Averatec 4265 at staples

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

 

I have Averatec 4265 for few weeks already. It works fine for me. It's kind of hot while turn on the power after few mins. I went to circuitcity and compare with SONY S360 and found it almost temp there. Compare with price and my usages, I think Averatec 4265 is really nice NB.
However, I just heard a big news about Averatec. Averatec belong to one Korea company name is TriGem Computer. TriGem Computer announce bankruptcy in mid of May. Also, there's a problem of operation in Averatec and it made one of joint venture - GE want to leave Averatec. I am worry about the warranty.......

 

hey!

so now that there are quite a few people that have gotten, returned, trialed, or kept the 4200, i was curious as to what you all have to say about the battery life on the notebook. i am thinking about buying it for school, which would mean that I would be taking it to and from classes, and would like to be assured with a reasonable amount of time to use it before being forced to plug in. any feedback would be appreciated greatly.

also, i was wondering if the dvd burner was an optical drive that could be removed in order to use a second battery. or is it just built in there for good?

thanx a bunch,
chris

 

"what you all have to say about the battery life on the notebook."

getting 3+ hrs = combination of video editing , surfing internet ( wireless) = turn on batt save mode and turn down 3-4 notchs on LCD screen.

" wondering if the dvd burner was an optical drive that could be removed in order to use a second battery. "

NO way ...

my 1st 4265 was replaced because it would NOT remember my mouse settings nor would it dim screen when AC was unplugged and a few other batt saving issues ( i had to set them all manually everytime computer started) ..

the current 4265 works excellent ..all the save batt functions work ( auto) .. the mouse remembers it's settings .. there is a update mouse/pad driver from pad manufacturer ( not averatec) .. i find the TAP/area settings excellent ( you must enable TAP) .. the mousepad works much better then my HP zv5000 series ...

 

hey,

thanx a lot on the feedback. it sounds like it has a fairly good battery life. i was also curious as to if you can by extra batteries seperate for the laptop. or is it like built in!?

thanx a lot!
chris

 

There's alot to like about this laptop, which I've had for about 10 days. The screen is great, nice little lights telling me what's on and not on, comfy keyboard, wireless works great. But I agree with others' complaints: very hot, not great battery, finicky touch pad. And, alas, its fragile: my "h" key broke off WAY too easily. Hope Staples will take it back...

 

In this weeks circular, for $999 after rebate at Staples. CompUsa has the 1000 series in its circular this week.

 

Braingwang,

This is potentialy very bad news indeed1 Can you please site/post your resources to this info. I believe this forum would be quite interested in this news.

Thanks!

DD



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

 

DamnageD,
Well, the news source come from one newspaper in Taiwan. This is the link, but the page display by Chinese.......
http://www.appledaily.com.tw/News/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Article&NewsType=twapple&Loc=TP&showdate=20050608&Sec_ID=8&Art_ID=1829816
It saying TriGem Computer has many orders in Taiwan such as Twinheads, Uniwell, Leo and they have difficult to have money from TriGem Computer b/c bankruptcy of TriGem Computer.......brabrabra.....
I don't know if you can find more source from google. If you have any friend know Chinese, ask them help to translate for you.

 

I spent the extra $200 at staples, so even if they do have problems, staples covers it and will give me $1200 towards my next computer if they can't fix it.

I love the 4265 -- I just upgraded it to XP Professional and now I love it even more.

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

 

Is the DVD Writer Dual-Layer?

 

[ ]THERE IS NO WAY TO RESTORE THE SYSTEM IF HARD DRIVE FAILS[ ]

I just purchased the 4265 for $999 after rebate. Hardware-wise, a lot of computer for the money. Unfortunately, Averatec cuts too many corners on documentation and support.

The computer doesn't come with a recovery disk and there is no way to make one. It does come with a recover program "Phoenix FirstWare Recovery Pro." But this program will only recover you system state FROM the hard drive" Apparently the version distributed with the 4265 wll not allow you to create a recovery CD or DVD. If you attempt to create a recovery disk, you get an error message "The complete backup feature is not available in this version of recovery pro."

If your hard drive fails, there is no way to recover your system (even to its initial factory received state) without sending the 4265 back to Averatec. If you are beyond the 1 year warrenty period, you would have to pay Averatec to restore your system. This is a no-go for me and I'm going to return my 4265. I called Averatec support and they provided me with this shocking info. THERE IS NO WAY TO RESTORE THE SYSTEM IF HARD DRIVE FAILS.

