At this level, the performance is very low. This limits the user to usual activities e.g surfing the web, writing emails. Using applications like Word or Excel is possible, though at a very low speed. Gaming and other high performance tasks are impossible. People looking for a secondary laptop or using non-complex applications only will be satisfied.

• 3DMark 06 1024 x 768

  619.6 #

• PCMark 05

  2022.5 #

• PCMark Vantage

  1487.5 #

• Cinebench xCPU 64Bit

  1345 #

The reviewers’ opinions tended predominantly towards moderate satisfaction concerning the laptop design. The notebook’s appearance was decently received and should prove to be at the taste of many users.

The build quality is above average providing for the necessary protection of the computer’s internal parts. The build quality should be acceptable for users moving the laptop around on a frequent basis, even after a couple of years. The external parts might however wear out after medium-term usage , resulting in cracks or squeaking sounds.

• Base Unit Flex

   : 

  3.7/5

  The laptop chassis is quite resistant, however few imperfections with gaps and cracking sounds might annoy the user. The surface will suffer from some scratches if the computer is not protected during transportation.

• Hinge Stability

   : 

  3.5/5

  The hinge, connecting the monitor and the laptop body, is tight and flexible, though it leaves room for improvement. The screen might move a little after opening the laptop or when moving around, which can be annoying but not disruptive.

• Display Panel

   : 

  2.0/5

  When opening or closing the screen lid, some minor color distortions will occur on the display. This also happens when applying pressure on the back of the display panel. There might be some gaps between the different parts of the frame.

Generally the reviewers evaluated this laptop to be below average. At this level, office work could be manageable. For more demanding tasks like multimedia use, high definition gaming and professional editing you will need a higher quality display. To get a more comprehensive review of this display, users should check the ratings of the different attributes of this screen.

• Display Resolution

  1366 x 768

  This resolution is also called HD-ready. Viewing more than one website on the monitor is almost impossible, as one window takes up almost the whole space. Graphic designers might not be completely satisfied with this resolution, as this latter might be too small. High resolution picture and video editing is plainly impossible. This resolution is a good option for gamers as many graphic cards will be powerful enough to support the native resolution of this display. Watching most movies will be possible without any black bars at the top and bottom of the display.

• Color Reproduction

   : 

  3.0/5

  The color spectrum covered by the display is acceptable. Both color saturation and natural appearance of the pictures are good enough for viewing HD movies and gaming. Professional designers however will find that only a higher level of color reproduction will satisfy their needs.

• Contrast

   : 

  2.3/5

  The contrast between the darkest color -black- and the brightest color -white- is below average in this computer. This results in having the darkest areas being washed out resembling a dark shade of gray, while the brightest areas appear to be of a light grayish color. Movies can be enjoyed provided that the room is completely darkened. Most office workers will find the readability to be sufficient, while some might be annoyed by the close shades of gray characterizing both the dark text and the bright background. The needs of professional designers will surely not be met with this notebook.

• Contrast Value

  162 :1

• Brightness

   : 

  2.8/5

  The maximum brightness of this computer can be described as sufficient in most indoor settings. Under medium lighting conditions, this computer will provide for reading, watching movies and gaming with no annoyances. Bright ambient light will however not be favorable for any of the activities mentioned above. A positive point with this mediocre range of brightness is that it allows for energy saving. The battery lasts for longer hours compared to when used with a brighter screen.

• Average Brightness

  191 cd/m²

• Reflections

   : 

  2.0/5

  In situations of medium indoor ambient light, the display can sufficiently fulfill its function. This laptop is thus acceptable for office work, and can serve as well as a family/home computer. Outdoor use is however not recommended, as it will be close to impossible to decipher the displayed information.

• Viewing Angle

   : 

  2.3/5

  Looking at the screen from the side causes color distortions. Two people watching a movie have to sit close together for both of them to get a good picture. Even when you move in your chair color deviations will be noticeable. On the plus side, this display provides for some privacy in public spaces.

The sound quality of this laptop is average compared to other notebooks. Although these internal speakers are adequate for easy listening, you should not count on them for a fun movie night with friends. Gaming could still be fairly enjoyed, but the user should always account for external speakers or headphones for a better sound experience.

• Maximum Volume

   : 

  4.0/5

  The maximum volume of this laptop is pretty loud, allowing you to pretty much hear every sound played from the other end of the room. Watching movies with a group of people will work, but for an optimal experience, it is recommended to use external speakers, or headphones.

• Sound Clarity

   : 

  4.0/5

  The sound is quite clear. Background noises should be no issue. This computer provides for an enjoyable sound experience when watching movies and playing games.

• Lows

   : 

  2.7/5

  Although this computer barely provides for an identifiable bass, low tones can still be recognized which, for some users might be sufficient. It is worth noting however that the sound experience will not be enjoyable at all when requiring deep/heavy bass for watching action movies, or playing violent war games.

This keyboard will be valued by most users as convenient for frequent use. Be it for writing long emails, or surfing the net, most users will be satisfied with the comfort and the speed this keyboard provides for. If your professional life requires long typing hours, along with the highest levels of comfort, then you might want to consider a keyboard with higher rates.

• Layout

   : 

  3.7/5

  The layout of this keyboard might not feel comfortable for everyone. Inconveniences such as unintuitive positioning of different keys and different key sizes compared to the standard layout will be encountered. This most likely will lead to typing errors until the user readjusts to the keyboard.

