does any one here owns a IC Laptop?

Here it is Talisker, I forgot I still had it wrote down on the back of a cd case insert....






* 1.8 GHz
* 64-bit support
* 1MB L2 Cache
* Clawhammer core
* Socket 754 (works well in desktop boards as well as notebooks)
* Model: AMA3000BEX5AR

 

That is interesting..... The ama3000BEX5AR (DTR) is a Desktop replacement CPU. I'm using the AMN3000BIX5AR which is 65Watt vs your 80watt. Also your max voltage should be 1.5 volt while mine is 1.45V.
Do you use Sandra lite 2005 by any chance? We could compare bencharks..*S*
I'm playing brothers in arms "road to hill 30" on the lowest setting and the right side of the Laptop gets fairly warm... not hot. (the only game I installed, yet)
I'm not sure if it is the CPU or the Video chip, I assume the Videochip gets a workout.

Btw, the BEX5AR is a good overclocker, supposed to run @2.5Gig on aircooled Desktop.

 

I just ordered one these from Walmart:
http://pdavila.homelinux.org/blog/

I should get it by the end of the week. The manual says it has an Intel Pro 2200 wireless card. Is that the case? I like the fact that this machine is upgradable to an AMD64 mobile processor. If I decide to keep it I'll more than likely upgrade the memory to 1 gig.

I'm planning on wiping out windows and installing linux on it.

What's amazing is that the machines are going for around $500 on Ebay. I'd rather spend an extra $100 with the option of returning it to Walmart.

 

Well, please realize you will void your warranty if you upgrade your Laptop.
Also... Support is not the best, be prepared to help yourself if you have a problem.

I installed the Ubuntu live version on my ICLaptop and it seems to have found all the drivers. (At least it seems like)

So, I'll install the full version soon.

My hardware manager shows a MSI Wifi-card. http://www.msicomputer.com/product/p_spec.asp?model=MP54G2&class=com

I think they are using a Ralink chip. However, the Wifi- reception is kinda weak. If you need distance you might have a problem. I'm about 25 feet from my Router and a wall separation. I always have "low" signal strenght. It works fine, tho.

Acer has some nice Laptops too, same price range. I heard they have a good customer service.

Hope it helps....

 

Hey hackmeister,

Make sure it works and runs for a few hours Before you do anything to it. I'd charge the battery up on it and run it dry and recharge it before you even upgrade the memory. The laptop itself is a tough built machine compared to this Compaq 2190 I had used previously. It does seem to have a weak signal on the WiFi but fear not as it can be upgraded too. Most of them can. the WiFi card is next to the memory slots of all places. On my old Compaq it was on the opposite side of the memory and Processor and was away from the heat. The card from the old Compaq does fit and work but it was only 802.11a/b not g so I was only increasing my range to decrease my speed. I got a 6Db antennae for my router(as the stock routers come with 2Db) and that seems to help out a bit. But like Talisker said, If you think you'll need tech support, Buy one already set up the way you want it from Acer. Tech support with the IC folks is a little on the B.S. side of things but their Laptops are pretty decent for the money.

 

I agree a 100% *G*
I used Prime95 and run a torture test for several days to make sure the machine runs stable...

 

Thanks for the tips. FYI, I have a plan B Balance laptop:
http://pdavila.homelinux.org/blog/?p=70

The wifi on this seems pretty good. My router sits in a spare upstairs bedroom and I was getting pretty good reception. I was even picking up my neighbors connection accross the street. The Balance laptop seems decent for the price. The biggest negative is that I can't go to a 64 bit processor later on. I will definitely do a side by side comparison in the next few days. I plan on fully charging the batteries on both machines and comparing the following:
- run time on the battery
- dvd playback
- CDR burning
- Wi-fi reception
- how hot does the processor get?

I'll probably upgrade the memory to 1 gig after Christmas. As far as warranty and customer support, I really don't care that much about them. Hell I'm a linux guy and have learned to be pretty much self sufficient. I'll post my test results as I go along. Either way $550-600 for a low end machine is very reasonable. Just a little perspective, I paid $2800 for 500mhz Dell Inspiron 7500 back in 1999. It's amazing how much prices have dropped on laptops the last couple of years.

