Notebook Reviews

I purchased a Linksys Cable/DSL router for my home network, had up and running in 20 min and have had operational and trouble free for nearly a year. I was tempted to get the Linksys wireless solution as a result of my good luck with the router. Unfortunately, I decided to get the D-Link product because of its lower price point at the time. I had multiple configuration issues, had running for while, then lost all connectivity. The installer (an uninstaller) froze my laptop and caused errors on boot...needless to say a bad experience. Not sure why PC Mag rated this unit high. I returned the D-Link and bought the Linksys wireless product the same day. Back to what I know is a reliable company.

After reading some of the reviews and the purchasing the D-Link access point I've determined that there could be some problems when combining the D-Link Access point with a Linksys Router (with DHCP). There is a technical solution read my review under the D-Link DWL-1000 product page. But be prepared for problems if you have a LinkSys. Wonderful product otherwise.

I bought this to go with my D-Link Router and two laptops obviously. I have to say that this Kit has exceeded my expectations. I didn't think I would be able to nearly as much range as I do. I can have the Access Point plugged in downstairs in one corner of the house and get "Good" Signal Strength upstairs on my balcony on the other side of the house. All throughout my home I get a "Good" Signal Strength or above. It is when I start roaming outside when the connection gets cut-off.

The installation was simple thanks the Quick Install Guides and I probably could have figured it out since everything connects with each other with the out-of-the-box default settings.

The dimensions of this and the other laptop sleeves should be given.

I am writing to say that this is a good product works well, and I can believe that someone would give it a one star just because the dimensions are not there...

Specifications:
Color & Exterior Material: Black Neoprene.
Exterior dimensions: 12.75" x 14.5" x 1.5" (all dimensions are HxWxD)
Device compatibility: 12.5" x 14.25" x 1.25"
Weight: 1 lbs
Lifetime Warranty

Pros: The concept of this device is great. While traveling and taking photos, I definitely need someplace to dump files off my flash cards without having to lug around a laptop. The size is very portable and just right. The easy dumping acting with the one buttom "copy" function is perfect.

Cons: The device gets pretty hot when in use. The software in this device surprised me. I thought it would be a little more sophisticated than it is. It's a little tedious going through the programs/menus etc.

Wishful thinking: I really wished the screen was better...wouldn't it be great if it could have had a plasma screen? :)

I had the need for a product that could be used for: 1. playing MP3, 2. dumping photos 3.Viewing photos and 4. Portable data storage. Along with the Archos products this was the only device which can do it all. I selected this because I prefer the "gameboy" design since it protects the screen well. In fact, I was so impressed with the specs that I was prepared to pay about $170 shipping(to south africa) and run the risk of losing it since there is no support outside US/Europe at all. It all paid off(so far). Fortunately it arrived intact and I have had the device now for 3 problem free months.

It plays music with exceptional quality and photo dumping from all card formats are a breeze with the very flexible optional adapter. TV connection also works well. The video only supports Motion JPEG - MJPEG.AVI files. I have been able to look at .avi videos taken with a Canon camera successfully. However with a downloadeable translation tool from their web site, many other formats can be translated and it works. The translated video takes up a bit more space after translation. Since the device firmware can be upgraded, one hopes that they will come out with more video codecs. The only glitch i found is that the operating system can be very slow when you have large directories. With 40GB of dispace available, a directory can become too large very quickly. That requires a lot of organizing if you have lots of music to store. I also requested from the support people to confirm (before I ordered)whether I would be able to read a Memorystick Duo (with supplied adapter) but there was no satisfactory answer. Battery life is not great, about 3 hours when playing music only, but that should be expected for a device such as this. When only using it for dumping photos, it lasts for days.

A nice feature is that it can read .M3U playlists created on our PC and you can create playlists on the device itself.

An all in all impressive product which have given me countless hours of joy(so far) and I would recommend it for sure. In fact, I have not seen a device on the market yet for the price that can beat it.

-Easy User Interface. Plug and save for your compact flash card without having to turn the unit on if you are in a hurry.
-Nicely designed exterior and 3.5 inch display.
-The screen resolution in review mode wont allow you to determine sharpness absolutely but definitely will allow you to review pictures and show them to friends.
-There are smaller units out there but this is a nice compromise for size and functionality.
-This unit is a hard drive,so don't expect to take this running when you listen to you MP3 player.
-It has good sound quality when using headphones.
-My only complaint is the "case" is just a felt bag, I was expecting something more durable.

It's a nice computer, great specs, but when the power supply
failed it became an expensive doorstop.
My M675 worked fine for two months when the power supply was
bathed in the cold winter air at floor level, but when spring
arrived the power supply overheated and failed.
I plugged in the second power supply I received with the
port replicator. It failed after 20 minutes.
Gateway customer support was minimally helpful. They sent me
a new power supply ( I had to give them a credit card number ???). I attached the port replicator (a difficult feat)
and used the power jack on the replicator (to see if the jack
on the computer was the problem). The 3rd power supply
failed after 10 minutes. The power supply say 150 watts
maximum on its case. The computer says 150 watts of power
on its case, so the power supply is operating at its maximum
capacity, and apparently beyond. After calling customer
support again I was told the power jack was the problem and
I would have to send the computer to Solectron for repair,
although I had told the technician the computer was working
without any problems. Since I feel the problem is an inadequate
power supply, I am reluctant to commit my unblemished computer
to the mirkly uncertanties of Solectron, and I am left to find
a dependable power supply on my own.

