ASUS UL80Vt- A2 14-Inch Thin and Light Laptop

ASUS UL80Vt- A2 14-Inch Thin and Light Laptop (Silver) From ASUS Computer International Direct List Price: $849.00 Price: $699.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Ships from and sold by J&R Music and Computer World Average customer review:

Product Description

The thin and light ASUS UL80Vt is a harmonious blend of form and function. Powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo ultra-low voltage processor, it boasts an impressive 11-hour battery life for all-day computing. It also sports user-centric features such as a multi-gesture touchpad and provides an impressive multimedia entertainment experience with Altec Lansing speakers and an NVidia G210M graphics engine. The ASUS exclusive Graphics Boost feature allows users to switch between the energy efficient integrated graphics and the discrete NVidia G210M Graphics Engine depending on what sort of battery life is desired. All of these features and more are shrouded in a robust brushed aluminum lid that not only looks magnificent, but also helps in maintaining the notebook’s stylish exterior day after day. The notebook comes with the ASUS 360 service program that includes a 2 year global warranty, one month zero bright dot guaranty, free two-way standard shipping, twenty-four hour tech support seven days a week, and a one year accidental damage warranty, protecting the notebook from drops, fire, spills and surge.

---

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #68 in Personal Computers
• Color: Silver
• Brand: Asus
• Model: UL80Vt-A2
• Format: CD
• Dimensions: 1.10" h x 9.60" w x 13.50" l, 4.80 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo 1.3 GHz
• Memory: 4000MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 320GB
• Processors: 2
• Display size: 14

Features

• 1.3GHz Intel SU7300 Core 2 Duo Processor
• 4GB of DDR3 1066MHz DRAM, 2 slots, 4GB Max
• 320GB Hard Drive (5400 RPM); Super Multi Optical Disk Drive; Wi-Fi 802.11 bgn
• 14-Inch Widescreen HD LED LCD Display; 0.3M Webcam; HDMI Port; NVidia G210M Graphics with 512MB DDR3 + Intel GMA 4500MHD (Switchable VGA)
• Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit) Operating System; 8 Cell 5600mAh Battery

---

Customer Reviews

Ultraportable with Excellent Performance and So-So Build Quality
EDIT: An updated and revised review of this laptop can be found at over at Expert Laptop Review: [...]

I recently went on a laptop buying rampage and have ended up with the Dell Studio 14z, HP dm3z (L625 + Radeon 4330), and the Asus UL80VT-A1 in possession all at once. The first part of this review will focus solely on the Asus UL80VT-A1 and the second part of this review will compare it with my experience with the Dell Studio 14z and the HP dm3z.

ASUS UL80VT-A1 DETAILED REVIEW

First and foremost, let me say that I ordered the UL80VT-A1 because I thought it was simply an awesome idea to have switchable graphics in a laptop because you get excellent battery life + excellent performance when needed. There were no reviews of the UL80VT out when I purchased it, so I purchased the UL80VT-A1 from [...], which has a 100 percent refund on purchases just in case things didn't work out with me and the new lady.

While I was waiting to recieve the laptop in the mail, I read a review over at [...]. Oh boy, was I disappointed considering all the bad things the reviewer had to say about it (i.e. bad keyboard, bad track pad, horrible build quality, poor gaming performance). Needless to say, I had second thoughts about even opening up the Asus UL80VT-A1 because I didn't think it was worth my time considering the all the problems the reviewer had with his review model.

So that morning I got my HP dm3z in the mail and was really excited about how incredibly beautiful the laptop was. It is definitely sexier (in my opinion) than every other ultraportable out there, including the Macbook Pro 13" and HP Envy 13. I'll get to the dm3z a little later... either way, my first impression led me to believe that I'd probably be keeping the dm3z and just returning the Asus. When the Asus came in the mail, I wasn't even watching for it like I had been the dm3z. But I did take it upstairs and opened it up. (Unboxing video coming soon...)


FIRST IMPRESSIONS

My first impression was astoundingly contradictory to review I had read. I picked it up, squeezed it, pushed on the keyboard, which had minimal flex that wasn't noticeable to me when typing. My other first impressions were just how well the trackpad worked. The two finger scroll worked flawlessly (though it isn't as smooth of a scroll as Apple's, it functions equally responsively and is just as useful).

GRAPHICS PERFORMANCE - Rating 9/10

Over the last view days, I've been taking the UL80VT-A1 out for spin in a series of gaming tests. The first game I tested was the ever popular Counter-Strike: Source. I was astounded by the computer's ability to put out 150 FPS in the stress test at native resolution of 1366x768. I had been expecting to get closer to 80-100 FPS. I then tested it with 4x AA on, and it resulted in 99 FPS, which is phenomenal considering that AA usually cripple weaker graphics cards like the Nvidia 210M.

I was eager to test out the UL80VT's performance in some of the latest games because of the previous review I had read that had denounced its ability to play modern games. I had recently purchased Batman: Arkham Asylum. I loaded it up with the default settings, which were set on Very High at native 1366x768 resolution. Game play was moderately smooth and playable, but it was also noticably choppy at times with those settings (26 FPS average in the video stress test), so I dropped the settings down to medium. This time the Asus got 40 FPS average in the video stress test, and the game play was perfectly playable and smooth.

I then downloaded Team Fortress 2. It has been known to give ultraportable gaming machines a tough time due to its high shader requirements. When playing, I averaged about 50-60 FPS at native resolution with everything on High with no AA. I noticed drops down to 30 FPS when in heavy action, but it was not too disruptive to game play. I don't think it went below 30 FPS during the time I played.

After hearing claims that Asus UL80VT could not run Need For Speed: Shift well. I downloaded the demo to see if these claims were true. Fortunately, they were not. I was able to achieve playable frame rates, though it was a little choopy with the default settings, which had the screen at 1024x768 resolution and everything else up in detail. I tried changing the settings, but after changing the settings to lower the resolution to 800x600, the game repeatedly gave me an error and crashed right as the race was about to start. Unfortunately, I was not able to do a formal test, but it was clear that the game was getting at least 30 FPS at 800x600 resolution with texture settings on High. I would expect the game to be very playable as long as you are content with 800x600 (or maybe slightly better res) and medium settings.

I also managed to squeeze in a little play time in Protoype, another recent game that was released earlier this year. It played very smoothly at the default 1280x720 (which was the max res for some reason) and on the default medium settings.

