This actually isn't my computer... this is my sisters therefore I will not have unlimited access to it after about 5 PM today (that’s when she's getting it). Therefore, I will not be able to answer any questions as fast as I would be able to if they were about my 71V. Now with that out of the way... time for the preliminary review:
This has been the 2nd computer within a couple months I've ordered from ISTNC and I must say... nothing but the best from them. I opened up the extraordinarily packed box to find a sleek, light, and badass notebook inside. My first impression was "MAN this is a nice weight!". It probably because its a slightly smaller notebook then I'm used too, but it needed to by noted anyway. Seems PERFECT for a college student who needs to carry it around everywhere and take notes.
The screen is awesome. I think 1280x768 is the perfect res for this screen. Just perfect for its uses (my sister is in college and she is a light SIM2 gamers. I still have yet to see how it (Sims 2) runs, but i'll get back to you guys on it). The screen is sharp with absolutely NO sparkles (just incase anyone was curious). The colors freakin' jump right out at me and I'm falling in love with the screen, but don't tell JESUS (my 71V lol).
The optical drive spins just as much... but it seems to be a snugger fit then in my 71v. This means there is less rattle and is quieter; helpful for classroom use. I haven’t tried burning anything yet, but I'll get to it. Its the Dual Layer version, so I'm sure it will be just like any other optical drive.
The keyboard is nice as well. Nice and quiet while typing (did i mention this is great for kids going to college?). This unit has NO keyboard flex (unlike the 71V, which has some in the top right).The Fn key is still in the bottom left where the Ctrl should be IMO, but she's not a gamer and probably wont even notice.
I'm VERY impressed with the touchpad. It has a smoother feel then the 71V's and is much more eye appealing. The buttons and boarder of the touchpad is one piece of metal (sexy) and is WORLDS quieter then the 71V (perfect for classroom use).
So far... there is only one thing I do not like about this notebook. Some may think its a huge plus, but for not, I'm not a fan. There aren’t any latches on the lid (screen) to hold it. There isn't a chance its going to open (because there is pressure with the hinges to hold it down), but I like the latch. I don't dislike it because it holds itself closed... I don't like it because once you get it about 2 inches away from closing, it closes itself. Call me anal... i just don't like it (or haven’t gotten a chance to get used to it
)
Now... what you've all been waiting for.... PICTURES!
I counldn't get any close ups because my dads camera sucks I'll get some better closeups when i use my GF's 
:UPDATE: 6-12-05
Before I give the results for the 3DMark03 test, I thought it would be wise to post up the specs.
1.73 Pentium M (533)
512 mb ram (533)
Seagate 60GB 5400 rpm HD
Dual Layer Burner
Now I might of been mistaken when I was watching her play the Sims 2, but I thought it ran smooth. But with a score of 873 on Mark03, made me scratch my head. Maybe it didn't run as smooth as I thought (or i could of been watching a movie clip or something). I'll ask her to run it while I'm there and maybe run fraps or something so it can tell my the FPS.
There were also some comments on the white not being to some peoples liking. Keep in mind that it is not a solid white, but a "pearly" sparkly white. The sparkles colors appear to be of blue and green tint (but that could also be my eyes playing tricks on me.) The battery isn't glossy IMO, but that also depends on your definition of glossy. Does it reflect light better then a piece of notebook paper? Yes. Can I see my reflection in it? No.
Also, the optical drive came with an empty adapter to slide in when on the road (to loose some weight). All the adapter consists of is just an empty piece of plastic that you can put in place of the optical drive. The front is shaped like the optical drive for maximum optical aesthetical pleaser.
I don't have a scale (other then the one in the bathroom, but that’s only accurate to the pound (and prob not that great I might add)). I'll have to wait until a later date to do that testing (no pun intended).
Now about the right palm rest getting warm issue... yes, it does get annoying. In the time it has taken me to write this update, I've noticed some slight discomfort (due to mild "sweating" of the right palm). I'm not sure if its because im used to my 71V (with no palm rest heat problems) or I'm just more aware of it because I'm writing a review... but it should be known that it does add a slight annoying factor. I'll as my sister if it bothers her to get a second opinion.
