At this level, the performance is very low. This limits the user to usual activities e.g surfing the web, writing emails. Using applications like Word or Excel is possible, though at a very low speed. Gaming and other high performance tasks are impossible. People looking for a secondary laptop or using non-complex applications only will be satisfied.

• 3DMark 06 1024 x 768

  741 #

• Cinebench xCPU 64Bit

  3541 #

The reviewers’ opinions tended predominantly towards moderate satisfaction concerning the laptop design. The notebook’s appearance was decently received and should prove to be at the taste of many users.

The build quality is above average providing for the necessary protection of the computer’s internal parts. The build quality should be acceptable for users moving the laptop around on a frequent basis, even after a couple of years. The external parts might however wear out after medium-term usage , resulting in cracks or squeaking sounds.

• Base Unit Flex

   : 

  3.0/5

  The laptop chassis is quite resistant, however few imperfections with gaps and cracking sounds might annoy the user. The surface will suffer from some scratches if the computer is not protected during transportation.

• Hinge Stability

   : 

  3.5/5

  The hinge, connecting the monitor and the laptop body, is tight and flexible, though it leaves room for improvement. The screen might move a little after opening the laptop or when moving around, which can be annoying but not disruptive.

• Display Panel

   : 

  5.0/5

  The display panel is a prime example of excellence. When moving the display back and forth it does not bend the slightest bit. There are no color distortions on the screen, even when applying significant pressure to the back of the monitor.

Generally the reviewers evaluated this laptop to be below average. At this level, office work could be manageable. For more demanding tasks like multimedia use, high definition gaming and professional editing you will need a higher quality display. To get a more comprehensive review of this display, users should check the ratings of the different attributes of this screen.

• Display Resolution

  1366 x 768

  This resolution is also called HD-ready. Viewing more than one website on the monitor is almost impossible, as one window takes up almost the whole space. Graphic designers might not be completely satisfied with this resolution, as this latter might be too small. High resolution picture and video editing is plainly impossible. This resolution is a good option for gamers as many graphic cards will be powerful enough to support the native resolution of this display. Watching most movies will be possible without any black bars at the top and bottom of the display.

• Color Reproduction

   : 

  2.5/5

  Though it would be manageable to watch movies with this color reproduction, the experience might not be enjoyable for visually acute users. The coverage of color spectrum is below average, making colors look far from authentic and incomparable to real life experience. High resolution gaming and HD movies viewing will not be pleasant.

• Contrast

   : 

  2.0/5

  The contrast between the darkest color -black- and the brightest color -white- is below average in this computer. This results in having the darkest areas being washed out resembling a dark shade of gray, while the brightest areas appear to be of a light grayish color. Movies can be enjoyed provided that the room is completely darkened. Most office workers will find the readability to be sufficient, while some might be annoyed by the close shades of gray characterizing both the dark text and the bright background. The needs of professional designers will surely not be met with this notebook.

• Contrast Value

  137 :1

• Brightness

   : 

  3.7/5

  The maximum brightness of this computer is adequate for viewing the screen comfortably, even under bright ambient light. However, the users must be cautious to only push the brightness to its maximum in bright conditions, eg. outdoors. Setting the brightness to a high level will drastically decrease the battery life. In addition, using the notebook at maximum brightness in a dark room will be tiring for the eyes.

• Average Brightness

  242.8 cd/m²

• Reflections

   : 

  1.5/5

  The reflections on this screen cause its usability to be close to minimal. Users will only be able to comfortably view the display in either dark environment or with the least possible amount of lighting. Outdoor use will prove to be absurd; patience and continuous focus will be required for any actual and efficient use of this laptop under medium lighting conditions.

• Viewing Angle

   : 

  2.0/5

  Looking at the screen from the side causes color distortions. Two people watching a movie have to sit close together for both of them to get a good picture. Even when you move in your chair color deviations will be noticeable. On the plus side, this display provides for some privacy in public spaces.

The sound quality of this laptop is average compared to other notebooks. Although these internal speakers are adequate for easy listening, you should not count on them for a fun movie night with friends. Gaming could still be fairly enjoyed, but the user should always account for external speakers or headphones for a better sound experience.

• Maximum Volume

   : 

  2.3/5

  This laptop provides for a great opportunity to test your hearing abilities. At maximum volume, users can expect the sound to be loud enough to partially cover the space in one room. It would be difficult to enjoy a movie with a group of people if you are not all sitting close to the laptop. Headphones or external speakers should prove to be a good back up for action/thriller movies to be enjoyed.

• Sound Clarity

   : 

  4.0/5

  The sound is quite clear. Background noises should be no issue. This computer provides for an enjoyable sound experience when watching movies and playing games.

• Lows

   : 

  2.0/5

  Although this computer barely provides for an identifiable bass, low tones can still be recognized which, for some users might be sufficient. It is worth noting however that the sound experience will not be enjoyable at all when requiring deep/heavy bass for watching action movies, or playing violent war games.