The manual for the 4265 is not supplied on hard copy but only resides on the disk drive. While for info on features this is OK, what if you have to trouble-shoot problems with the system not booting up properly or use the BIOS. The these situations, the manual is not available to view.

In short, nice hardware but too many corners cut on service and support.

 

The Phoenix Recover Pro is A TRIAL VERSION!!!!!!!
No you will not be able to create recovery cd's because as with any trial software you have limitations to what you can do with the trail software. You will have to upgrade to pro to do what you want to do.

The recovery software is on its own seperate partition meaning if windows XP crashes you can boot into the phoenix recover partition to recover the drive.

After the Pro trial period has ended, it will revert back to the recover basic to were it will recover only to the factory restore point.

The only way it will not work is if you damage the partition with another recovery software, Install XP pro over the current OS which deletes the recover partition. or removing the program from add/remove programs.

Technically your not supposed to be able to remove it from add / remove programs but somehow phoenix left that as a option.

On another note IF THE HARD DRIVE FAILS USING RECOVERY CD"S WILL NOT WORK!!! if the hard drive fails due to bad sectors or mechanical failure only replacing the hard drive. Now a corrupt OS on the hard drive is another story.

 

[V]This issue is not whether Phoenix Recovery Pro is a trial version or not.[V]
I could care less whether the 4265 came with this program or not.

The issue is whether if the hard drives needs to be replaced, can you recover the replaced drive to the factory state. YOU CAN'T! Averatec neither provided a recovery disk (CD or DVD) nor the ability to create one.

Apparently Averatec has tried to save a couple of bucks by not including a recovery disk (CD or DVD) with the 4265. Clearly thay are being penny wise and pound foolish. For me this omission is a fatal flaw in the product. I have never before seen a computer sold with Windows that didn't either provide a recovery disk or at least a way to make your own recovery disk. I will be returning my 4265 to Staples next week.

 

well what i would like to know from someone who has an averatec 4265 is i heard they do not have a restore cd/dvd whatever is this true

oops disregard i read a little farther and the answer was already there wont be getting this one

 

I bought an Averatec 4265 at Staples today. It's a great bargain with the rebates, when comparing to what is available out there. It's a replacement for a 4 year old HP5475, which has always annoyed me with it's hot running.

The 4265 has a beautiful display. I lowered the resolution and increased the font size to my taste, and it was very pleasing. The keyboard is alright, though not the equal of the HP. It's a little different is all.

I use a laptop desk with a mouse on the right. The 4265 has my DSL port right in the middle of that side, a minor annoyance.

The big problem, for me anyway, is the heat in the right hand area. It gets a bit warm on top where your hand is, though it's not all that uncomfortably warm. However, it also gets quite hot on the bottom, over perhaps 35 or 40 percent of the bottom surface. Another poster said this was the hard drive area. I called support, hoping there was something I was missing, about power settings possibly. Let me say that I got right though and the man was very nice and spent several minutes talking to me. But he didn't have any help for me, except to return the computer to Staples. Since the model is new, he didn't have much idea whether this was going to be a problem on all of them.

After several hours I boxed it up and plan to return it tomorrow. I might change my mind, since I do have 14 days for a trial period. But I just don't think I can put up with another notebook that "gets real hot."

I love the size of the 4265, the great display, nice specs, style, etc., but can't stand more years of burning lap. Does anyone make a notebook that runs cool? Or at least one that doesn't burn your legs?

This is frustrating. I have tried to search google and groups, etc., for any word of a cool-running notebook, but don't find much advice. No one seems to talk about it in reviews.

I recommend the 4265 with the caveat about heat. Another poster said his did not get that hot on top, but he didn't mention the bottom.

Thanks all,

Bates

 

Of the half dozen laptops I have owned, they all get hot at the bottom. To prevent "vital body parts" [ ] from being affected, I use one of those plastic grids that are made to put in the kitchen sink or on the side of the sink. This works really well.

If you want to get a little fancier, there are special devices called by various names, laptop cooler, chill mat, chill pad etc. that are about 1/2 inch thick and have a couple fans in them, that you put under the laptop. The fans are powered by the laptop's usb port. All the computer retailers have them.

