high-performance peripherals and high-resolution displays to a single port, and transfer files at lightning speeds. And with the new built-in FaceTime HD camera, you can make astonishingly crisp HD video calls.
The 13.3-inch unibody MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt technology (see larger image).

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Apple MacBook Pro MC721LL/A 15.4-Inch Laptop Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Note: This review is from someone who knows very little about computers.
Although I truly enjoy PCs and will still continue to keep and use my PC laptop, I felt it was time for a change. It took minutes to load up videos and photos, and I was starting to get very frustrated with the entire process. I hadn't considered purchasing a Macbook Pro before, because I felt the cost wouldn't be worth it. I spent over a month researching and reading and watching reviews. I finally took the leap. The following describes features of the Macbook Pro that I find important to an everyday user.
External Appearance: I sometimes look at the laptop and get surprised by how thin it is. However, once I lift it up, I am surprised again by how heavy it is. Apple has done an amazing job at creating a laptop that thrives on outward simplicity. The cold aluminum feels strong and almost indestructible. The Magsafe adapter is a great feature to have, especially if you need to connect your laptop and sit further away. A trip over a cord easily separates the adapter from the laptop, and nothing is harmed. At first I was surprised that there were only two USB ports, but I can't imagine a time where I will need more than two. The difference I noticed from my other laptop is that there is a lack of ports which might add to the fact that it has an incredibly simple design and that it uses only what it needs. What it thrives on is what's inside.
The Screen: I was originally considering getting a large monitor for the Macbook Pro, so I could easily edit documents and pictures. It's not worth it. Even watching Youtube videos looks great. I was looking at pictures taken on a simple point and shoot camera, and they looked phenomenal on the screen as well. However, the glossy screen can seem like a mirror at times and can get incredibly annoying. 15.4 inches is perfect for anyone considering making the Macbook Pro their primary computer at home.
iLife & other apps: I haven't used iLife as much as I would want, but I was able to look at the Mac app store, and I am pleasantly surprised by the quality of apps provided. If you love writing, Scrivener is great for drafting stories, novels, screenplays, and poetry. iWork is also available at the app store. Each of them are sold separately for $20.00 each, which is cheaper than purchasing iWork altogether! Pages and Numbers are incredibly intuitive, and they definitely compete with Microsoft Word and Excel. Like the app store for the iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad, there's something for everyone. There are apps for work, play, and everything in between.
Speed: From opening Safari to opening apps, there isn't a glitch in speed. Once I start editing film, I'll update if it changes but if not, that means it's still working amazingly. I did play a few games and not only are the graphics amazing, but there isn't any stopping or starting.
Finder: I didn't think it would be very useful until I downloaded a program and had no idea where it went. Finder (of course) finds every single thing on your Macbook Pro, but it does it with speed.
Trackpad: I wasn't sure whether or not I would like the trackpad. I didn't like the original settings but once I changed it, I'm not even considering getting a mouse. It's fun experimenting with it at first and learning the different motions on your own. The trackpad has made surfing the web easier than before.
Keyboard: I was hesitant about the backlit keyboard. I love that I can type at night, but I am used to the keys being closer together. It did take a couple of hours to get used to it but once I did, it vastly improved my typing speed. The spaces between the letters helped, and the fact that the keys aren't raised high definitely helps. Even better? The keys are practically silent.
Heat: I had read reviews about how hot a Macbook Pro gets but after a week, I haven't noticed any extreme heat. Again, I haven't done anything extreme, so I will update if it changes.
Portability: If you decide to take the laptop around, I would recommend getting a case for it. It is prone to scratches and dents, so any protection helps. I carry the laptop in my backpack, and the weight is quite noticeable. I think it's something I'll get used to, but I'm still surprised by its weight. It is, however, a great device to carry around but if I wanted it for true portability, I might have gone with the 13.3 inch or possibly a Macbook Air. Given the fact that this my primary device used at home, I prefer to keep it there unless I know I will absolutely need it.
