cover
Derek B.

Derek B.

Joined on 12/19/01

0
0

Product Reviews
product reviews
  • 5
Most Favorable Review

Follow up on Avatar

Avatar Intel Core i5-3317U 8GB Memory 32 GB SSD 500GB HDD Intel HD Graphics 4000 14.0" Non-Touch Screen 1366 x 768 Ultrabook Windows 8 64-bit AVIU-145A2
Avatar Intel Core i5-3317U 8GB Memory 32 GB SSD 500GB HDD Intel HD Graphics 4000 14.0" Non-Touch Screen 1366 x 768 Ultrabook Windows 8 64-bit AVIU-145A2

Pros: After using Windows 8 (which I hate) I found that installing windows 7 was really easy. Most of the drivers can be found on Intels website (the wireless is the Centrino-N) look for the file Wireless_15.3.1_Ds64.exe from Intel. The rest was easy to find (including the ELAN drivers for the touchpad). Things to note: Don't bother with the Intel Rapid Storage stuff (I couldn't get the hard drive accelerated anyway for whatever reason). Instead get your windows 7 USB or CD ready and destroy the RAID group. Then go into the BIOS and change it from RAID to AHCI. Then install windows 7 to the SSD drive. Move the page file to the secondary drive (the 466GB drive) and bam the machine screams. Why bother caching when 32gb is enough for the entire operating system? All of the drivers save for the ACPI (which you don't need) are easily found on the web. I have to say, this is the best Ultrabook I have found for this price, and after my install of windows 7, its performance is awesome.

Cons: Windows 8 is horrible.

Pretty Awesome

Avatar Intel Core i5-3317U 8GB Memory 32 GB SSD 500GB HDD Intel HD Graphics 4000 14.0" Non-Touch Screen 1366 x 768 Ultrabook Windows 8 64-bit AVIU-145A2
Avatar Intel Core i5-3317U 8GB Memory 32 GB SSD 500GB HDD Intel HD Graphics 4000 14.0" Non-Touch Screen 1366 x 768 Ultrabook Windows 8 64-bit AVIU-145A2

Pros: This is definitely an ultrabook in its feel. It is just a shade under the mac book air in class and feel. In fact at first glance you will confuse the two. It definitly has a sturdy feel to it, and I love the trackpad and keyboard. The specs are better, the intel 4000 HD is a nice inclusion, and played HD videos with zero problems. The usb 3 port is on one side, and the usb 2 port is on the other. They are clearly marked, and positioned well. If you are looking for an ultrabook that is more powerful spec wise then the mac book air, yet half the price this is perfect.

Cons: Seriously, this laptop crushes it, I couldn't find any legitimate cons.

Overall Review: Compared to the glossy looks of the other ultrabooks, or the thickness, this is definitely a winner. This is .75 inches compaired to .68 from the air... you won't tell the difference.

11/27/2012

Excellent!

Gyration GYR3101US Universal Infrared / RF Remote Control
Gyration GYR3101US Universal Infrared / RF Remote Control

Pros: This remote is a perfect addition to the HTPC. It tracks extremely well, though you will want to replace the batteries it comes with almost immediately. The list of compatible devices is small, BUT you can program any button with the IR receiver on the bottom of the remote. I suggest you use EVENTGHOST to map this device to your applications. You will need to select the first and last HID driver when setting it up in order to get all of the buttons including the green windows button. But every button works after that (except the hard coded buttons). Personally I think this device is amazing, and I am surprised by its quality and impressed with its functionality.

Cons: Batteries it comes with are not good. You will also need to mount the RF receiver in clear LOS of the remote.

Overall Review: You can find the keyboard combo that goes with this for about 90 bucks.

10/30/2009

Been using for 3 months now

ALTEC LANSING VS3151 50 Watts 5.1 Speaker
ALTEC LANSING VS3151 50 Watts 5.1 Speaker

Comments: Been using these for three months. All in all I love the quality of sound. They are not the loudest speakers, but they have a great dynamic range. The base is solid and they look slick. Definitly worth the price.

Superb

COOLMAX CX-400 400 W ATX12V V2.01 Power Supply
COOLMAX CX-400 400 W ATX12V V2.01 Power Supply

Comments: What a perfect power supply. It powers quietly. It replaced a 450 watt that couldn't keep up.