 

i thought i read somewhere in this forum that you can adjust fan settings in either registry or bios, maybe in a 1000 series post - not sure

 

yeah on some averatec machines you do need to program the fans and sometimes even the battery by going into the system setup aka bios whatever ya want to call it

 

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

 

adidasman5482,

Step back and take a couple of deep breaths. I'm trying to have a calm, dispassionate discussion here of the omission of a recovery disk with the 4265. Yet, you seem to have become very agitated and have ignored the basic issue:
"The issue is whether if the hard drives needs to be replaced, can you recover the replaced drive to the factory state. YOU CAN'T! Averatec neither provided a recovery disk (CD or DVD) nor the ability to create one."

Can we agree on some basic facts?

1. If a hard drive fails (i.e. head crash), it needs to be replaced.

It doesn't need to be taken apart as you state, but rather simply removed and replaced with a new one. Yes, this action may void the warranty if the original hard drive fails in the first year, and you could send the laptop back to Averatec for repair. But if you've owned the computer for more than one year, its no longer under warrenty and you could replace the disk drive yourself with worrying about voiding a nonexistant warranty.

2. After a failed hard drive is replaced with a new one, there is no way to recover your operating system and data without a recovery disk.

Unfortunately, Averatec neither provided a recovery disk (CD or DVD) nor the ability to create one. Unless, after buying the Averatec 4265, you then also purchase a product that will allow you to make a recovery disc (i.e. Norton Ghost), if you hard drive fails after you're no longer on warranty, you're SOL.

Do you disagree on these very basic points?

 

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

 

pctower,

Of course your nose being stuck into this one is welcome. (Although, other body parts might not be so welcome).

I agree with you, the 4265 is a great notebook for the money. And you're right, even with the additional expense of Norton Ghost, its still a great bargin. I also love the 13.3 in wide screen format. I feel just like Goldilocks (its not too big, its not too small, its juuuust right). The only other laptop that I've been able to find with this screen size is the Sony Vaio, at that costs at least $600 more than the Averatec.

I think I going to keep my 4265. Norton Systemworks Premier (including Ghost, Antivirus and lots of other stuff) can be purchased for about $16 after rebate. As you said: "The additional price still makes the 4265 a real bargain." At this point in my mind, Averatec's omission of a recovery disk with the 4265 is more of an annoyance than a deal killer.

 

Has anyone heard anything about the release of the 4270, basically the same laptop as the 4265 but with a 1.73ghz processor?

 

I totally agree with you. When you get a piece of laptop like this one at an incredible price, I think it is reasonable to say it's still a great deal even if there is no recovery CD.

By the way:
- is the screen a glare one (like the asus or Sony ones)?
- is the fan noisy?

Thanks

 

I have some fingerprints and smudges and some lines from the keyboard on the screen. What is anyone using to clean the screen?

Thanks.

 

I use something called "NiceNClean" which I got from the computer section in Walmart. I believe you can also get it at CompUSA. The description says it is Anti Static cleaning wipes for electronic equipment. Safe for VCRs Computers, laptops etc.

 

I am on day 3 of my 14 day trial of the 4265 and I am quite pleased. The NB the 4265 is replacing is a Vaio FRV-27 which has a p4 2.66 ghz, 512 ram, ATI 64mb vid, and 60 gig of ram split between two hard drives. I was a bit aprehensive about buying this laptop, I went through every single post in this topic before making the commitment. The main things I was looking for in a new laptop were: small dimensions, light weight, good battery life.

The heat issue is there, but on the typing area its not too bad. It is about where the wrists are and act sort of like hand warmers, though I dont think thats necessarily a great thing. On the under side, the heat can be as bad as any other laptop. It would appear that the problem is caused not only by poor hd location but also poor circulation. When the laptop sits flat, normal use, ther is only a few mm of gap, and upon inspection there are only two small vents allowing heat to escape. I tried proping up the back end of the laptop, while writing this review, and it seems to help. Not sure how much of a problem this will present in the future but its not a problem right now.

The touchpad isnt as bad as people say, especially if you adjust the settings. I typically use a wireless mouse anyway since I dont like touchpads so much, but this one is very liveable. Much better than the Vaio one too. The part that sticks out more too me is the two click buttons. I question the longevity of the two pieces, as they just dont feel right to me. A friend of mine tried both the Vaio buttons and the 4365 buttons and concluded that the Vaio buttons were easier to use, but did not see the problem with the 4265 ones. So I guess I'm just being anal. One last issue with buttons is the white case and the keys. If/when oxidation occurs, its going to look like an ugly light yellow. This is definately a turn off for me, but not sure if its a deal breaker.

