New Averatec 6240 has AMD 64 Processor

Averatec sent us this press release today regarding their refresh of the 6200 series, this is the 6240 Mobile Theatre laptop (instant on DVD)




AVERATEC 6240 MULTIMEDIA NOTEBOOKS FEATURE LEADING-EDGE PERFORMANCE FROM AMD 64 TECHNOLOGY Mobile AMD Athlon™ 64 Processor Delivers Security, 64-Bit Computing Capability in the Newest Member of Unique Dual-Function Notebook Series


SANTA ANA, CA -NOVEMBER 16, 2004 - Averatec, Inc., an emerging leader in innovative mobile computing products, today announced an extension of its 6200 Series multimedia notebook PCs. The Averatec 6240 is equipped with the Mobile AMD Athlon™ 64 processor 3000+ for thin and light notebooks, a high-performance processor, which offers simultaneous 32-bit and 64-bit computing capabilities plus Enhanced Virus Protection enabled by Windows® XP Service Pack 2.

Like the other members in the series, the AV6240 combines standalone DVD player functionality with a fully equipped multimedia notebook. Users can watch up to three 90-minute DVD movies, or listen up to 7+ hours of audio CDs or MP3 files, without powering on the notebook's operating system. The DVD player is readily controlled with a dedicated audio/video wireless remote control, which is conveniently stored in the unit's PCMCIA slot.

“Mobile users have the highest expectations of their equipment, and the Averatec 6240 puts everything on their wish list, and more, into the most portable package imaginable. These notebooks combine sophisticated and powerful processor technology and the ability to view 3 DVDs on a single battery charge in one compact tool,” said Saeed Shahbazi, President of Averatec. “The affordable price of this product packaged with a feature loaded notebook and personal DVD features, make it a smart buy for any notebook user.”

“This innovative multimedia notebook lets you carry an excellent combination of computing power and entertainment practically anywhere,” said Chris Cloran, Director of AMD's mobile business segment. “Averatec's customers can get hours of enjoyment from the outstanding performance and security of the Mobile AMD Athlon 64 processor coupled with AMD PowerNow!™ technology for extended battery life.”

The notebooks are backed by a 1-year limited warranty (6 months for the battery) and customers can access technical support 24- hours a day, 7-days a week through a toll-free number. The notebooks can be purchased online through major electronic retailers, resellers and distributors. The notebooks are also available directly through the Averatec website at www.averatec.com.

AV6240 Specifications
Processor: Mobile AMD Athlon™ 64 processor 3000+ for thin and light notebooks
Screen: 15.4" WXGA
Memory: 512 MB DDR333
Hard Drive: 80 GB
Optical Drive: DVD+/-RW Burner
Ports: (4) USB 2.0, (1) VGA 15-pin port, (1) S-Video Out, (1) Audio Out, (1) Microphone In, (1) RJ-11, (1) RJ-45, (1) Type II PC Card/Card Bus slot, (1) DVD wireless remote control
Connectivity: 802.11g wireless, 10/100 Mbit network LAN, 56k data/fax modem
Size and Weight: 13.98x10.04”x1.18”, 6.2lbs
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home

 

It's amazing how quickly Averatec responds to market demand. I think this is a big move for them, and basically takes away any edge eMachines had. In my book, there's not a better value brand on the market.

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

 

I would assume it's the same.

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

 

what's the video card ?

if it's on par with the one included in the 6130, that would be really killer

 

more likely, it will be the same as the 6210.

 

I had been looking at the Averatec 6240 in my local CC, and finally jumped. For years, I have been a Mac user (although OS 9!) so this is a big step for me.

My work machine is a Fujitsu and it has very sensitive wireless pickup, so much so that I'm able to detect at least three unsecured points in my apartment building.

When I tried the AV 6240, I can barely get any of them. Have not tried it with an installed wireless system yet, nor at Starbucks.

So far, other than my gripe about the wireless sensitivity, I like the computer. The screen is great, although I wish they had gone the route of SONY and Compaq with the shiny screens.

The main problem I have with it is that the L and R mouse keys are really hard to push. This makes it very difficult to do audio editing.

Would like to hear from other early adopters of the 6240....

 

I purchased the 6240 and returned/exchanged it 3 times, finally getting rid of it for good. Each time the screen had a dead pixel. I'm not sure what the chances of that are, but after a call to Averatec they said its not considered a defect unless it has more then 2 in the same location. If I'm buying a $1300 laptop I want 0 dead pixels from day one.