I believe I've answered the questions that have been posed... and please do not hesitate to ask more. I did not have access to a camera or I would have posted some pictures of the "pearly" white battery and the empty optical drive. However, i'll post those as soon as i get them.
This has been the 2nd computer within a couple months I've ordered from ISTNC and I must say... nothing but the best from them. I opened up the extraordinarily packed box to find a sleek, light, and badass notebook inside. My first impression was "MAN this is a nice weight!". It probably because its a slightly smaller notebook then I'm used too, but it needed to by noted anyway. Seems PERFECT for a college student who needs to carry it around everywhere and take notes.
The screen is awesome. I think 1280x768 is the perfect res for this screen. Just perfect for its uses (my sister is in college and she is a light SIM2 gamers. I still have yet to see how it (Sims 2) runs, but i'll get back to you guys on it). The screen is sharp with absolutely NO sparkles (just incase anyone was curious). The colors freakin' jump right out at me and I'm falling in love with the screen, but don't tell JESUS (my 71V lol).
The optical drive spins just as much... but it seems to be a snugger fit then in my 71v. This means there is less rattle and is quieter; helpful for classroom use. I haven’t tried burning anything yet, but I'll get to it. Its the Dual Layer version, so I'm sure it will be just like any other optical drive.
The keyboard is nice as well. Nice and quiet while typing (did i mention this is great for kids going to college?). This unit has NO keyboard flex (unlike the 71V, which has some in the top right).The Fn key is still in the bottom left where the Ctrl should be IMO, but she's not a gamer and probably wont even notice.
I'm VERY impressed with the touchpad. It has a smoother feel then the 71V's and is much more eye appealing. The buttons and boarder of the touchpad is one piece of metal (sexy) and is WORLDS quieter then the 71V (perfect for classroom use).
So far... there is only one thing I do not like about this notebook. Some may think its a huge plus, but for not, I'm not a fan. There aren’t any latches on the lid (screen) to hold it. There isn't a chance its going to open (because there is pressure with the hinges to hold it down), but I like the latch. I don't dislike it because it holds itself closed... I don't like it because once you get it about 2 inches away from closing, it closes itself. Call me anal... i just don't like it (or haven’t gotten a chance to get used to it
)Now... what you've all been waiting for.... PICTURES!
I counldn't get any close ups because my dads camera sucks
I'll get some better closeups when i use my GF's :UPDATE: 6-12-05
Before I give the results for the 3DMark03 test, I thought it would be wise to post up the specs.
1.73 Pentium M (533)
512 mb ram (533)
Seagate 60GB 5400 rpm HD
Dual Layer Burner
Now I might of been mistaken when I was watching her play the Sims 2, but I thought it ran smooth. But with a score of 873 on Mark03, made me scratch my head. Maybe it didn't run as smooth as I thought (or i could of been watching a movie clip or something). I'll ask her to run it while I'm there and maybe run fraps or something so it can tell my the FPS.
There were also some comments on the white not being to some peoples liking. Keep in mind that it is not a solid white, but a "pearly" sparkly white. The sparkles colors appear to be of blue and green tint (but that could also be my eyes playing tricks on me.) The battery isn't glossy IMO, but that also depends on your definition of glossy. Does it reflect light better then a piece of notebook paper? Yes. Can I see my reflection in it? No.
Also, the optical drive came with an empty adapter to slide in when on the road (to loose some weight). All the adapter consists of is just an empty piece of plastic that you can put in place of the optical drive. The front is shaped like the optical drive for maximum optical aesthetical pleaser.
I don't have a scale (other then the one in the bathroom, but that’s only accurate to the pound (and prob not that great I might add)). I'll have to wait until a later date to do that testing (no pun intended).
Now about the right palm rest getting warm issue... yes, it does get annoying. In the time it has taken me to write this update, I've noticed some slight discomfort (due to mild "sweating" of the right palm). I'm not sure if its because im used to my 71V (with no palm rest heat problems) or I'm just more aware of it because I'm writing a review... but it should be known that it does add a slight annoying factor. I'll as my sister if it bothers her to get a second opinion.
I believe I've answered the questions that have been posed... and please do not hesitate to ask more. I did not have access to a camera or I would have posted some pictures of the "pearly" white battery and the empty optical drive. However, i'll post those as soon as i get them.