Another game I was able to try was Call of Duty: World at War, which has identical specs to the latest Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. People will be glad to know that I was able to achieve 35-40 FPS constant at native resolution 1366x768 with texture settings on "normal" (except for "shader settings" which I set to "low"). I also turned off all of the extra graphical features, which didn't make much of a difference in visuals anyway.

In conclusion regarding the gaming peformance of this ultraportable laptop, it has excellent performance and handles most modern games fluidly at native resolution.

BATTERY LIFE - Rating 10/10

Yesterday, I used the laptop for 3 hours early in the morning with wifi on and brightness up. Later that day, I used it for about 15 minutes running Batman: AA. I then used it about 7 hours more with brightness at about 20% (2.5 hours with wifi on and 4.5 with it off). In total the laptop lasted me 10.25 hours between a mixture of wifi, gaming, and note taking/paper writing. I was extremely happy to get this excellent of performance out of it. This was precisely what I was looking for in terms of battery life.

BUILD QUALITY - Rating 6/10

My initial impression was that the build quality was just average--not great, but nothing bad about it either, but now after having it for a couple days, I now agree with Charles' review about some of the issues with build quality. Yesterday morning when I was typing, I noticed that when I pressed down on the front edge of the left palm rest it squeaked annoyingly (it hadn't pressed down on this part of the laptop when it was on a hard surface yet because it had always been on my laptop up until this point).

I began squeezing the front edge and noticed that top part of the chassis isn't cemented to the bottom part of the chassis very well so that when you put pressure on it (such as when you rest your palm on it) it made a noise. I tried placing about an inch long piece of scotch tape across the part that was sqeaking, and the squeaking went away completely. It was disappointing to find this because it was the first issue with the build quality. Also, I now understand what Charles meant when he said that when he pressed in the center of the laptop it causes the bottom of the laptop to touch the surface it is resting on...

It's not if you press in the middle of the keyboard like I had thought Charles had said (my bad!!)... it's if you press on the trackpad buttons (like Charles had really said), he was right that you can feel the laptop touch the surface it is resting on, but the thing Charles was wrong about is that it isn't the bottom of the laptop touching the surface below it... it's a little "support peg/foot" that protrudes from the bottom of the laptop about 1/10" of an inch.

The overall chassis does flex a tad, but it is just the peg touching, and the peg is maybe moving 1/16" of an inch tops (probably less). So yes, the chassis does flex just a hair, but not as bad as the review makes it sound (I think the review should be updated with this information personally).

I am thinking about putting a drop of super glue on the edge of the left palm rest to keep it from squeaking. I'm pretty sure it would work without a hitch unless you put too much glue and then tried to take the casing apart and wasn't able to. I figure it wouldn't void the 1 year accidental warranty but maybe the 2 year standard warranty if they figured out what I did. I'm not sure though... I figure you can always "cut through" the glue so that the chassis can be opened if you needed to send it in for repairs.

I also noticed that the entire surface (including the aluminum top) acquires fingerprints. I was disappointed that the aluminum top also was prone to oils from my fingers.

HEAT MANAGEMENT - Rating 10/10

The heat on this bad-boy is hardly noticeable. I think more heat is generated because it is restricting the airflow over your lap more than anything. Whenever my lap started to feel a little warm, I would feel the bottom of the laptop but the bottom of the laptop never got hot. It was always just the fact that my legs weren't getting as much air to cool them down.

I was also able to play Batman:AA while on my lap just fine, though it was starting to be mildly uncomfortable by the time 30 mins rolled around. Still, as far as gaming on the lap goes, I think it would be doable, and far more doable than on any other laptop I have ever tried.

This laptop is by far the coolest running laptop I have ever owned (I've owned about 14 different laptops...). For this reason, I give it a 10/10 in heat management.

KEYBOARD - Rating 8/10

Overall, I find the keyboard to be a little above average. I do not like the fact that there are no keys dedicated to playing and pausing music. To access media controls, you must hold the FN button down and tap the arrow keys (down arrow = play/pause). I do not notice any flex when typing. The primary concern that I had was from the squeaky palm rest edge when typing. After I fixed that issue, the keyboard became quite pleasant to use.

TRACK PAD - Rating 9/10

I find the track pad to be the best track pad I have ever used on a PC. It does have a glossy surface, but I did not find that the surface was not nearly as sticky as the surface on many HPs (including the dm3z). I also found the trackpad to be responsive and that the multitouch gestures such as two-finger scrolling to work perfectly nearly every time.

The ELAN touch pad has configurable options to enable you to change the sensitivity of the two-finger scroll as well as enable you to use two and three finger taps to do customizable actions. I have my two-finger tap to do a right click and my three-finger tap to show my desktop.

My only complaint regarding the touch pad is that the uni-button. The uni-button looks like only one button, but has a left side and right side that makes up two buttons. When the uni-button was pressed towards the middle, it was very difficult to click, but if you pressed it near the ends the button became more usable. This was also the case with the Acer Timeline 4810t that I had owned for some time. I have found that the tap to click function is very usable, especially since I can just use two fingers if I need to right click. Therefore, I hardly use the button anymore anyway. My system works just fine.

OVERALL VERDICT - Rating 9/10

Despite its (fixable) flaws in build quality and poor touch pad button (again just use "tap to click" instead), I'm still impressed with laptop and can definitely recommend it to friends who aren't particularly picky about build quality. The UL80VT-A1 will provide the performance most casual gamers want in a portable package that has a very long battery life and is inexpensive compared to similar models. [Oh, wait, scratch that... There has never been anything like the UL80VT-A1 to ever come out before... except maybe the Acer Timeline 3810TG that had switchable graphics, but that computer was only available in the UK. ]

COMPARED TO THE COMPETITION (DELL STUDIO 14Z and HP DM3Z)

I have now owned a Dell Studio 14z for about two months. I also purchased a HP dm3z, which I had originally planned on writing a review of but I don't know if I'll find the time. Maybe I'll just do a video review...

Anyway, the HP dm3z initially impressed me tremendously with its fantastic metal looks and thin profile. However, two issues became immediately apparent that prevented me from considering the laptop further: the HP dm3z produced a tremendous amount of heat even while just idling (the bottom got roasting hot while playing games... though the palm rests stayed pretty cool) and I quickly became frustrated by track pad lag and malfunctioning two-finger scrolling. The problem with the two finger scroll is due to the fact that it does not always register that you are actually using two fingers, therefore, it thinks you only have one finger down and shoots your mouse all the way across the screen where you didn't want it to go.