The hard drive and RAM are completely replaceable. People were disappointed with the slow performing 5400 RPM hard drives, but I honestly don't see a difference in speed. If it is a huge problem, again, it can easily be upgraded. I plan on upgrading the RAM to 8gb soon. My initial benchmark test showed a score of 8843, so I'm excited to learn what the score will be after upgrading.
If there are any major changes with the laptop, I will update.
UPDATE:
The first thing I would like to update on is battery life. The battery life for the Macbook Pro is pretty good. I no longer worry during lectures or taking it to work. I average about six hours with going on the internet, watching a few videos, and writing.
Secondly, gaming on this machine is great. I played Left 4 Dead 2 for a few hours with a friend. There were maybe one or two times where the game would lag, but it would be for a split second. Other than that, it looks amazingly clear. Load up times for gaming is FAST. As soon as my game booted up, I would ask my friend where he was, and he was still only halfway done with loading. Playing with the trackpad is also very responsive and pretty fun. When gaming, the fan is loud and the laptop gets very hot. However, it's not as hot as my 2009 Toshiba laptop.
I was very worried about how hot the device gets after a period of time. After reading many reviews, I noticed that one of the main problems was the laptop getting so hot, it would burn someone's lap. However, I noticed that this was more a worry with previous generation's of the Macbook Pro, and I have yet to notice a real problem with it.
The speaker quality is amazing. I was originally going to get separate speakers and a mouse for the laptop, but it's not really worth it.
The great thing about this laptop is that it's small enough to take anywhere you need it, but it's powerful enough to use as a regular desktop.
Update #2 - 1 Month Later:
I thought I'd give one last update. Since people generally give reviews right after they receive a product, I think it would be great to give people an idea of how a product is running a month and a half into ownership
The first thing I would like to mention is lag time. A few times I've experienced considerable lag while trying to perform a few tasks. Once or twice it would happen while I was attempting to play a game. Or I'll attempt to switch out windows, and the infamous beach ball appears. What I would like to mention isn't about that lag itself but the performance AFTER it happens. Each time I experience this, I was tempted to press CTRL + ALT + DELETE (in typical Windows fashion) but after waiting a few seconds, my programs would run as usual. I don't have to restart or worry about my files being corrupted. No computer is without hiccups, but I would like to mention that this laptop is great at handling them. I no longer have to cross my fingers and close my eyes for five minutes while it reboots. It just works.
If you like creating short films or Youtube videos, the speed of creating and uploading films is incredibly fast and easy. After playing with iMovie and iPhoto, I'm glad they're additions to preinstalled programs. Although this isn't exactly a review of the laptop itself, I do enjoy the built in programs and how they easily integrate themselves with the Macbook Pro. The lack of bloatware is also very refreshing. When I first purchase a laptop, I spend the first hour or two attempting to delete free trials.
As someone who has used both PCs and Macs for the past decade, the choice really is up to the consumer. Honestly, I feel that both have very easy user interfaces and both are great for any project that might come up. Why did I choose a Mac over purchasing another PC? I think I was ready for something I wasn't used to in my own home. I've had two PC laptops that failed in less than two years of my persistent aggression. I also wanted impeccable design quality. I didn't want something that just looked good. I wanted it to be both functional and durable. It just so happened that the design for the Macbook Pro fits it all perfectly.
I hope this helps.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Apple MacBook Pro MC721LL/A 15.4-Inch Laptop


Introducing the new 15.4-inch MacBook Pro. The state-of-the-art quad-core Intel i7 processor delivers up to 2x faster performance (over the previous generation of MacBook Pro). New Thunderbolt technology lets you connect high-performance peripherals and high-resolution displays to a single port, and transfer files at lightning speeds. And with the new built-in FaceTime HD camera, you can make astonishingly crisp HD video calls.
The 15.4-inch unibody MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt technology (see larger image).

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Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I stopped by my local Apple Store the morning this MacBook Pro was made available to the public and bought one, replacing my over two year old unibody MacBook. These are premium computers, and well made. My old computer, which looks very much like this one, still looked great after two years, with a little scratching on the bottom, and an unfortunate denting of one corner. I do not regret for one minute paying more for a device I use several hours a day, and from which I derive my living.