• Keyboard Size

   : 

  4.0/5

  The size of this keyboard allows for a good typing experience, as the keys are large enough to reduce typos. The palm rest is as well a quality of this keyboard, deep enough for easy and comfortable usage. The gaps between the keys make the keyboard quite proportionate, and to the linking of most users.

• Key Responsiveness

   : 

  4.0/5

  This keyboard’s responsiveness provides for quite a satisfying typing experience. Not much pressure is needed for key feedback and key action feels smooth enough to allow the users to enjoy typing for extended periods of time. This keyboard is as well characterized by good key feedback, which allows for an above average typing speed. Most users should be pleased with this keyboard.

• Keyboard Flex

   : 

  3.5/5

  Although the plastic below the keyboard does flex at noticeable levels, it is still not bothersome enough to interrupt your typing. it is true that your typing speed might decrease and your comfort will not be ideal, but the flex of this keyboard is still not too annoying for most users.

• Keys Clicking Sound

   : 

  2.5/5

  The keyboard will produce a sort of click-clack when typing which, although not exceedingly disturbing, might still make people around you uncomfortable. In quiet environment specifically, the contrast between the clicking noise and the silent surroundings might be quite annoying.

Reviewers considered the trackpad of this laptop as falling a little bit below general standards. Problems with either the accuracy of the touchpad, its size, its slipperiness or its roughness might be at the origin of this rating. The touchpad button does not seem to rank high neither, and problems with either precision or smoothness will make extensive use a modest experience. Some users might already be thinking of having an external mouse within reach, thus making up for the shortcomings of this trackpad.

• Touchpad Surface

   : 

  3.0/5

  The reviewers deemed the feeling of the touchpad to be acceptable. It was neither too rough, which would make your fingers hurt after extensive use, neither too smooth, which would cause your finger to slip. It is not a perfect tactical experience, but nevertheless good enough for most people.

• Sensitivity

   : 

  3.0/5

  Your expectations of an accurate touchpad should be generally satisfied. The levels of precision and speed provided by this touchpad are quite decent, and for most users, this touchpad will be just enough for daily use. Although the accuracy can be fine tuned in the Windows or Mac settings, the basic accuracy hardware wise is enough.

• Touchpad Size

   : 

  3.3/5

  The size of this touchpad is above average. You can browse through large displayed pages, although it might require frequent finger movement. Putting the sensitivity settings up on your computer should make your mouse move faster, and thus cover “more ground”, without much sacrifice of the accuracy of your pointer.

• Buttons

   : 

  1.8/5

  The buttons of this touchpad seem to be burdened by some problems. At this level you should expect some problems such as the buttons failing to provide for accurate feedback making unclear when and where the button has been pushed. On the other hand, the buttons are too stiff making the general usage quite tiresome. As for the clicking sound of the button, it will take quite some time for most users to adapt their auditory sensitivities to finally be immune against this much annoying sound.

The picture quality is decent under good light conditions.

The battery life at this level should be decent for most users. You can rely on this battery to spend up to five hours typing in the park, or taking notes during a relatively long lecture. To get more battery life, make sure the energy saving mode is on, close all programs running in the background and set your display brightness as low as possible. If with all those settings you still find the laptop running out of power frequently, you might consider acquiring an additional battery.

• Battery DVD/Video

  2:57 h

  This battery will only provide for 2 to 3 hours of work with energy demanding applications. You will probably be able to watch one movie or stream a couple of videos. Gaming will consume much more energy compared to watching videos, thus the battery will not last as long. For mobile use, an external battery is a good idea as it will double the time you are independent from power sockets.

This laptop is comfortable to carry around during a busy day, with all your information within reach. Though there are lighter notebooks available and the extra weight in your bag will be noticeable, it will yet not be exhausting, even when you pack the charger. The weight of this laptop will not be a problem for most users, even those not used to carry around heavy weights.

Most users will find the laptop to be on the quiet side. There is some noise emitted from the fan, the CD drive and other laptop parts, yet most will not experience any inconveniences due to it. Noise sensitive people might opt for an even quieter computer.

• Noise Idle

   : 

  3.8/5

  You could hear some silent noise from the fans when the laptop is idle.

• Noise Normal Use

   : 

  3.7/5

  Noise emitted from this laptop will not cause any major inconveniences when doing office work or browsing the Internet. Although it might be be noticeable in a quite room, it should not be obstructing your concentration.

• Noise Full Load

   : 

  2.7/5

  The notebook can get quite loud when watching movies, editing videos, playing games or any other kind of performance demanding application. If you are in a quiet environment, you might want to avoid running such high performance applications to avoid annoying the people around you.

The laptops stays always cool. All reviewers found, the heat from the notebook will not be a problem for your fingers or legs. You can watch movies, even play games on a hot summer day without the laptop emitting any heat.

• Heat Top: Full Use

   : 

  5.0/5

  The laptop keeps quite cool at normal use. That’s very convenient.

• Heat Top: Normal Use

   : 

  5.0/5

  The temperature on top of the notebook is excellent. It never gets too warm.

• Heat Bottom: Normal Use

   : 

  3.7/5

  The bottom of the notebook warms up a little but is not getting too hot to place it on your lap.

• Heat Bottom: Full Load

   : 

  4.5/5

  There is no spot on the laptop that is overheated at anytime.