Beside the two-finger scroll I noticed minimal track pad lag (though there was lag). The track pad was definitely usable and should not prevent someone entirely from purchasing it for that sole reason, but after trying out the UL80VT's track pad and comparing the two. It was night and day. The UL80VT's was immediately responsive and the two-finger scrolling worked perfectly pretty much all the time. I have sorely missed two-finger scrolling since getting rid of my Macbook Pro a year ago. I am very glad that PCs are starting to make it standard on the majority of notebooks today. Unfortunately, the HP dm3z did not have good enough drivers to make the two-finger scrolling worthwhile.

One thing that I really liked about the dm3z is that it had an excellent keyboard with zero flex and it included media control buttons for the function keys (like Dell Studio 14z). I would definitely recommend the dm3z to people as long as you understand that it is going to produce a lot of heat (especially while watching video/playing games), the track pad is just going to be so-so, and you aren't going to achieve the same battery life you would if you went with the UL80VT (unless you went with the intel version with integrated graphics).

I began searching for a new laptop shortly after I found paint chipping on my Dell Studio 14z. It was frustrating since I try to take excellent care of my laptops and chipped paint tends to bring the resale value of laptops down tremendously. All in all, I found my experience with the 14z to be a good one and would recommend the laptop to someone who has a strict budget and can't afford a UL80VT.

With the dell, I was typically able to get about 3.5-4.5 hours of battery life (8-cell in windows 7) while surfing the internet-writing documents. The HP dm3z seems to get about 4.5 hrs of web surfing time. The Asus literally doubles the length of my time I am going to be away from the wall (with both the HP and the Dell...).

My primary complaints with the Dell Studio 14z were related to the build quality (paint chipping and noticeable keyboard flex that was causing me discomfort). I loved the back-lit keyboard and will miss that feature on the UL80VT, though I am a touch typist so it will make little difference in terms of actual functionality.

I love the fact that my UL80VT has a DVD-RW because I like to watch DVDs at Starbucks that I rent from Redbox. I couldn't do that with the 14z because it lacked an optical drive, but I can do that with the Asus.

It should also be noted that the UL80VT has a better screen than both the Dell and the HP (in my opinion).

IN CONCLUSION

After I discovered the flex, I began contemplating switching over to a Macbook Pro 13". So I went to my local Best Buy to compare sizes, keyboard, touchpad, etc... I got to the store and there was a bestbuy sales guy there that I got to know pretty well when I bought my Dell Studio 14z. I began explaining to him how the 14z hadn't met my needs due to a sucky touch pad and paint chipping off for no reason, etc. I pulled my UL80VT out of my bag and explain to him the features of the laptop (i.e. switchable graphics, 10 hour battery life). I loaded up Batman Arkham Asylum and he was amazed that it played smoothly at native resolution. I showed him squeaky palm rest and explained to him I was considering getting a 13" Macbook Pro. He responded pretty quickly that he didn't think that apple would have anything that would be an upgrade from this so just recommended that I just stick with the Asus... (lol and he's a sales guy that is supposed to sell laptops for best buy, not recommend for me not to buy them... lol)

I agree with the guy at Best Buy. Apple's got nothing on the Asus UL80VT... except maybe better build quality, poorer performance, and a $500 dollar increase in price. Hint: get the Asus, unless build quality is of utmost importance to you.

I'm sorry that this review was so scatter-brained. I like to keep things more organized, but I also just wanted to get this review posted!!

Best Laptop Ever! My first review! Cuz it rocks that much!
I don't usually spend my time putting in reviews because it doesn't benefit me much (I know, kind of selfish) but this product was just too good to not leave a review, especially since there's no review here yet.

I've been looking at laptops for years now, always looking for the one that hits all the sweet spot. I didn't NEED it so I was able to just keep waiting for the right one. Here were all the things I was looking for.

Fast speed - For gaming like World of Warcraaft, etc.
Long battery life - It's not mobile if you're chained to power cord.
Decent price - Nobody should be paying more than a grand for a laptop.
Temperature - This is something many people don't think much about until too late. Laptops get HOT, and then they're no longer LAPtop, but a DESKtop.
DVD drive - Because I like to keep my options open.

Every laptops I've seen through deal sites, etc NEVER met all of these criteria. Until now. This computer really is THE laptop to get right now.

Pros-------------
Great speed - I just ran World of Warcraft and it runs SMOOTH with mid-high setting. I also saw from another review that this can run Farcry2 or Crysis2 at 40fps which is pretty damn good.

LED screen - This takes some getting used to since I'm not used to seeing such rich black on monitor but it looks bright, crisp, and shiny. (latter might be issue if you live with many light fixtures)

Video - YES it has Nvidia video card on top of Intel integrated. This allows for awesome gaming which many other laptops just can't do.

Temperature - It doesn't burn! :D It still gets warm, especially on left side near vent but it's not so hot that I have to put something underneath to shield my lap like previous laptops I had.

Weight - I'm kinda scrawny guy and I can lift this with one hand with no issue. This will be handy as you move around the house or carry in yer bag.

Battery life - AWESOME. just check any other review on this because they'll all tell you this thing last a loong time. It was tough to find laptops that can last long WHILE also having great performance AND be under a grand. Now there is.

ExpressGate - It allows you to turn on a laptop from off or hibernation mode, into special operating system that has skype, photo, and web browser among others. So if you need to google something quick, now you can! There's downside to that in cons section.

Cons----------------------

Keyboard - This is very minor annoyance but I want to be thorough. When you type, sometimes, you hear this light metal ringing-ish sound that's coming from metal underneath the keyboard. It's not the quietest keyboard you'll use but it won't drive you crazy either.

Touchpad - I had to figure out the issue with this because it was bugging the hell out of me. It has two and three finger gestures like scroll and right/middle click. Issue was it wasn't accurate and working sporadically. Scroll especially was driving me nuts because it'll scroll at its own speed/time. I tried pressing my fingers lightly/heavily but difference. Then I figured it out. You have to have you movement straight up and down or left/right. When people use the touchpad, we usually have our hand in an angle so we end up scrolling in almost like \ instead of |. Well, touchpad doesn't like that. Same goes for right/middle click that requires 2-3 fingers. It works best if you have your fingers in same x axis. Some people won't be affected since they'll use mouse but if you'll be using touchpad a lot, be prepared for bit of adjustment. Oh, and if you prefer to click the button instead of tapping the touchpad for mouse clicks, exercise your finger because button's bit harder to press than other touchpad buttons I've used.