This keyboard will be valued by most users as convenient for frequent use. Be it for writing long emails, or surfing the net, most users will be satisfied with the comfort and the speed this keyboard provides for. If your professional life requires long typing hours, along with the highest levels of comfort, then you might want to consider a keyboard with higher rates.

• Layout

   : 

  2.0/5

  Many users will have a hard time readjusting to the layout of this keyboard. Some of the keys might be placed, shaped or sized differently compared to a conventional keyboard layout, leading to frequent typing mistakes and a decrease in typing speed. Overall users will not be satisfied with this layout, although with persistence it can still be manageable.

• Keyboard Size

   : 

  3.5/5

  Although the size of this keyboard is still decent, typos might be a bit more frequent as the keys might not be large enough, depending on the size of your hands. The palm resting area could be too small for some users, although it is generally suitable and comfortable. All in all, the keyboard is proportionate enough and should still fulfill the needs of most users, especially after some getting used to.

• Key Responsiveness

   : 

  4.3/5

  This keyboard’s responsiveness provides for quite a satisfying typing experience. Not much pressure is needed for key feedback and key action feels smooth enough to allow the users to enjoy typing for extended periods of time. This keyboard is as well characterized by good key feedback, which allows for an above average typing speed. Most users should be pleased with this keyboard.

• Keyboard Flex

   : 

  2.5/5

  This keyboard may be for some users manageable, although for most it will be rated below average. The plastic below the keyboard sometimes flexes and the uncontrollable movement of the individual keys will throw you off your typing flow. Smooth typing is far from being an attainable reality, and will make users take some deep breaths to lower their levels of frustration and anger.

This touchpad made a negative impression on most reviewers. The users will experience problems ranging from the level of feedback accuracy, the size of the trackpad, to the either too slippery or too rough surface of the touchpad. The buttons are not any better, as their level of accuracy is far from impressive. Most users should consider an external mouse, to either complement or replace this touchpad.

• Sensitivity

   : 

  1.0/5

  The accuracy level provided for by this touchpad is quite far from decent. You will not be able to avoid modifying your touchpad setting to obtain more precision and a quicker reaction. This might however not be enough for some users requiring higher standards of accuracy.

• Buttons

   : 

  1.0/5

  The buttons of this touchpad seem to be burdened by some problems. At this level you should expect some problems such as the buttons failing to provide for accurate feedback making unclear when and where the button has been pushed. On the other hand, the buttons are too stiff making the general usage quite tiresome. As for the clicking sound of the button, it will take quite some time for most users to adapt their auditory sensitivities to finally be immune against this much annoying sound.

Picture quality could be better – videos end up being quite grainy.

The battery provides for up to 3 hours working away from a power source, if the energy saving mode is enabled, and the brightness is set to the minimum. Needless to say that you should avoid running any other programs while you are on battery alone. If you require more independent time from a power source, you should seriously consider a second battery to carry around with you.

• Battery DVD/Video

  1:51 h

  The battery of this computer will barely enable you to through your preparations for one client presentation. If you think of watching a movie, you might find yourself unable to find out if they actually lived happily forever after. For mobile use an external battery will be a must, otherwise you will not be able to leave the house without your charger.

Some users will be exhausted carrying the computer with them, even for a few minutes. Although the weight is within the range of acceptability, it might yet be challenging to find a fitting bag for comfortable mobility. If you take into account the extra weight of the charger, this notebook will be tiring to walk around with even for a short period of time. It might as well occupy too much space for convenient use in cafes or airplanes.

This laptop stays pleasantly silent most of the time. It is well fitted for use in public places when one does not want to annoy others. Most users will hardly ever notice any noise coming from the laptop fan, hard-drive, or any other parts.

• Noise Idle

   : 

  4.0/5

  Normally you do not notice the noise of the laptop ventilation while idle.

• Noise Normal Use

   : 

  4.0/5

  While doing office work or browsing the web, the noise emitted by this computer is barely noticeable. In a quite room, you can rest assured, the low noise of the fan will not hinder with your concentration.

• Noise Full Load

   : 

  4.0/5

  Noise emitted by the laptop is no problem, even when running high-performance tasks such as watching or editing movies and gaming. In a quiet room, the noise will be noticeable, yet not annoying for most users.

The laptop may occasionally get too warm. Most reviewers found, at normal room temperature, you can comfortably use the laptop without burning your fingers or legs. The notebook may only become too warm when you stress it, watching a movie or alike.

• Heat Top: Full Use

   : 

  4.0/5

  The notebook warms up just a little at normal use.

• Heat Top: Normal Use

   : 

  3.0/5

  The laptop gets warm on top but nothing you would complain about.

• Heat Bottom: Normal Use

   : 

  1.5/5

  The laptop gets quite hot on the bottom. Using a laptop cooler could help.

• Heat Bottom: Full Load

   : 

  1.0/5

  There are unpleasant hot spots on the laptop.