I believe someone had an issue with playing a dvd/cd in the drive and typing or picking up the laptop. I did not experience this problem. I even tested it specifically as that problem would be a deal breaker.

The display is amazing. So true and bright. Makes everything look good. The wide screen took me alittle getting used to, all my life I've been using the square screens, but this is definately nice. One slight issue when playing a movie. I played a downloaded version of "Battle Royale" and on the wide screen in full screen mode it looks slightly sretched. Not enough to be a pain, and you get used to it after awhile, but when youre used to being a square you notice it.

Now for the issue that I thought would be the biggest problem, processing. I tested this computer with Super Pi, which is a cpu stress test I believe. Probably not the best way to test, but that's what I used and the settings were similar in every instance the test was held. After setting up the computer I ran Super Pi testing for 2m, and got something like 2:58. After disabling some programs (such as msn messenger, the dvd burning program, etc.) I got my best time of 2:02. This time does not appear to be effected by running windows in the win98 look or having no background. These tests were done on external power. When internal power is used, a time of 2:30 was reached. For comparison, the Vaio's p4 2.66ghz got 2:30 on external, a friends mobile AMD 64 3000+ got 1:58 on external, another friends AMD 64 3000+ 1:57, a Gateway NB p4 2.6ghz got 2:38 on external power, a Dell 5150 p4 2.3ghz got over 6 minutes (this may be one of those scientific extremes you throw out), and mom's AMD XP 2500+ got 2:28. Although Super Pi can only measure so much, it kinda gives you an idea.

The battery life on this thing is amazing. I charged it for 24+ hours, had it off and unplugged for another 5 hours, and then used it for internet, solitaire, movie clips, and other basic computer stuff for the next 2 hours and 30+ minutes. This is a great great leap from the power hog Vaio p4 I left which only could last 45-75 minutes.

Another NB that I am thinking about is the Averatec 3360 The two laptops are virtually the same from a hardware standpoint. The dimensions differ: the 4265 being wider (obviously), .3" thicker and shorter in depth. The 3360 still is a possibilty but I am quite pleased with this little computer so far.....whew what a novel....

 

One more thing, I went to Best Buy today to check out laptops and took a look at the Sony Vaio S460. The dimensions of the s460 are roughly about the same as the 4265, I was thinking about getting a S460 slim case to use. I put my hands on the keyboard and immediately noticed that it suffers from the same heating problem. Though it seems to only be on the right side, probably cause the hd is located in the same place. The left side still had heat too but less, kinda like the 4265. I guess laptops of this size will suffer from that heating problem, so long as the hd is located where it is.

 

Laptop is going back tomorrow. Dead pixel, very disappointed......Not sure what to do next....Am I alone in this thread now?

 

The one I purchased from Staple last week has the same problem. I did return to staple because they told me they don't have any instock so I can't do the exchange. I really disappoint not only staple but also Averatec. 4265 is the best model I think from Averatec and it's just discontinue......

 

Saw the 4200 model at Costco this weekend....it was the model with the Pentium 740 (4265?). This is a nice looking machine! As a "cheapie" manufacturer, Averatec is getting some nice looking product. I'd consider this machine as a Sony S-Series alternative (I'm not a gamer) at a lower price.

Personally, I want a smaller, lighterweight notebook. This points me to 12" or 13" machines.

 

how much you see in the costco?? I already have one 4265 (old one) and
thinking to have another one for my brother.

 

It was either $1099 or $1199.....I can't remember - I'll have to go back and check again! The display model did have the blue top.

I see that it was likely the 4270 model, as it had a pentium M 740.

You have to watch Costo's PC prices, as you won't get the rebates that might be offered somewhere else. But if their price is good, you certainly can't go wrong with their 6 month return policy.

 

Stopped by my local Costco....the price was $1199, which I believe is the MSRP. Still like the little machine though. I might be tempted if the price goes lower. For my use, it's the perfect size/weight. A poor man's Sony S-Series!

 

I saw also at my Costco for that price? Are you sure the cover is blue? Looks black to me, or a really, really,really dark blue.