ExpressGate - Idea is great. Execution, not quite. I was expecting instant on like when you come out of sleep mode but unfortunately, there's still some wait involved. 10-ish seconds I believe. Also, Asus installed regular monitor version of expressgate onto this widescreen laptop so everything's stretched to fit widescreen. So far, I haven't figured out how to change resolution in this mode. It's good for quick browsing but not for long session.

Power cable - OMG, where do ASUS think people live in? Castles!? Power cord is the longest I've ever seen. About 10-11 ft total (big power block right in the mid point). And although it comes with velcro strip to manage the cable, I found there's too much cable to roll the cable neatly. Just prepare for some mess when packing cable. Good thing this has 10 hour battery life so you won't have to deal with cable too much.

All in all, Pros are all important crucial items and Cons are minor annoyance at best. This is really the best laptop you could get at this price with this much features and performance. I remember coming across Sony and HP that had similarity (good speed, light weight, dvd) and those were going for 1800ish.. and it didn't even have 10hr battery life. If you don't believe me, when you go out for laptop shopping, just have this computer's feature written down and compare. You ain't gonna find one that beats it easily.

EDIT:
Couple things I came across after prolonged use.

1. It does get hot, especially near vent but only when I'm using it intensely like 3d games. but it doesn't get hot on the surface much. Just underneath near vent.

2. Changing performance mode requires you to quit any apps that use video card, such as Photoshop, games, etc. So change before you load them. Otherwise, when you press the button to change the power mode, nothing happens.

3. OMG FINGERPRINT MAGNET. EVERYWHERE. >.<

Still loving it though.

Just plain awesome!
I have never written a review of any kind, not that I don't come across good products or service, but it's like the next item on one's list which one never gets to. However, the ul80vt-a1 is just too awesome a laptop that after one week of ownership, I am still jumping up and down like a little puppy, given my typical enthusiasm normally lasts no more than 48 hours.

By the time you read my review, you've already known all the good things about this laptop -- very long battery life, fast performance, cool to touch, bright screen with sharp resolution, clear and loud speakers, thin and light weight in spite of the presence of an optical drive, fast to boot. The list goes on and on, and it is all true. By the way, there is one item I haven't seen mentioned yet -- the battery charges extremely fast without getting hot. And no, I don't work for Asus. In fact, before I started researching for a good laptop to buy, I didn't even know who or what Asus was, and I still cannot pronounce its name.

But what makes me so happy is that all the bad things I heard in these reviews are also not true. Not every single feature is perfect. There are some items one can fault with, but they really amount to nothing. This is what I want everyone to know so one doesn't gloss over this great laptop because someone out there doesn't like the feel of the keyboard.

1. Regardless of what other people said, the build quality of my laptop is very high, no different from the HP's, the Dell's and the Lenovo's I have owned. No, it is not flimsy, and everything snaps correctly with no gap or sharp edge.

2. The keyboard is fine. It does not feel the same as a Lenovo, but it doesn't flex like others say either. It's just that the keys are not as bouncy, so they feel a little bit soft.

3. Some reviewers mentioned the screen does not have sharp contrast. It is true when the brightness is set on high, the screen may look a little washed out, but it's not something you cannot solve by tilting the screen a little up or down. By the way, reflection from the glossy screen is not an issue, to my surprise, and you can see fine outdoor.

4. The touch pad arguably is the worst feature on this laptop. It is more sticky than one with a matte finish, and once in a while you will go out of boundary without realising it. The large single touch pad button below is positioned awkwardly and is quite honestly hard to press because the frame the button is set in is in the way. The touch pad one can get used to; the button, highly questionable.

5. Yes, fingerprints do show up, but they can be readily wiped off without much fanfare. However, if you like having a bag of greasy chips in one hand and use the computer with the other, this laptop can be a problem for you. On the other hand, it may help one kick one's junk food addiction.

6. So far I have two minor problems. Both are related to switching the power management mode:
6a. When I plug and unplug from the power cord, the screen does black out for a couple of seconds, unlike other laptops I've owned. Furthermore, sometimes when the screen comes back on, it will flicker when I mouse over something on the screen. The only remedy I have found so far is to close the application (IE 8 in my case) and start it again.
6b. When I press the Graphix Boost button, it changes the time zone automatically to pacific time (GMT-8). I haven't tried changing through the power management tool by selecting any of the Power4Gear options, but it probably will change the time zone just the same. It's minor to change the time zone back, provided you notice something is wrong with the time.

I genuinely think there is more than a good chance you will be very happy with the laptop. I know I am.

p.s. If reliability is important to you, a Nov 2009 study published by SquareTrade on the 3 year reliability records of 30,000 laptops from 9 vendors ranked Asus at the top. [...]

Dell Inspiron i1564-8634OBK 1564 15.6-Inch Laptop

Dell Inspiron i1564-8634OBK 1564 15.6-Inch Laptop (Obsidian Black) From Dell Marketing USA, LP List Price: $799.99 Price: $798.48 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Ships from and sold by Amazon.com Average customer review:

Product Description

The big-screen Inspiron 17 laptop puts it all right in front of you, in a convenient, stylish package. With a brilliant 17.3” HD+ screen and spacious keyboard that sports an adjacent 10-key numeric keypad, you can go for hours in total comfort. This laptop packs the latest tech with Intel® Core™ i3 processor, 4GB of memory, and a 500GB hard drive. Whether you are creating your own music or video, watching your favorite HD movie, emailing, surfing the web, downloading or organizing your pictures, this versatile laptop travels well, looks great and handles your needs for years to come. 30 day trial of McAfee SecurityCenter with anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall. 60 day trial of Microsoft Works 9.0 with Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student.

---

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #173 in Personal Computers
• Color: Obsidian Black
• Brand: Dell
• Model: i1564-8634OBK
• Dimensions: 1.29" h x 14.96" w x 9.76" l, 5.40 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core i3 2.13 GHz
• Hard Disk: 500GB
• Battery type: Lithium Ion
• Display size: 15.6

Features

• 2.13GHz Intel Core i3 330M Processor (3MB Cache)
• 4GB System Memory; Media Card Reader; 10/100 Ethernet; Wireless 802.11 b/g Card
• 500GB Hard Drive; 8X CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
• 15.6" HD Display; Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD; 1.3MP Webcam
• Windows 7 Home Premium Operating System (64-bit); 9-cell Battery

---

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description

Dell Inspiron 15: Streamlined Design, Powerful Processing

Stay connected wherever you roam with the Dell Inspiron 1564 laptop in black, which features a bright, vivid 15.6-inch LCD screen, and 9-cell battery for extra-long battery life. Weighing just under 6 pounds, it's a great choice for both work and play with the screen's high-definition resolution and included DVD drive (which can also burn dual-layer DVD and CD media). And with the included HDMI port, you can connect your laptop to a compatible HDTV or external monitor for uncompressed high-def video and audio.