 

Did you have to use ndiswrapper or was it using another driver? As far as distros I'm either going with Kanotix (Debian based) or going really hardcore with Arch Linux. Ubuntu is a solid distro though. The work those guys have done has helped to promote linux to many many people.

 

I think it installed a Ralink driver.... not sure. I'm using Wap and wasn't able to connect to the router. There are Wap drivers for Linux, tho.

I didn't install Ubuntu, since I want to buy an additional HD, just used the Live CD to check on it. I'm a Linux Newbie, gives me something to kill time...*G*

Good luck

 

hedghawg71, I was wondering....

Do you use the silent Fan button?
I'm a bit hesitant, minimal fan power with a dynamicly throttled CPU.... I don't know how well the temp protection works. I'd assume the Mobo doesn't have one? So it would be the CPU's protection that has to kick in.... hmmmmm
What is your thought?

 

I just bought the IC notebook from walmart, I got it home, took it out of the box, and put it together, The power WILL NOT come on. briefly the battery charging orange light was flashing, now, nothing! I am not happy that i called tech support and they are not open tonight. I am thinking, if i dont get it going tonight, its going directly back to the store and I am done. If anyone has any ideas that may help, please send them to [email protected]

Thanks, and Good Luck!
Michelle

 

To Talisker, I have used the power down function it just puts every thing at minimal operating speeds and it will shut down if it gets too hot. I got a antec coolerpad for it so when I am plugged in and gaming it will do just fine. I will tell you from experience, Any laptop above 486 will be warm and even hot. My wife uses an Apple Powerbook and that thing gets extremly hot especially when using the dvd burner but it as well works like a champ. The old Compaq I had this processor came out of would burn my legs when I was wearing shorts if I ran it too hard while it was there. There is no way to escape the heat with these newer processors.

To Shelby71, It may need to charge up a little before it kicks on. Then if it doesn't Take it back. Like I told Talisker The only problem I have with mine is the lack of range on the Wi-Fi But that will be fixed as soon as UPS finds my house.

 

It fluctuates between 798 mhz to 1.8 mhz


Current Specs Pulled from CPUz:

CPUID Output
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Number of CPUs 1
APIC ID 0
Name AMD Athlon 64 3000+
Code name ClawHammer
Specification AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3000+
Family/Model/Stepping F4A
Extended Family/Model F/4
Brand ID 4
Package Socket 754
Core Stepping SH7-CG
Technology 0.13µ
Instructions Sets MMX, Extended MMX, 3DNow!, Extended 3DNow!, SSE, SSE2, x86-64
Clock Speed 1596.2 MHz
Clock multiplier x8.0
HTT Bus Frequency 199.5 MHz
P-Rating 3000+
L1 Data Cache 64 KBytes, 2-way set associative, 64 Bytes line size
L1 Instruction Cache 64 KBytes, 2-way set associative, 64 Bytes line size
L2 Cache 1024 KBytes, 16-way set associative, 64 Bytes line size
L2 Speed 1596.2 MHz (Full)
L2 Location On Chip
L2 Data Prefetch Logic yes
L2 Bus Width 128 bits

Chipset
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Northbridge SiS 760GX rev. 03
Southbridge SiS ID0008 rev. 25
Memory Type DDR
Memory Size 1024 MBytes
Memory Frequency 159.6 MHz (CPU/10)
CAS# 2.5
RAS# to CAS# 3
RAS# Precharge 3
Cycle Time (tRAS) 7
Bank Cycle Time (tRC) 10
DRAM Idle Timer 16


Memory SPD
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DIMM #1

General
Memory type DDR-SDRAM
Manufacturer (ID) (0000000000000000)
Size 512 MBytes
Max bandwidth PC2700 (166 MHz)
Part number AED660SD00-600C88X
Serial number 03059A14
Manufacturing date Week 21/Year 05

