I received my Sentia on August 16, and I waited just over one month to get it. I waited to write a review so I could give a little better feedback on my experience with the Sentia. I have not had any problems with my Sentia. In fact, I received my Sentia 2 days before FedEx had originally estimated. So that was definitely a bonus. I had no problems with the ordering process and as everyone has said before, the packaging is excellent.
As for the laptop itself, it is the best looking laptop I have ever seen. (Let me state that I have used and worked with Dell, Compaq/HP, Sony, and Gateway laptops) For me it is smaller than I thought which is great. I wanted a laptop that is portable and not bulky and heavy, like all the other laptops I have used. The laptop is light and a fits perfect in a small bag or briefcase. It has very smooth outside edges and is very sturdy. The set up was extremely easy and I didn’t have any problems with that. The keyboard is very nice and functions very well (I did have to get used to some of the buttons in different places, but no big deal) and does not get hot. I have to preface this with the fact that I am currently at graduate school. I use the computer everyday, and I leave it on for nearly 6-8 hours straight without turning it off. (If I do turn it off it is only for 10 minutes while I walk to class.) Others have been saying the computer gets hot, I think this depends on your definition of hot. After 4-5 hours it gets warm, but when I type I barely notice it. It is definitely not burning, but warm. Other laptops I have used I can’t even put on my legs because it seriously would burn. If someone is saying it gets hot, then I would ask for some explanation because as I type right now (the computer has been on for about 4 hours now) it is warm and completely comfortable. The bottom of the laptop is a little warmer, but I would not consider it as hot compared to other laptops I have used. The Sentia works great and the ventilation and fans are effective at keeping it cool. As for the noise, it is extremely quiet when the fan is not going, and when it is going its still pretty quiet and it only runs for a few seconds at a time. I notice the fans from the laptops around me, more than I do coming from the Sentia.
The battery life is amazing. I am getting basically 4 hours before I have to plug the thing in. I am always typing and using the Internet. The laptop feels very solid and durable. I do see the latch and release as a little flimsy, but definitely not going to break unless you are very hard on it. The display is incredible and probably the best part about the laptop. It is crystal clear and bright. I can view from any angle and not have a problem. I was very excited when first seeing the screen. It is truly beautiful.
Some people have mentioned issues about the CD Drive. My CD Drive is completely flush with the rest of the notebook and I have not accidentally pushed the button. I don’t think it is badly placed or easily pushed. The button is flush with the rest of the drive, so you really would have to hit it to make the drive come open.
The USB port for thumbdrives is pretty neat and a good idea. I do think the power button flashing all the time is sort of dumb, but not a problem. I do like having the Alien eyes glow, which is definitely cool and makes you feel that you have the best laptop on the planet. The only think I had an issue with was the TouchPad. I love the color of it and how it blends in with the rest of the laptop, but it is very sensitive. I have had the cursor move on me many times when typing. But I have learned to keep my hands up higher and away from the touchpad. I thought the touchpad was rough at first, but now after using it for 11 days, it is smooth as ever. My finger glides across it. Maybe I will take the advice of some people and fix the sensitivity of the touchpad, so I don’t have an issue with hitting it.
The wireless works great and I use it everyday. I will have to get some pictures later, my camera is at home, and I’m sitting here in the library not wanting to work.
As for overall satisfaction, I have to say 10. I was very nervous about going with the Alienware at first, but now that I have it I would not prefer anything else to it. It fits all of the needs and does what I need it to do. It is a great machine and performs very well. I have played some games on it and not had problems, just Unreal 03 and WarCraft3.
Oh, the 4 stereo speakers are loud, and can be heard from the other room in my house.
Everyone has a laptop at school here and I haven’t seen anything better than the Sentia. It is great for school and work. I recommend paying the extra money and purchasing the Sentia. I have not been let down.