The Dell Inspiron 1564 in black.

The integrated 1.3-megapixel camera and digital array microphone helps you stay in touch with family, friends and business associates.

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.

---

Key Features

• 15.6-inch TrueLife widescreen display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels (native 720p for high-definition viewing). It also provides TrueLife high-gloss/anti-reflective technology, which features a sharp contrast finish that's well suited to immersive 3D games and watching videos.
• 2.13 GHz Intel Core i3-330M dual-core processor for a fast, responsive PC experience (3 MB L3 cache). It comes equipped with Intel HD 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. Intel's Hyper-Threading Technology enables each core of your processor to work on two tasks at the same time, delivering the performance you need for smart multitasking.
• 500 GB SATA hard drive (5400 RPM)
• 4 GB of installed DDR3 RAM (1066 MHz
• Integrated Intel HD graphics
• 8x multi-format DVD drive supports reading/writing of CD-R/RW, DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD±R DL, and DVD-RAM
• 1.3-megapixel webcam with facial recognition softwareautomatically secures your computer when you're away. This software adapts to your changing looks so you can expect faster login times. Also, there's no need to remember numerous passwords for password-protected Web sites.
• Dell Video Chat helps you stay in touch with family and friends using video chat, record and send video email, or even make PC-to-PC phone calls around the world. The application also supports four-way calling, making virtual family reunions a reality.
• Built-in stereo speakers with standard headphone and microphone jacks
• 54g Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g)
• Fast Ethernet (10/100)
• 7-in-1 memory card reader compatible with Secure Digital (SD), Hi-Capacity Secure Digital (SDHC), Hi-Density Secure Digital (SDHD), Multi Media Card (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS Pro), and xD Picture Card (xD) media
• Three USB 2.0 ports
• HDMI high-definition audio/video output allows a single cable to transmit uncompressed high-definition video to your digital TV or compatible external monitor.
• VGA video output
• Dell Dock: Enjoy a cleaner desktop with this application organizer. Installed software applications on your PC are automatically sorted into user-friendly categories placing your most frequently used programs front and center.
• Dell Remote Access enables you to easily access photos, music, movies and more on your home system using another Internet-connected computer. No more waiting until you get home to get the files you need.
• Dell DataSafe Online optional online backup service (additional charges applicable) offers data protection by enabling you to back up data to a safe, remote storage site using a broadband connection. Dell DataSafe Online is designed to be easy, flexible and secure. After setup, it will automatically back up data and help protect against software, hardware and catastrophic failure.
• 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.
• Pre-loaded software includes Microsoft Works SE 9.0 for word processing and spreadsheet work. Enjoy a 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007.
• 9-cell battery
• Dimensions: 14.7 x 9.6 x 1.5 inches (WxDxH)
• Weight: 5.895 pounds (with 9-cell battery)

What's in the Box
This package includes the Dell Inspiron 1564 (i1564-8634OBK), 9-cell rechargeable battery, AC adapter, and printed documentation. It's backed by a 1-year limited warranty with mail-in service (after remote diagnosis) and 24/7 phone support.

The centrally located, easy-to-use Dell Support Center application offers provides personalized support resources. Conveniently located on your PC's desktop with quick links to service, support and system resources. You'll be able to keep your system up-to-date and running efficiently through automated fixes for common configuration issues.

---

Customer Reviews

Great laptop
This is a great laptop that provides good performance comparing to the price.

Disadvantages:
Dell bloats the OS with unnecessary software that caused some crashes. I removed almost all Dell's software and now everything works fine.

Supurb Computer - Excellent Service
My wife's desk top tower finally had enough. Because of her work as a grade school teacher she had a school assigned laptop and had come to really appreciate a laptop's utility and convenience. We examined features, prices, etc on every laptop in the $800 and under price range and picked this model Dell from Amazon. We've both been blown away by it's display clarity, speed, ease of use, and features like full numeric keypad, built in camera, as well as the features of the loaded Windows 7 OS.

As for Amazon's performance as a seller? Exceptional! I can't promise this will be your experience, but we took the "free shipping" option available at the time, and got the computer "the next day!" This is a fine computer at a great price from an excellent retailer.

awesome laptop
Great laptop for the money, it's fast, easy to use, and I love windows 7. So glad my husband got it for me for mother's day! :)

Apple MacBook Pro MC375LL/A

Apple MacBook Pro MC375LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop From Apple Computer Price: Too low to display & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Ships from and sold by Amazon.com Average customer review:

Product Description

Carved from a single block of aluminum, the MacBook Pro is a true engineering achievement. Its patented unibody enclosure is the product of precise machining. The new energy-efficient architecture in the MacBook Pro, gives you dramatically longer battery life. On a single charge, the battery in the new 13-inch MacBook Pro lasts up to 10 hours, and you’ll get up to 1000 full charge and discharge cycles — that’s nearly three times the lifespan of typical notebook batteries. MacBook Pro gives you more options for high-performance graphics, starting with the new NVIDIA GeForce 320M integrated graphics processor in the 13-inch model. It’s up to 80 percent faster than the previous generation and is even more energy-efficient for everyday tasks like writing email and surfing the web. Every MacBook Pro has a pristine LED-backlit display with wide-angle viewing and a color gamut usually seen only on a desktop display. So whether you’re watching a movie or making one, you’ve got the perfect canvas. The ultrathin, seamless glass enclosure makes the display strong and durable. And because it’s power efficient and free of mercury and arsenic, this display is greener than ever. The 13-Inch MacBook Pro has advanced Intel Core 2 Duo processors. It also comes standard with a large hard drive offering up to 250 or 320GB of storage capacity, so there’s plenty of room for your photo libraries, video projects, and files. And of course all MacBook Pros come standard with Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard Operating System and iLife.