The strong point of this computer over previous 13 inch unibody MacBooks is the processor. It is noticeably faster at computationally intensive tasks. For example, I have a large application written in the C++ programming language which Xcode on my late 2008 vintage MacBook could compile in 16.5 minutes, this MacBook can do the same task in 8.5 minutes, a nearly doubling of speed. Similiarly, converting a 10 minute MP3 file to AAC in iTunes used to take 21 seconds, now it takes 14 seconds. Unsurprisingly, computer processors have gotten faster. The new processor does tend to heat up fast under full load, so be prepared for more frequent fan noise.
The weak point is the stock hard drive, a 320GB 5400 RPM Hitachi laptop drive. Any operation depending on hard drive throughput is not going to be much faster on this computer than in years past. If you do not have large capacity needs, you may be better served special ordering a model with a smaller but much faster solid state drive (SSD), they do not come cheap, but will result in a much more balanced computer that does not leave its high performance CPU idling awaiting data. I would do so, but the higher capacity SSDs cost as much as the computer alone.
If you were to upgrade to an SSD, be aware that while this model has one type III SATA port, you might have trouble using one of the new type III SATA SSD drives in it. [Update: online reports indicate Apple has started shipping these laptops with the optical bay also using an SATA III port.] I tried to install a 128 GB Crucial RealSSD C300 into the hard drive bay and the operating system installer failed to install. Online forums indicate people are having troubles with type III drives, and whether the problem is with the drive used, a bad cable, or firmware is in dispute. You might want to wait on a type III upgrade until this settles out. In the meantime, I've purchased a bracket allowing me to replace the optical drive and put the SSD on the type II port formerly used by the SuperDrive.
This and the new MacBook Air are the only laptops Apple sells without a discrete graphics processing unit (GPU), instead relying soly on the Intel integrated 3000HD GPU. Intel has previously not been known for its GPU prowess, but space constraints and Intel's design restrictions, and improvements in performance finally pushed Apple into going integrated only. I would have preferred a discrete GPU, especially in a premium laptop, but I am not a gamer, and will make do with the much better CPU. I'm sure Apple would have preferred a discrete GPU, as their strategy for performance improvements is to use the GPU for general purpose computing using the OpenCL framework.
New to this year's models is the Intel Thunderbolt connector superseding the Mini Display Port connector. This flexible port will likely become more and more useful as hubs and peripherals become available to make use of its fantastic speed. Adaptors and docks will be available to use this one port as a USB, DVI, Firewire, Ethernet port simultaneously, making one data cable for easy desktop docking. But, I don't have any use for it now. Media reports indicate Apple will have this port to itself this year, although Intel is insisting that other motherboard manufacturers could start to include it, and I hope they do. Whether the port is a marketplace success is not a foregone conclusion, but I look forward to syncing and charging a future iPad over this speedy port; sadly the iPad 2 does not have this port, but someday.
I am glad to have a standard FireWire 800 port, and an SD Card reader, neither of which were found on my previous non-Pro laptop. I'll be able to charge my iPad at maximum speed with the 2 Amp USB ports, something I couldn't do before. The FaceTime app for OS X comes pre-installed, you don't have to buy it from the Mac App Store.
Little luxuries include the backlit keyboard, the MagSafe power cable, the firm responsive keyboard, and the big multitouch capable trackpad. The display is bright and has a good, but not great range of viewing angles, certainly worse than an iPad, but better than most cheap laptop monitors Yellows are a bit saturated while using the default color profile. I'm sure many would prefer a higher resolution than 1280x800, but I'd prefer a jump to very high resolutions combined with support for resolution independence in the operating system and applications. Maybe someday. The high resolution iSight camera surprised me with its clarity and size when doing a FaceTime chat.
