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    avaratec 4200 review

    Discussion in 'Other Manufacturers' started by bk1, May 24, 2005.

  1. bk1

    bk1 Newbie

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    picked up a 4200 from staples last friday to give it a 2 week test spin.
    paid $900 ... 1200 , - 100 rebate , - 100 instant rebate , - 12% "friends and family discount". total price $900 + tax.

    impressions -
    fairly lightweight.
    keyboard has tons of flex.
    wireless range seems really good.
    screen is decent (not nearly as good as a fujitsu , or sony) AND
    screen is fantastic (considering it's only 900 bucks ....depends on your point of view....)
    fantastic value for the money IF you're on a budget.
    touchpad sucks - not responsive and erratic movements all the time.
    quiet - fan never comes on.

    here's the biggies -
    the whole thing is flimsy - especially the screen. i am soooo afraid the thing will break if it's not handled w/ care.
    PLASTIC...... it's all plastic. it just reeks of cheapness..... i know ..... i know ... it's only 900 bucks..... but the screen lid REALLY needs to be made of magnesium , aluminum or SOMETHING other than plastic.

    battery life really SUCKS ! in max battery mode , screen 2 notches below full brightness , just surfing the web - i get only 2 hours 40 mins.....

    the poor batt life is the deal killer for me.
    i could live w/ the other shortcomings ('cuz it's only 900 bucks)- but the batt life just kills it for me...

    i really really wanted to love the 4200..... i tried , really.
    but back to Staples it goes.

    i'll wait on the new sonoma version of the Fujitsu s600 series...

    as i said earlier , if cost was a constraint , i'd keep it. but since it's not , it just has too many compromises.....

    all in all , it's a SUPER notebook and a KILLER deal.
    a TON of computer for the money..... man i just wish the batter was better.......

    hope this helps..

    -bk
     
    bk1, May 24, 2005
    #1
  2. gmumford

    gmumford Notebook Enthusiast

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    I was going to return mine because the battery is only covered for 6 months by the warrenty, but I decided to hold on to it. Did you turn down the power to the wireless card. It's set at 100%, and I find it doesn't need that much power most of the time.
     
    gmumford, May 24, 2005
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  3. bk1

    bk1 Newbie

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    <blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Imacyco
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
    bk1, May 24, 2005
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  4. Imacyco

    Imacyco Notebook Geek

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    Is your HD a 4200 or a 5400 rpm?
     
    Imacyco, May 24, 2005
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  5. bk1

    bk1 Newbie

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    <blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by gmumford
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
    bk1, May 24, 2005
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  6. Rahul

    Rahul Notebook Prophet

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    Well, the Averatec 1000 comes standard with a 5200 rpm drive, so I'm sure its larger cousin will also come with that speed. I wonder what the battery life of the Averatec 1000 is.
     
    Rahul, May 27, 2005
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