Specs: Sentia 12.1, 1.7, 1 GB RAM (2x512)mb, 40 gb hd , 3 year waranty, xp pro (not sp2 as thought, which I am very glad for. I do not want to install service pack 2 yet, I don't trust it)
As for the laptop itself, it is the best looking laptop I have ever seen. (Let me state that I have used and worked with Dell, Compaq/HP, Sony, and Gateway laptops) For me it is smaller than I thought which is great. I wanted a laptop that is portable and not bulky and heavy, like all the other laptops I have used. The laptop is light and a fits perfect in a small bag or briefcase. It has very smooth outside edges and is very sturdy. The set up was extremely easy and I didn’t have any problems with that. The keyboard is very nice and functions very well (I did have to get used to some of the buttons in different places, but no big deal) and does not get hot. I have to preface this with the fact that I am currently at graduate school. I use the computer everyday, and I leave it on for nearly 6-8 hours straight without turning it off. (If I do turn it off it is only for 10 minutes while I walk to class.) Others have been saying the computer gets hot, I think this depends on your definition of hot. After 4-5 hours it gets warm, but when I type I barely notice it. It is definitely not burning, but warm. Other laptops I have used I can’t even put on my legs because it seriously would burn. If someone is saying it gets hot, then I would ask for some explanation because as I type right now (the computer has been on for about 4 hours now) it is warm and completely comfortable. The bottom of the laptop is a little warmer, but I would not consider it as hot compared to other laptops I have used. The Sentia works great and the ventilation and fans are effective at keeping it cool. As for the noise, it is extremely quiet when the fan is not going, and when it is going its still pretty quiet and it only runs for a few seconds at a time. I notice the fans from the laptops around me, more than I do coming from the Sentia.
The battery life is amazing. I am getting basically 4 hours before I have to plug the thing in. I am always typing and using the Internet. The laptop feels very solid and durable. I do see the latch and release as a little flimsy, but definitely not going to break unless you are very hard on it. The display is incredible and probably the best part about the laptop. It is crystal clear and bright. I can view from any angle and not have a problem. I was very excited when first seeing the screen. It is truly beautiful.
Some people have mentioned issues about the CD Drive. My CD Drive is completely flush with the rest of the notebook and I have not accidentally pushed the button. I don’t think it is badly placed or easily pushed. The button is flush with the rest of the drive, so you really would have to hit it to make the drive come open.
The USB port for thumbdrives is pretty neat and a good idea. I do think the power button flashing all the time is sort of dumb, but not a problem. I do like having the Alien eyes glow, which is definitely cool and makes you feel that you have the best laptop on the planet. The only think I had an issue with was the TouchPad. I love the color of it and how it blends in with the rest of the laptop, but it is very sensitive. I have had the cursor move on me many times when typing. But I have learned to keep my hands up higher and away from the touchpad. I thought the touchpad was rough at first, but now after using it for 11 days, it is smooth as ever. My finger glides across it. Maybe I will take the advice of some people and fix the sensitivity of the touchpad, so I don’t have an issue with hitting it.
The wireless works great and I use it everyday. I will have to get some pictures later, my camera is at home, and I’m sitting here in the library not wanting to work.
As for overall satisfaction, I have to say 10. I was very nervous about going with the Alienware at first, but now that I have it I would not prefer anything else to it. It fits all of the needs and does what I need it to do. It is a great machine and performs very well. I have played some games on it and not had problems, just Unreal 03 and WarCraft3.
Oh, the 4 stereo speakers are loud, and can be heard from the other room in my house.
Everyone has a laptop at school here and I haven’t seen anything better than the Sentia. It is great for school and work. I recommend paying the extra money and purchasing the Sentia. I have not been let down.
Specs: Sentia 12.1, 1.7, 1 GB RAM (2x512)mb, 40 gb hd , 3 year waranty, xp pro (not sp2 as thought, which I am very glad for. I do not want to install service pack 2 yet, I don't trust it)
