Any reason not to buy Averatec?

Do you know of any reason not to buy an Averatec 5110H? I can't really find much info on the web, but I looked at it and it's a good looking machine. I primarily use a computer for research on the web and for downloading, storing and printing digital pictures. I would not use it for any heavy gaming. Maybe just an occasional game of cards. I want to be able to set up photo slide shows and burn photo CD's. I don't have high speed internet and probably won't in the near future. I probably won't use it for much music.

 

Hi Sharon,

I just purchased an Averatec 3150HD which is the same as the H model, but includes built-in Wi-Fi. It was only $899 at COMPUSA (just an astonishingly low price) for such an attractive, lightweight(4.3lbs.), feature rich notebook. So far (5 days) I am very impressed with this machine all the way around. The DVD playback is perfect. It has a super-crisp and bright LCD and the outer casing is very cool looking. This company is obviously very hungry to acquire a mark in the notebook industry and the value is passed to users like us. I say "Go for it!" [ ]

Oh by the way, the "H" model you asked about is at circuit city for only $799 (after$150 rebate) or NotebookReview.com links to some great online prices! http://www.circuitcity.com/display_review.jsp?c=1&b=g&OID=82478&catoid=-8026 (The customer reviews on this page are very high as well).

Barry J. Doyle

 

Here's a link to a review of the Averatec 5110HX:

http://www.tomshardware.com/mobile/20031118/index.html

The 5110HX includes a DVD burner, while the 5110H comes with a CD burner. Otherwise, they're identical - so a review of the HX is basically the same as one of the H.

These reviews on Averatec's 3150 series may also be helpful:

http://www.tomshardware.com/mobile/20030618/index.html

http://reviews.cnet.com/Averatec_3150_series/4505-3121_7-30422586.html?tag=pdtl-list

Sharon, what drew you to the 5110H? What made it stand out to you?

I'm surprised that it caught your eye because, from what you say, the 5110 series gives you more power and features than you need. A Pentium M and Wi-Fi may seem unnecessary to you. But at $1000, the 5110H is at least $300 to $400 less expensive than comparable offerings from the usual suspects.

The Moderator's comments are consistent with what many reviewers and Averatec customers say about Averatec and its notebooks.

To copy the Moderator's move, here's the link to comments about the 5110H by Circuit City customers :

http://www.circuitcity.com/display_review.jsp?c=1&b=g&OID=82479&catoid=-8026

 

Why I chose Averatec-I am limited to shopping locally or buying from Dell, Gateway, etc.
I have a Gateway desktop and use Dells at work. I have an old Dell Latitude notebook that I've outgrown in terms of hard drive space and I frequently run several programs at once.
It seems to me that Averatec offers more for the money. To get the same in a Dell would cost considerably more.
The only other local option is an HP ZE5570. It is more expensive than the Averatec, but it is within my budget. Given the choice between the two, which would you choose?

 

Sharon -

I don't think m3 was questioning your decision on the brand but rather on the model. As he suggests, you can stay with the Averatec brand but drop down a level or two and save a bunch of money.

Brian

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

 

I just picked-up a copy of the new magazine MobilePC. They give the Averatec 5110P a pretty average review, with below average Sysmark ratings and above average battery life (those two related, I presume) + great DVD playback. They commented positively on the inclusion of a DVD burner at the price and whined about some stickers that took 10 minutes to remove(!).

HTH, Wardzone

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Sharon

Why I chose Averatec-I am limited to shopping locally or buying from Dell, Gateway, etc.
I have a Gateway desktop and use Dells at work. I have an old Dell Latitude notebook that I've outgrown in terms of hard drive space and I frequently run several programs at once.
It seems to me that Averatec offers more for the money. To get the same in a Dell would cost considerably more.
The only other local option is an HP ZE5570. It is more expensive than the Averatec, but it is within my budget. Given the choice between the two, which would you choose?

<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'></font id='quote'>

Sharon,

Administrator Brian is right - I was not questioning your choice. I was simply curious. I don't work in marketing but I'm always interested in why people choose one PC over another.

In general, I try to refrain from making recommendations. Instead I prefer to just pass on info.

If it's possible for you to buy from Staples (online or in-store), then you can get the 5110H for $1000 (after a $100 mail-in-rebate). Staples also offers the HP ZE5570 but for $1450 (also after a $100 mail-in-rebate).

Clearly, the 5110H at $1000 is the far better choice than the HP at $1450. A comparable Dell, the (perhaps infamous) Inspiron 8600, would cost around $1400. So, you're right when you say that the Averatec offers more bang for the buck.