A few things have gone downhill. It takes the removal of 12 screws to swap out the hard drive, my old MacBook had but 1. There used to be a dedicated microphone port next to the headset jack, but that has gone the way of the dodo, and I never used it anyway. Charge time for going from dead battery to 100% is a bit more than 3 hours, which I think is worse then it used to be.
I chose to purchase my own 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) named brand memory from a favorite online vendor and saved quite a bit of money over Apple's charge for 8GB of RAM (2x4GB). Installation was simple enough with the right sized Phillips screwdriver, although it is odd that we are expected to change the RAM while the battery is still connected. Still the installation went without incident, and is certainly simpler than most other laptops. I was a bit disappointed that the added RAM didn't appreciably improve my Xcode compile time, slicing at most 20 seconds off the 8.5 minutes, but hopefully it will help when multitasking multiple applications.
This is a refinement to previous generations, and I would bet likely to be the last for this series of machined unibody anodized aluminum enclosures, as elegant and perfect as they seem to be. If you wait a year or more, you might get such changes as awesome Liquid Metal cases of fantastic shapes, Retina Display monitors, touch screens, standard SSD boot drives, 4G cell networking and the loss of the optical drive. But I couldn't wait, I needed the horsepower now, not next year.
As a Mac Developer, I've been running OS X Lion 10.7 on this box as my primary operating system for several weeks prior to the official release and I recommend upgrading to Lion if it didn't come pre-installed. Quick and solid, although you should prepare to train yourself with the more intensive use of gestures brought over from iOS and which make a perfect fit with the built in trackpad.
Compared to other Macs.
Owners of recent vintage 13 inch MacBooks will have to make an informed decision to stay pat or move up. Many will get better value for their money replacing their spinning hard drive with an SSD, something I was tempted to do. Seriously, a Core 2 Duo with a separate NVidia GPU and an SSD will run great under OS X Lion in a few months, so think about just doing a hard drive upgrade instead of the whole computer. Having said this, this model has much better battery life than that of a few years ago, and a better set of ports, along with the backlit keyboard, much faster CPU and a higher resolution camera. Another advantage against my late 2008 model is the maximum RAM, this model has a maximum capacity of 8GB, the same as last years model, but higher than my old capacity.
Versus the 2.7 GHz i7 version of this same screen size, which also comes with Intel integrated graphics. Online reports give the i7 version an overall speed improvement of perhaps 10-15%, which is pushing being even noticeable. I preferred to do what I did, spend the money on putting in a moderately sized boot SSD in the former optical bay. The difference in random disk access is amazing, and very noticeable. If money is no object, you could do both.
Between this and the new MacBook Air. The new Air is approximately as fast at processing as this Pro, but has an extremely fast built in SSD drive; in practice it will feel turbo charged next to the base model of the MacBook Pro with it's spinning disk. The Air is also lighter and the 13" model has a higher resolution display. Basically I recommend getting the Air unless you absolutely need one of the following: more than 256 GB of hard drive space, a Firewire port in the box, more than 4GB of RAM, or an Ethernet port. I am planning on purchasing an Air for my wife, coupled with the new Cinema display which comes with USB, Ethernet, and a Firewire port, it will be a flexible, albeit extremely expensive combination. I, however, need the hard drive space so I'll be sticking with this MacBook Pro for this round.
Between larger MacBook Pros. As I carry my laptop back and forth to work daily and prefer to work with it on my lap, I've never had any urge or wish for the 15 inch, much less the 17 inch version. But they do have real discrete GPUs, and i7 processors, so for people with large display and maximum horsepower needs, they are an excellent option. One...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: Apple MacBook Pro MC700LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop


Introducing the new 13-inch MacBook Pro. The state-of-the-art dual-core Intel i5 processor delivers up to 2x faster performance (over the previous generation of MacBook Pro). New Thunderbolt technology lets you connect high-performance peripherals and high-resolution displays to a single port, and transfer files at lightning speeds. And with the new built-in FaceTime HD camera, you can make astonishingly crisp HD video calls.
The 13.3-inch unibody MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt technology (see larger image).

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