Friday, June 13, 2008
at
Friday, June 13, 2008
|
81
comments
To those who are planning to purchase laptops, be forewarned. First, I am no Steve Wozniak. Second, I am a Journalism graduate, not computer science. I am basing this review on the assumption that every product sold and every service rendered deserves feedback. It's my first time to own a laptop, so I figured I might as well say something about it in the spirit of sharing knowledge and experience.
For a couple of weeks, Kuchi and I had been window-shopping for a nifty and respectable laptop. Being a (lousy) writer and a graphic artist, we both knew the importance and the necessity of having a full-featured computer that could be easily used anywhere. Actually, practically every electronic equipment that can be miniaturized and optimized for mobile use and efficient power consumption is very effective at present (there are some disadvantages, but they are considered minor). We just wanted to own an inexpensive laptop on which I can write and store my articles/stories, and on which Kuchi can edit, design and save her graphic art works. We had literally craned our neck and peeped through window panes for a couple of weeks until we singled out a sleek, scratch-free laptop named Neo Basic B2165N. In other words, we bought it.
The Neo Basic B2165N laptop comes with many features. It uses an Intel Pentium Dual-Core technology with 1.73 Ghz processor speed, 1 GB DDR2 memory, 1 MB L2 cache and 667 Mhz FSB. When we first used the laptop, we were impressed. It's fast enough to handle six windows with different programs at a time (using both Windows XP and Linux Ubuntu Version). I wonder how faster it can run if it were using a Core Duo technology. We haven't installed Photoshop and other related graphics software yet, but I "guestimate" the laptop can handle it as well without trouble (although a little slower, I presume). You might even have second thought about purchasing a more expensive but similar Pentium Dual-Core laptop once you get to try the fast processing ability of Neo Basic.
Neo Basic Laptop: Scratch-free
Pretty
I've tried watching DVD on the Neo and I can say it's fairly neat. It's almost as clear as watching DVD on a real Philips or Sony player. I don't know if it has something to do with pixel or anything but I could almost see the transparent rope used by the cast in a Chinese martial art flick I watched using the laptop. Neo Basic's graphics is VIA VN896CE + VT8237A with WXGA LCD (any idea what it means? LOL). Neo Basic also comes with a 120 GB SATA hard disk drive! That's pretty big in today's standard (remember, it's 2008. I don't know how big a 120 GB after 10 years from now). So big you could almost store considerable amount of MP3s and AVIs files and still have a lot of free space. Not bad for a relatively unknown laptop. Before, only Dell XPS and Toshiba Satellite users can brag about their hard disks' capacity.
With a Dual-Core Processor
Almost as pretty as Lenovo Thinkpad
Internet is no problem, either, as the laptop also comes with WiFi. It has 7-in-1 card reader, although I still don't know how it works. There's also a webcam, a nice feature for closet camwhores and exhibitionists (LOL). It has bluetooth, too. It runs on a 6-cell Lithium-ion battery. And the weight? It's 2.4 kg. Not that light, but not heavy, either (I have friends who have 3 kg. laptops).
With card reader, bluetooth, WiFi, etc.
By no means I am saying that Neo Basic laptop is the best laptop around. Hardly. There are still a lot of laptops out there which are WAY better than this one. In fact, compared to other branded laptops like Thinkpad, XPS, HP Pavilion and Satellite, there's actually nothing "special" about Neo Basic. Except, perhaps, its sleek look, its being scratch-free and the cost. Any other features can also be found in other laptops, particularly the branded ones. In addition to those, there are some things in Neo Basic that can get on the nerves of anybody. For example, its CPU runs hotter in no time than in most laptops, something we tend to hate since we all know overheating easily damages one's computer or any electronic stuff for that matter (good for you if you are in an air-conditioned room). So it's wise to buy a fan to help it cool down. The bad news, however, like some laptops, it can't avoid airborned dust and debris, so as many users have attested, the laptop might eventually run hotter and louder as the years pass. Let's say after 5 years or so, you may have to disassemble it for thorough cleaning — or burn your pocket big time. That is, assuming your laptop at the time is still running.
Another problem is that Neo's customer service is allegedly not that good, with reports saying they take a lot of time to have your laptop fixed (I wish it's not true for other customers). Even if your laptop comes with a one-year warranty (like mine), if the service is bad, it's almost useless. If these are true, then the only consolation one can get is that Neo laptops are relatively cheaper and is fit for people with meager budget. Unfortunately, consolation can also become synonymous to low quality. I just wish some of the controversial problems circulating over the net were just isolated cases.
Anyway, since I've just been into a month of using our Neo Basic laptop, it's premature to say it's really good... or really bad. There are still issues to be raised, like durability. For now, I'll stick with it and give it the benefit of the doubt. In any case, I've had good time using it and so far, not a single problem has surfaced. I hope this goes on until my one-year warranty is up.