Even if the HP and Averatec were to cost the same, I would opt for the Averatec. The HP is probably a little bit faster; but because neither has a dedicated graphics controller, neither has a decided advantage over the other. The HP has a bigger hard drive (60GB vs. 40GB). But the Averatec should easily beat the HP when it comes to battery life (4 hours vs. 2 hours). The Averatec is also a pound lighter than the HP.

As for build quality and reliability, HP is very unimpressive, especially considering its mammoth size and long-time history as a PC maker. As for Averatec, I haven't heard horror stories about it. It seems relatively solid.

 

Thanks for all your help. I got the Averatec about 3 weeks ago. It works great for my needs. I took it to work and used it with our wireless system. No problem. I could download even though I was in an area where I was just receiving a weak signal.
The only thing I wish it had is a traditional printer port because I was hoping to use it with an old printer that is not USB. (Any ideas short of going wireless with the printer? I don't think it'd last long enough for that. I don't need wireless in my home for anything else.)
All my USB devices are working fine though.

 

I haven't looked too hard, but something like this should do the trick for you:

http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?dpno=242131

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

 

The Averatec 3150H is only $749 after rebate at Circuit City now!

It's kinda tempting me away from the Fujitsu...[:0]...hold on, Nobbie. Hold on!

Here's link to the deal site I found the mention:
http://www.xpbargains.com/#21082

Ack! I could get this AND a Canon Digital Rebel! Oh man![B)]

 

Also found this review of the 3150P (XP Pro and 802.11b).

Sounds good, but not that good. You definitely make some sacrifices here and there for the savings. But that's to be expected.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Brian

 

To Anyone that can help:

I just bought an averatec laptop 3200 series, I believe, for my sister and it had by far the best specs for the price. I was concerned about it not really being a "brand" name, but the price was too much to overcome. Unfortunately, I encountered problems burning cd's immediately. The program that is on the computer is Power 2 Go and would tell me that the cd I was putting in was blank ... it was definitely not blank. When I finally got frustrated I just copied the files to the desktop and tried to burn from there and still had no success. It would tell me to insert a recordable/blank cd ... it was and tried several others. I am very frustrated and would like to resolve this problem without having to return it. Any suggestions?

Rich[V][V]

 

use a different burning software like Nero, the power to go software isn't that good. its quite limited.

 

Two reasons I can give not to buy Averatec is the service and the design of the notebook.
the screen of the notebook is too close to the keyboard that when you close it without some type of protection between the keypad and the lcd screen, the monitor will get scratched.

the other reason is the service. although its an inexpensive notebook, their techsupport is substandard. if you read my post on the forum and do a search of the google groups on averatec, you will see alot of complaints. Mostly about the customer service. they are unwilling to help you in any situation that requires them having to spend money on repairs, shipping or returns.

They make a good machine but they're not willing to support it.

 

Service is a real concern, key rub is not. Key rub is extremely common, almost every notebook suffers from it. And it's a problem solved with a $15 microfiber cloth or a free paper towel.

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

 

Sharon -

I didn't get the 5100 series (personal system requirements), however I did purchase the 6100 series and am VERY impressed! The cost was hundreds less that similar systems, the quality is very good, and its been flawless (within reason...see posts) for me. I have recomended co-workers their direction...with a likelyhood of purchases. I wouldn't trade it in!

 

To Mildstone,

Question of service: Averatec is not the worst and not the best...we are not speaking of a laptop for corporation ... If you want a good service buy an extended warranty in the store...even with that the Averatec price is under the other brands on the market.

Regarding the design: remember it's not a Sony (specially for the price !!!) but I prefer the Averatec: it has the most usefull option on it...

We maybe have to change our mind or in this case my mind : stop to think on 'the more expensive is the better'...it always depends on your needs...

 

Less than 4 months old and the screen went bad. Returned to Averatec only to have them claim the unit was not covered by the warranty because the unit was “damaged.” BS! Never dropped and not a scratch or dent on the unit. $480 to replace the screen. Cheap to buy, expensive to own. Not as durable as they would lead you to believe. This unit was babied and still failed. They do not stand behind their products. Spend the extra $$ and buy a reputable brand.[ !]

