Revolutionary laptop computers...

[JohnDoe]

I have one of these ECS desknote computers. It essentially is a notebook computer lacking an internal battery. The drawing point to these computers, is that their cheap, portable and perform better than a 'real' laptop with the same chip. This is because they use desktop components i.e (CPU, ram) instead of mobile CPU, and RAM found in typical laptops(which are slower).

Since I only bought the computer 7 months ago, I was pissed off to find out this morning that the newer models just released now come with an internal battery, while maintaining the same price.

These are the best value laptops I've ever found. You can save around $700 bucks buying these instead of the typical laptops (i.e Dell, HP etc). The reason they are cheaper is because they use desktop parts (i.e CPU, RAM) which are much cheaper to manufacture than the mobile parts found in "real" laptops. The only drawback is that the ECS desknotes dissipate a lot of heat (because of the Desktop components inside).

Here's the manufacturer's website with the specs:

http://www.ecsusa.com/products/green732.html

I'm not going to plug any stores, but there are a few stores that sell them in the Toronto area.

PM me if you want to know where you can get them. Feel free to ask me anything if you are considering purchasing a laptop.

 

[papasmerf]

Cool stuff

Are the components changable???????
Can drives be upgraded?

 

[JohnDoe]

You can change the CPU (since it's just a desktop CPU). Same with the RAM. You can change the hardisk, but it is a notebook harddisk (notebook hardisks are slower than desktop hard disks by the way).

FYI:

The fastest notebook Hard disk runs a 5400 rpm. A standard desktop hard disk runs at 7200rpm while a typical notebook disk runs at 4200rpm. Notebook disks are more expensive even though the are slower (again a heat dissapation thing).

 

[papasmerf]

I am begining to set my sights on my next PC
So far the AMD is leading
and it seems a desktop as I want dual hard drives.

 

[JohnDoe]

AMD is leading, but I've heard that they can only squeeze out so much MHZ out of their CPU core. I prefer AMD myself in desktops. For laptops I prefer Intel since they generate far less heat.

Dual hard drives make a lot of sense. Dual / Duo of anything is always good.

 

[MoJo69ner]

JohnDoe,

I was looking into those laptops a while back on the net, but the lack of an internal battery really put me off. Now that then newer models have this feature, I may consider looking into it again.

Size wise, is it heavy and bulkier than other laptops? Is the graphics any good? Nowadays, laptops have ATI Radeon or the Geforce video components in them, so how does the graphics compare? Is it any good with DVDs?

 

[MoJo69ner]

Ooops...

Just looked at your link. It does have an ATI Radeon video...cool!

 

[JohnDoe]

I haven't seen them yet, but the ECS desknote I have is about the same weight as my sister's Dell and my screen is an inch bigger.

ECS gave the model a major face lift. The one I have is the first of it's kind and I was willing to take a risk. So far I've had no problems with it. The lack of a battery is a pain, but I don't use my laptop on a bus or plane anyway.

I haven't had any problems with the DVD/CDRW.

I'm still kicking myself now for not waiting for this newer model.

 

[The Fruity Hare]

JohnDoe.
I feel the same way every time I see the prices drop and extras added on, compared to what I paid. However, you have to jump in sooner or later and there will always be reason to second guess yourself later with all the new upgrades. My computer has made me money, so I think to myself, I could have waited, but in the meantime it has paid for itself.