---

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #58 in Personal Computers
• Brand: Apple
• Model: MC375LL/A
• Dimensions: 9.00 pounds
• Hard Disk: 320GB
• Display size: 13.3

Features

• 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
• 320 GB Hard Drive, 8x DVD/CD SuperDrive, 4GB DDR3 RAM
• 13.3 inch LED-backlit display, 1280-by-800 resolution
• NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor with 256 MB of shared memory
• Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard Operating System

---

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
Combining advanced NVIDIA integrated graphics technology along with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, the 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro is faster than ever and will keep you working longer away from power cords with an enhanced battery life of up to 10 hours of battery life. As with previous models, the new MacBook Pro features a precision unibody enclosure crafted from a single block of aluminum, creating a thin and light mobile computing workhorse (less than 1 inch thin and just 4.5 pounds) that's also highly durable. And it includes a 13.3-inch, LED-backlit glass display (instead of an LCD panel) as well as a glass trackpad that doesn't include a button (for larger tracking area) that features Apple's Multi-Touch technology.

The 13-inch unibody MacBook Pro (see larger image). The new energy-efficient architecture in the 13-inch MacBook Pro gives you up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge (see larger image). With 4 GB of memory and a 320 GB hard drive now standard, this is the most powerful 13-inch MacBook Pro yet. It also comes pre-loaded with Apple's Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard operating system--an operating system custom-designed for the advanced technology inside--and it also comes with the iLife '09 suite of applications, including iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, and iTunes. Specification Highlights 13.3-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen displaywith edge-to-edge, uninterrupted glass (1280 x 800-pixel resolution). 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo dual-core processorwith 3 MB shared L2 cache for excellent multitasking NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor with 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory. 320 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) 4 GB installed RAM (1066 MHz DDR3; supports up to 8 GB) 8x slot-loading SuperDrive with double-layer DVD support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) Built-in iSight camera for video chatting Wi-Fi wireless networking (based on 802.11n specification; 802.11a/b/g compatible) Gigabit Ethernet wired networking (10/100/1000) Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) for connecting with peripherals such as keyboards, mice and cell phones Two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port SD card slot Mini DisplayPort video output with optional adapters for DVI, VGA, dual-link DVI, and HDMI output Multi-Touch trackpad for precise cursor control with support for inertial scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, three-finger swipe, four-finger swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities Full-size backlit keyboard Stereo speakers with subwoofers Dimensions: 12.78 x 8.94 x 0.95 inches (WxDxH) Weight: 4.5 pounds Up to 10 hours of battery life Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard Meets Energy Star 5.0 requirements What's in the Box MacBook Pro, display cleaning cloth, 85W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, power cord, software DVDs, printed and electronic documentation

The ports on the left side of the 13-inch MacBook Pro.

Key Features

The Intel Core 2 Duo processor and NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics are a great match for Apple's iMovie.

A New Standard for Performance and Portability

The new 13-inch MacBook Pro features advanced NVIDIA integrated graphics technology along with a faster Intel Core 2 Duo processor. That makes for the ultimate combination of performance, portability, and battery life--up to 10 hours--without adding an ounce to the slimmest, lightest MacBook Pro.

With the 1066 MHz frontside bus and 3 MB of shared L2 cache of the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, all your applications will run faster and more efficiently than you thought possible. The 13-inch MacBook Pro also features the new NVIDIA GeForce 320M integrated graphics processor with 48 processing cores--three times as many as before. This results in a huge difference when using 3D games and graphics-intensive applications. And when you're not, you'll benefit from a new energy-efficient architecture that uses up to 40 percent less power for everyday tasks like writing email and surfing the web.

The beginning of every MacBook Pro--a precisely machined, single block of aluminum.

Unibody Design

Traditionally, notebooks are made from multiple parts. With the MacBook Pro all of those parts with just one part--the breakthrough unibody enclosure. Every MacBook Pro starts its life as a single block of aluminum, which is precisely machined into the basic unibody design. Another pass and the unibody takes shape. Another, and the integrated keyboard emerges. When you pick up a new MacBook Pro, you immediately notice the entire enclosure is thinner and lighter. And it feels strong and durable--perfect for life inside (and outside) your briefcase or backpack.

LED-Backlit Display

LCD displays typically use cold cathode fluorescent lamps, or CCFLs, to create light and project a picture onto a screen, and this creates two problems--the lamps require more space and they take more time to warm up to full brightness. The MacBook Pro uses LED backlight technology to create the same amount of brightness in less space. And unlike fluorescent lamps, an LED backlight reaches maximum brightness instantly. Finally, a new, smaller iSight camera is concealed behind the display for quick access to video chats and snapping pics for uploading to social networks.

The entire trackpad is the button, so you can click anywhere.

Additionally, conventional CCFL displays use mercury to create a backlight and arsenic to prevent irregularities in the glass. The LED-backlit display on the MacBook Pro, on the other hand, is both mercury- and arsenic-free. LED backlight technology also conserves energy: This display requires up to 30 percent less power than a CCFL display.

Buttonless Multi-Touch Trackpad

With no button on the durable glass trackpad, there's more room to track and click--left, right, center, and everywhere in between. Without a separate button, the spacious trackpad gives your hands plenty of room to move on the large, silky glass surface. It also incorporates Multi-Touch gestures--including swipe, pinch, rotate, and four-finger swipe--and even more natural inertial scrolling--an intuitive way to scroll through large photo libraries, lengthy documents and long web sites. If you're coming from a right-click world, you can right-click with two fingers or configure a right-click area on the trackpad.

Long-Lasting Battery

The new energy-efficient architecture in every MacBook Pro, along with automatic graphics switching, gives you dramatically longer battery life. On a single charge, the battery in the new 13-inch MacBook Pro lasts up to 10 hours. And you'll get up to 1000 full charge and discharge cycles--that's nearly three times the lifespan of typical notebook batteries. Advanced chemistry and Adaptive Charging allow the battery to maintain charging capabilities longer and determine the optimal way to charge the battery's cells. Because the battery lasts up to five years, MacBook Pro uses just one battery in the same time a typical notebook uses three. That makes for less waste. And that, in turn, makes for one environmentally friendly battery.

Environmental Considerations

Apple has worked hard to eliminate many of the toxins that are a common part of computer manufacturing. Apple engineers removed the majority of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from circuit boards, internal cables, connectors, insulators, adhesives, and more in the MacBook Pro.

Because Apple makes both the hardware and the software for the MacBook, they're designed to work together to produce a smarter product that uses less electricity. For instance, to reduce energy consumption, the hard drive spins down automatically when inactive. MacBook Air also decides which processor--CPU or GPU--is best suited to efficiently perform a task. The LED-backlit display in the MacBook Pro is another feature that plays an important part in conserving energy, consuming 30 percent less power than conventional LCD displays. And the display is designed to dim when you enter a darkened room.

The MacBook Pro meets the stringent low power requirements set by the EPA, giving it ENERGY STAR qualification. ENERGY STAR 5.0 sets significantly higher efficiency limits for power supplies and aggressive limits for the computer's typical annual power consumption.