 

Hi:
I have a 3200 series and its been a month now and its working with no problems...I used alot since I work configuring networks all over and this thin and small unit has worked wonders for me...Dont need those brand names that weight more and the cost is greater also...
Averatec is a good product until now.
Thanks
Axel

CPU-TECH SERVICES
[email protected]
787-889-4126
787-717-8912

 

sharon
i have the same question i don't know what to do, people have recommended me dell but they are too expensive and heavy!! i like the averatec but i don't know a thing about notebooks, nothing at all.....i have 7 month using an averatec 3200 at work and have no complaints... how did urs turned out to be?

what should u recommend please help me i have just one week to decide cause i will need it in about two weeks. Which brand and model should I buy? Should I go for the averatec? which model?


Mariella

 

I have a AV3250HX80, and I see no reason why someone wouldn't buy Averatec products. Actually, I've recommended to many people already. I've noticed other responders have had problems with pixels; I have not. This laptop is nearly two months old and it is wonder .... OH NO, the dang thing just....hold on... I'm just kiddin' with ya[ ] Anyway, one thing that I noticed is that it heats up, but it hangs in there. No problems, just make sure you keep the airvent un-obstructed.

I did send in my rebate from circuit city, but they never received (How interesting is that?) BUT, luckily I photo copied everything (just like the directions suggest), and the lady from Circuit City processed the rebate over the phone! How cool is that! So, yes, boys and girls, it is okay to put Averatec on your Christmas wish list this year.

 

well i have like 7 month or more with the averatec 3200, the one i'm using for work and i haven't had any problems either..........

so i u know what i'm buying one!!!! but what model??? and circuit city is the only place that sells it? or there's another store in internet?


Mariella

 

If your looking for a good, reputable online vendor..you can't do much better than www.newegg.com !

I got my 6130 from them...killer price, fast shipping...and in good standings with the BBB. But dont take my word for it, please...go research them! You will be impressed!


Cheers and welcome!!!

 

Sam's and Staples both sell them in store. I think all of their models are worthy, just depends on your needs.

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

 

u know what.. this forum has really help me a lot, i'm in loveeeeeeee with averatec

thanks for the help guys, tomorrow i'm buying my laptop.... i think i'm going for the AV3250HX.....does dual dvd+/- burner means that it burns cd and dvd????

well is between the AV3250HX or AV6130H1...... wanna help me choose???? [:I]

buy.com has great deals too and newegg.com, sam's club ...



Mariella

 

Yes that burner would burn dvd and cd. the dual +/- means it will burn both dvd+r and dvd-r. The 6130 is basically a desktop replacement. Which in turn means it has a lot of raw power, but only about 1 1/2 hours of battery time (at least for the 6130HS). It is a little bulky (widescreen and about 8 pounds), but that doesn't bother me b/c it is such a nice and powerful noteobook. The 3250hx would be smaller and i presume it would have more battery life, but i am not sure, i haven't used it. If you are thinking of the 6130h1, i would go with the 6130HS, bigger Harddrive and the dvd burner. Although i also see on averatecs website they are offering a 100 dollar rebate on the 3250 series. The 6130 would also have a memory card reader (MS, SD, MMC) and a 4 pin firewire port.

 

i can't find the 6130hs....where can i buy it cause averatec doesn't have them....they're out...

are they very heavy??? cause the one i use at work is only 4.2 and is very comfortable.......

and DVD+CD-RW???? only plays dvd and writes cd???

also where can i find information about the FSB, HARD DRIVE RPM????? Of both models????

please advice
ps.
[:I] sorry if i ask too much but i'm a little perfectionist and i don't like to be wrong or don't like to be told "i told u not to do that or buy that"

Mariella

 

Buy.com has the AV6130-hs20 for $1249.00 Good deal!

I got mine there, great shipping, well packaged.

I have a full 6 page review about to be posted on the main site so check that out for the full details on this machine. If your not gaming, then go with a lesser model, its cheaper and I think you will be happier in the end.

 

The 6230HS has a FSB of 800 mhz and a HD rpm of 4200. I do believe that the 4200 rpm drive does hamper it. but i don't have the money to upgrade it, and don't want to lose more of my precious battery life with a faster drive.(right now anyway) It does weigh in at about 8 solid pounds. When they just say DVD+CD-RW it does mean just a CD burner and a dvd rom combined in one drive.

 

the model of 6130 that I have has a 60 gig 4200 rmp hd, and a dvd burner, it can both burn dvd's and cd'. I bought it at the local sam's club and I bought the 3 year service plan just to be on the safe side.
-andrew

 

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=34-149-010&depa=3


New Egg has the 6130 for UNDER 1100$ !!