Zepto Znote 6025WD - Office (UK)

Hi,

I have been looking around for a new notebook, mainly best specs at best price. And I have found the Znote 6025WD, I like the looks, the price, and Zepto seem to be a good company.

However... I have read about a lot of problems with the ODM Inventec, and about poor quality - this concerns me a lot.

I have some questions, which I would be really grateful if anyone could answer:

1. How is the build quality of the 6025WD?
2. How is Zepto support?
3. Do they speak good English? ( I can't stand Dell support being in India, can't understand a word they say )
4. Is it worth taking the 24 month warranty?
5. Installing drivers: I am sure I read that some problems are caused by the drivers being installed incorrectly? I have my own copy of Windows, is it easy to install the drivers for a Zepto notebook?
6. Anything about this notebook I should be made aware of?
7. Anything about the company I should be made aware of?
8. Thank you for your time!

Many thanks, and best regards!

 

These are the specs and price:

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo-processor T8300 2,40 GHz, Only works with Vista
2GB (1X2048) DDR2 PC5300 SODIMM
160GB 5400rpm SATA Hårddisk
Zepto Zpro2 N-Standard (NBG)
No OS
DVD-RW / CD-RW
Keyboard Znote 6x15W Grey UK
15,4" WSXGA 1280x800 - 6025WD
6 Cell Battery for 6x24
Environment Fee
Intel® GMA X3100
Manual 6025/6625
Online Discount 6025 Power
AC Cable (Mickey Mouse) UK
24 months pick up & return

Total: £515.01

 

Anybody???

 

Give us a chance to read this!

The only reason I can think of for buying this is because you are not paying your tax to Bill Gates. The 6025WD doesn't have the high resolution display of the 6625WD.

Zepto support has been OK and yes, they speak, read and write English. They used to be active here but have been very quiet recently. The extended warranty might be prudent. As you have noted, Inventec haven't got themselves a very good reputation.

Have you looked around for other options? You appear to have considered Dell.

How about the Samsung R510 which has come into stock this week and has the new Intel chipset. There are three versions. This, this and this and some more info here. Battery run time is probably nearly double that of the Zepto.

John

 

Sorry! Thank you for your response.

I have a copy of Vista and I don't want to pay again for another license when I have already bought a copy.

I don't want a Dell, mainly due to the sheer amount of complaints about service and quality. I have owned Dell desktops in the past, but I don't want a bad laptop!

Samsung, I don't trust them. I want a company to stick around a bit longer than 3 years.

I do like this notebook, and the price is good! And I am picky on brands.

Is the build quality good?

Thank you!

 

The Samsung is £580, with 12 months warranty.

The Zepto is £515, with 24 months warranty? Is there that much difference in the specs?

Thanks.

 

OK. The basic build quality of my Zepto 6024W (also Inventec) is good with the exception of the keyboard where I have to push the keys hard to make sure they register. The 6x25WD's keyboard may be the same or better.

The BIOS is the main source of problems where Zepto have had difficulty in getting Inventec to come up with something that is bug free. The latest issue is probably the least buggy.

One potential disadvantage with Zepto is the time taken for the return-to-base service. 3 day shipping each way plus a week or more waiting for attention.

I don't share your view about Samsung dropping out of the market, but time will tell. Their latest product range shows they have thought more about the economies of commonality. And you can now buy some of their notebooks in your local Argos (once they get into stock).

John

 

Thanks, out of interest will you be buying a Zepto in the foreseeable future?

Is the new BIOS any good, any reported problems? 3 day shipping each day? So it will take around 21 days to get the laptop back??? That is a little off putting.

I am close to buying it though...

Is installing Zepto drivers difficult or easy?

Thank you.

Daniel.

 

Anyone?????

 

Patience, we're all just hobbyists or just people interested in laptops. Generally it won't make any good if you rush ppl to answer your questions.

Installing drivers was rather easy, for me at least. I just installed XP, and downloaded drivers from Zepto's ftp to another computer. From there, i copied the drivers via a USB stick to the Zepto, and just installed the drivers. That's it.

 

1. There's nothing in the new Zepto lineup that appeals to me. I want a lightweight 14.1" with WXGA+ display and, so far, the Dell E6400 looks the best option. Last year Zepto got my business because they could delivery quickly.

2. I can't comment on the 6025WD BIOS, but the 6024W BIOS still has some annoyances, like the fan coming on for a few seconds and then going off. I'm also losing the network adaptor when I reboot (but no problem if I shutdown then start up). Yes, allow 3 weeks for a simple repair, based on recent reports.

3. Driver installation is not difficult. The best method is to use nLitle (for XP) or vLite (for Vista) to prepare a custom installation disc by slipstreaming all the drivers and service packs into the original disc. The OS installer then finds what it needs as it goes through the installation.

John

 

Excuse my ignorance, I didn't see a Dell E6400 on the website?

I see, I think I am prepared to put up with the little BIOS annoyances, hopefully the 6025 BIOS is a little better! 3 weeks for a repair, that is disappointing, but then I would take extra care with the notebook to hope it wouldn't break. Will the ever change from UPS which isn't very good, to a somewhat more local courier such as DHL?

Does the Zepto laptop come with a driver CD? I just remember reading someone saying "People get a lot of problems with Zepto laptops mainly due to them trying to save money by buying it without Windows. Then installing Windows and the Drivers and problems start" I just was unsure about if installing the drivers for a Zepto laptop was difficult!

Is it a case, of install one - reboot - install another - reboot etc etc? Or is there any better practices? I don't like those auto-installers, I am too worried I would muck it up

John, are you unhappy with your Zepto laptop? As you are suggesting nothing in their line up appeals to you?

I could order the Zepto, and get it delivered in 8 days! With a Dell, I must wait a minimum of 14 days!!! With no guarantees! Plus a rather heavy delivery charge of £50. How much is delivery + credit card surcharge (if any) with Zepto?

I would like to thank you for your replies!

Dan.

 

See this thread for more about the Dell E series. They probably won't be shipping until September.

I would expect Zepto to include a driver CD, but you can get all the drivers from their ftp site and some of these may be newer than what is on the driver CD. The first driver to install is the chipset (unless you need to load the SATA driver). Building a custom installation disc is actually very easy. download the drivers, the latest service pack, have the Windows installation CD in the optical drive and run nLite / vLite.

The 6025WD may be fine for your needs. I'm sure there are a lot of happy users out there. Just be aware that it will be disappearing soon (the 6024W has already gone). Battery life is one of the weak areas, but that may not matter to you. If it does then the new Intel chipset seems to be much better.

I think I've said enough and will leave it to others to contribute further (but there aren't so many people on line during the summer days at weekends - I'm sat in my garden).

John

 

Thank very much for your help John, it has been much appreciated!

Did your Zepto not come with a CD then, and yes I will probably use the online ones as they could be newer!

Funnily enough, I am actually on holiday in Spain! But my partner is asleep! And so are the friends we came with. I gave in! And got my laptop out!

Thanks for everything.

Dan.

 

Yes, I received a driver CD, plus a Zepto OEM Vista DVD and had Vista pre-installed (which is what I ordered).

John

 

Thanks, you said it will be disappearing soon? What will it be replaced by? And news on when the replacement will be released? Is it worth waiting for?

Thank you.

 

The only ones who can answer those questions are Zepto representatives.
There used to be some around here, on this forum, but not many lately.
For answers to those questions (except the last one), your best bet would be contacting Zepto directly by email.

 

Hi, Yes I did a web-email from their website. I was told to get a reply by the 6th of August! I hope they will be able to answer my question!