For a couple of weeks, Kuchi and I had been window-shopping for a nifty and respectable laptop. Being a (lousy) writer and a graphic artist, we both knew the importance and the necessity of having a full-featured computer that could be easily used anywhere. Actually, practically every electronic equipment that can be miniaturized and optimized for mobile use and efficient power consumption is very effective at present (there are some disadvantages, but they are considered minor). We just wanted to own an inexpensive laptop on which I can write and store my articles/stories, and on which Kuchi can edit, design and save her graphic art works. We had literally craned our neck and peeped through window panes for a couple of weeks until we singled out a sleek, scratch-free laptop named Neo Basic B2165N. In other words, we bought it.
The Neo Basic B2165N laptop comes with many features. It uses an Intel Pentium Dual-Core technology with 1.73 Ghz processor speed, 1 GB DDR2 memory, 1 MB L2 cache and 667 Mhz FSB. When we first used the laptop, we were impressed. It's fast enough to handle six windows with different programs at a time (using both Windows XP and Linux Ubuntu Version). I wonder how faster it can run if it were using a Core Duo technology. We haven't installed Photoshop and other related graphics software yet, but I "guestimate" the laptop can handle it as well without trouble (although a little slower, I presume). You might even have second thought about purchasing a more expensive but similar Pentium Dual-Core laptop once you get to try the fast processing ability of Neo Basic.
Neo Basic Laptop: Scratch-free
PrettyI've tried watching DVD on the Neo and I can say it's fairly neat. It's almost as clear as watching DVD on a real Philips or Sony player. I don't know if it has something to do with pixel or anything but I could almost see the transparent rope used by the cast in a Chinese martial art flick I watched using the laptop. Neo Basic's graphics is VIA VN896CE + VT8237A with WXGA LCD (any idea what it means? LOL). Neo Basic also comes with a 120 GB SATA hard disk drive! That's pretty big in today's standard (remember, it's 2008. I don't know how big a 120 GB after 10 years from now). So big you could almost store considerable amount of MP3s and AVIs files and still have a lot of free space. Not bad for a relatively unknown laptop. Before, only Dell XPS and Toshiba Satellite users can brag about their hard disks' capacity.
With a Dual-Core Processor
Almost as pretty as Lenovo ThinkpadInternet is no problem, either, as the laptop also comes with WiFi. It has 7-in-1 card reader, although I still don't know how it works. There's also a webcam, a nice feature for closet camwhores and exhibitionists (LOL). It has bluetooth, too. It runs on a 6-cell Lithium-ion battery. And the weight? It's 2.4 kg. Not that light, but not heavy, either (I have friends who have 3 kg. laptops).
With card reader, bluetooth, WiFi, etc.By no means I am saying that Neo Basic laptop is the best laptop around. Hardly. There are still a lot of laptops out there which are WAY better than this one. In fact, compared to other branded laptops like Thinkpad, XPS, HP Pavilion and Satellite, there's actually nothing "special" about Neo Basic. Except, perhaps, its sleek look, its being scratch-free and the cost. Any other features can also be found in other laptops, particularly the branded ones. In addition to those, there are some things in Neo Basic that can get on the nerves of anybody. For example, its CPU runs hotter in no time than in most laptops, something we tend to hate since we all know overheating easily damages one's computer or any electronic stuff for that matter (good for you if you are in an air-conditioned room). So it's wise to buy a fan to help it cool down. The bad news, however, like some laptops, it can't avoid airborned dust and debris, so as many users have attested, the laptop might eventually run hotter and louder as the years pass. Let's say after 5 years or so, you may have to disassemble it for thorough cleaning — or burn your pocket big time. That is, assuming your laptop at the time is still running.
Another problem is that Neo's customer service is allegedly not that good, with reports saying they take a lot of time to have your laptop fixed (I wish it's not true for other customers). Even if your laptop comes with a one-year warranty (like mine), if the service is bad, it's almost useless. If these are true, then the only consolation one can get is that Neo laptops are relatively cheaper and is fit for people with meager budget. Unfortunately, consolation can also become synonymous to low quality. I just wish some of the controversial problems circulating over the net were just isolated cases.
Anyway, since I've just been into a month of using our Neo Basic laptop, it's premature to say it's really good... or really bad. There are still issues to be raised, like durability. For now, I'll stick with it and give it the benefit of the doubt. In any case, I've had good time using it and so far, not a single problem has surfaced. I hope this goes on until my one-year warranty is up.
Posted by
Nutty Boy
Labels:
2008,
Laptop Review,
Neo Basic Laptop,
Neo Laptops
Posts