Attributes
Number of banks 2
Data width 64 bits
Correction None
Registered no
Buffered no

Timings table
Frequency (MHz) 133 166
CAS# 2.0 2.5
RAS# to CAS# delay 3 3
RAS# Precharge 3 3
TRAS# 6 7


DIMM #2

General
Memory type DDR-SDRAM
Manufacturer (ID) (0000000000000000)
Size 512 MBytes
Max bandwidth PC2700 (166 MHz)
Part number AED660SD00-600C88X
Serial number 0303C922
Manufacturing date Week 21/Year 05

Attributes
Number of banks 2
Data width 64 bits
Correction None
Registered no
Buffered no

Timings table
Frequency (MHz) 133 166
CAS# 2.0 2.5
RAS# to CAS# delay 3 3
RAS# Precharge 3 3
TRAS# 6 7

 

I think it is the GPU that produces most of the heat. If I run prime95 the CPU gets warm, with "Brothers in arms" it gets really warm... *G* Still, not as "hot" like the older Laptops.

I'm also using a Vantec Lapcool2 Pad, only for gaming.

I'm still happy with my IC. After upgrading it was worth the bucks.

Btw I'm using the Rightmark CPU Clock utility to throttle my CPU. It allows you to configure the stepping. Also provides you with half steps. Works fine and is free.

I might post my benchmarks later on. would be fun to compare them.

 

Yep, that would be cool.

 

My CN5560 got stolen when a burglar broke into our town house.

Now I gotta look for another laptop when the renters insurance sends us a check.

I'm thinking of buying the Balance CN1401.

Anyone care to chime in on the CN1401?

Balance and IC Power are made by the same company, and both are sold exclusively through Wal Mart.

Stan

 

OK, here are my Benchmarks, tested with
SiSoftware Sandra lite 2005

IC CN5560
AMD Athlon64 Mobile 3000+
2x Corsair 512MB DDR400 RAM

Arithmetic:
Dhrystone ALU 7943 MIPS
Whetstone iSSe2 3610 MFLOPS

CPU Multi Media:
Integer x4 aEMMX/aSSE 16993 it/s
Floating-point x4 ISSE 18434 it/s

Memory:
RAM Bamdwidth Int Buff 2805 MB/s
RAM Bandwidth Float Buff 2809 MB/s

Lets see how close we get...*G*
I had a couple of progs in the background running, shouldn't have to big of an impact, tho.

Looking forward to see yours

 

If I had my bone stock CN5560, I would be interested in posting up benchmarks as well.

Stan

 

I wound up going with the Balance CN7401 instead of the IC Power. All the hardware was recognized under linux without any major issues. The wifi on the IC machine was poor at best under windows and not functional in linux:
http://pdavila.homelinux.org/blog/?p=71

Regardless, thanks for the tips and advice.

 

Glad to find this forum. Good advice here. I just got my IC 5560 at Wally World and really like it, except that it's a little hard to find accessories for. Has anyone tried it with a PowerXtender auto adapter? It says it'll handle the 20 volts, but the plug is wrong. I can replace that no problem, just don't want to screw up the laptop.

PS, not to ruffle any feathers, but it only cost me $399!

 

Where'd you get it for 399 at? I bought one for my mother for Christmas, and i think i'd like to buy another one for myself. Thanks.

 

"Where'd you get it for 399 at? I bought one for my mother for Christmas, and i think i'd like to buy another one for myself. Thanks."

It took a little doing. Walmart had an after Thanksgiving sale and advertized one for 399. People were there waiting for hours. At 5 am when the sale was supposed to start we found out that not only were they at the other end of the store where they shouldn't have been, but they'd been secretly taking names since midnight. Only people on the list got one, and they were already in the secretly assigned check line. Some of us demanded to complain to the store director, who wouldn't talk to us. So we met with the district manager. Several phone calls later, I had a better laptop for 399.

They don't like being caught at deceptive sales practices, so watch the ads and be vocal. I've also seen this laptop on ebay for less than 450. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the reply. I bought my mom's off ebay and used one of those 15% off (up to 25 bucks) paypal coupons, so the laptop was a 450, which was a good deal IMO. I'm probably going to buy another at the same price, give her my 256 meg stick of ram, and upgrade the processor and ram.

