Notebook Reviews

This is a nice little wireless card for a notebook computer. It installs quickly and easily, and worked perfectly the first time. It hooked up with my 802.11b home network beautifully, and I've used it successfully at several (b) wi-fi hotspots.

The drawbacks are all in the software. I thought the software interface was kind of clunky, and I had a lot of trouble getting it to successfully use WEP encryption on my home network, although my Linksys wireless (USB) unit worked perfectly with the encryption.

Overall, though, delivering wireless this quickly and easily (and portably) is a great effort. I'm very pleased. Plus, the 54g is lightning fast if you can find a 54g hotspot to connect to. But I'm guessing it won't be long until that's the norm, so this card is a choice that offers a lot of versatility going forward. Four stars for the ease and reliability...only wish the software was a little better.

This Card is recognized by Apple Macintosh computers as being an Airport card, meaning no drivers are necessary!. Definately a good alternative to the $80 apple product!<br />

if you want to get on board with wifi, this is a great way to do it. as another reviewer mentioned, it doesn't come w/ an external antenna (btw, it also doesn't say that it does, go back and read the description) but has a jack for an external antenna if you wish to purchase one separately (in case you want to connect to networks that are very far away). the card works great, very reliable. word of advice, like any piece of hardware you install, check the manufacturers website for updated drivers and client manager software as the version in the box tends to be a little old (though fully functional).

Are you looking for an awesome deal on a laptop? Need the best Tablet PC on the market? Are you a student that has difficulty with there typing skills? Are you an office worker that thinks they can be more productive if they didn't have to type everything? Do you need an excellent computer, but don't want to pay $2,000* + on a computer that's not as good as the M275? If you answered yes to any of these questions than the Gateway** M275 convertible tablet pc is the right choice for you. Now you're probably saying ok here's a laptop reasonably priced nothing special hmm... next! WRONG the M275 unlike most tablets that don't have built in keyboards and, unlike most laptops that don't offer handwriting recondition the M275 offers the best of both worlds, when you first open it up it's a normal laptop, then all you have to do is turn the screen, push a button and Boom... it instantly becomes a tablet. What is a tablet you ask, a tablet is a special type of computer with special software made by Microsoft*** that offers converted handwriting recondition, that means that with a special pen (Included) you can write on the screen press a button and BOOM!!! It converts your handwriting. As well as offering handwriting recondition it also offers a 14" screen, something only offered by two manufacturers of tablets (Gateway** and Acer**) in addition it also offers a memory card reader so if you are going on vacation and you're bringing along your digital camera you don't have to pack a cable for your digital camera (if it supports SD, Memory Stick**, or Smart Media) This is why I think the M275 is a excellent system!!!!

By Andrew Kostin -- Student

*Depending on options system can be configurable to exceed $2,000 as of 6/23/04

** products/companies are registered trademarks of there respected owners

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HARDWARE

M275XL tablets 1.6 GHz is one of the high speed tablets compared to other on the market plus not very expensive. Yes more expensive than a laptop. Before buying Tablet PC make sure that you hold it and use it for a while before you buy it (do not drool... bad for screen)

Display View Angle: In tablet mode you will often hold it in different angles and hold it much closer than a laptop. Most screens fail in this test. M275 works OK in default landscape mode but very bad in both portraits and reverse landscape.

Pen: Check how well pens perform at the screen edges. Often scrollbars are on the edge in maximized view. I noticed sometime physical touch point on the screen and the 'soft pointer' don't align (off by 1/2 the thickness of scrollbar) making it difficult to use. M275X works OK. Few times I have had to recalibrate pointer/pen.

Processor and Memory: Low CPU speeds and lesser RAM might might be a factor if you plan to use this for something more than data entry and/or etch-a-sketch.

SOFTWARE

M275 ships with Table PC Edition 2002. Microsoft will be launching 2004 Edition with better features in June... that is what I last heard. It ships with Windows Journal and Office Works OneNote, which are really good basic tools for free form writing and recording information in tablet mode.

Other more serious graphic application such as Corel Graphigo, SketchBook, or Office 2003 with OneNote will improve your productivity.

BOTTOM LINE

M275 is good hardware except viewing angle issues. I just use it in default landscape mode and I am OK with that. Go for more CPU speed and memory. Hard disk space of 40GB~60GB is ample. Upgrade to Edition 2004 will be free... yeah from Microsoft. If you can't wait... BUY IT!!! And, if you can... DON'T WAIT!!!

It takes a week to get used to pen and different user interface.

NOTE: Don't buy (or take it for free) cheapest Gateway carrying case. Better off using manila envelope. Very thin. No pockets. Minimal padding. No protection. No use. Buy an extra Pen $20.

Versatile, lightweight, portable, durable and powerful.

