Is this a good notebook? ECS A530

[Hoplon]

I've been reading these forums for a while now but this is my first post.

I'm looking to purchase my first notebook. I don't plan on using it for gaming, just some basic windows aplications or possibly linux.

This is the one i'm looking at.
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=DN-A530-N&c=dt <<cheapest price i found.
http://www.ecsusa.com/products/a530.html <<most info i've found, can download manual if your interested.

I'd upgrade the ram to 384mb.

They say it's a desknote but it has an internal battary. wouldn't that quality it as a notebook?

What kind of performance could i expect from this type of processor? I like the fact that it runs cool and silent. That would be a huge improvement over my desktop for leaving downloads going at night.

I like the idea of paying the same amound as used 500mhz computers go for on ebay and getting something with better performance and a warrenty.

Does anybody have any experience with this type of notebook or this brand?
Would this computer be a worth while investment?
Anybody seen any reviews?

 

[dnuggett]

The processor is significantly weaker than any of the recent AMD or Intel procs. I would not buy this when you can get a Dell Inspiron, Gateway M305, HP Pavilion ZE4400 or IBM Thinkpad G40 for 200-300 more. If you can't afford it right now save till you can, you'll wish you would have later.

BTW the Desknote name is a model not a form factor.

 

[Hoplon]

Is Their a review of the processor that i could read over? I couldn't find one. I just need it to run win2k and some basic applicatons. The most taxing program i have that i can think of is kazaa.

I don't know much about laptops or i wouldn't be asking questions but i don't understand what your basing your statement on. What would i be gaining other than processor speed by going to one of the more popular laptops?

 

[manko]

I guess it is an ECS brand, but I have heard the term "Desknote" used to refer to a PC that looks like a laptop, but runs on AC power without an internal battery (possibly with an external battery option). This one does seem to have an internal battery though.

By providing the option of relocating the battery to outside the DeskNote, there is no need to worry about EMI and heat dissipation concerns associated with conventionally designed notebook PCs. The external battery can also serve as a power supply during black-outs or in circumstances where a stable power supply is unavailable, thus alleviating users' concerns about data loss caused by an interrupted power supply or disruption to one's work. Relocation of the battery to outside the computer also enables the small size of the DeskNote to be maintained.

Desknote.net

I think the main advantage to the Desknote concept was cost (cheaper than a "real" notebook). I think they sold well in space-conscious Asian markets. These days notebooks are so cheap there's no reason to go with a Desknote.

If you follow the Hot Deals forum you'll be able to find a much higher spec machine for the same price range $600-$700 or lower sometimes.

This is the kind of value machine you should be looking at: Dell Inspiron 1100

 

[dnuggett]

Thanks Manko I stand corrected on the Desknote name. As far as what you would be gaining well:

Faster RAM.. this system still uses PC133
A better graphics card incase you change your mind about gaming or other applications
Better build quality
Better support.. and continued support. I'm not saying that ECS is going anywhere but I know Dell IBM and HP aren't. This may not be a factor now but it could be in the future. The warranty is only 90 days... this should tell you something.
Better resale value... resale value is already atrocious for hardware but IBM and Dell hold their value as well as can be expected because of their popularity.
PCMCIA ports. There are none on the ECS.

Hope this helps.. I should correct my first post a little. I'm not saying don't get it. What I am saying is their are far better choices for just a little more $. The advantages I saw for the ECS were the 4 USB ports (the IBM has that) lighter weight (The Gateway has that). The wireless 802.11b is an option on the ECS and is standard on the Gateway. You should also go with their 8 cell battery, the 4 cell has absymal performance. This is going to add to your cost, bringing it even closer to the superior machines.

Prices:
Gateway and Dell models $799
IBM $873
HP $899

 

[Hoplon]

In that case i'll probably save up for a gateway then. It's only $100 bucks more and it comes with a dvd drive and windows.

You've both been very helpful. Thank you!

 

[dnuggett]

Welcome..

 

[preslove]

Dude, that thing is 12 pounds!

 

[Hoplon]

Shipping weight is 12lbs. The laptop itself is only 5.7lbs.