Joined on 02/11/09
So Far I'm Impressed
Pros: I always thought I'd wait for a tablet. But this is as small of a PC that I think I will ever need. (or want) This is no bigger, yet lighter than a college sized textbook. And all those books (I carried) could more than likely fit into this hard drive. And if I need any more space, I can always upgrade later. It's like anything else. This is the last of the great notebook/laptop sized PC's.
Cons: The only thing I wish it could have is a 10 key on the board. But that can be easily remedied with a numeric keypad.
Overall Review: Nothing is perfect. But I think for the price and what it is, The Pro's far outweigh the Con's here.
Beware of Rebates
Pros: Does what I expect a fanless entry level graphics card to do. Good driver support. I was hoping for much improved performance overall going from onboard graphics to a graphics card. But there's really not any noticeable difference in overall performance. But I'll continue to use this card since it doesn't seem to degrade what I already had before.
Cons: The biggest problem is these rebate offers from the manufacturers. I followed the instructions and sent everything as required on time. But I haven't heard anything from MSI since. This has happened to me more than once with other manufacturers as well. If they're going to offer a manufacturer's rebate, honor them. Otherwise don't offer them at all. And quit putting the blame on the post office for lost mail.
Overall Review: Nearly 2 years later and still waiting for the manufacturer (MSI) to honor their rebate. Newegg should put more pressure on these companies who don't follow through. This isn't an isolated incident. And I see in the reviews where others have the same problem
A Good Solid Performing HDD And Good Upgrade For A Laptop
Pros: I replaced a 250 GB HDD in my laptop with this device after my laptop warranty ended. It has proven to be a reliable replacement. Works like it came OEM with the laptop. Tripled my original storage capacity at a fair price. WD makes a good product.
Cons: Only wish I would have held out for a full TB HDD when the prices on them dropped. But I still have plenty of storage, So not really a con on the product itself.
Overall Review: Somewhat of a challenge to install a HDD into a laptop as I had to take most of it apart to access the original drive. If you take your time to research online tutorials, it can be done and put back together like new. No major issues in getting it formatted and reinstalling the OS. A external optical drive is almost a necessity. But with the manufacturer's back up/reinstallation disc and a lot of patience it can be done inexpensively.
Very Useful As A Back Up Drive
Pros: I've had this external HDD for about 2 years now and I use it every day as a back up for my desktop PC. When I got it, I was surprised to see how compact it really was. It looks larger in the product description. It's a 2.5" form factor and I was expecting a 3.5" FF. Which makes it handy to to pack in a laptop bag and use portably. The dual 3.0 USB connections make it possible to use with my existing PC's power supply alone. Also, the transfer rates are at or near the same as my internal PC HDD. So doesn't take too long to back up large files. The case enclosure is adequate and lightweight. It can withstand most minor impacts when dropped accidentally. I suggested the same device to a friend who was needing additional storage and they seem to like theirs as well.
Cons: The USB cord could be longer and the connecting end to the device proprietary and not a micro USB connection. This may have been done as a safety issue to keep from shorting out the drive with improper connections. Still, it's a minor inconvenience if the cord is misplaced, damaged and moving the device around with athe limited cord length. Also, the enclosed software is trial only and unnecessary for most needs.
Overall Review: When I first installed this device to my PC running Windows 7, I had to format it to make it work. Cut after watching reading and watching some tutorial videos on how to do this I was up and running. So that could be an issue for some novice users expecting the device to be plug and play.
So Far A Good Buy
Pros: I was reluctant to go in a little extra for a Blu-Ray external for my netbook. Until I saw a full version of Cyber-Link Media Suite 10 was included. The software alone is worth more than the price.
Cons: Wish the connector to the Blu-Ray was not proprietary.
Overall Review: Spend the extra 20-30 bucks you'd end up spending at someplace like Wally World and get something you can use.
Got a bad one, but getting an upgrade
Pros: I never was able to get this one going and I put off requesting a RMA since I thought it was my tech knowledge. But had it tested by a professional and verified it was a defect. It's been almost 6 months and SunValley agreed to replace it.
Cons: As I said, defective. nuff said
Overall Review: Things break, especially electronics. But I like their customer focused attitude. Also wish more people would give them a chance to make things right. Instead of just complaining. Too bad more Marketplace sellers aren't like these people.
Mistakes made but did correct them
I ordered a battery tester from this seller. Upon receiving my first shipment, I was sent an LED flashlight. Mistakes like this are bound to happen. But it seems to be ongoing issue with this seller. When I contacted the seller, they got back to me in a timely manner. They told me to keep the flashlight and the batter tester I ordered would be sent out. It took 2 weeks, but I guess it was worth the wait. I can always get use out of a flashlight. But I really liked seeing the battery tester in the second shipment. Get more organized and maybe we can do more business.
Great Service After The Sale
I was really pleased with the outstanding customer service I received from these folks. There was a broken part and I hate returning things. Yoyo, sent me the replacement part and was good about getting back with me by email same day. Thank You for proving Market Place sellers can be pros :)
Questionable
Looks legitimate with professional packaging and CD included. What gets questionable is trial software with a "patch" to over ride the part that asks for a license key. Forwarded me to an off shore site and gave the option to purchase a license in Eros. Could be legit, but given all the other clues, I suspect a scam.