I love this thing! I've had my Gateway tablet for about two months now and it's already changed the way I use my computer for both business and fun.

First of all: Some other reviewers had complaints about the latch breaking... mine is still working just fine! It's easy to get carried away having fun with such a cool new technology, but you have to remember that this is NOT a toy! It's a powerful hybrid computing system that gives you an edge over both laptop AND tablet PC users. If you screw around with it of course it's going to break- just like any number of other delicate parts on your laptop. The latch is built well and works perfectly if you make sure not to force it.

For the guy who broke his after 20 days... you should have gotten an extended warranty! I highly reccomend the extended warranty on this because, like any other advanced technology, you're going to want to protect yourself from any repair or replacement costs you might face should something go wrong. I didnt get the extended warranty because this is a bad computer... I got the extended warranty because it's the smart thing to do!

I love my tablet because it's smaller than a notebook but still has a full-size keyboard. Basically you get the best of both worlds with this one!

I can now do all of my graphic design work by sitting the computer on a desk or my lap and writing directly on the screen... and then swivel the screen out so I have acces to the keyboard when I need to write an e-mail or chat online... this is brilliant!!

I have this set of CDs I recently purchased that contains materials and resources I'm studying for an upcoming licensing exam. Before, I had to sit at my PC for hours a day reading this stuff. Now I just throw the CD in the tablet PC and I can recline or relax at ANY angle and I'm able to hold the tablet whichever way is comfortable. If you ever use your laptop to read, watch movies, or even just surf message boards then you'll love the M275X.

I can't say enough good things about this computer. It's made working when I travel so much easier. Tablets are so far superior to laptops in terms of ease of use and comfortable viewing/ operating options. And this tablet takes it a step further by including the ONLY thing that tablets were missing- a keyboard! Maybe the only downside is all the attention it attracts when I'm using it at Starbucks! Tablet PCs are the future!

The light is okay. First of all, it is very heavy and just barely holds in the USB port. Secondly, it is very weak and will come out of shape easily, and sink into a position that is in your way.

Lack of an on/off switch does not bother me, but it would have been nice, I suppose. Other similar lights have an on/off switch.

I recommend one made by belkin that clips onto the top of the screen, and has a coiled wire that stretches pretty far. It won't come out of position.

I bought mine a year ago through the Amazon. I like it very much. It is very good to work in bed, not to disturb my wife while she is sleeping. It works using the USB port from Toshiba notebook. I recommend

Once I went to broadband wireless networking, computing in bed or out on the porch was a natural. But, I'm not a touch typist and couldn't see the keyboard. The Flylight was the perfect solution. It casts a bright, cool light where I need it. Ample to see the keys but not enough to annoy my sleeping spouse. What still amazes me is how solid and well-engineered it is for as little as it costs. The gooseneck is long enough to reach my rear USB ports and snake around a very large screen while staying where I put it. I don't miss an on/off switch because it's the kind of thing you pull out when you're done with it anyway. Personally, I'd be leery of anything that clips onto the top of my screen, for fear it may cause a problem when I close my laptop.

Because it is solidly constructed, I just coil it up tight and throw it into my case when I travel. Mine's as good as new, even after more than a year of rough handling. Kudos to Kensington on this one.

Many people tried to steer me away from this machine because of Windows XP, and because of the service convenience that comes with other top price brands. I went with this one anyways and could not be happier. It has more bells and whistles than I have been able to figure out yet, and performs like a champ. Very, very satisfied!

This sony computer is, in my personal opinion, a great investment, because it contains a great power, considering it is a laptop, and it's not that heavy comparing it with other computers having that power. If you are interesting in buying this computer just for fun, it is great, also for business and for home usage. It's one of the best out in the market.

This is a pretty good deal, for the features. I also think that Sony is providing good leadership in design issues and ergonomics, drawing on their expertise in the consumer retail market. This computer has a lot of features, decent performance, and a nice display. I first got the FXA36, with the Athlon chip, and I must admit that it had slightly better performance than the PIII chip, and much more sophisticated graphics controller, however, I also had some weird problems like hard crashes trying to open a corrupted file. From my point of view there is no justification for a hard crash ever occuring. I swapped for the PIII version, the FX370, and have had no problems whatsoever. Some people seem to prefer Win2k over XP, but for me, personally, XP is just like NT with a new GUI shell, and I immediately switched back to the "classic" look and feel and it seems very much like what I am accustomed to. The performance of XP seems fairly mature, at least on the PIII. The DVD performance has been good, especially for an XGA display. I have heard bad things about Sony support, but I bought an extended warranty, so I am not worried about it. Other Sony products I have owned have all been rock solid.

well, i think the laptops great. i love the way it looks, feels, sounds. it was hard for me to get used to the screen - being that the screens big but that everything you're reading is small, but everything seems super, except that i've had it for almost a week and when i leave it on for a little while the enter key seems to stop working. i don't get and sony has no explanation. i would think that being only a week old there should be no problems. but once i get this resolved, it will all be good.