Also, every MacBook Pro model has earned the highest rating of EPEAT Gold. The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool, or EPEAT, evaluates the environmental impact of a product based on how recyclable it is, how much energy it uses, and how it's designed and manufactured.

Pre-Loaded with Mac OS X Snow Leopard and iLife '09

Every Mac comes with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, the world's most advanced operating system, and iLife, Apple's innovative suite of applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and learning to play music. Snow Leopard builds on a decade of OS X innovation and success with hundreds of refinements, new core technologies and out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange. iLife features iPhoto, to easily organize and manage photos; iMovie with powerful easy-to-use new features such as Precision Editor, video stabilization and advanced drag and drop; and GarageBand which introduces a whole new way to help you learn to play piano and guitar. Installed software Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard (includes Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools) iLife '09 (includes iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, iWeb, iDVD)

---

Customer Reviews

Amazing Laptop
This is my first Mac ever, and I absolutely love it. The only downside is the high price, but this laptop is certainly worth the price you pay. The trackpad is amazing, and the aluminum unibody is so nice. The keyboard feels so good to type on, and the backlit keys look awesome. I won't get into the software too much, but Mac OSX is so user-friendly and the programs that come on it are fantastic.

Just Awesome! I'm loving this machine
I just got my new Macbook Pro MC375LL and I'm loving it, though if you're a Mac user you definitely have better review than mine as I just switched to Mac from Windows, now I really wonder why have I been using Windows all these years, for more than twenty years I've been switching laptops and desktop computers every 3-6 months, not because I like doing that (it sure hurt my pocket) but I really can't stand a slow machine and every single laptop (from HP, Toshiba, Dell, Sony and the last one I was using before switching to this one was IBM Thinkpad T61 with powerful CPU (or that's what I thought until it started crawling everytime I ask to run an App.) have to wait for 15 min to have full start up with few items in startup line, here, I only touch the power button and wait for 30 Sec!
anyway, as I said, I can't give a great technical and detailed review since I'm new to this machine but my advice to Windows users! switch to Mac today and don't waste your time and money upgrading your Windows laptop,

if you buy this laptop you better get the Case Shell just to keep it Scratch and Dent free!

Like many things California, simply awesome
I am an experienced computer user that has been using PCs since grad school in the mid 1980s. I remember passing on buying one of the early Macintoshes via the student discount and using an IBM AT or Korean Leading Edge PC to write many of my papers in one of my universities' "computer clusters".

I've had good PCs at work, but again, the hair on the dog gets pretty long when the upgrade cycle for your machine is 24-36 months, by the time you get past the 18 month mark, your machine starts slowing down from IT patches and software upgrades...

As far as my personal life goes, I've always lived on the trailing edge of technology as far as computers go, and stuck with PCs even though I experimented with OSes - I've tried Linux, and I stuck with OS/2 until IBM gave up on it when it released the Warp version.

My first personal PC was a PS/1, and then I had a clone box that I swapped out the MOB 1x... when that died, I got a cheap Compaq/HP laptop that started blank/blue-screening < 1 year (I only paid $400 for it). I replaced that with a Toshiba Satellite Vista laptop, again around the same price, and less than 6 months or so similar issues - sticking keys, having to constantly download OS and software patches, mysterious system lockups that required hard reboots, USB devices disappearing and not being recognized for no good reason...

I've also spent 1000s on software and hardware upgrades during all of the years I've owned PCs.

Anyway, as an avid music listener/musician, I've had an iPod since 2007, and absolutely love it, and when the Toshiba started electronically farting with stuck keys, I thought "Why not Apple?" Yes, its more expensive, but you get what you pay for, and I've been very pleased with this machine. Quality just permeats the product. It boots and shuts down much faster than a PC, and seems fairly crash proof. There are differences in the way you do stuff in Windows vs. MacOS, and those take a little getting used to. I definitely think the MacOS handles music (I also bought the machine for Garage Band and I use a third party software called Band in a Box) and media much much better than Windows does.

We'll see about reliability issues, but so many of the Mac users I talked to noted they'd had their machines for years and they were still going strong, and Macs actually still fetch decent used prices on eBay, that says a lot right there, whereas you can't give a used laptop or PC away. I figured why not drop $1500, because if the machine lasts more than 3 years, that's about what I'd be spending on a new laptop on a year basis ($500+$500+$500) with all of the aggravations of moving files, software, etc. built in.

If you are coming over from Windows, you are going to love not having to screw with USB drivers anymore to have your devices recognized...

ASUS N61JV-X2 16-Inch Versatile

ASUS N61JV-X2 16-Inch Versatile Entertainment Laptop (Dark Brown) From ASUS Computer International Direct List Price: $949.00 Price: $879.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Ships from and sold by Amazon.com Average customer review:

Product Description

Enjoy true entertainment and real sound with the ASUS N61JV. Equipped with Intel’s new Core i5-430M processor and an NVidia GT325M graphics engine with 1GB DDR3 VRAM, the N61JV brings users true-to-life images for games, movies and videos. NVIDIA CUDA GPU computing technology provides faster transcoding times for music, photos, videos, DVD playback, as well as faster video enhancement and editing. Dedicated resonance space arrangement provides sound layering and enhanced detail. With 2.5 watt TV standard sound output and a 21cc amplifier, the N61JV improves and balances audio reproduction across different sonic ranges, particularly for vocals and low-band bass. Together with Altec Lansing speakers supported by SRS Premium Sound, the N61JV provides crisp, clear audio reproduction and a truly surreal audio experience while on-the-go. A multi-touch touchpad allows users to scroll, rotate, as well as zooming-in and out while surfing the web or browsing multimedia intuitively. Lastly, the sunken-hinge design of the N61JV provides a more comfortable view by providing users with a wider and more ergonomic viewing angle. The notebook comes with a 1 year global warranty, one month zero bright dot guaranty, free two-way standard shipping, twenty-four hour tech support seven days a week, and a one year accidental damage warranty, protecting the notebook from drops, fire, spills and surge. Recovery disks not included.