I agree with the previous reviewer that Gateway customer service is lacking. In my case, I ordered the PC from the Gateway website with their "order by 12/19 to receive by 12/24" which was missing the fine print that the shipping guarantee didn't apply to desktops or notebooks. I contacted Gateway on 12/24 when the PC didn't arrive and was notified that the guarantee didn't apply and they were sorry. Later I tracked my shippment and it was direct shipped from Singapore and I received it on 1/2.

After I got it, I will say that it is a very impressive system, almost an equal to my HP desktop. Not everything works well on a widescreen monitor, but with a little tweaking everything will work. The 54g built in wireless works perfectly with my Linksys network and there is an "on/off" button for the radio if you are using batteries and don't need it. My only complaint with the PC is the short battery time and lack of location to add a second battery. Considering that this stays plugged in 99% of the time it isn't a huge issue, but I like to have options.

Even though I like the system, I will think twice before buying a PC from Gateway again.

I've always used HP notebooks and had what I considered "typical" glitches (periodic crashes, screen freezing, network connections being dropped). I started researching the M675 because Money Magazine reviewed it highly and TechEdge gave it Editor's Choice. I've never used a Gateway and always considered their products more consumer focused, not everyday workhorses. I've had this machine for 2 months and it has made me a believer. I've never since experienced the glitches from before and it truly has more power than my new desktop. Unlike the other reviewers, any questions I've had were quickly taken care of on their live chat or in a Gateway store. I give their service a 5-star as well as the product.
What's hot:
-Speed!
-full size keyboard WITH a 10-key and real function keys
-scroll wheel below the touchpad for quickly navigating web pages
-ports out the ears: 4 USB (2 in back, 1 on each side), firewire & s-video
-hot keys for mail, web, and to switch on/off wireless-g
-awesome screen for watching DVD's
What's not:
-It's a beast to carry. Don't plan on much traveling unless you have a sherpa
-The fan is noisy, when it runs
-The touchpad gets bumped during typing and skips the cursor (or it could be my oversized hands)

Bottom-line, the reviewers who do this for a living are right, this is a choice system, and Gateway backs it up with good service.

So how in the world do I tell if it'll be compatible? If you go to web sites that have you specify your brand, model series, and specific model, you can see that sometimes even different specific notebook models in the same brand and model series need different memory modules than another model in the same series. And definitely different brands and model series very often need different models.

But if I go to the pny.com website, I can't look up things by the model number listed here.

The product fit perfectly into my laptop and now, my laptop is faster. Unless your laptop is not compliant with this product, I recommend it.

This product works just fine. Now my Compaq Armada is faster, and I can run many applications at a time.

For this price I would rather buy Radeon 9800, Radeon 9800 will Over clock at Pro, And the diffrence with ATI and Nvidia is huge especially with AA enabled.

Ordered from JandR off of amazon, they took my order, even emailed me a fony shipment confirmation! I called them and they said they didn't have that card anymore and my order was cancelled even thou their system emailed me a shipment confirmation. Took 2 weeks to get my money back!!! Nvidia cancelled this card, and has a new GeForce 5700 out.

I upgraded to this from a Geforce 2 MX so my brother could play Dark Age of Camelot on my old computer without lag. Installation was easy and fast as it uses the same driver as my old card so I didn't have to download another one over my lame dial-up (although I did have to uninstall it so it would recognize the new one which was no big deal). Games look awesome and more importantly, it plays them very smoothly.

Also, mine came with Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell.

I have a large laptop, the buying info states "multi brand compatable", this doesn't help me decide if it's for me.

I have been looking for a backpack for quite some time and finally I found one which satisfies my needs and affordable. I was looking for a backback which can stand up for my computer's safety and easy access and also something light. this backpack is just what I needed. Is has enough space for even my lunch and books, cd player and cards. I would like it more if the front cover could have been with zipper instead of top cover but anyway it is a great backpack for computer users.

Since the features here don't tell much, here's what it says on the specs included with the bag:

-Ergo zipper opening for easy access
-Custom cushioned interior to help protect laptop
-Front easy access zip-around compartment for disks, business cards, cell phone, PDA and keys
-Ergonomically designed shoulder straps for extra comfort
-Cushioned handle for easy carry
-Adjustable elastic velcro strap to help secure laptop in place

Laptop cushioned interior: 11"W x 2"D x 14"H
Case External: 12.5"W x 5"D x 15"H

Materials:
Ballistic 1680 denier nylon
840 denier nylon
2 ply dual tone nylon
textured matte rubber

One thing the picture doesn't show is the reverse of the backpack. There's a cellphone case on the right strap. There's a strap you can use that goes across your chest. I sometimes use it if I have a heavy load and it helps quite a bit. There are some additional loops which I honestly have found a use for yet, but look like they may come in handy some day.