I've had half a dozen laptops before in my life and this one is the best ever. I leave it on all day at work and it makes no noise and doesn't get the least bit warm. Unlike one of the previous reviewers, I upgraded from Windows XP Home to Windows XP Pro the first day I got it without any problems at all.

I did a lot of research before buying this computer, and I can say that this is by far the best laptop you can buy when you consider mobility, performance, and style. You will not find a computer that has better hardware specifications than the Sony VAIO PCG-Z1RA for under $2250. If you're willing to pay this amount for a computer, the Z1RA is the best out there. It's definitely worth the price.

It looked like a good deal from here but once you get it, the bag is horrible! There is only 1 pocket inside the bag which barely holds your laptop. All your power cords, headphones, etc. are just left to fly around inside the bag w/your books & papers. Then there is barely any support for keep the bag upright or make it comfortable carrying. I would definately never buy anything like this again!

I was worried that I wouldn't have enough room for everything but once I started putting in all my necessities, I was really pleased. I can fit my Dell Inspiron 7500 in the computer pocket and my cords, books, folders, discman, snacks, and clothes in the large pocket. The outside pockets are great for water bottles and the pocket in the middle holds everything that used to be in my purse.
If you're in college and don't have time to run back to your room between classes this bag will help alot! I would definately buy it again!

This bag is big! It's enough to hold virtually all your gym clothes, supplies, files, and your laptop! Although this bag is big, it's got a hidden compartment inside to hold your laptop! It's a perfect fit for my Presario 1700, and it should fit most other laptops too. This is a great buy is you got lots of stuff you like to bring with you on the road!

This is a really solid low-end value notebook. Everything is perfect... EXCEPT the amazing fact that Compaq decided to place the rarely used "Fn" function key in the lower left-hand corner of the keyboard. This key is located exactly where the Ctrl key belongs. I absolutely guarantee that any experienced user will accidentally press this "Fn" key every single time that they attempt to press the Ctrl key. This is beyond frustrating. This design defect alone is sufficient reason to pay few hundred dollars more for some other brand.

The annoying "Fn" key is supplemented by an extra large Caps Lock key. Wow. yOU WILL BE TORMENTED BY ACCIDENTALLY PRESSING THIS CAPS LOCK KEY ON A REGULAR BASIS.

Other than these issues with the keyboard, this is probably the best notebook available for [the money]. Most people focus on the CPU speed when comparison shopping for notebooks. In reality, extra memory and hard disk space is the more beneficial element to be looking for. 256MB and 30 GB make this Presario superior to most competitors.

Tough call... A great notebook with a bad keyboard design.

The 910 US combination by Compaq gives you almost all the power you need for most users. Ergonomic and sleek design, almost 6.5 lb. weight with one battery makes it a good elegant choice which will look good on your desk as well feels lighter on your pocket.

Got this notebook a couple weeks ago from HP's Refurbished products. Paid less than $800 including delivery. This notebook has everything I need including a CD Burner, DVD Player, 1394 port, large/fast 30GB HD, and built in ethernet. The keyboard is great, especially the scroll device below the touchpad. As far as the CTRL key being in the wrong place, it's easily adjusted to - can't understand why anyone would make a big stink about it.

The performance seems to be very fast including digital picture editing. I haven't done any video editing yet so I can't comment on that. The display is more than adequate and seems very bright to me.

My only beef with it is all of the software Compaq preloads on it. Can't say that I wanted or use any of it.

For the $$$, I'd buy another in a heartbeat !

I've travelled nearly 250,000 miles with my laptops, papers, accessories, etc in one of these, and it's proven itself up to the task.

The front pocket is useful for storing business cards, O'Reilly pocket guides, passport(s), tickets, etc. for easy access. The large main pocket has a padded space for a laptop (my Dell fits it either way around) and on my model has 4 dividers that are useful for keeping CD cases and cables disentangled. The shoulder straps / backpack straps can be detached and/or hidden inside the case for a more professional look (though if I needed to care more about presentation I would probably have a regualar briefcase)

After 2 1/2 years of constant use the padding in the shoulder straps is starting to become compressed, and there are some tears on the vinyl inside, but give how much use I've made of this backpack this is probably normal wear and tear.

This is by far the most convenient, comfortable bag in the universe. I've carried it as a backpack, carried it over the shoulder, and also held it by the wonderfully padded handle. My school gave me a backpack bag for free, but I just can't tear myself away from my Saddlebag!