---

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3 in Personal Computers
• Color: Dark Brown
• Brand: Asus
• Model: N61JV-X2
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 1.50" h x 10.60" w x 15.40" l, 6.50 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core i5 2.53 GHz

Features

• Intel Core i5-430M Processor 2.26 GHz with Turbo Boost Technology up to 2.53GHz
• 4GB of DDR3 1066MHz SDRAM, 2 slots, 8GB Max
• 500GB Hard Drive (7200 RPM); Super Multi Optical Disk Drive; Wi-Fi 802.11 bgn (bluetooth not included)
• 16-Inch HD LED LCD Display; 2.0MP Webcam; HDMI Port; NVidia GT325M Graphics Engine with 1GB DDR3 Dedicated VRAM
• Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit) Operating System

---

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description
Expect an Encore

The 16-inch N61Jv-X2 is masterfully crafted to deliver premium entertainment while on the go. Featuring the new Intel Core i5 processor and NVIDIA's GeForce® GT 325M graphics processing unit (GPU), featuring NVIDIA Optimus Technology, the N61Jv-X2 redefines mobile computing with the power of a desktop inside its elegant and portable design. Now with NVIDIA Optimus technology, the N61Jv seamlessly switches between the powerful GeForce GPU, and battery-saving integrated graphics engine depending on demands of the graphics processor- much like a hybrid car automatically switches depending on driving style.

This multimedia powerhouse excels in entertainment with awe-inspiring HD playback on its brilliant 16-inch HD LED-backlit widescreen driven by NVIDIA GeForce Graphics for a flawless HD entertainment experience. Delight your senses with rich sound from the Altec Lansing speakers, enhanced by the unique SonicMaster design –an exclusive ASUS design that improves sound projection and quality. Plus, introduce yourself to the latest standard of USB with Superspeed USB 3.0, enabling faster transfer rates for USB 3.0-enabled peripherals – up to 10 times faster compared to USB 2.0. Enjoy your favorite HD movies, listen to hit songs, and experience the impressive visuals of the N61Jv-X2- the possibilities are virtually endless.

The N61Jv-X2 boasts 4GB DDR3 system RAM, a chiclet keyboard, a multi-touch trackpad, a high-speed wireless 802.11n connectivity, a 500GB 7200 RPM hard drive, an HDMI connectivity, a 2.0MP webcam, and plenty of other convenient features.

Now there is an even bigger reason to get the N61Jv by ASUS. Praised by the media for its outstanding features, it has been given the coveted Anandtech's Silver Editor's Choice Award. See what they had to say about it: “Features like USB 3.0 support and Optimus make our "must have" list for any new laptop purchase… the N61Jv is the best midrange ($800 to $1000) notebook currently available.”

Key Features

• The new Intel Core i5-430M processor with Turbo Boost Technology for smart multitasking performance that adapts to your needs (Learn more)
• Vivid 16-inch HD LED-backlit widescreen for an immersive cinematic experience (Learn more)
• Powerful NVIDIA GeForce Graphics powered by GeForce GT 325M with 1GB VRAM for the latest multimedia and gaming enjoyment (Learn more)
• NVIDIA Optimus Technology for automatic and seamless switching between powerful NVIDIA GeForce graphics and battery-saving integrated graphics engine (Learn more)
• Altec Lansing speakers enhanced with SRS Premium Soundproduce crisp, clear audio reproduction (Learn more)
• ASUS SonicMaster design for more detailed and richer sound quality
• 500GB 7200RPM hard drive for fast, convenient storage and access to all your documents, music, videos, and photos
• 4GB of DDR3 RAM brings increased performance with Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit pre-installed
• Multi-touch trackpad lets you intuitively navigate through web pages, documents, and pictures (Learn more)
• Chiclet keyboard with numeric keypad for increased typing precision (Learn more)
• HDMI output for easy HD video and audio connectivity to your HDTV or LCD monitors with HDMI input
• USB 3.0 Superspeed connectivity for up to 10x faster transfer speed than USB 2.0 (Learn more)
• High-speed wireless N networking (802.11 b/g/n @ 2.4GHz) (Learn more)
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit for a faster and more reliable operating system (Learn more)
• ASUS Infusion Technology for scratch-resistant protection
• 2.0 megapixel webcam for video chatting with friends and family
• 1 year global warranty and 1 year Accidental Damage Warranty* (Learn more)

Toshiba Satellite L555D-S7005 TruBrite

Toshiba Satellite L555D-S7005 TruBrite 17.3-Inch Laptop (Black) From Toshiba List Price: $649.99 Price: $578.95 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Ships from and sold by Beach Camera Average customer review:

Product Description

Big in size but not in price, the Satellite L555 laptop is made for budget-conscious buyers like you who want more room to work, study, create and play. A well-equipped alternative to a desktop computer, it gives you a full diagonal 17.3-Inch of dazzling widescreen “real estate-Inch to savor movies and photos, or create a family photo album. It also offers a full-size keyboard and 10-key pad for doing math or balancing the budget, and just the right level of dual-core performance to tackle everyday tasks without a second thought. You’ll have plenty of connectivity options for communicating and entertaining too. Rich in eco-conscious Toshiba innovation, it’s topped by our popular Fusion Finish design. And new Toshiba productivity apps help you master your day. Lift the lid on this PC and you’ll raise some eyebrows.

---

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #86 in Personal Computers
• Color: Black
• Brand: Toshiba
• Model: PSLXJU-00N00C
• Dimensions: 1.57" h x 16.40" w x 10.70" l, 7.00 pounds
• CPU: AMD Turion 64 X2 2.3 GHz
• Memory: 2000MB SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 320GB
• Processors: 1
• Battery type: Lithium Ion
• Display size: 17.3

Features

• 2.3GHz AMD Turion II Dual-Core Mobile M520 Processor
• 4GB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM Memory
• 320GB Serial ATA Hard Disk Drive (5400RPM); DVD SuperMulti Drive with Labelflash
• 17.3" LED (16:9) 1600x900 Display; ATI Radeon HD 4200 Graphics
• Window 7 Home Premium 64-bit

---

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description

Toshiba Satellite L555D: Affordable Desktop Replacement with 17.3-Inch Screen

Well equipped yet very affordable, the Toshiba Satellite L555D-S7005 is a great replacement for your desktop computer thanks to its 17.3-inch high-definition TruBrite screen with LED backlighting--providing a wealth of screen real estate for watching movies, editing multiple documents, and more. And thanks to the built-in webcam and Toshiba Face Recognition software on this machine, you'll enjoy a more convenient way to communicate, log on or share your laptop among the family. To top it off, the L555D features a brilliant high-gloss Fusion Finish in Midnight Breeze that's sure to turn heads.

The Toshiba Satellite L555D's 17.3-inch screen makes this laptop a great replacement for your desktop PC.

Spacious 104-key keyboard with 10-key input (see larger image).

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.