 

Sounds like you did real well, and a whole lot easier than what I went through. Good luck to ya!

 

I bought 3 of these IC Power CN5560 laptops. I can't get the wireless to work on 1 of them. It has a REALLY hard time seeing my wireless network. Even when it's sitting right next to my wireless router. And when it finally sees the wireless network (rarely, and after much network repairs, turniong off wireless and turning it back on) then it won't connect to the wireless network.

Any tips? Anyone else had this problem?

 

Hi all,
Is anyone having trouble with their CD/DVD drive. Mine has dissapeared from the MY COMPUTER folder and it doesn't read CD's or DVD's. Please help. It also has a yellow flage in Device manager. I've tried deleting it and rebooting and updating the computer at windows update. When I restored my computer it was there then it disappeared again. Please help.


Ray

 

I have exactly the same problem. I have a friend that has an HP at work, and he sees about 10 different wireless networks around him. I see 2 if i'm lucky. It's always hit and miss, and I'm always repairing the connection. UGGGH!

I'm considering buying a different network card for the PCI slot. Maybe that will fix it.

 

I didn't know you could do that. Will it be an internal card like the one that came with the laptop?

Do you have any in mind? Keep us posted on this, so we can get the same card if it works out...

 

is anyone here selling their ic power laptop? i have the amd athlon 3200+ 64 mobile ready to go in it.

 

The Wifi-card is certainly not top notch. The Wifi card uses the mini-pci slot. In order to replace the card with a better one, you'll have to open up the Laptop and void the warranty.

I have my my CN5560 close to 6 months, upgraded and working without troubles.

 

Would adding more RAM void the warranty? .....Also it's getting kind of tough to keep those "Warranty Seals" from coming off....

 

Rowan,

With 90% of laptops the RAM is consider User Upgradable Hardware. So it shouldn't void your warranty.

 

Thanks...I figured that but wasn't sure....Guess I could call the people at IC Power.....:decision:

One other question....Say the "Warranty Seal" stickers get so old and worn that they come off, and there's no way of getting them back on.....Do you think that would void the warranty?

I'm not a computer newbie, but I've never had a laptop with these corny "Warranty Seals" either......

 

I tried to get in touch with ICpower and Walmart regarding the Warranty Seals. Walmart responded after the second email. They advised me to contact ICpower...what else *lol*
IC power got never back to me (3 emails). Since I upgraded my 5560 I removed the Seals.
It would be interesting to hear from people who had to send their Laptop to ICpower.
I think I start a new thread on that

 

The link to Talkster's thread about warranty issues is below....If anyone stories to share please do!!!

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=37875

 

So will any mini-PCI wifi card or does it have to be a specific one? Also, if I replace the wifi card, will the wireless switch still turn it off and on?

What did you upgrade on yours?

 

since were all talkin about upgrading this POS does anyone need an amd athlon 3200+ 64bit 2.0ghx for it?

 

http://icpowerhouse.com/

1-800-242-1922

WARNING TO ALL WAL-MART CUSTOMERS:

There is NO customer service with IC Power computers.

I have personally called IC Power 3 times.

The wait on the 800 number for tech support is 15-20 minutes. NO ONE WILL ANSWER. What happens is that a customer is placed on hold for 20 minutes, listening to elevator music, then a message comes on stating that due to high call volume, someone will call you back, please leave your name and number. The customer then leaves their name and number. 2 weeks later, after leaving two messages, and no one has called me back.

The only time I got a return call, one week later, was when I threatened to sue Wal-mart and IC Power. The caller left a message stating his extension was 152. I dialed the 800 number and then dialed ext. 152, which places a customer on hold for 20 minutes, then the same message comes on stating that due to high call volume, to leave a message.

The IC power webpage is no better, the email form is fake: http://icpowerhouse.com/FAQ/faq.files/email form.htm

If a customer attempts to fill out the form, then hit submit, the customer gets back this message:

Not Found
The requested URL /FAQ/faq.files/\\59.120.208.50\SendMailw.asp was not found on this server.