The downside is that there seem to be different versions (besides the colors). I bought one for my wife and after looking at it, I just had to get one for myself, too (and so did her partner, who says that he smiles every time he uses it). Mine gave me a little trouble, though. Within a few weeks, something weird happened with the zipper in the front (the leatherette tag came off and there were two broken prongs sticking out). This might have been my fault--I might have snagged it on something. Then the handle started getting a little "lumpy."

I called Kensington and they offered to replace it under the lifetime warranty. They will send one to me and then I can send them the old one (only paying postage one way). They confirmed that the bag was redesigned some months ago but the same product number was carried over. The list price was also reduced significantly, the suede bottom was replaced with rugged vinyl, and some file dividers were eliminated in the redesign process, but I don't think the quality difference is anything to be concerned about.

I looked carefully at the handle and it seems that a component has shifted to the side, making it lumpy. It might be possible to shift it back without too much trouble, but because they are replacing it, I'm reluctant to mess with it.

As a result of their great service, I've just bought one for my daughter as she heads off to college.

Sling it over the shoulder, pack it on you back, or carry it with one hand. This computer case, not only offers three confortable ways to carry it, but also several compartments to store everything you'll need to carry with your laptop. The laptop compartment is well padded, guaranteeing added protection to you laptop (The felt that covers the inside of the compartment is thin; however, I have this carrying case for over an year, and it is still like new inside and out.) This carrying case is perfect for transporting any laptop safely and comfortably.

I originally bought a Rhinoskin aluminum case, but it was VERY difficult to use the PDA while it was in the case with the front open -- especially for someone who is left-handed and has somewhat large fingers. There's simply no way to comfortably and securely get a grip on the case because the front doesn't fold back. This case -- because the front folds back behind the PDA -- solved the problem. It's a tight fit -- kind of difficult to snap and you have to slide the case to get complete access to the headphone jack -- but I assume things might improve as the leather softens. I bought the aluminum case because my PDA goes in a bike bag, but this case seems to provide protection that is almost as good.

I ordered the Rhinoskin Leather Case for my 1900 Series Ipaq. When it arrived I examined the case and it looked very high quality. Then I slid my Ipaq in, and the diappointment started. The case didn't fit like I thought it would. I guess I should have known, since I have never found a leather cell phone case that I thought fit just right. However, I will admit that case does add very little weight or size to the Ipaq and when the case is closed, it appears to fit rather tightly. Not a bad product, just not what I was expecting.

I have been looking for a case for my iPaq 1935 (same size as the 1910 & 1945) for a few days. This is the ONLY case I found that does everything I want. You can reach every control and port on the iPaq. It doesn't cover the IR port or the data port, so you can sync your iPaq with out having to take it out of the case. All the quick navigation buttons and the power button are accessible. It has two pockets for SD cards in the cover that I keep my Wi Fi and memory cards in. The cover is stiff but not too hard, just enough to protect the screen. The cover is kept closed by a high quality snap. The only reason you need to take the iPaq out of its case is if you have to softboot, there is no access for the button on the side. Not a big deal because you normally don't have to do it too often but can be a small annoyance. I highly recommend this case for anyone with a iPaq 1900 series Pocket PC.

I bought this and absolutely loved it. But 4 months later I found the left corner mysteriously cracked, and a whole piece of the case fell out! I did nothing to get there. But Sony said that this was damage due to misuse somehow and refused to repair it. CompUSA charged $500 for extended warranty but then say sorry, they don't cover plastic parts and any kind of damage. I now have a gaping hole in a brand new computer without misuse, and facing a huge bill without recourse!
This machine is too sensitive for normal use.

I just bought PCG-TR2A last week. I am very satisfied with the product, but unfortunately the customer service is very bad.

I failed to upgrade the pre installed XP Home to XP Pro. The network smart capture software just can not work. And there is no clue on how to reinstall this application. So I called Hong Kong Customer Service and send them many emails without any solution. They only responded my email suggesting me not to upgrade the O/S. So, I should stay with XP Home forever???

I have 3 laptops now, an alienware 51m 3.06HT monster, a HP ze5185 medium and the TR1A , i love the TR1A, its very small yes, if you have bad eyesight, i wouldn't recommend it.

large hands migh thave trouble with the smaller than usual keyboard.

my only real complaint is that it doesn't have built in IR, but thats only because i need it, and i'd prefer not to use up a usb slot or have a dongle hanging off it.

Display is fantastic, speed is great, seems to be about equivalent to a celeron 1.4 or 1.6.

its a little flimsy in some ways, but also really well built in others.

hard disk performance is great, i run developer studio 6 on it mainly and it copes no problem, which i was suprised at just how perky it is compared to the tablets or transmetas.

Battery life is simply phenomenal, its hard to achieve close to 7 hours as claimed, but i've made 4 easily.

very very happy with it.