I use this mainly for my 15" PowerBook. It fits snugly but comfortably without need for the velcro strap inside. The strap will probably benefit smaller laptops.

Overall, it seems like a pretty durable backpack, but I try to due my best to take care of it, so I can't say I've really tested its durability. The cushioning is enough that you don't have to worry about being overly delicate with it when you put it down while your laptop is inside.

If your laptop fits, get this bag. You get a great product at 1/3 the price of similar quality backpacks.

It's a well-built case (aside from the belt clip), that opens like a book, so lets you access the screen easily. There's enough space in the upper left side to loop a sturdy string, or some other material, to make a neckstrap of sorts.

I tested the ruggedness of this case when my PDA went flying to the sidewalk because of the poor design of the belt clip attachment. A small metal stud screws into the case, but no matter how tight you screw it in it always loosens. It unscrewed its way all the way out and the PDA fell to the sidewalk. The bottom of the Rhinoskin was dented, and the SD card popped out, but the PDA was undamaged.

If you use the belt clip, put a drop of Loctite or Cyanocryolate (super glue) onto the threads of the metal stud before screwing it into the case.

The case is very sleek, but also very slippery, so keep a good grip on it and be careful when letting others use it as they may not realize how slippery it is.

The case itself is great! The problem is the belt clip. It breaks too easily...which is why I know that the case is so good.

I vehemently oppose the review published by the late "Professional" Orian Lee. I myself succumbed to the enormous social pressure of professional suavity and, thus, purchased this item. I thought the Samsonite Classic would compliment my Armani eloquently. Upon its arrival, however, I was dismayed by the ghastly lump of Tantalum metal. The erratic reflection of silver and azure undoubtedly clashed with my professional elegance. My atrocious experience leaves me no choice yet to discourage all consumers from this professional death trap.

At first glance at the online photos of this case, I assumed it was some sort of metallic casing (stainless steel, etc.). When I ripped the box open in excitement, I was discouraged to find out it was not. The first words out of my wife's mouth were, "It's plastic!!" Indeed, upon touch, if you are expecting a super duper sturdy, stainless steel cased attache, you will be disappointed, for this it is not.

HOWEVER, being a fan of gizmos and elegant doodads, the "appearance" of the case is unique and urbane and therefore satisfied my taste. From afar the case may "appear" to be metallic, but upon touch the feeler will clearly realize it is not. When the case is empty and open, it feels a bit flimsy. This is no doubt a compromise for its light weight. I am replacing a standard black leather case which is definately much bulkier and heavier, but the Samsonite holds equal if not more contents despite its sleek appearance. When full and closed, the case is sturdy. The lightweight design is the compromise. The case is "smart" in that it will not open if you have it upside down on your lap, pretty dope!

Bottom line, I like the look, so I will keep it... In a field like mine (criminal defense) little doodads like this sometimes go a long way with clients. If you are in a similar profession, this may be for you. When accompanied with my stainless steel digital camera watch, I truly feel like the poor man's James Bond. If you're not stuck on image as "Mr. Ghastly Appearance Armani" seems to be (previous reviewer), you'll be happy with a sleek looking case at a reasonable price. By the way, Mr. Armani calls it a "ghastly lump of Tantalum metal." If he REALLY owned it, he would have known it is NOT metal.

Peace Out,

John Dose, Attorney At Law

The Samsonite Classic 1000 Attache stands alongside my most valued investments. It has served on dual levels proving to be not only a most reliable carrying case, but also as a tasteful compliment to a heightened image of professionalism.

On the practical level, the Samsonite 1000 has proven to be a most sturdy, resilient and spacious carrying case. Travelling to work in rain, sleet or snow has been made much easier with the weather resistant silver case. Despite being dropped off of tables, it still remains scratchless. The smooth metalic material is also easy to clean should the case become dirty. The holding capacity is also quite impressive, as I was able to stuff several folders worth of documents and a number of dictionaries with relative ease.

The case also is nothing less than "suaveness in silver". It is the perfect compliment to the image of professionalism. I have had several job interviews where the interviewer has complimented me on my "professional appearance" and asked where they could purchase such an attache case. The only reservation that one should have about purchasing this item is the potential that you may begin to treat the attache better than you do yourself. In any event, a most prudent buy.

Here don't come in any laptop its so small. Amazon.com should not have allowed listing of products without indicating their sizes dimensions and other data necessary to make an informed buying judgment.

This case is made for SMALL Laptops. READ THE DIMENSIONS prior to purchase. If your laptop is not small GET A BIGGER CASE. It fits mine just fine, with a little room to spare.

I saw another online review and the guy was complaining about how small the thing was. Dude, they tell you the dimensions right on the site...yeah....maybe you should look next time. Anyways, my super small laptop from sony fits perfectly in this little slip case, and it doesn't take up alot of extra space. I think i like this mainly because i wanted some extra protection for my laptop when i shove it in my backpack. However, i bought the laptop small for a reason, and i wasnt about to buy one of those huge cases that made it look like i had the kitchen sink with me. Perfect for those with modernly small laptops, check the dimensions to make sure yours fits though. And don't complain if you don't read the specifications