3D Laptop for $3,299 gets bad review

USA Today reviewed Sharps Actius RD3D notebook and gave it a mixed bag:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/edwardbaig/2003-12-11-baig_x.htm

"Unfortunately, it is hard to recommend any computer costing $3,299 to a home user, even the most ardent and affluent gaming enthusiasts. And I found the actual 3-D experience a mixed bag.

At the press of a button (situated above the keyboard), you switch back and forth between ordinary two-dimensional applications (word processing, e-mail, etc.) and activities in which 3-D might prove beneficial, notably computer-aided design for such things as architecture and engineering, medical imaging and PC games."

 

Ya, I don't see a use for the everyday user here. More dissapointing is the specs on almost all of the Sharp line. I gave them a chance for my next laptop and they dropped the ball with a sub-standard feature set across the board.

Editor in Chief bargainPDA.com
http://www.bargainPDA.com

 

I've read somewhere that some people got health problems because of the 3D feature... is it just bad press for Sharp computers? I'm seriously thinking about getting the 3.06 Ghz RD20 desktop replacement (yeah I know, the mammoth one with the pathetic battery life...), but I still wonder about Sharp's notebooks reliability. Never had one nor knew someone who has. Could any Sharp user please post an opinion about this topic?

 

You aren't going to hear from many Sharp owners because there just aren't that many. I almost bought a new desktop replacement but then went polar opposite and bought an ultra portable. Anyway...for desktop replacement I find it hard to beat the Dell Inspiron 8600. Their screens are fantastic and they offer all the video and wireless upgrades one could want. You have to pick your spots though, waiting for the right coupons and special offers to come along to assure the best deal.

Brian

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

 

Thanks for your advice, Brian. Still, hope that this hard-to-find Sharp notebook owners condition doesn't necessary imply that Sharp notebooks don't deliver the package. I've been offered of a USD $1,200 (tx. incl.) deal for a brand new, box opened, Actius RD20 desktop replacement. After reading everything I found about it on the web (Cnet's, PCmag's and PCworld's reviews), even if it's not the top of the pops, I'm seriously thinking to go for it. I don't really need mobility, but space saving and of course, a good deal.

 

Well, being popular isn't all it's cracked up to be. I use a Fujitsu now, recently canning my Dell. The price you're getting is definitely appealing. Is there any return policy to protect you from buyers' remorse?

B

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

 

...There's a 30 days warranty from the reseller + one year from the manufacturer.

 

Warranty is different than being able to return it for any reason. For instance, when I bought my Fujitsu, the store offered a return window of 30 days for any reason. Just make sure you have that flexibility before buying.

Side note - we'll be meeting with Sharp at the CES and will be able to gain further insight into their 3D screens and other notebook technology.

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

 

Thanks for the advice. ...And please don't forget to ask Sharp people about those "lethal" ([ ]) side effects of its 3D screen. It's on Cnet!

http://reviews.cnet.com/Sharp_Actius_RD3D/4852-3121_7-30573410.html?tag=box

 

LOL - will do.

B

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com