 

Howard,
you are a dumb ass you know that. No notebook will be perfect. You have already said bad stuff about the 6130hs so why don't you shut up and buy a apple noteboook. Apparently they are supposed to be perfect notebooks.
-andrew

 

I don't know what your problem is Jedi, but if all you can do is cuss and scream you might as well go elsewhere. Robin asked a question and I answered it with my opinion. As for no laptop being perfect? I've owned 2 Dells and 1 sony and all of them came working 100% out of the box, no dead pixels notta. If Averatec can't have their Product Quality department check their laptops for defects then thats their problem. I'm not going to pay 1300+ bucks for something with a defect. If you bought a new car and it came with a dent on it, would you accept it? I doubt it.

Howard

 

Well, I don't know what triggered that firestorm - but I would like ot add a positive word aboutt the 6240 64 -- it is a great computer, despite the mouse button issue I mentioned. If they would put a stronger wireless card in this thing, it would be fantastic....

 

the thing that I don't understand is how can someone buy a 6130hs return it and go around and buy a 6240 and return that one, even though they hated the 6130hs.

 

I never bought a 6130, I don't know where you read that. I said I purchased a 6240, it has a dead pixel, I returned it for another one, it had a dead pixel. Then I returned it one more time and again it had a dead pixel.

 

Howard,
I apoligize for my behavior.
-andrew

 

As an FYI for the uninitiated, pixel policy is not dictated by the manufacturer. The dead pixel presence or lack thereof is an 'accepted' part of the manufacturing process that keeps the price of a laptop within the price range of ordinary consumers like me. If a 0% subpixel failure rate was demanded by the laptop manufacturer, the cost of the LCD would triple, forcing the laptop manufacturer to charge half again as much for the unit as it already is. Having three laptops with dead pixels is unfortunate, but not surprising.

Averatec is not an LCD manufacturer. They use the same LCDs that many other manufacturers use for their laptops. This being the case, you'll find that every laptop manufacturer has an allowable failure rate.

I, personally, love my 6130hs and 6240. They fulfill niches that I would not be able to fill with laptops half again their price.

 

Does the video chip in this laptop support a 1600x1024 resolution on an external widescreen monitor? If not directly, can the resolution be tweaked with a Powerstrip utility?

Your response is greatly appreciated. It is a deal breaker for me.

 

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

 

I have a 6240 and like it so far . It had no dead pixels from day 1 but found a stuck red pixel 8 days ago. Strangely after traveling to
wisconsin from oregon and back it disappeared...? My issue is when in dvd playback mode , the dvd part of the notebook thinks it is in 800x600 mode and displays 4:3 in 16:9 and displays 16:9 in extra wide with black bars on top/bottom. Anyone know how to fix this ? or do I need to change a dislay mode (I couldnt find any info or menu in the dvd player)

Jim

 

I have a 6240 as well and I always boot mine up to watch movies. The quality of the hardware player isn't very good and it has the resolution issue mentioned above. I would only use it if I was on the plane and was trying to get the most out of the battery. It's too bad they didn't put a better DVD playback system in it.

 

On the circuit city customer review for the 6240, a guy claims that the CPU can be changed to accomodate something more powerfull in the future. I know several persons who have done it with Asus notebooks or whitebooks and as I understand it upgrades can be done without problem for the entire line the of CPU frequency the notebook was designed for as the cooling system can cope.

Can anybody confirm this. I would also appriciate if someone has links to a lsit of notebooks thAt can recieve processor upgrades.

Thanks

 

The manual for the 6240 states both the processor and HD are upgradeable.

 

I saw this in a user circuit city review. Does anybody know more about this. I really wanted to buy this but I'm buying the notebook for business trips and I guess presentations shouldn't be a nogo from the start.
Thanks
------------- from user on cicuit city -----
great machine, but MAJOR video bug.
Reviewer: Dave from LA , CA on Fri Dec 31 15:14:54 EST 2004
11 out of 13 found this review helpful

This machine could be the best out there, but there is one huge flaw! External video through both vga+s-video causes major problems with resolution on the laptop's lcd screen. this is a known issue with averatec, and they aren't doing anything to fix itthey basically said 'tough luck'. Very unfortunate, and a bad experience for my first averatec notebook.

If your doing ANY presentations, stay far away from this system (unfortunatly). If you never plan on doing external setups, this is the laptop toown.
------------

 

Has anyone tried upgrading the onboard graphics card to perhaps a Mobile Radeon 9700 or something so that it can play games?

- I ask 'cause the chassis is really nice, but I hear the onboard card sucks. It's either that or the Acer Ferarri for thinness, but then you pay extra for a stupid logo.

 

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

 

FYI -- for those wondering, while the users manual in the original 6200 Averatec disks does not mention upgradable processor, the 6240 does -- CPU, Memory and Hard Disk...