There is no way to contact customer support. There is no customer support.

Travis

 

I bought an IC Power CN5560 a few months ago. It took 13 days for Walmart, and whoever they have send their electronics, to send my laptop. Thus the 15 day Walmart guarantee is crap. Two weeks after that my keyboard DIES. Just dies. I can still plug in a usb keyboard and use it, and the mouse still works. So I called Tech Support. Surprisingly I got right through. (Yes, people DO answer)

I talked to a guy who said he'd never heard of that problem before and that I should try to do the wonderful Phoenix erase on my entire hard drive. Sadly I backed up what I could and did just that. Still no keyboard. Tech support, harder to get through to this time ... I did get a call back that night though, gave me an address to send the laptop to and got a trouble ticket going. The same fellow I talked to before told me it would be about two weeks to repair it and get it back to me. He emailed me the info I needed to print to put on the package and it was off. I gave it a week before calling to make sure it arrived. (I had gotten them to sign on delivery but wanted to make sure they had it "in the system".)

After waiting, leaving my number, waiting on the 800# again, hang up, call again, wait, hang up and call back the fifth time, I asked the woman how long it would take to get it looked at. She told me once they got to it, they'd test it and if they had to replace the keyboard it would only take a few minutes. "Great" I say, "so when will someone be able to look at it?" They don't look at them for 2 weeks! There is NO communication between the company and the customer. You can't get your money back, you can't get a call back, you can't get voucher to get another laptop of the same model. You get nothing.

Email is not responded to. You can't speak to a manager, they deny you. Threats to sue did not work. Threats to turn in to the BBB, also do not work. Finally I did turn them in to the BBB. Still nothing. After 6 weeks I call and after the hang up call again thing I get someone, to which I exclaim "OH MY GOD A PERSON!". The lady thought that was funny. I ask where it is. I say to send the thing back and I'll let a hack replace the keyboard. She tells me it has been repaired but not sent out. She tells me that once it is they'll call me immediately to let me know. I hang up. 2 minutes later FedEx pulls up with my laptop. Idiots.

Now I have my laptop. The battery doesn't last 2 hours but I didn't expect it would. I have a horrible time with my wlan. The wireless sucks more than I can explain. Somedays I'm reconnected 15 times...literally. Other days only 10. I have the 802.11g card. I sit beside the wireless part of the time and have no different connection than when I'm in another room with the doors closed. I still disconnect more times than what makes any sense. I have two others connected to the same router and they don't disconnect so it's just the laptop. I'd LOVE to get any solutions or tips from anyone who's willing to help!

If I buy another...I'm not getting IC or Balance.
I can beat a computer/laptop up pretty good. Not physically but I play games like the Sims and Sims 2. My hubby has HalfLife 2 on here as well as RollerCoaster 1-3, Railroad Tycoon 2 and The Movies. I have the AMD +2600, 399MHz, 224MB ram. I nneeeeeeed more ram. But all in all it's not too shabby. I'd just never go through it again willingly.

 

Hello Keisha

It's good to hear that your Laptop got repaired, finally.
I was wondering, if you send it in with those "warranty labels" intact?

Regarding your Wifi troubles, the reception of the card is not the best. You might want to change the Wifi channel on your router, try 2 channels up or down in case your are using the default setting. It might be that a neighbor is using the same or close to yours or a 2.4 Ghz cordless phone. It might help.

 

does anyone know why my wifi will just randomly cut out over and over again? its starting to get really annoying and it happens even if im right by the router. should i just buy a new mini-pci card and if so what one should i get?

 

I found this website when I was looking for some help with my IC Power 15.0" Laptop, 1.5 GHz Intel Celeron M Processor 340.
Got this at Christmas for 449. did my homework, (read some good things in here) and my son loved it, it is light, nice looking and quiet. The wireless was crap, as has been said in here.
60 days later, one of the hinges breaks! ( 3 days later the ohter one fell apart too) I call Walmart, get the same deal, 15 day policy, call ICPower.
Im on hold 30 minutes and flip into a voice system, I leave a message and repeat the next day and the next day, I email them and then I found this on the web...
http://www.badbusinessbureau.com/reports/ripoff173183.htmI
looks like that guy had the same experience as me!
I called my credit card to dispute the charge, ( they said I have a good case) and then I tried Walmart again, I asked for supervisor this time.
A very nice helpful lady name Michelle, offered to give me a store credit with 20% off and free shipping on a replacement laptop of my choice, and UPS will pick up this one.
So Im very happy to have that, but honestly, if ICpower would of just offered to repair it, we would of rather kept it!
They need to get their act together if they want to sell electronics!
The bad side is, I can pick up a laptop for the same price or less right now somewhere else, so now Im faced with buying another laptop and just taking the credit and using it over time from Walmart.
(I shop there and like it, so I will use it up eventually)

 

Has anybody upgraded the CD-Burner to a DVD-Burner yet?
I'm thinking about doing that, just wondering if I would be the first one...?
:budget:

 

Can anyone point me in the direction towards a place that would have a replacement AC Adapter that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?....Mine Broke....

 

RE: Power supply-

Lite-On models PA-1900-05, PA-1900-06, PA-1650-01 and PA-1650-02 will work. I see them all the time on ebay. Search with and without the hyphen for Lite-On, and then choose laptop accessories. Most are around $35-40 with shipping. Once in awhile there's one for less. But it beats the $110+ they want in retail stores.
Hope that helps

 

Hi everybody,

I just joined this forum.
I think I have solved the problem I had with the wireless G mini PCI board that comes with this laptop.
I had random connection and disconnection from my home network and I could not understand why.
I tried everything.... from changing treshold values to force my wireless router to give a specific IP address to my laptop.
Then I decided to open the laptop and take a look at this wireless G mini PCI board....
I found that the ferrite ring located on the antenna wire close to connector on the wireless adapter was touching the wireless adapter board in several points !!!!!!!!
I gently pull out the wireless board and oriented the antenna wire in order to avoid contacts between the wireless board and the ring.
Now my laptop wireless connection is good and constant !

The worst part ?
I just bought yesterday a PCMCIA wireless adapter from Ebay to substitute the internal MIni PCI !

Well, let me know if you succeed in repairing your laptops.

 

Thank You larbabe.......

 

One problem with power supplies... I bought the Lite-On 1900-05 on ebay as a backup. The manual says it works, but the plug doesn't fit the power jack on the laptop. The voltage and current are fine, so I found a plug that fits and soldered it on in place of the one that was on it. Works like a charm. Good luck, Rowan!

 

I still have this problem while using a new card that when I put it on my brothers old dell, works fine.

I am really starting to regret this decision, buying replacement parts is going to be hard as hell, thanks for the bad charger I.C.

I am thinking about doing that bbb aswell, I have called them now 7 times and left a message about my charger that is still under warrenty, yet no results.

This is definatly the last time I buy a no named laptop, I'd rather pay the extra $200 for a good product with actuall customer support.

I advise anyone tempted NOT to get these peices of ****, mine are litteraly falling apart, the screen is getting flickery (I changed the rate and everything) on the sides the round edge is actually chipping off. The chargers break off so easily and replacements cost nearly $100 in retail and its so hard to find a replacement for this becuase its a no namer. The mouse randomly cuts off and you have to restart (updated drivers and everything) the keys are breaking off now. Internal WiFi is so weak, and the card slot is bad too.

So by the time your buyign a replacement charger and buying a WiFi Card, you already putting up about $150 retail. Which for $50 more you can get a laptop that is goign to last.

 

Wow, now my right hinge broke off! Jesus christ.

I was talking to one of the wallmart people, im definatly calling and I want a return, period. I dont think im going to get any results out of ic power, so i'll have to deal with walmart.

If I can get credit, fine with me like another poster got. I'll use it for food shopping and other stuff for the house and buy another laptop elsewhere